The Book Connection...: 2017 TBR pile

Showing posts with label 2017 TBR pile. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I Meant To Read In 2017 But Didn't Get To (and totallyyyy plan to get to in 2018!!)

I really missed participating in this meme in 2017. I'm working to participate more often this year.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish (moving to That Artsy Reader Girl on January 16) . Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Ten Books I Meant To Read In 2017 But Didn't Get To (and totallyyyy plan to get to in 2018!!)

Came from Amazon Vine. Don't know why they even let me grab these. It always takes me forever to read them.

I used to jump at books about Laura Ingalls Wilder, but haven't even cracked this one open.

That also applies to this one. The new year better see me making time for my Little House/LIW fix.

At least I started this one before needing to break off to catch up on book reviews. It's hiding in my office somewhere waiting for me to find it and finish it off.

Was supposed to review this for Tyndale months ago. Whoops!

I reviewed the fifth book in the Caitlin Strong series and the publisher has been kind enough to send these others along. Really need to read them. Feel like a jerk because I haven't.

Bought this from the author at a writers conference at least two years ago--I really think three--and promised to review it. Need to get it done.

What is a book that you wanted meant to read last year, but it didn't happen? My list is endless, so I'll only share these ten.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Musing Monday - Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Musing Monday - Dec 18

The inimitable Faith Fairchild returns in a chilling New England whodunit, inspired by the best Agatha Christie mysteries and with hints of the timeless board game Clue.

For most of her adult life, resourceful caterer Faith Fairchild has called the sleepy Massachusetts village of Aleford home. While the native New Yorker has come to know the region well, she isn’t familiar with Havencrest, a privileged enclave, until the owner of Rowan House, a secluded sprawling Arts and Crafts mansion, calls her about catering a weekend house party.

Producer/director of a string of hit musicals, Max Dane—a Broadway legend—is throwing a lavish party to celebrate his seventieth birthday. At the house as they discuss the event, Faith’s client makes a startling confession. "I didn’t hire you for your cooking skills, fine as they may be, but for your sleuthing ability. You see, one of the guests wants to kill me."

Faith’s only clue is an ominous birthday gift the man received the week before—an empty casket sent anonymously containing a twenty-year-old Playbill from Max’s last, and only failed, production—Heaven or Hell. Consequently, Max has drawn his guest list for the party from the cast and crew. As the guests begin to arrive one by one, and an ice storm brews overhead, Faith must keep one eye on the menu and the other on her host to prevent his birthday bash from becoming his final curtain call.

Full of delectable recipes, brooding atmosphere, and Faith’s signature biting wit, The Body in the Casket is a delightful thriller that echoes the beloved mysteries of Agatha Christie and classic films such as Murder by Death and Deathtrap.

Interesting question this week. Have I ever wanted to be a character in a book? Probably not. I like being me. That said, I have wanted to temporarily be transported to the setting of a book. As a lover of historical fiction, I would love to visit early America or America in the mid-late 1800s. Sure would be a cheap way to travel the world too. :)

That's it from my neck of the woods. Hope you have a great week!

Monday, December 4, 2017

Musing Monday - Dec 4

I'm currently reading A Wanted Man by Robert Parker, which I'm due to review on Thursday. It's a busy week so I hope I finish it on time. It's definitely a page turner.

I'm also reading the next book in Duffy Brown's Consignment Shop Mystery series, Lethal in Old Lace. Love this series and the publisher sent me a copy via NetGalley. Not my preferred method of reading, but more cost effective for authors and publishers.

There are two social functions in Savannah guaranteed to get people talking: weddings and funerals. And just as consignment shop owner Reagan Summerside agrees to marry the hunky Walker Boone, her neighbors, sisters Annie Fritz and Elsie Abbot, step up their business as professional mourners. They are so successful that the Sleepy Pines Retirement Center has hired them as a part of their retirement package. But the celebration over good business is cut short when the residents at Pines suddenly begin dying at an alarming rate. And the sisters are the first suspects.

Reagan has her doubts, however, and begins to look into the strange phenomenon. But then something even stranger happens: a body winds up in the sisters’ pink Caddy. The evidence begins to pile up and the suspicious case of Willie Fishbine, who swindled the sisters out of a fortune and coincidentally died prior to the Pines case, is reopened.

Not wanting Willie to be buried until they can find the killer responsible for the murders, Reagan must catch the culprit in time to walk down the aisle. Witty, fabulous, and full of charm, Lethal in Old Lace is perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Jenn McKinlay.

As for this week's question, should I even bother answering it? You all know I am a character-driven reader. It's probably why I like mysteries and psychological thrillers so much: I am hyper-focused on the reason characters do what they do.

Hope you all have a great week and read some fabulous books.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Musing Monday - November 27

When Reagan Summerside turned the first floor of her old Victorian home into a consignment shop, she never imagined she’d be harboring a fugitive in her attic. But after a dead man is found in a bathtub and local lawyer Walker Boone is accused of doing the dirty deed, she suddenly has a new houseguest.

Having the lawyer who took her to the cleaners in her divorce settlement—and who has been getting under her skin ever since—in close proximity is enough to drive Reagan to distraction. For the sake of her sanity—and Walker’s freedom—they need to put their heads together to find out who is trying to get the lawyer out of the picture . . .

Love this series and can't wait until the new one comes out this spring.

As far as holiday books turned to movies, usually my limited reading time means I am catching them on film first. Hallmark Channel is my friend this time of year and their Countdown to Christmas is my favorite. I have so many on my DVR that I can't wait to sit and watch. Caught some good ones this weekend.

I love any genre of Christmas fiction, though romantic comedies are my go to genre because they tend to be lighter fare than what I read the rest of the time.

It's hard to believe the end of 2017 is fast approaching. Have you been able to whittle away that TBR pile? Did you participate in any reading challenges? Mine were a bust, but I still plan to sign up for one next year. A girl needs to have goals. What genre do you look for this time of year?

Happy reading!

Monday, November 20, 2017

Musing Monday - November 20

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you like or dislike series books?

Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone! I hope your preparations are going well. Mine are very slow. Trying not to work, but I am working like a dog. House still isn't clean for me to host on Thursday and I can't even think about baking.

Enough of that stress. Let's talk books. If you visited lately you'll see I've been blogging more thanks to a little break in the real estate business. Not much of a break, but I'll take it. Be sure to read my review of When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman. Love, love, love this series.

Speaking of series, I do like them. That said, I hate when life gets hectic and I can't keep up with a series. I've missed books by Karen White, Kathi Macias, Marilyn Meredith, C. W. Gortner and more that write books I absolutely adore. Even harder is when I come into a series in the middle and have to back track. That never seems to work out. That's why I've been so vigilant about Charlotte Hubbard's books. I know if I miss any one in a series I'll regret it and never catch up.

How about you? Do you prefer stand alone novels or series? Is there a series you're still trying to catch up on?

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Book Review: When the Bishop Needs an Alibi

Bishop Henry Lapp, Emma Fisher, and more familiar faces return in When the Bishop Needs an Alibi, the second book in Vannetta Chapman's Amish Bishop Mystery series.

Henry and Emma find themselves in the middle of another mystery when he discovers the body of a young woman while visiting the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to witness the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

When Henry quickly becomes the primary murder suspect, it seems like God is calling him to use his special talent to help in the investigation. He realizes his involvement in discovering the truth could put those he cares about in the path of a dangerous killer who will stop at nothing to make sure Henry is framed for murder.

As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, What the Bishop Saw, I loved this one more. Faith, friendship, and courage blend together to create an engaging story that pulls you in immediately. It's wonderful to watch Henry and Emma's relationship evolve in the second novel. In addition, the strong ties that bind this community together add a meaningful dynamic to the story. Chapman continues to fascinate me with her ability to weave an amazing story that keeps you riveted and also touches your heart.

I can't wait for Who the Bishop Knows, which is due out this spring. I highly recommend this series to lovers of Amish fiction and cozy mysteries.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966498
ISBN-13: 978-0736966498

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

I Cry Uncle

Just imagine that woman pictured above is me yanking out my hair. This year I was determined to whittle away at my huge TBR pile. I set myself up for success by making sure all my books were logged in my spreadsheet. I entered a few reading challenges to keep me focused. In anticipation of moving my office to the first floor of our house--something else still not done--I boxed up all the books by genre to make the ones I wanted to read first easier to find.

Then life happened. My real estate business went into high gear this year. Definitely a positive. My father-in-law fell again and I've been more involved in decision making and his care. One of my kids has had trouble at school. We bought a dog--silly us. Like I needed something else to take care of. I'm fairly organized, but lately I just want to run away screaming when the phone rings.

As much as I love my job, I am looking forward to the lull that the holidays should bring. I think I'll hide in my office with no computer and read.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Musing Monday - Oct 30

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Have you ever met someone who really REALLY likes to talk about all the classic books they have read? If so what did you think?

Well, it's still Monday for about 50 more minutes. A powerful storm ripped through here Sunday and most of our town was without power and internet until about 9:15 pm tonight. Guess it is a good thing this didn't happen in the middle of summer or in the dead of winter.

Blog posts should hopefully become more regular as real estate slows down a bit. Since I couldn't accomplish much work today I decided to switch over my wardrobe to the fall and winter stuff and clean our bedroom. The church's annual tag sale is coming up and I find this is a good time to de-clutter.

Finished reading, A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard. Hope you caught my review on Friday. I haven't started anything new yet. I'm thinking next up will be The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride by Jill Kemerer or When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman.

As far as this week's question goes, I haven't run into anyone who likes to talk about all the classic books they have read. I'm glad of that because I haven't read nearly enough. To each his own.

Hope you have a great week.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Musing Monday - October 23

Making rugs for Simple Gifts has taught Loretta Riehl that an unassuming pattern can reveal surprising depth. People, too, have a way of defying first impressions. Drew Detweiler came to Willow Ridge under a cloud, but the handsome craftsman has gained the community's respect for his upholstery skills and commitment to making amends for his mistakes. As her new brother-in-law's twin, he's joining the family for dinners and Sunday visits at the Riehl house, and Loretta can't deny enjoying his attentions.

If only her dat were willing to let a little joy into his life. Cornelius Riehl grows more stern with each passing day, and Drew suspects there's more to his moods than missing Loretta's late mamm. Hoping to fulfill Loretta's wish to live in a peaceful, happy home again, Drew sets out to learn the truth. It's a journey that will bring to light painful realities--but also the chance to forge a new, honest, and loving future together...

As for this week's question: I would actually like to see most of Hubbard's books made into a television series. There is too much reality TV out there. That's why I stick to PBS and the Hallmark Channel if I watch anything at all. Maybe one of her Christmas novels could be made into a movie for Hallmark.

Hope you have a great week.

Monday, July 31, 2017

Musing Monday - July 31

Honestly, I wasn't much into it in the beginning but it's picked up and I'm enjoying the character development.

In August I have two books that will need reviewing:

Not sure how I'll swing it, but I'll do my best.

I'm also going to pop this into my car today....

The only way I will get to read it is if it is on audio. Charlotte Stewart's book, Little House in the Hollywood Hills: A Bad Girl’s Guide to Becoming Miss Beadle, Mary X, and Me, would have been read by now if I had ordered it on audio.

As for this week's question, I can't say I anything I've ever read has made me crave a certain kind of food, but the gluttony in The Hunger Games series made me want to go on a diet. Any foods you like or dislike that are mentioned in books?

That's it from me. What are you musing about this week?

Monday, July 24, 2017

Musing Monday - July 24

I read all the above books on vacation and started...

I bought this book in Manteo...

I've actually got no answer for this week's question. I tend to remember endings I like but not endings that leave me bummed out. Hope you have a nice week.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Musing Monday - July 10

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Are you able to read when you're in pain or do you find it hard to focus?

Well, this morning started off with a violent thunderstorm and a tornado warning about three minutes away from us, so Monday is sure coming in with a bang.

It's our second week of vacation and, as you can see, I've been doing some reading. So glad to get some overdue book reviews out of the way. It's such a blessing that authors are understanding when you fall behind. Supporting other authors is very important to me; having worked in book promotion and needing to promote my own books makes me very sympathetic.

I'm starting While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax today. Then I have two books I need to read for book tours. I also have to finish the cozy mystery I am providing an endorsement for.

As for this week's question: depends on the pain. If I have a migraine there is no way I am reading through it. Thankfully, I don't get them very often these days. Other than that I can read through just about anything. How about you?

Enjoy your week. By next Monday we will be home and I'll be back to work. Blah.....:)

Monday, July 3, 2017

Musing Monday - July 3

Founded by the three Bender sisters, the Amish community of Promise Lodge is thriving—and growing. In fact, residents are thrilled to welcome a charismatic new arrival—one who may not just strengthen their faith, but put it to the test . . .

When Christine Bender meets widowed Bishop Monroe Burkholder, it’s love at first sight. But Preacher Amos finds him too good to be true, and is determined to find out what’s behind his sudden, unannounced arrival. Still, the colony needs a new bishop, and everyone is excited to have a younger, more progressive leader. As for Christine, Monroe returns her affection, but her bubble is soon burst with the arrival of a young woman half his age . . .

Leola Duff claims Monroe “ruined” her and she now intends to make an honest man of him. But throughout the process of discovering the truth, Christine never doubts that Monroe is the fine man she believes him to be—and never wavers in her faith that all will work out as it should. And when Monroe is forced to confess the truth before the entire congregation, he can only pray that open hearts and minds will prevail, allowing him a future at Promise Lodge—with Christine . . .

Next up is Margaritas, Mayhem, & Murder--the first book in the Andi Anna Jones Mysteries series by Mary Cunningham. I've enjoyed Mary's books for kids, so I am excited to read this one. Not sure what I'll be reading after that, but I have a ton of books with me here.

As for this week's question: I used to follow release dates religiously--like for the Left Behind series--but I no longer have the time for that. There are at least three series I really need to catch up on. One day life won't be so hectic and I'll get there.

Hope you have a great week.

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Vacation and Reading Time

We left home early this year and arrived in the Outer Banks on Friday morning, which allowed us to drive in a day before the new check-ins showed up. It's been a fun time so far and the dog is doing pretty well on his first family vacation.

My goal was to catch up on my reading this summer, so I brought both my devices and several paperbacks. Here's some of what made the trip down south...

What are you reading this summer?

Friday, June 23, 2017

The Friday 56 - June 23

Hosted by Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post on Linky at Freda's site. Add the post url, not your blog url.

It's been a while since I participated in this meme. Hopefully I can keep it going at least through the summer. My first choice is from one of my favorite authors of southern fiction. This is a continuation of her series set in Chattahoochee, Florida. I reviewed the first and second books. I own two other of the author's books set in the same place but they have different main characters.

Jake swung open the paneled door. A squat woman waited on the other side of the screened door. Genevieve Presley Alcott. No need to second guess the name. Her initials were monogrammed on her paisley red Vera Bradley handbag. First thought: she looks like someone's somewhat overdressed grandmother. Second thought: Red Riding Hood had mistaken the big bad wolf for her kindly grandmother.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Book Review: What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

If you like Amish mysteries, you need to grab a copy of What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman. This first book in a new series features a bishop with an extraordinary talent that could be the key to finding a murderer.

Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene of an out of control fire in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. He soon learns the fire was no accident and that Vernon Frey was killed. Considering Vernon's reputation in the Amish and Englisch communities there is no end to potential suspects.

When police suspect someone Henry knows is innocent, he must decide if he will use his mysterious, God-given gift to set the record straight.

When I heard Chapman was releasing a new series that blended two of my favorite genres--Amish fiction and mystery--there was no doubt I would read it. What the Bishop Saw hooked me right from the Prologue and didn't let go until the Epilogue was done. I'm already planning to beg to review the next book in the series when it comes out.

Her trademark of "Christian Fiction Full of Grace" is front and center throughout this exciting story, while the romance between Henry and Emma percolates slowly like a good cup of coffee. The ending is superb and I loved the Epilogue. The novel is filled with characters I hope we will see again in the next book.

I have enjoyed everything I've ever read by Vannetta Chapman, but What the Bishop Saw is my new favorite. I can't wait to see what happens next in The Amish Bishop Mysteries series.

Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (May 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966471
ISBN-13: 978-0736966474

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

The Book Connection Year in Review

We are about an hour away from 2017. Have you already considered your new year's resolutions? I only have one this year and it is based upon on what I missed in 2016: time to enjoy what I love most.

I was just browsing through The Book Connection's archives for this year and discovered I read 23 (not 21 as I said earlier this week) books. Seven of them were picture books that didn't appear here. Here's a look at what was reviewed:

The problem is, I used to read over 100 books a year. Now, I don't expect that will be the case in 2017 because I'm working outside of the house now and I wasn't before; but just like I took last year's resolution to lose weight, eat better and exercise more seriously, I am embracing this resolution 100%.

I vow to make more time for:

Family
Reading
Writing
Cooking
Gardening

These are the things I enjoy the most. Those are the people I want to dedicate more time to. As such, I am working on my 2017 calendar and seeing how I can arrange things to dedicate at least one day off to family each week and cook real food at least three days each week. I also want to plant a garden in the spring, something I didn't get to this year. Even if I only write a chapter once a month, that will be more than I did in 2016. As far as reading goes, I would like to double the number of books I read in 2016.

If you have any tips to share I would love to hear them.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!