Rainy Day Ramblings

Tell Me Something Tuesday #199: Tackling the TBR

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your link to your post in the comments. 

 

Here is what we are talking about this week:

Have you found a way to cut back significantly on your TBR pile?

As a blogger, I am constantly researching books to add to my ever growing To Be Read Pile. Before blogging, I didn’t realize that a TBR pile could become a daunting task. It even caused me great stress for a few years. You see, I was always requesting books and taking on books for review. My TBR pile got way out of hand, to the point where my enthusiasm for reading was suffering. There is nothing worse than wanting to read a book you are dying to read, but you can’t find the time to read it because your TBR pile is full of obligations and deadlines that must be met. Seriously, I hardly read anything for enjoyment for five years. Then I got smart.....

I finally figured out how to cut back on that TBR pile. Here are some tips that worked for me.

Stop taking requests: I don’t know about you all, but I have a hard time saying no. When I first started blogging, I was thrilled to be asked to read and review books, I thought I was on my way to making it big. Ha ha.... then I learned. Taking on too many books made me an unhappy blogger. Not only was I constantly reading books for other people, but I wasn’t exactly loving what I was reading. So I finally got smart and stopped taking requests. I don’t answer solicitation emails anymore as my review policy clearly states I am no longer taking review requests. You would be amazed how much putting this in your review policy helps cut back the solicitous emails. 

Control Yourself: The lyric to an old school rap song runs through my head as I write this, “Check yourself before you wreck yourself!” How many of us made the mistake of going on Netgalley or Edelweiss and haphazardly requested books based on covers or buzz or synopsis or whatever....Guilty as charged! I got way out of control in my early years. I took on so many books, that I never dug out from under that pile. I finally learned to exercise some self control. I now refrain from going on those websites to avoid temptation, and before I request, I research the book to see if it is something I really want to read and review and if it will be a good fit for me. Learning restraint has made me a much happier reader and blogger. 

Use the Library: I think many of us bloggers got swept up in the privilege of having Advanced Reader’s Copies. There was something thrilling about having a book before everyone else. Thus, I quit utilizing the library. These days, instead of requesting ARCs, I put holds on the upcoming books I want to read at the library. That way, once they release, I can get an ebook copy or audiobook on my phone. There are still long waiting lists, but I don’t mind waiting as I always have something to read, and best of all there is no obligation. If I don’t like a library book, no big deal, walk away. No pressure to review. It is so freeing to be able to read a book without having a review hanging over my head. Most of the time, I still review the library books I am reading, but if I don’t want to, I don’t have to. Utilizing the library has been a game changer in controlling my TBR. 

Dejunk the Pile: I have seen many bloggers participating in memes where they sort through their TBR and evaluate books that have been in the stack awhile. Is the book something you still want to read? If not get rid of it. Whether it be an actual physical pile of books or an electronic list on Goodreads, or all the books on your Kindle. Take time to go through them every once in awhile and get rid of the books that no longer appeal to you. The same goes for your Netgalley requests. Go through your shelf and remove books that you tried and didn’t finish, or books that no longer appeal to you. Dejunking the pile makes you feel so much lighter. 

Research: Before adding any old book to the pile, take time to do some research. Read a few reviews to make sure the book will be a good fit for you. It pays to do a little reading on the book beforehand. Doing some research has saved me from reading a book or two that probably would have been a miss for me. Taking a more critical approach to what you read can significantly cut down on that pile. 

These are few of my new tried and true tips that have helped me significantly cut back on that towering TBR pile. I am reading more and more of what I want to read these days, and I am so much happier. 

What about you all, are you tackling that TBR pile and making progress?

Next week’s TMST: 

Why do you read blog posts?

For all of you who like to participate in TMST (no pressure) I sat down and wrote up questions through August 2020. If you want a copy to prep posts ahead of time, send me an email and I will shoot the questions over to you. 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: #198 Blogging Mistakes Not to Repeat

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. 

Here is the discussion for the week:

What mistakes have you learned to stop repeating when it comes to reading and blogging?

• Blogging is a hobby: Knowing what I do now, I wish I could go back and tell myself to not stress out so much over the little things. I used to spend hours emailing publishers and authors to do guest posts, and I organized lots of events, thinking that all of this would increase my following. I am certain that I gained followers, but I think if I truly knew the numbers, I would find that it wasn't worth all the stress and hassle. So for all of you newbies out there, try and take a relaxed stance with your blog, and remember it is a fun hobby. Don’t let blogging become a job! 
• Don't get sucked into tours and promos: I know I have discussed this over and over, but it bears repeating. One of the biggest mistakes I made was getting suckered into doing tours and promo posts for authors, once again, thinking it would help grow my blog. Tours might bump up traffic, but it isn't significant enough to constantly host tour spots. The biggest problem I have had was that I found myself constantly reading through books that weren't exactly a good fit. Plus it takes an great deal of time to piece together these promo posts. Stick with what you love to read, and keep your posts simple and easy! 
• Don't be a lemming: When I first started out, everyone, was reading YA. I had hardly read YA before the blog, and I quickly found myself immersed in YA. I am truly an eclectic reader, and I found that I quickly tired of the worn out tropes and cliches that were so prevalent in YA. Yet, I continued to slog through because I wanted to follow the crowd. These days, you see a far more varied line up of books on my blog, as I have finally learned to pick up more and more titles for myself. 
• Time suck: I wish I hadn't let the blog suck up so much of my time. I used to spend upwards of four and five hours on the blog and that didn't include reading. Now days, I am usually doing blog stuff for about two hours or less, and then I unplug. These days, I am more about the reading and enjoyment of books. 
• Read for yourself: I can't stress this enough, do not lose sight of who you are as a reader. If you are constantly feeling pressured into reading titles that you wouldn't normally read, don't read books because some one asks you to, especially if it is way out of your comfort zone, as more often that not, it isn't likely to end well for you. 
• Don’t request a second or third book in a series thinking you can hurry and read the other books before the newest book releases. I can’t tell you how many times I did this. Then I often read the first book and didn’t love it. Now I was stuck reading a series I wasn’t a thrilled with. Plus, I seldom had time to read the additional books. If you want to check out a series, get it from the library, no pressure that way. 
• Have fun: Remember why you started a blog and don't lose sight of it. Once your blog begins to feel like a chore, you will quickly burn out, and you may even stop blogging. So take breaks, shake things up and read something different, cut back, do what you need to do to make it fun. 

I wish I could go back and tell myself everything I know now when it comes to blogging, but life is about making mistakes and learning from them. I have grown and changed so much as a blogger and as a reader since I started blogging almost nine years. Blogging is so much more relaxed. I don’t stress over it anymore. If I can’t get it read or posted by a certain date, I don’t worry about it. No one cares! Just do what you can, read what you want and have fun. 

Next week’s question: 

Have you found a way to cut back significantly on your TBR pile?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #197: Genres That Disappoint Me

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. 

Here is the topic of the week:

Are there genres that you keep trying only to be disappointed?

Young Adult Contemporary: When I first started blogging over eight years ago, YA was all the rage. If you wanted your blog to get traffic, you had to review YA. Before the blog, I wasn't a big YA reader. I was disappointed a few too many times by YA contemps. I think I struggled because many didn't feel realistic or they had too much drama, or the characters were lacking, I don't know, what the deal is, but these days, I am being far more selective when it comes to YA contemp.

Historicals: I love history, and I am always willing to pick up a historical book, but once again, I have been burned by a few too many. I think what has turned me off is that sometimes the authors take too many liberties with the characters and historical facts. I don't want to read a book that strays too far from the actual events, and far too many authors fictionalize to make a better story. Yes, it works sometimes, but other times it doesn't come across as authentic for the era. The other thing that bothers me are large jumps or gaps in the story. I realize if you are writing about someone, you can't cover everything, but don't spend the whole book on one portion of a person’s life and then gloss over the rest. I will still keep an open mind when it comes to historicals, but these days, I am picking and choosing with far more care. 

Thrillers: I love a good psychological thriller, but again, I have picked up many that just didn't measure up. After reading Gone Girl, I was hooked, and I grabbed a few books that were compared to this thriller, but in reality, most were cheap knockoffs. I think what turned me off with this genre is that there are a lot of cheap thrills and twists that end up being unrealistic. I still will try a thriller that is getting good buzz, but I won't just pick up thrillers randomly. I also steer clear of the ones that have dark plot lines and disturbing violence. Thrillers are a dime a dozen it seems and too many rely on the big twist at the end, which fizzles if the rest of the book is a drag. 

New Adult: This is one category that I have always had a love hate relationship with. I am always up for a good romance, but this genre is well known for its overly dramatic story lines. Too many NA books follow the same worn out story lines: broken and damaged characters, angst, drama and hot romance that makes everything all better. Give me a NA book that breaks the mold, and I am all about it. Give me the same old same old, and I will take a pass.

So these are the genres that I tend to have a love/ hate relationship with. Every once in awhile, I will find a gem in one of these genres and then reach for me only to get slapped again with a fizzle. 

What about you all, are there genres that continue to let you down?

Next week’s TMST:

What mistakes have you learned to stop repeating when it comes to reading and blogging?

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #196: Blogging Buddies

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. 

 

Here is what I am pondering this week:

Let’s make new friends: Share some of your favorite blogs.

 

I have been blogging since November 2011. Eight years, headed into my ninth. It has been an incredible journey and so much more than I anticipated when I started all those years ago. I never knew that I would meet so many wonderful people along the way. 

Many of my blogger friends stopped blogging, and I miss their voices, but I continue to meet many new bloggers each year. 

Here are some of my go to blogs:

The Infinite Limits of Love: I met Nick when she was still a young high school girl. Nick has had three or four blogs over the years, but she continues to be an amazing blogger. I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments. She has worked her tail off in college, and I expect she will do great things. Nick reads all kinds of books, but she is especially fond of romance. Head over and say hello!

The Caffeinated Reviewer: I met Kimberly sometime during my first year of blogging. She and I started blogging right around the same time, her blog is a few months older than mind. We have similar tastes, and I always appreciate her reviews. She is also the fabulous host of the Sunday Post. 

 

For the Love of Words: I met Bonnie on Goodreads before I started my blog. We bonded over our love of Charley Davidson. I am glad that Bonnie is still blogging. Head over and say hey. 

 

Books for Life: I met Linda during my first year of blogging. I love her reviews, they are short, funny and sometimes they veer off topic, which makes me laugh. I have enjoyed seeing Linda become a mother. I think she is fabulous. 

My Guilty Obsession: Ali is another blogger friend whom I met on Goodreads before I started my blog. Ali is a wonderful blogger and she has been a constant in my blogging world since the beginning. I am pleased to be able to call her a friend. Please go say hello!

Books in the Spotlight: I met Rummanah during a read along my first year of blogging. I love that Rummanah reviews many different genres on her blog from middle grade to adult. She also reviews banned books. She is a librarian so she is always on the hunt for good books for young readers. 

 

Books and Things: Melissa is an animal advocate. She loves dogs and she is always doing things to help dogs. She is also crazy talented. She is always sewing and crafting amazing things. I am in awe of her talent. She manages to find time to read and review books as well. Go check her blog out. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For What It’s Worth: Karen is a newer blogger for me. I don’t remember when I met her, but I am glad I did. Recently, Karen moved from Florida to Washington state, so she isn’t too far from me. I am enjoying watching her settle into the Pacific Northwest, and proud of her for surviving the move.

 

Hot Listens: Melanie is an avid audiobook listener, and I think she helped inspire me to listen to more audiobooks by hosting the Audiobook Challenge. I now listen to more audiobooks than I read per year as I learned to multitask. If you want the down low on all the great narrators and audiobooks, go visit Melanie!

We Live and Breathe Books: Sam is a newer blogger on my list. She started visiting my blog and leaving me lovely comments. I am glad she did because I love having a new blog friend. Sam is an avid reader, she reads an extraordinary amount of books. She especially loves to read and review YA, and she loves a good romance. Head over and make her acquaintance. 

 

Book Haven: Greg is the only male on my blogger list. I am happy to know him. He reads a variety of books, but my favorite thing on his blog is when he reviews movies that suck. His reviews of these movies always make me laugh. 

Alright, the list is getting way too long, and I probably missed a few blogs. If I did, please don’t feel snubbed. I truly love all the bloggers that I have the pleasure to interact with on a regular basis. I am so grateful to all the wonderful people who visit my blog!

Next week’s TMST:

Are there genres that you keep trying only to be disappointed?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: #195: Fun Facts About Me

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. 

 

Here is what were are talking about this week:

Fun Post: Share interesting things about yourself.

Okay... what is interesting about me? Hmm... I am a mother of two kids, Risa ten, Mateus eight. I have three cats: Smokey Joe, Akira and Niko. 

I now live in Portland, Oregon. I was born in American Falls, Idaho and spent the first four years of my life living in an itty bitty tiny town in Southeast Idaho called Rockland. Rockland has roughly around three hundred people, and I am related to a good chunk of them. My dad’s parents and my great grandparents all lived there. It is a lovely little town, mostly a farming community. I love to go there whenever I can, that little valley always has a piece of my heart. 

I love to read. When I was little I wanted to learn to read more than anything, so I started learning when I was four. Once I knew how to read, I never stopped. I always carried a book with me wherever I went, and I still do as an adult thanks to the Kindle app. I am never without something to read. I made sure to pass the love of reading on to my children. My daughter always carries her books with her too. I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t like to read. 

I love summer, and detest winter. There is nothing better than summer sunshine a good book and if I am lucky enough and afternoon by the beach. 

I love music, and I play the piano and flute. I love to sing, but I sing badly so I usually only sing by myself in the car. 

I love to cross stitch, and I am glad that I picked up this hobby again a couple of years ago, I set it aside when my kids were born as I never had the time. I also love to make candles and jewelry. 

My comfort foods are fried chicken, mashed potatoes and popcorn. 

I hate the smell of sushi, or any raw fish. Yuck!

I love getting actual letters in the mail. 

I am addicted to hand dyed cross stitch fabrics. 

I can’t stand to touch wooden spoons.

I detest dry cracked feet.

I am a cover hog. 

I have a wicked sense of humor, and I love to laugh. 

I am blessed with a wonderful family and good friends, and I am lucky to have met so many terrific people in my life. 

I want to spread kindness and to help others find joy. 

These are a few things about me. Now tell me about you!

Here is next week’s TMST:

Let’s make new friends: Share some of your favorite blogs.

Tell Me Something Tuesday: #193 What are some of your favorite books set in other countries?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. If participating feel free to leave your link in the comments.

 

Here is the question of the week:

What are some of your favorite books set in other countries?

I don’t know about you all, but I love grabbing a book that is set in another country. If I can’t visit a place on my own, I enjoy doing it vicariously via a book. I especially appreciate authors that spend time not only describing the scenery but the delicious food as well. I love being transported to another place without having to leave the comfort of home. 

Here are a few of books that I enjoyed that are set in other countries:

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan:

Before reading this book, I knew nothing about Singapore. This book plunges you into the lives of the rich and the elite. I enjoyed exploring Singapore in this book, especially the food, the scenery and the lifestyle.

 

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

This book takes you to Italy. I loved the descriptions of the scenery, and the decadent food. I wanted gelato after reading this one! 

Chasing River by K.A. Tucker:

This was a romance that took me to Dublin, Ireland. I enjoyed exploring Ireland, especially the cozy pubs. 

Love a La mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

This book was about a teenage cooking school set in the heart of Paris. I loved reading about Paris and all the yummy, rich food.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden:

This book transported me back to Old World Russia. I loved learning about the beliefs of the people and experiencing life in the countryside of Russia. 

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor:

This is one of my all time favorite reads. Taylor does an amazing job with the scenery. I felt like I was in Prague! 

 

Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton:

This was the perfect book to read during winter. The author transported me to the sun soaked Italian country side. 

 

Just one Day by Gayle Forman: 

This was another fantastic trip to Paris. I enjoyed all the food and the one day tour of Paris. It was magical.

 

Next Year in Havana Cuba by Chanel Cleeton:

I didn’t know much about Cuba before reading this book. I loved this one. I felt like I was in Cuba walking the streets. Definitely read this one!

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse

While I wasn’t a fan of the romance in this book, I enjoyed the Tokyo setting. I didn’t know much about Tokyo before reading this book. I enjoyed exploring this vast city and learning about the food. 

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill:

This is a delightful romance that takes the reader on a tour through London. From the historic sites to the pub for fish and chips. 

 

These are some of the books that I enjoyed that are set in other countries. What about you all, what books did you like that transported you to another country?

Next week’s TMST:

What are some of your favorite road trip books?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #192 Books For Summer Reading

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. If participating feel free to leave your link in the comments.

This week's topic:

Summer vacation reading: What are some books you would recommend for vacation reading?

 

I don’t know about you all but when it comes to summer reading, I tend to go for the light and fluffy reads. I like summery books and contemporary romances, and I usually throw in a thriller or two. Here are some of the books I am looking forward to reading this summer, or books that I read and would recommend to others for summer reading. (Click on covers for details).

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think? What are your recommendations for summer reading?

Next week’s TMST:

What are some of your favorite books set in other countries?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #191: How Do You Keep Blogging?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. If participating feel free to leave your link in the comments.

 

This week’s blogging topic:

How do you keep going when sometimes blogging feels like too much?

I have been blogging since Fall of 2011. During the last eight years, I have seen many bloggers come and go. Even many the biggest bloggers on scene back in the day are now gone. Blogging is a huge commitment, it takes time and lots of effort, and you aren’t getting paid for blogging. Free books does not compensate for all the that goes into blogging. To be a long time blogger, you have to love what you do.

In the time I have been blogging, there have been plenty of times when I have considered quitting, especially when many of my long time blogger friends stopped blogging. However, I manage to keep plugging along. 

Here are some strategies that help me:

Blog Ahead: Life gets crazy sometimes, and the last thing you need is to be slammed with life and have blogging commitments hanging over your head. I try and blog ahead whenever possible. I write up posts for memes weeks in advance if I can, it helps when you host your own memes. I also write book reviews and stash away some for when I fall behind. Library books and personal choice reads work great for rainy day reviews. That way when I am pressed for a review to fill a slot, I can post when from my stash. Doing as much as you can ahead of time really helps especially when there are times when blogging takes a backseat. 

Blog Breaks: Schedule breaks from blogging. You need vacations, and it is so nice to put everything on the back burner and unplug. I used to keep my blog up and running during vacation times, but then I quit because I don’t think it’s fair to run posts and not be able to respond to comments and such. I always take a break at the end of the year during the holidays, everything is slow during the time period. 

Change Things Up: If you feel like you are stuck in a rut, try adding a new meme. Also try to shake up your review style. You can also try reading books in a different genre or reading something outside your usual genres. Doing something different can help.

Reach Out: We have all been there in life, whether you are experiencing stressful from work, school, life in general illness or loss of loved ones, posting and interacting with your readers and fellow bloggers can help pull you through a hard time. I know how much love I received from all of you as I dealt with the loss of my beautiful mother in 2016. The kindness and loved I received helped me get back to blogging. 

Cut Back: I think most of us when we started out were posting six or seven days a week, which gets to be too much. If you are finding that you can’t keep up, cut back and only post three or four times a week. Do what works for you. 

Have Fun: Remember blogging is a hobby, something you do for fun because you love it. If you get to the point where you are dreading blogging or you don’t want to do it, take a step back and evaluate what is making you unhappy and try and fix it. Is it the books you are reading? The pressure of meeting deadlines? Writing the reviews? See if you can change what isn’t working.

These are some of the things that I have done to help me through the rough times. Blogging is a journey that continues to evolve for me. In all honesty, this past winter was really rough for me, and the blog took a backseat for much of the winter. I did what I could and didn’t sweat the rest, and you all kept coming back to read my blog and support me even when I couldn’t keep up. Much love to all of you for that! 

 

Here is what is coming up next Tuesday:

Summer vacation reading: What are some books you would recommend for vacation reading?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #190: Advanced Reader's Copies: Are They Worth It?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. If participating feel free to leave your link in the comments.

Here is this week’s conversation starter:

Do you think Advanced Reading Copies are worth it?

The advanced reader’s copy or ARC in the blogging world can be the bane of a blogger’s existence. Let’s be honest, how many of us started blogging because we longed to get our hands on these coveted gems? I am not going to lie, when I first started my blog back in 2011, I was all about getting free books and the ARCs. When the first approvals came for my first ARC, I was giddy. I was even more thrilled when I received actual physical book copies in the mail. I was convinced I had made it, and I was in blogger heaven. 

Fast forward a few years, reality set in, and I learned a thing or two. To be perfectly honest, the ARC in many ways is not all it is hyped to be. While I still love getting a coveted ARC here and there, I think that ARCs in a lot of ways aren’t worth it. Here is why:

Pressure: I hate the feeling the pressure of having to read a book and write a review for it, especially if it is a book that wasn’t exactly a good read for me. I don’t feel the guilt like I used to, but it is harder for me to abandon a book that I committed to read versus quitting a library book or a book I bought. 

Publication dates: I try to get my reviews done in a timely fashion as most publisher like to have reviews posted to generate buzz around the time the book releases. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t get the review up on time, now I don’t as much, but I still feel the pressure to get the review done. 

Too Many Books: I know that most of us long time bloggers have gone through the gimme gimme phase where we took on far too many ARCs. I sure did during the early years. Then I found myself constantly committed to reading ARCs, and never having time for anything I wanted to read. That made me an unhappy reader after awhile.

Writing the Reviews: The hardest part of blogging is sitting down and writing those pesky reviews, especially if you procrastinate and let them pile up. That is why I love incorporating library books and books that I want to read among the ARCs, that way if I don’t feel like writing a review for a book of my choice, I don’t have to, no pressure. 

Books That Don’t Work: Reading a book that doesn’t meet expectations and then having to write a review is a task that I dread. It is hard to write reviews for books you don’t love, and I often feel guilty when I have to give a lower rating for a book I wanted to love. 

These are some of the reasons that I don’t think that ARCs are all that. Don’t get me wrong, as a blogger I still enjoy the privilege of getting free books, I honestly never not have a book to read, but with the ARC comes responsibility and pressure. Word to the wise: be careful in how many you accept and what you are taking on to read. 

Next week’s TMST:

How do you keep going when sometimes blogging feels like too much?  

Tell Me Something Tuesday: #189 Summer Picks 2019

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. 

 

This week’s topic:

Summer Picks for 2019.

I think this every time I write up one of these posts, I can’t believe the season is changing.....I am thrilled though that we are headed into the summer season, my favorite time of year. I love all the books that release in summer, lots of light, fun reads perfect for vacation reading. 

Let’s see what is on the summer horizon in book releases, and what I am most looking forward to this summer.

 

YA Picks:

 

Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa: This is the sequel to Kagawa’s brilliant Shadow of the Fox. This tale features a young Kitsune shapeshifter who is tasked with returning a powerful scroll to prevent the summoning of a Harbinger of Change. I love Kagawa’s world building and her characters. I am eager to continue this adventure. This book releases on June 18th.

 

Dev1At3: by Jay Kristoff. Kristoff is a favorite author of mine. He creates amazing worlds, unforgettable characters and mind blowing stories. If you picked up LifeL1k3 last year, then you know what I am talking about. That was one mind blowing book. I can’t wait for more! This one is out on June 25th.

 

 

 

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim: This book is about a young woman who poses as a boy to try and win the coveted role of imperial tailor. Maia embarks on an impossible journey to create three magical dresses from the sun, the moon and the stars. Sounds interesting right? This one is out on July 9th.

Stealing Home by Becky Wallace: This is a romance about family, baseball and fighting for your dreams even if it means breaking a few rules along the way. This one is supposedly for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Miranda Keneally. I haven’t read a cute, YA contemporary, sports themed romance in awhile, so I am looking forward to this one. You can read this on July 9th.

 

Adult Picks:

Summer of 69 by Elin Hilderbrand 

I have had an up and down relationship with Hilderbrand’s books. Some of them have been fantastic, while others not so much. I hesitated over putting this on my list, but I am drawn to this time period. The sixties were decade of immense change for the country. I want to explore this time period further so I am putting this on my list. You can check this one out on June 18th

 

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill Abbi Waxman:

I absolutely adored Waxman’s debut novel in 2017: The Garden of Small Beginnings. Her follow up wasn’t so great. I still have high hopes for this one. It is about a shy woman who must come out of her shell. I hope it’s funny. You can read this book on July 9.

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins: 

This is a magical realism story about a small Southern town and a woman who works in a book store. This woman can speak to books. Her gift helps her to place the books in the right reader’s hands. Then her gift tells her that a new comer is destined to save the town. I adore a good magical realism story, and I can’t resist one with books. This one releases on  July 30.

Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker:

Ms. Tucker has become a go to author for many contemporary romance readers. I love her characters and her wonderful settings. Last year, she took us to Alaska. This book is about an unrequited love between a wealthy girl and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. This book hits shelves on Aug 6.

 

Life and Other Conveniences by Kristen Higgins:

A blue blooded grandmother and a black sheep granddaughter find common ground after not speaking for two decades. Ms. Higgins writes wonderful, relatable stories. I am excited to see what she brings us this time. You can read this on Aug 6.

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews: 

The Ilona Andrews team is pure gold. I adored the Kate Daniels series, and I didn’t think they could top it, but the Hidden Legacy Series is every bit as good. This is the next novel in that series featuring Nevada’s siren sister Catalina. This one is finally here on Aug 27.

The Institute by Stephen King:

This one promises a scary tale featuring young kids. A boy’s parents are murdered and he is taken by strange man. He wakes up in a strange school with kids who possess unique talents like telekinesis and telepathy. Creepy! This one releases at the end of the summer season on Sept 10.

 

A little of this, a little of that. An eclectic mix up there. What do you want to read for Summer 2019?

 

Next week’s TMST:

Do you think Advanced Reading Copies are worth it?