Rainy Day Ramblings

Tell Me Something Tuesday #267: Lucky Find Reads

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

 

Today’s question:

Lucky finds: what book(s) do you consider a lucky find?

Amidst all the chaos over the last few days, I forgot about the blog. I am scurrying to get this post up, and then I go on blog break for what I thought was going to Spring Break. We are now on quarantine/ social distancing whatever you want to call it, lock down here in Oregon. Living in a blue state where the Democrats hold the majority, our governor and state legislation are moving ahead of the Federal Government. As of today, we are locked down. Bars, restaurants and any other business where people can gather except for stores and pharmacies are closed here in Oregon for the next month. Our schools shut down last Friday. Is it too restrictive? No. If you look at the data, the cases would continue to grow and grow until there is a massive number of people sick. So let’s all be smart and stay in as hard as that is. That means plenty of time to read a few good books and watch movies and shows.

 

In light of all that is going on, I am going to answer my question by saying right now any good book that can take my mind off the chaos that is going on in the world right now is a lucky find. I am struggling to read and do much of anything except read the news. I need to sit back, relax and stay in. I have plenty of food and supplies to stay in for a couple of weeks, and I am incredibly grateful for that. 

I just hope that I can find a good book that will sweep me away into another place. Both of the books I am reading right now are good, but I am still struggling with them.

I am currently reading:

 

Listening to:

 

If these books can keep my mind occupied, they are indeed lucky finds!

I hope you all stay safe out there. 

Please leave me your suggestions for lucky find reads. I think we all need a lucky find read.

 

I am putting my blog on break for the rest of this week and next for a planned Spring Break. I am hoping to use this time to rest, recharge, read and get some blog posts prepped. I won’t be going anywhere so might as well!

Love and hugs to you all. Please remember to be kind to each other and look after one another. 

 

TMST will be back on March 31st:

Are you an impulsive book buyer? (Courtesy of Roberta@ Offbeat YA

Tell Me Something Tuesday #226: Anthologies: Hit or Miss?

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

This week’s topic is:

Do you enjoy anthologies?

I have a love hate relationship with anthologies. Sometimes, I really enjoy them, and other times they are a complete flop. What I have noticed about anthologies, is that they usually get some big name authors to anchor the anthology to suck readers in. Most of the time, the big name authors deliver a solid story that makes it worth your time, but then there are the other stories. This is where I struggle with an anthology collection. 

I am all about trying new authors and even delving into new series, and sometimes an anthology is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a new author and their work. Many times, the gamble pays off, and I am pleased to discover an author or a series that I am eager to try. Which is all good. 

Unfortunately, more often than not, I find myself wading through the mediocre and often not so great stories that are included in an anthology as filler. There are some downright weird, or just plain awful stories depending on what you are reading. Sometimes, authors like to dabble and try something new, and what better way to do it than with a short story. Lots of times it works, but when it fails, it tends to fail rather miserably. 

Most of the time, my experience with anthologies has been that there are a couple of outstanding strong stories, and the rest are a fizzle or a flop, which leads me to believe that more often than not, an anthology is a waste of my time because I find myself liking so few of the stories. 

I keep trying them, hoping that I will be wrong, and every once in awhile, not often, I find a collection that is worth the read. 

What about you all, are anthologies worth the time and effort, or more often than not, are they a flop?

Next week’s TMST:

Lucky finds: what book(s) do you consider a lucky find?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #225: Spring Picks 2020

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

Here is this week’s topic: Spring Picks for 2020.

First, for my absence on the blog. I came down with yet another virus late last week. This one knocked me on my behind. I managed to drag to work on Thursday and Friday, barely... thinking it wasn’t that bad, but by Friday evening I knew I was sick. I ended up spending the weekend in bed resting. I am back on my feet this week, sort of, trying to catch up. I am woefully behind in my reading and my reviews. I have no way to catch up this week so I am going to post today and have a Friday Forecast for you this week and resume reviews next week. Thanks for being patient with me. Now onto my spring picks for 2020.

I had a harder time finding books I wanted to read for this upcoming season. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t had as much time to peruse upcoming books or because I haven’t had as much time to visit blogs and read reviews. Thus, I found myself going through the upcoming releases looking for books I wanted to read. Here is what I found:

Young Adult Picks:

Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa: This is the third and final book in the Shadow of the Fox trilogy. This series takes you back to feudal Japan where you meet a young kitsune on a dangerous mission to save the world. Prepare for romance, magic, action, lots of danger, ghosts, demons and more. It’s Kagawa. Read it! This one is out on March 31st.

 

Aurora Burning by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman: This dynamic duo returns with the sequel to last years’s Aurora Rising. A group of ragtag misfits return to try and continue to save the universe, but they are pitted against a deadly foe. Will they prevail? If you have yet to read Kaufman and Kristoff you need to get after it! You can grab this one on May 5.

 

Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett: Ms. Bennett has become a go to for cute, YA contemporary romances. A romance blossoms when the good girl falls for the bad boy, who just happens to be her long lost childhood friend. Will love conquer all? Find out on May 5th!

 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins: This is a LONG awaited book. Prepare to return to the world of The Hunger Games. Except this time, you are going back in time. Meet a young boy with the last name of Snow who looks for a shot at glory as a mentor for the fourth Hunger Games. You can finally read this one on May 19th.

Igniting Darkness by Robin Lafevers: Another foray into the world of nun assassins. This is the continuation of Sybella’s story. You can read this one on June 2nd.

Adult Picks:

Chaos Reigning by Jessie Mihalik: Last year, I devoured books one and two in the brilliant Consortium Rebellion Series. It is a bold, action packed series set in space with a touch of romance. I can’t get enough of this series. The third book is due out May 19, but it is the final one (boo).

 

Dragon Unleashed by Grace Draven: I have been looking forward to returning to Draven’s fierce world after I was blown away by Phoenix Unbound. This is book two in the series, but it features all new characters, including a dragon! I can’t wait to snatch this one up on June 9th.

 

American Demon by Kim Harrison: A return to the Hollows?? I can’t believe we are getting more from Rachel and the gang. They thought they had saved the world, but I guess not. Can’t wait to see what new trouble is in store for the itchy witch, the elf and the pixie! You can check this out on June 16th.

 

I really struggled to find fun adult contemporary books for this spring. Any suggestions?  These are the books I am most looking forward to reading this upcoming spring. What about you all?

Next week’s TMST:

Do you enjoy anthologies?

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #224: Underrated Series

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

Here is the question of the week:

Book Recommendations: What's your favorite underrated book/series? (Courtesy of Roberta@Offbeat YA)

 

This was a hard questions for me to review. I was surprised that I haven’t read any needle in the haystack books lately. Probably because I am out of the loop. I haven’t had the time to visit blogs and read all of your recommendations for books on the offbeaten path. 

I did find two series that I love but I don’t feel get enough love. 

 

The first is the Ellie Jordan Ghost Trapper Series by J.L. Bryan. I have been reading this series since it debuted back in 2014. There are currently eleven books in the series, and each delivers a fantastic story with ghosts and the ghost hunters who attempt to trap them. This series is fantastic and creepy, and I can’t get enough. 

The second series is a duology. It is The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton. This series presents a world where beauty is a premium. This is a creepy world the explores the possibility of a world where beauty is everything. It is chilling and ugly. I highly recommend checking out this series. 

Alright, I am looking for recommendations from you all. What are some series that you don’t feel get enough recognition?

Next up:

Spring Picks 2020

Review: One of Us Is Next (One of Us is Lying #2) by Karen M. McManus

 

The highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling thriller everyone is talking about, One of Us Is Lying! There's a new mystery to solve at Bayview High, and there's a whole new set of rules.

Come on, Bayview, you know you've missed this.

A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one's been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts.

Until now. 

This time it's not an app, though—it's a game. 

Truth or Dare.

Phoebe's the first target. If you choose not to play, it's a truth. And hers is dark. 

Then comes Maeve and she should know better—always choose the dare. 

But by the time Knox is about to be tagged, things have gotten dangerous. The dares have become deadly, and if Maeve learned anything from Bronwyn last year, it's that they can't count on the police for help. Or protection.

Simon's gone, but someone's determined to keep his legacy at Bayview High alive. And this time, there's a whole new set of rules. Hardcover, 377 pages
Published January 7th 2020 by Delacorte Press for Young Readers
Source: Library

Three and a half stars: A strong sequel, but it doesn’t match up to the original. 

For the students at Bayview High, things are back to normal, somewhat. Yet, there is still that sense that something could go wrong at any moment. Chat forums and bullying are prohibited to prevent Simon copycats. Just when they thought they were safe, someone sends anonymous texts to the student body. The mysterious person taunts with a game of truth or dare. The first player: Phoebe decides to ignore the texts with disastrous consequences. A startling truth is outed about her which ruins her fragile relationship with her sister. The stakes are up and the next player is called out. Who will play?

What I Liked:

• One of Us is Lying was a brilliant debut book, which I loved. I was more than eager to get my hands on this sequel, and while it didn’t quite match the brilliance of its predecessor I found a lot to like. 
• This book focuses on three main characters: Phoebe, Maeve and Knox. The three are friends, struggling with their own issues. Phoebe is first up, and she realizes she has made some poor decisions since the sudden death of her father. I wasn’t expecting to like her, but I did. She does her best to wrong her rights, and she ends up being a likable gal. Knox is struggling with his identity. He wants to please his father and be a stand up guy, but he has low self esteem, which plummets when a horrid truth is revealed about him. I liked that he didn’t let the truth or dare game destroy him, instead he comes back fighting. Maeve is Browyn’s sister, and she knows a thing or two about the deadly game. Maeve is dealing with her own serious health issues. I was pleased the way things were handled when it came to her medical issues. 
• I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first book. It was nice to see what happened to Nate, Addy, Browyn and Cooper. I was pleased that they had overcome the tragic situation and were making the most of their futures. 
• This one starts off a little slow, but once the game of truth or dare starts, things rapidly amp up. I was caught in the guessing game of who was behind the game and why. 
• I liked the touch of romance. It was nice to have a bit of romance in the middle of the chaos. I appreciated that the romance started out as a friendship and it took its time moving to the next step. Mistakes are made, but I was glad to see them talk through it.
• After a fierce climax, the dust settles with a startling reveal. I am not sure how I feel about the revelation at the end. I didn’t see it coming. I liked that it was stunning. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was not a fan of the bullying on social media. Some of the information revealed was extremely harmful. 
• This book has a lot of trigger issues from sexual harassment, online bullying, cancer, parental death, drinking and so forth. It is definitely not a book I would recommend for younger teenage readers. 
• The book ends with a dramatic twist. In retrospect, it works as far as the shock value goes, but when I thought about it, I didn’t like it all. This ploy has been used several times as of late in psychological thrillers. I am not going to go into details, but I am going to say I am not a fan of an innocent being involved with things way over their heads. 

One of Us is Next was a book that grabbed me with its exciting plot, interesting characters and thrilling action. However, I wasn’t a fan of the bullying and the many trigger issues in this book. It is definitely not a book for younger readers. I also didn’t like the final revelation at the end. It was a bit much and unrealistic for me. I think the original is far better. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Don't miss the first book:

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #223: Debut Authors/ New To Me That I Like

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

 

Here is the topic for the week:

Who are some of the recent debut/ new to me authors that impressed you?

 

I perused my list of read books for the last six months, and I was a bit disappointed to discover I haven’t run across any fantastic debut authors. I need some debut author recommendations from you all. 

I did however find a few new to me authors. Here are the authors and books that I read recently that were new to me that I enjoyed.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett: is a book that is not to be missed. This is a terrifying and heart wrenching novel that explores the ugliness of humanity and the frightening consequences that arise when men force women to turn on one another. I also appreciated the good that can occur when women unite and embrace the bonds of sisterhood. Big props to the author for bringing a book that doesn’t hold back, and a story that evolves and continues to surprise the reader until the end. 

 

The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamalii is a star crossed lovers tale that will haunt you. I appreciated that the author brought a story set in 1953 during a turbulent time in Iran. It isn’t often you get stories featuring characters from Iran. This book is not only educational but entertaining as well. This is a memorable story that centers on love, family, friendship, heartbreak, betrayal and political upheaval. Prepare for a great romance laced with heartbreak and destiny. 

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix Harrow was a mesmerizing and enchanting story. I was charmed by the exquisite details and the imaginative writing. The story is packed full of magic and mystery that kept me enthralled. This is an unforgettable book not to be missed by those who love to ponder the possibilities, and for those who appreciate a fantastic story. One of my favorites of the year!

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center was a profound and heartfelt read. There was so much to love about this one. I adored the characters, I loved learning about the inner workings of a firehouse, and I especially liked that this one was all about life, love, forgiveness and finding yourself after trauma. This was a lovely read. I hope you will try it!

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber was a charming book. I loved that this one had a delightful small town setting with memorable characters and a touch of magic. This book has a lot of heart as well as it is about healing, overcoming grief, forgiveness, friendship and love. This was a lovely little read. Pick it up. 

 

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim is a book that grabbed my attention and kept me enthralled throughout. I loved this imaginative story with its unique world building, bold characters, captivating story lines, magic and a lovely romance. It has been a long time since I read and loved a YA fantasy, so I was thrilled to find this gem. If you want a terrific read, look no further, this is one to grab! 

These are my favorite new to me authors over the last few months. Any recommendations for debut authors?

Next week’s TMST: Book Recommendations: What's your favorite underrated book/series? (Courtesy of Roberta@Offbeat YA)

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #222: Romantic Read Recommendations

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

 

This week’s post is all about romance:

Romantic Reads Recommendations

This coming Friday is Valentine’s Day, so what better time to check out some romantic reads. 

Unfortunately, I have been in a reading slump lately and some of the romantic reads I picked up hoping would perk me up ended up being fails for me, while others liked them. 

I went back over the last four months and pulled a few romance books that I enjoyed. Here are the reads that tugged on my heartstrings:

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord: This is a cute contemporary romance that borrows from You’ve Got Mail. I loved the relationship between Jack and Pepper, in real life and online. This was an adorable little read.

 

The Bromance Book Club: The Bromance Book Club isn’t your run of the mill romance. I liked that this was a second chance romance all about repairing a broken marriage. This was a story about reflection, change and righting some wrongs with a little help from the Bromance Book Club. I enjoyed the heartfelt moments as well as the hilarious parts too. This is a fun, flirty read perfect for anyone who wants something different in the romance genre. 

Heidi’s Guide To Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt: Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words is a book that should be made into a rom com. This is a hilarious story about a former Kindergarten teacher who inadvertently lands a job that exposes her to erotica. Prepare for lots of laughs and plenty of misadventures as Heidi learns a thing or two about life, romance and how to say four letter erotic words without blushing. If you want a laugh out loud read, this is one to grab. 

 

Stationery Shop by Marjan Karmal: The Stationery Shop is a star crossed lovers tale that will haunt you. I appreciated that the author brought a story set in 1953 during a turbulent time in Iran. It isn’t often you get stories featuring characters from Iran. This book is not only educational but entertaining as well. This is a memorable story that centers on love, family, friendship, heartbreak, betrayal and political upheaval. Prepare for a great romance laced with heartbreak and destiny. 

 

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center: Things You Save in a Fire was a profound and heartfelt read. There was so much to love about this one. I adored the characters, I loved learning about the inner workings of a firehouse, and I especially liked that this one was all about life, love, forgiveness and finding yourself after trauma. This was a lovely read. I hope you will try it!

 

These are the romantic reads that I loved over the last few months. What about you?

Next week’s question: 

Who are some of the recent debut/ new to me authors that impressed you?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #221: Free Chapter Previews: Give Me The Freebies or Pass?

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

Here is the topic for the week:

Do you take advantage of free chapter previews?

If you are a long time blogger, or perhaps even an avid reader, you have more than likely encountered the free chapter preview. Lots of times you can download free chapter excerpts on Netgalley or even directly from Amazon or any other ebook retailer. If given the opportunity, will you snatch them up and read them or pass?

I fully admit that my attention span is short and my time is valuable. If I am going to take the time to read several chapters, I am usually on board to read the book, unless it's really bad. I feel like reading free chapter excerpts is usually a waste of my time because the majority of the time, the free excerpts are available weeks to months in advance. If I did take the time to read the free chapter preview, only to find that I wouldn't be allowed to finish the book for awhile, I am going to get annoyed, especially if it is going to be a long wait, and I might forget what I've already read, which is more than likely going to happen considering that I am busy and I read lots of books. The last thing I want to do is reread chapters to refresh my memory. 

Thus for me, free chapter excerpts, previews or whatever you want to call them are a thumbs down. I always skip reading them if they are at the back of a book because I am usually ready to move on to my next read, and I don't want to waste time reading something that may or may not interest me. I am picky and my time is valuable.

Furthermore, I think that sending free chapter excerpts in the mail as small book samples is a total waste of time and money. I received a couple of them unsolicited this past summer. The books weren't set to release until late fall. I hadn't read the previous books in the series so free previews sat on my counter for weeks. I can't really donate them anywhere because who wants to receive a partial book? I don't get why a publisher would waste money printing these free book previews and then mailing them out to someone who may or may not even read them?? 

Just my personal two cents, but as you can see, I am not a fan of the free excerpts. I have gotten sucked in before only to be discouraged by a long wait, or found one at the end of a book and could have cared less. I guess for other readers, they might be handy, but for me, they are a hard no. 

Weigh in, how often do you read free chapter excerpts?

Next week's TMST:

 Romantic Reads Recommendations

Tell Me Something Tuesday #220: What Do You Read in Winter?

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

 

Here is the topic of the week:

What type of books do you like to cuddle up with in winter?

How is it still January? I swear it should be about March by now! January, in my opinion, is the longest month of the year. Here in Portland, Oregon, we are usually treated to a month of gray skies and rain, perhaps with some snow thrown in for good measure. The days are slowly getting a tad longer, but it still gets dark way too early, and it feels like the sun might not come out for weeks at a time. 

So to cope with all that is January, I tend to escape the winter blues with a good book. This is the time of year, I find myself reaching for light, fluffy reads or something that will make me laugh. I tend to read cute contemporary romances, or funny women’s fiction, or anything that I can get my hands on that is uplifting. 

I don’t know why there aren’t more funny/ feel good books published this time of year. When I look at the upcoming releases, there tends be lots of thrillers with a few romances. 

Thrillers are fine, but often times they can be dark and even depressing. I don’t need anything that is going to drag me down.

Give me a book where I can escape to a warm sunny beach, or somewhere with lots of sunshine. Even a trip vicariously to a sun drenched place is better than nothing. 

 

What about you all, what do you find yourself reaching for the most during the winter months?

Next week’s TMST:

Do you take advantage of free chapter previews?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #219: Book Monogamist or Polygamist?

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 links in the comments if you are participating.

The question of the week comes from the lovely Roberta who blogs at Offbeat YA. She wants to know:

Do you read/listen to more than one book at a time, or do you give every book your undivided attention? 

I have never been a monogamous reader. I love variety, I like to read. I used to have books all over my house to read from room to room. With the invention of the Kindle, I became a little more inclined to stick with one book as my book could travel with me. I love the convenience of always having an ebook or an audiobook on my phone so I can listen/ read wherever I am.

When I started blogging, I had to become a little more focused when it came to my reading habits, mostly because I need to get a book finished in order to get the review done for the blog, and if I don’t stick with one book, I may not have reviews done on time.

Most of the time, I  divide my attention between reading one book and listening to another, so I am almost always reading two books at once. 

I do miss the book in every room, but with kids and a job and everything else, I don’t get as much time to read as I would like, so it’s best to stay focused.

What about you all, are you a one book until done reader or do you divide your attention?

Next week’s question: 

What type of books do you like to cuddle up with in Winter?