Rainy Day Ramblings

Tell Me Something Tuesday #165: Book Disappointments of 2018

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 your thought provoking topic of the week:

What books disappointed you in 2018?

As we draw near the end of the year and prepare to head into a new one, I always enjoy the lists of bests and worsts that pop up at the end of the year. I decided to do my own versions. 

I know the worst books is a matter of opinion, and I don’t even want to get into the worst books. Instead, I chose to spotlight the books that I personally read and found disappointing. 

Keep in mind, many other readers likely read and enjoyed these books, but for me there was something that just didn’t live up to my expectations. This year, I even selected books that I read and rated three stars, but still found the books disappointing. 

So here are the books that disappointed me in 2018:

 

The Glitch by Elisabeth Cohen: This debut book was billed to be fast and funny. It is about an over the top stressed out corporate executive who suddenly comes face to face with her younger self. This book was not funny, it lacked cohesiveness, the main character is so self involved that she is irritating and the whole thing with the younger self is a fizzle. This book was a snooze for me. I rated it two stars.

Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton: I have long wanted to read a Kate Morton book as I have heard so many great things about her work. This was a book I wanted to dive in and fall in love with. Sadly, this one was a hot and cold read. I was invested in certain characters and storylines, while others completely bored me. In the end, the story suffered because it had too many view points, too many storylines and it was too long. Perhaps if you are a fan of this author you will enjoy it more than I did. I liked it, but it didn’t amaze me.  I rated it three stars. 

Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah Dawson and Kevin Hearne: This book was one I was most looking forward to in 2018 as I am a big fan of Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles. Kill the Farm Boy is a book I wanted to love, but unfortunately the plethora of puns, rapid fire jokes and over the top humor grew wearisome after awhile. This is a silly book perfect for fans who love slapstick humor and clever puns. For me the humor was too much. The thing that saved it somewhat for me was Luke Daniels’ brilliant narration. I rated this one three stars. 

Year One by Nora Roberts: Nora is one of those authors who runs hot and cold for me. I have read and enjoyed a couple of her books, while others are dark to the point where I stopped reading. This one started out interesting with a world wide population decimating plague, a familiar story line. My issues stemmed from dislike of the characters. A couple of the main characters were shallow and self centered, while the villains were over the top. I quickly grew tired of this one, set it aside and finally skimmed the ending. It felt like a been there done that book for me as it reminded me of Stephen King's The Stand. Skip this and read King's book. This was a DNF for me. 

The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice: Anne Rice used to be one of my go to authors. I loved her Vampire Chronicles, but sadly since her husband passed away in 2003, her writing has been weird. She seemed to make a comeback with her last couple of releases, so I was excited to pick this one up. This was a sequel to The Mummy that she wrote back in 1989. I ended up stopping at fifty percent. Too confusing and it has been too long since I read the first book. I was hopelessly lost listening to the audiobook. This was a DNF for me. 

 

Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill: Wild Hunger is a book that I am sure devout fans of Chicago Vamps will love, but if you are a new comer, it might be a tougher sell. There were things I liked about the book, but I found it hard to get into as the first part of the book is a big information dump as Ms. Neill tries to catch you up to speed. The romance was also a disappointment, it was rushed and lacked the buildup and chemistry that I craved. I think this one would have been better if I had read the other series first. I rated this one three stars.

 

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand: The Perfect Couple is a book I had on my must read summer list, but I was left bitterly disappointed in this one. I am sure others will enjoy this one, but I thought it was a hot mess. It does feature an interesting murder mystery, but after all the sordid secrets and affairs are exposed, I ended up not liking any of the characters. This is one I would skip or check out from the library, or you can read some of the other reviews and decide for yourself. I rated this one two and a half stars.

So there you have my list of books that let me down. As you can see a few earned three stars because there were aspects I liked, but overall the books didn’t live up to my personal expectations. I know many read and enjoyed these book, but for whatever reason, these books disappointed me. 

What books let you down this year?

Next week’s final TMST of 2018: 

Best books of 2018.

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #164: Series To Continue

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 hot topic: 

What series did you try this year will you continue?

I feel like I get more persnickety and picky every year. I try lots and lots of new series, but there are few that I ever continue. Why? Perhaps I have gotten tired of the same old same old. For instance, I used to love YA books and I ate up series in the YA genre. Now days, I can handle stand to read a YA title because I feel like I have been there done that. It takes a lot more to impress me, and I seldom love a book enough to want to divest myself into a series. However, many of my favorite, tried and true series are coming to an end, so I must find some new ones. Luckily this past year, I did read several promising new beginnings, and I plan to continue the series in 2019. Here are the series that I want to invest some time into:

Crown of Shards by Jennifer Estep: 
Kill the Queen was a bloody brilliant book. I loved the characters, the story, the magic and the diabolical scheming and treachery. This one has gladiators battling with magic and lots of interesting characters. I couldn't get enough of this one. The next book in the  Queen of Shards series is titled Protect the Prince and it releases in July of 2019.

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa:
It had been a long while since I read a Kagawa, Shadow of the Fox, did not disappoint. This one had outstanding world building. Unique characters and it was set in Japan long ago. This one has magic, mystery, dragons, danger, ghosts and more. I am eager for the next book. The sequel: Soul of the Sword releases June 18, 2019. 

The Iron Covenant Series by Ilona Andrews:
This year an all time favorite series, Kate Daniels, came to a brilliant ending. Luckily, the duo has plenty of terrific new series in the works. Iron and Magic, sheds a whole new light on long time villain Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs. Hugh is known for antagonizing Kate and the gang. In this spin off series, we get to see what makes Hugh tick, and watch him fall in love with a powerful white witch. I am now a fan of Hugh and eager for more! Right now there is no publication date on book two and there is a temporary cover. This is Illara's story. I am itching for it! 

The Kiss Quotient Series by Helen Hoang:
The Kiss Quotient set the blogosphere a buzz with its adorable, unique romance. I loved the characters, especially since they weren't your run of the mill contemporary romance characters. This was a pleasure and I was surprised to learn that there is more coming! I can't wait. The second book: The Bride Test hits shelves May 7th. 

Dread Nation Series by Justina Ireland:
I slipped right into this alternative, zombie invasion Civil War Era book. This one features a snappy, sharp African American girl who instead of being a slave who toils in the field, slays zombies instead. The zombies rose up on the fields of Gettysburg, forcing the war to a halt. This one was clever and fascinating, and I want to know what happens next. The next book right now is set to publish in 2019 but it remains untitled. 

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton:
The Belles was a fantastic read. I loved the exceptional world building. The creative story. The writing, the characters, the magic and the ugliness beneath the beauty. Plus this one features an unforgettable villain. If you want a book that will suck you in, look no further. This was a book I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait for book two! The next book: Everlasting Rose is out on March 5th. Things are about to get ugly!

These are the series that impressed me enough to continue next year. There are a few I am on the fence about, and I will refrain my decision until the next books release. 

What series captivated you enough to continue in 2019?

Next week's TMST:

Book Disappointments of 2018.

 

 

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #163: Procrastinate or Do it Now?

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 this week's question:

Do you procrastinate when writing your reviews?

 

Writing the review, the bane of being a blogger. Who knew that writing reviews could get to be such a daunting task? I thought when I first started blogging that reading and writing reviews would be no problem, and then I learned! 

Many of us are avid, fast readers and most of us can whip through three or four books on average a week, which means a lot of reviews. The question is are you the type who must sit down and write a review right after finishing the book, or are you more inclined to let them pile up, and then hope for the best? 

I am one who likes to write the review as soon as possible. Most of the time, I am writing the review the day after I finish the book, while it is fresh in my mind. The longest I put off a review is usually two or three days, and that happens if I finish a book on the weekend, as I rarely blog on the weekends. 

For me, writing the review right away helps me to get down my thoughts on paper, if I wait too long and read too many books in between, details start to get fuzzy. Besides, I hate having it hanging over my head. Writing the review immediately is like pulling off a bandaid. Get it down fast, and alleviate the pain. 

There are times when I can't get a review done as I might be finishing a book on vacation, or time doesn't allow me to get it written, so then I make a few notes so I can be sure to hit those high and low points. This way I can keep things fresh in my mind. 

I have learned with blogging, the further you can work ahead, the better off you are, as you never know when life is going to get in the way of blogging....gasp... I know. I like to stock pile my reviews for those rainy days when I need to put up a review. 

When I fist started blogging, I was blogging by the seat of my pants: writing reviews the night before, no schedule, etc. 

These days, I am all about planning and blogging ahead. Writing the reviews in a timely manner, allows me to have my blog prepped and ready to post a month or so in advance, which makes everything easier. 

So my advice to you is get those reviews written as soon as you finish the book. The longer you wait the, worse it gets. It is so much easier to sit down and jot down your thoughts right after you finish instead of trying to recall details weeks later. 

Don't put off what you can do today until tomorrow. I promise you will be a happier blogger in the long run when you get it done. 

So tell me, do you procrastinate or get it done? What are your strategies? 

 

Next week's question: 

What series that you tried this year will you continue?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #162: Thankful

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. 

 

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:

What are you thankful for this year?

Since we are two days from Thanksgiving, I felt like I needed to take a minute and do a post on all I have to be thankful for this year. I know that there is a lot of social upheaval going on right now, and many tragic events continue to consume us. We survived the election, watched California burn and endured more shootings. Sometimes the headlines are hard to handle, so that is when I dig deep and go to my happy spot. When times are tough, look inward and find things that make you happy, and think on all that you have to be thankful for, it helps. 

Here is what I have to be thankful for this year:

My family: First and foremost, always is my family. I am blessed to have two beautiful, intelligent children who work hard in school. They are healthy and happy. I have a wonderful husband who provides and takes care of us, and who is also my best friend. I have my three siblings, whom I don’t get to see often enough, and my dad, who has always been my rock. I also have lots of aunts, uncles and cousins who continue to send love and support from afar. 

Friends: I have made new friends this year, which has been wonderful, it is always nice to make new connections. I am also grateful for old friends. One can never have too many friends.

My pets: In September, we had to say goodbye to our beloved cat, Rex, who had been a part of our family for over twenty years. He was the best cat, I still miss him terribly, and I always will. However, we were able to welcome two new furry faces into our family. Akira and Niko arrived in September. Two little siblings who have stolen our hearts. We also still have Smokey. We love these furry friends.

Good Books, Blogging and Blog Buddies: November marked my blog’s eighth anniversary. I have loved this journey. There have been lots of highs and some lows, but along the way, I have made some incredible friends, read some wonderful books and found love and support across the blogosphere. 

 

Healing: It has now been over two years since I lost my beautiful mother. The last couple of years have been hard, but they have also been a journey of hope and healing. Thanks to all the love I received, my heart is healing and I am continuing to move in a positive direction. 

As you can see, my list if full of lots of things to be thankful. I am blessed with friends and family and I am truly am grateful for all that I have. I hope you all are as blessed as I am. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Enjoy your time with your friends and family!

Next Week’s TMST:

 Do You Procrastinate Writing Reviews?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #161: Why Should You Be Blog Commenting

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 discussion: 

Why should you be regularly commenting on other blogs?

 

When I first endeavored to start a blog, I didn't realize that part of the commitment would be taking time to comment on other blogs each and every day. In fact, I feel commenting is just as important as reading and reviewing. Why? Let me tell you.

Establishing your blog: As a blogger, you need to have an active following. Commenting is one of the best ways to establish a healthy following. Most bloggers will comment back if you take time to comment. Over time, the relationship grows and these bloggers become regular followers. Comments are an indicator for publishers, authors, promoters etc. to help gauge if a blog has an active audience. You could be writing the most awesome reviews and posts, but if no one is reading them, your efforts are going unnoticed. Taking time to comment will help you build an audience and help you establish your blog. 

Friendships: One of the absolute best parts about blogging is the friendships you establish with other bloggers. I love the ladies I have met on this journey, and I like that we exchange emails and share our love for books. The comments I receive every day from my bloggy friends are a small dose of sunshine for me each day. 

Discovering New Reads: Some of the best books I have read often come from reading other blog reviews. There are numerous books and series I have read and loved thanks to blogger's recommendations. For instance, I would likely not have picked up The Martian by Andy Weir if it hadn't been for all the fantastic reviews.  Reading blogs allows me to explore new genres and experience books I likely wouldn't have discovered on my own. 

Healthy Discussions: Often, the posts I enjoy reading the most are ones that generate a healthy discussion. I love exploring new ideas, and so many times I have been exposed to interesting topics and discussions that I hadn't thought about before. Other times, I have weighed in on hot topics, and learned from reading other blogger's points of view. 

Tips and Tricks: Blogging is a big undertaking and anything that will make it easier is always something I appreciate. I love it when other bloggers take time to share their tips and shortcuts to make blogging quicker and easier. I have learned so much from other bloggers. 

Support: Sometimes in life we all go through those difficult times, and it is nice to be able to reach out to the blogging community for a little extra support and some virtual hugs. We all need it from time to time. 

These are a few of the reasons why blog commenting is so important. I realize that it takes time, but it is so worth it. I also know there are days when you just can't get it done. No worries, do what you can, and at least always try and return the comments you receive when you get time. Don't stress if you can't always be on top of the comments, we all have busy lives, and none of us take it personally if we don't get a return comment every single time. 

What about you all, what benefits have you reaped from blog commenting? 

 

Next week's question: 

What Are You Thankful For This Year?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: #159 Halloween Traditions

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 you are participating, feel free to leave the link to your post in the comments.

The Halloween theme continues with this week’s question:

What do you like to do to celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is my second favorite holiday of the year.  I have always loved the decorations, costumes and all the spooky stuff.  I look forward to October every year, especially now that I have kids.  Through the years, there are a few things that I try and do every year to get into the spirit.  Here are my Halloween traditions: 

Halloween decorations:  My mom always decorated our house every year for Halloween and we kids loved dragging out the cardboard boxes and putting up the decorations.  Back in the eighties, Halloween decorations are nothing like they are now.  Ours consisted mostly of cardboard hangups that we taped up.   It didn't matter, we loved them, and year after year they covered our walls. I have been collecting little Halloween decorations since I got my own place.  I tend to like more of the friendly type decorations vs. the scary.   My favorite decorations are the ones that light up.  My entire mantel is covered with Halloween decorations that are made to hold candles, so I put in a flameless candle with a timer and every night our mantle flickers with our Halloween decor.

  

Trick or Treating:  Now I had to go on a hiatus from trick or treating once I turned thirteen, but that doesn't mean I still didn't love it.  Even when I didn't go out hunting for candy, I enjoyed handing out candy to all the kids.  I love seeing all the costumes, some of them are so darn cute.  My kids are old enough now to really get out and enjoy trick or treating, and we love going.  Last year, I found out what a gold mine our street is.  We live on a steep hill so we don't get a lot of trick or treaters, so the neighbors go all out.  There is a big haunted Halloween alley at the bottom of the hill and the guy that runs it gives out to each trick or treater three full size candy bars.  He isn't the only one, there were several houses on the hike up the hill that gave out full size candy bars.  I would have loved that in my day as I hiked the neighborhood for what seemed like hours and got a lot of dum dum suckers, Tootsie rolls and small candy.  It was still loads of fun. Here are Risa and Mateus last year on Halloween:

Pumpkin Patch:  Growing up, we didn't have pumpkin patches, they started becoming more popular in the nineties.  Now days, you can find a pumpkin patch near you no matter where you live here in Portland.  There is a plethora of pumpkin patches, you just have to decide what you want to do. There are corn mazes, haunted mazes, hayrides, pumpkin cannons, slides, swings, crafts and more. We haven't been in the last couple of years due to schedules and not so nice weather. So here is a picture of Risa and Mateus from a few years back in the patch picking out the perfect pumpkin.

Pumpkin carving:  I love pumpkin carving.  It was one of the highlights of Halloween, especially when I was old enough to do my own carving.  I love hollowing out the pumpkin and scooping out all the guts and creating a fun face.  One year, I put red marker for blood all over the side of my pumpkin, stabbed a big knife in it with a sign that said YOU!  Some of the carving creations you see these days are amazing!

Spooky books and movies:  Obviously, I love reading spooky/paranormal books during October to celebrate the season.  I have always enjoyed watching and reading Halloween themed shows and books.  I remember growing up when they used to have the tv specials on for Halloween every year, and I loved watching them.  My all time favorite Halloween must see movie is Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.  I could care less about Toad, but I sure loved Ichabod.  I used to watch all kinds of scary movies, but as I have grown older, I don't watch many anymore, mostly because I have kids running around and I don't want them to get scared.  I am on the hunt for more family friendly Halloween movies, any suggestions?

Halloween Treats:  What is Halloween without a few treats?  For whatever reason, this is the time of year I crave caramel.  I try and make a batch of caramel corn every years to satisfy my craving.  I think my love of caramel corn comes from my grandma.  When I was little, my grandma used to spend hours making homemade caramel corn popcorn balls to hand out to the trick or treaters.  I loved getting one of those balls.  No one can make homemade stuff like that anymore, sad......

 

Anyway, these are a few of my Halloween Traditions.  What about you all?  What do you during October to celebrate?

Next week's TMST:

 How Do You Make New Blog Friends

 

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #158: Books That Scared 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. If you are participating, feel free to leave the link to your post in the comments.

The Halloween theme rolls on with this week’s question:

What are some of the scariest books you have ever read?

A good scary book is a great way to get into the Halloween season. Many of you said you can’t watch horror movies, but you can read scary books, so I hope to hear from you this week. What book scared you to the point where you hesitated to turn out the lights?

Here are a few of the books that creeped me out:

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty: This book was published way back in 1971, before I was born. It was a book that stimulated conversation as it terrified people. The reason this book is so chilling is that it is based on an actual exorcism case from the 1920s. Demons and demonic possession terrify me, but it didn’t stop me from reading the book and watching the movie!

Dracula by Bram Stoker: This one was terrifying. Stoker knows how to spin a tale so frightening that I was scared to turn out the lights when I read this as a teenager. This is also the book credited with starting the vampire craze in literature. Have you read the original vamp book?

IT by Stephen King: I can’t do my list of scariest books without including a couple by Stephen King. This was my first book by King, and it is a scary good one. I guarantee you won’t look at clowns or red balloons the same after reading this one.

 

Pet Sematary by Stephen King: This one pops up on lists of scariest books frequently. This is the creepy tale about a zombie cat and then it gets even worse. Shivers. Have you read this? Have you seen the movie?

 

The Shining by Stephen King: Another King classic. This one takes place in a deserted hotel during the winter. A boy and his parents become the caretakers of a hotel with a haunted history. Terrible things happen..... Have you seen this movie or read the book? Both are terrifying.

Amityville Horror by Jay Anson: I remember hearing about the Amyitiville Horror house when I was a young kid. This supposedly based on a true story. A family moves into their home only to find it possessed by evil spirits. Blood dripped from the walls and other horrifying things supposedly took place in this home on Long Island. Yikes!

 

These are a few of the scariest books I have ever read. Now it’s your turn. What are some of the scariest books you’ve read?

Next week’s TMST:

What do you like to do to celebrate Halloween?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Favorite Scary Movies

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 you are participating, feel free to leave the link to your post in the comments. 

 

Now the question of the week:

What horror movies would you recommend for those who want a good scare?

 

October is the month for chills and thrills. I love a good scary movie. I have to admit, though as an adult I am more hesitant to watch scary movies. When I was a teenager and a young adult, I watched them all the time. Now I won’t watch one unless I know I can cuddle up next to my husband after we turn out the lights. 

So here are a few horror movies that I would recommend for those whose want a good scare.

 

Stephen King’s It: I am a huge fan of It. It was my first Stephen King book, and it still remains one of my all time favorite reads. I recently saw the new movie, and I have to admit, it was scary and good. It was much easier to watch having read the book as I knew what was going to happen. Still, this one might make you hesitate to turn out the lights when you are done. I can guarantee you won’t look at clowns the same either. 

 

Paranormal Activity: I watched this movie when I was pregnant, and for some reason scary movies and shows were always worse when I was pregnant as I was more prone to nightmares. This one starts slow and builds steadily with unsettling events. It is a fake documentary type movie, where it appears like you are watching real footage of real events. Fear not, it is all fake. The ending is a jaw dropper. So creepy. If you ever want to scare the pants off your loved ones, watch that movie and then stand over their bed and stare at them in the night... shudders.

 

Shutter Island: This was a creepy, psychological thriller with a creepy atmospheric setting: an insane asylum. Yikes! Things aren’t as they seem. There are some stunning twists and turns and a terrifying finale as the terrible truth comes forth. 

Get Out: This was such a surprise for me. This is so much more than a horror film/ psychological thriller. You have to watch it to experience the brilliance of it. There are so many unsettling themes, and you will be stunned by the finale. Don’t worry this one isn’t too scary, believe it or not there is plenty of humor to lighten up the mood. Highly recommend this one! 

 

Then there is the The Nun, which just released this Fall. It looks so darn creepy. Seriously, have you seen the trailers????

Watch all the way to the end! 

Yikes!

Of course, if you want a good old fashioned scare you can check out the oldies but goodies, which I have seen and can attest to be frightful and sometimes funny. Be sure to see: Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Poltergeist, Halloween , The Exorcist and House of the Long Shadows if you dare!!

Your turn, what movies scared you?

Next week’s TMST:

What are some of your favorite ghost story books?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #255: Creepy Good Thrillers

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 you are participating, feel free to leave the link to your post in the comments. 

Here is the question of the week:

What Thrillers have you read in the past few months that you would recommend for the Halloween Season?

 

A good thriller can keep you on the edge of your seat and provide plenty of thrills and chills. I love a thriller that scares me. I think one of the allures of a well done thriller is that often times they could really happen, which makes them even more creepy. Since it is October, a month of thrills and chills and all things scary, I thought I would highlight some of the thrillers I have read this past year that gave me a good scare.

 

Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas: This is a captivating mystery that surrounds the mysterious deaths of five local cheerleaders five years ago. Two died in a car accident, two were murdered and the last committed suicide. All isn’t as it seems, and dark secrets come forth revealing there is more to the story. 

 

Little Monsters by Kara Thomas: Another riveting read by Kara Thomas. This one features a manipulative friendship that takes a dangerous, jealous turn. Set in a small town where secrets abound, be prepared for some shocking revelations.

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney: This was one heck of a read. A woman lies in a coma in the hospital, unable to remember how she got there and why. Was it her husband who harmed her? 

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
A thrilling and exciting suspenseful thriller that will keep you up well past your bedtime. I found this to be a compelling read. Full of twists and turns and some big unexpected reveals. Be prepared to start over again with your guesses. 

 

Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda: On the outside, Paul appears to be the perfect husband and father. He is treating his wife, Mia, who has been feeling ill as of late, to a perfect day. The two are going away for the weekend and Paul has special plans for Mia. This is a creeptastic read. Paul is a character you won’t forget!

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus: This one got a lot of buzz last Fall, and it is worth the read. When five strangers get detention and one ends up dead, finger pointing ensues and buried secrets come forth. Who is the killer?

These are the thrillers that kept me riveted and guessing until the end. All of them have some brilliant twists and turns, and some will give you the chills. 

Have you read any of these? What are your thriller recommendations?

Next week’s TMST:

What horror movies would you recommend for the Halloween season?

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #254: Library Love

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 you are participating, feel free to leave the link to your post in the comments. 

 

This week’s topic:

Library Love: Do you use your library? What do you love about the library?

Over the last five years, I have become a huge proponent of my local library. I know many people out there don’t realize what a wonderful resource the library is. Here are some of the reasons why I love my library:

Online Access: I can check out audiobooks and ebooks online without having to go to the library. Thanks to apps on my phone like Overdrive, I can search through the library catalogs of both my public libraries and borrow or place holds on books I am wanting to read. Even if the book isn’t available, I can place a hold and as soon as the book is returned, it will automatically be checked out me for three weeks. How convenient is that? There are so many titles waiting for you, even audiobooks and ebooks for kids. Perfect for summer vacation.

Requests: Sometimes the library doesn’t have the particular book I am wanting to read on the shelves, not a problem, the library allows you to go online and request books that you would like to be able to check out. There are no guarantees, but more often than not, the library will get the book I request. Do you know that libraries purchase more books from publishers than anyone else, including bookstores? 

Programs and resources: Have you checked out all your library has to offer? Each and every month there are plenty of activities, programs and other community events hosted at the library. Summertime is an especially good time to check out what the library is offering for kids. They have programs for young toddlers, elementary kids and teenagers. They even offer reading programs for adults. 

Information: Of course, the library is the place to go if you are needing information. There is plenty to look up whether you need access to a computer, a book, or even if you are looking for information in your community. The bulletin board is always covered with helpful information, and you there are pamphlets and flyers for your convenience. 

Book Sales: Check with your library for used book sales. When a book is pulled from circulation, it is often put on sale at a steeply discounted price. My library accepts book donations from the public (which is where I donate all my used books). Books pulled from shelves and those donated by the public are then put on the sale shelves, which we check every time we go in. Most books are fifty cents and sometimes you can get them on sale for less. I bought a pristine copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for my daughter for $.50. 

Use it or Lose it: There are so many wonderful things the library has to offer, but if people aren’t supporting their local library, they could lose all it has to offer. So if it has been a long time since you checked out your library, I urge you to get down there and see all the new things it has in store for you. This isn’t the library of old with card catalogs and all of that. Now days, it is about convenience. Once you start utilizing the online features, you won’t look back!

Tell me, what do you love about your library?

Next week’s TMST:

What Thrillers have you read in the past few months that you would recommend for the Halloween Season?

 

October TMST Questions:

October 9th: What horror movies would you recommend for those who want a good scare?

October 16th: What are some of your favorite ghost story books?

October 23rd: What are some of the scariest books you have ever read?

October 30th: What do you like to do to celebrate Halloween?