Tag Archives: to read

Shelf Control #328: Red Moon by Benjamin Percy

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Red Moon
Author: Benjamin Percy
Published: 2013
Length: 544 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

They live among us.

They are our neighbors, our mothers, our lovers.

They change.

When government agents kick down Claire Forrester’s front door and murder her parents, Claire realizes just how different she is. Patrick Gamble was nothing special until the day he got on a plane and hours later stepped off it, the only passenger left alive, a hero. Chase Williams has sworn to protect the people of the United States from the menace in their midst, but he is becoming the very thing he has promised to destroy. So far, the threat has been controlled by laws and violence and drugs. But the night of the red moon is coming, when an unrecognizable world will emerge…and the battle for humanity will begin.

How and when I got it:

I picked up a paperback edition several years ago, most likely through a local used book store.

Why I want to read it:

In case it’s not entirely clear from the synopsis, this is a werewolf book! I remember hearing about Red Moon when it was first released — especially, that this is not the story of a werewolf as an urban fantasy love interest, but a gory, violent, disturbing tale with (if I remember correctly) plenty of political allegory as well. (I could be wrong on that point).

I’ve read all sorts of werewolf stories, from before and after this one was published, and I enjoy a variety of approaches, but the only other truly super dark one I’ve read is The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan, which is very, very dark indeed (but also excellent).

I’ve held onto Red Moon for years, and since then, have read several other of Benjamin Percy’s books. He’s a gifted, inventive writer with a flair for telling unexpected stories. I think my favorite of his so far is The Dead Lands (published 2015), which is soooo icky at times but also mesmerizing and unlike anything else I’ve read.

I do think I still want to read Red Moon, but given how long it is and how much time has passed since I added it to my TBR pile, I’m going to really have to talk myself into giving it a try.

In case you want to know more, here are a couple of reviews that I bookmarked for future reference:
New York Times
NPR

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Reviews Feed


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/25/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

A nice relaxing weekend after an intense workweek!

This will probably sound silly, but one of the little things I started doing for myself recently is getting my nails all prettified! I hadn’t had a manicure in over 10 years, but last month indulged prior to going to a wedding, and I realized that I really liked it… so I went again yesterday and ended up pink and sparkly.

Kind of fun doing something just for the sake of feeling upbeat — and the process itself felt relaxing and pampering, so a big win all the way around!

What did I read during the last week?

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate: The real history behind the story is interesting, but the novel itself feels muddled and unengaging. If this hadn’t been for my book group, I’m not sure I would have finished. My review is here.

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey: Creepy and surprising. My review is here.

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: Excellent! So much more depth and emotion than you might guess from looking at the cover. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished watching Stranger Things! Season 4 was a bit oddly constructed, with super long episodes (that season finale was almost 2.5 hours!!) — but overall, I thought it was SO good, and loved how it ties together so much going all the way back to season 1.

I started my Stranger Things binge with season 3, since I’d already seen 1 & 2 when they first dropped… but now I’m thinking I should go back and re-watch season 1 at the very least.

Meanwhile, the new season of Virgin River dropped on Netflix this week. I’ve only had time to watch about half of the episodes. It’s comfort watching — nothing you wouldn’t expect, same gorgeous scenery, same small town quirkiness… all taking place within the same year as seasons 1, 2, and 3! Man, this show moves slowly.

Fresh Catch:

Ooh, some awesome new books arrived this week!

(Yes, I’ve already read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — I just loved it so much that I needed to own a hardcover edition of my own!)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Heat Wave by TJ Klune: It’s the 3rd and final book in the Extraordinaries trilogy! I love these characters SO much. I have a feeling I’m going to want to listen to the audiobook as soon as I finish the print version — I did audio re-reads of books 1 & 2 recently, and the narrator is amazing.

And sometime in the coming week, I need to start:

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck: This is my Classics Club Spin book, and the due date is fast approaching! I haven’t felt really in the mood to pick this up so far, but I think I’m going to need to push myself a bit and just make it happen.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Comeback by Lily Chu (narrated by Phillipa Soo): I really liked my last audiobook by this author and narrator (The Stand-In), and this one is off to a great start!

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: No progress… but since I’m still planning to get to it, in little bits and pieces, I’m leaving it here a bit longer.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #327: The Red Magician by Lisa Goldstein

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: The Red Magician
Author: Lisa Goldstein
Published: 1982
Length: 192 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Winner of the 1983 American Book Award, The Red Magician was an immediate classic.

On the eve of World War II, a wandering magician comes to a small Hungarian village prophesying death and destruction. Eleven-year-old Kicsi believes Vörös, and attempts to aid him in protecting the village.

But the local rabbi, who possesses magical powers, insists that the village is safe, and frustrates Vörös’s attempts to transport them all to safety. Then the Nazis come and the world changes.

Miraculously, Kicsi survives the horrors of the concentration camp and returns to her village to witness the final climactic battle between the rabbi and the Red Magician, the Old World and the New.

The Red Magician is a notable work of Holocaust literature and a distinguished work of fiction, as well as a marvelously entertaining fantasy that is, in the end, wise and transcendent.

How and when I got it:

I’ve had a paperback edition on my shelves for years and years, and I honestly don’t remember when or where I got it… but there’s a good chance I picked it up at a library sale at some point.

Why I want to read it:

I really wonder if I knew that this was Holocaust-related fiction when I picked up a copy, or if I just expected magic-based fantasy. In any case, the synopsis is really intriguing.

I’m always cautious when it comes to fiction set during the Holocaust, because if not done well, it can feel manipulative or even exploitative. I’m very curious to see how this fantasy story plays out, and I’m also pretty surprised that a book with this combination of real world horror and fantastical elements ended up winning the National Book Award!

I’ve read one book by this author (Ivory Apples), and have one other on my shelves that was among my very first handful of Shelf Control books (The Uncertain Places). I’d definitely like to read at least the two books I own, and I’d certainly be open to exploring more of her work.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/18/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Whew, I feel like I’ve barely had time to catch my breath this week! After a really fun trip back East to visit family and friends, I got back home last Monday night, then immediately returned to work on Tuesday, and I’ve been running full-tilt ever since.

Finally, over the weekend, I had a chance to slow down a bit, and even managed to squeeze in a long walk and some outdoor reading time, two of my favorite things!

What did I read during the last week?

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center: I finished this fun book at the end of last week, and just posted a review (here) a few days ago.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: Easily one of the best books of 2022! Such a powerful, fascinating read. My review is here.

An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan: The 5th book in the Mure series is sweet, funny, and a delightful reunion with the characters I’ve come to love. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 3 of Stranger Things on my plane ride home, and I’m now almost done with season 4! I’m loving it — I don’t know why I didn’t watch season 3 when it first came out, but I’m so glad I went back to the series. And tons of bonus points and gold stars to the series for its excellent use of Kate Bush music!!

(Note: Spoilers, obviously…)

See? Kate Bush saves lives!

And — why not? Here’s the original Kate Bush video too:

Fresh Catch:

One new book! I’m backlogged with ARCs right now, but once I get a bit more caught up, I can’t wait to read this one:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate: I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel (Before We Were Yours), but this one feels like such a slog. I’m at about 50% right now — and I’d be tempted not to finish, except it’s my book group’s book for July and I feel obligated to see it through.

Now playing via audiobook:

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: I always enjoy this author’s books, and this one is fun so far!

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: I bought this paperback before seeing a production of The Tempest last month, and thought it might be fun to read through all the story summaries. I’ve made zero progress in the last couple of weeks, but I’m leaving this here in my “ongoing” list — maybe that’ll motivate me to pick it back up!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #326: In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: In Other Lands
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan
Published: 2019
Length: 487 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

The Borderlands aren’t like anywhere else. Don’t try to smuggle a phone or any other piece of technology over the wall that marks the Border — unless you enjoy a fireworks display in your backpack. (Ballpoint pens are okay.) There are elves, harpies, and — best of all as far as Elliot is concerned — mermaids.

Elliot? Who’s Elliot? Elliot is thirteen years old. He’s smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.

It turns out that on the other side of the wall, classes involve a lot more weaponry and fitness training and fewer mermaids than he expected. On the other hand, there’s Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an elven warrior who is more beautiful than anyone Elliot has ever seen, and then there’s her human friend Luke: sunny, blond, and annoyingly likeable. There are lots of interesting books. There’s even the chance Elliot might be able to change the world.

In Other Lands is the exhilarating new book from beloved and bestselling author Sarah Rees Brennan. It’s a novel about surviving four years in the most unusual of schools, about friendship, falling in love, diplomacy, and finding your own place in the world — even if it means giving up your phone.

How and when I got it:

I bought the paperback early in 2021.

Why I want to read it:

I’m not sure why, but for several weeks straight in early 2021, my social media feeds kept pushing this book at me. Hey, it’s the power of marketing — it worked! I kept seeing this mermaid cover popping up whenever I went to check up on my friends’ latest updates, and eventually, I gave in to my curiosity. I mean, who doesn’t love a mermaid cover?

The paperback edition is big and chunky, and at first glance, the plot seems to skew younger than what I usually prefer. This sounds very much like middle grade to younger young adult fiction, which I haven’t been gravitating toward much in recent years.

Still, between the magical school setting, the strange new world, and the fantastical beings that the main character meets, it does sound quite charming. I think I initially bought the book without looking very far into the details, which may be why it’s been sitting on my shelf (unread) since I got it.

I’m a little torn. I see a lot of very positive reviews on Goodreads, but I’m not convinced that this is something I want to devote much time to.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Elza Reads
Reviews Feed


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

The Monday Check-In ~ 7/11/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

And now I come to the end of my week away! I’ll be flying home this afternoon, after a great week visiting family and friends.

What did I read during the last week?

Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson: Fantastic speculative fiction! My review is here. 5-star read #1 for this past week.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher: My 2nd 5-star read of the week! Short and deliciously creepy. My review is here.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune: An audiobook re-read. I love these books so much! Can’t wait to start #3. My 2021 review of this book is here.

Mr. Malcolm’s List by Suzanne Allain: I was curious about this book because of the newly released movie. The book was light entertainment… and I think I will check out the movie too, but I may wait until it’s available to stream. My review of the book is here.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center: So much fun! This one felt a bit more carefree than some of this author’s other books, and it definitely suited my mood this week. Review to come!

Pop culture & TV:

Nothing, really. Being away and always on the go, I barely watched anything at all!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: I’ve only had a chance to read the first few chapters so far, but I have a feeling this will be a good one!

Now playing via audiobook:

An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan: The 5th and final book in the Mure series! I didn’t have time to get very far, but it seems to be just as charming as expected!

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: I bought this paperback before seeing a production of The Tempest last month, and thought it might be fun to read through all the story summaries. I’m fairly familiar with Shakespeare’s tragedies, a little familiar with the comedies, and not at all familiar with the histories. My plan for now is to read a couple of chapters per week, on and off. We’ll see how it goes!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #325: Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory: Stories by Raphael Bob-Waksberg

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Someone Who Will Love You In All Your Damaged Glory
Author: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Published: 2020
Length: 256 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

From the creator and executive producer of the beloved and universally acclaimed television series BoJack Horseman, a fabulously off-beat collection of short stories about love–the best and worst thing in the universe

Written with all the scathing dark humor that is a hallmark of BoJack Horseman, Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s stories will make readers laugh, weep, and shiver in uncomfortably delicious recognition. In “A Most Blessed and Auspicious Occasion,” a young couple planning a wedding is forced to deal with interfering relatives dictating the appropriate number of ritual goat sacrifices. “Missed Connection–m4w” is the tragicomic tale of a pair of lonely commuters eternally failing to make that longed-for contact. The members of a rock band in “Up-and-Comers” discover they suddenly have superpowers–but only when they’re drunk. And in “The Serial Monogamist’s Guide to Important New York City Landmarks,” a woman maps her history of romantic failures based on the places she and her significant others visited together.

Equally at home with the surreal and the painfully relatable (or both at once), Bob-Waksberg delivers a killer combination of humor, romance, whimsy, cultural commentary, and crushing emotional vulnerability. The resulting collection is a punchy, perfect bloody valentine.

How and when I got it:

I bought the paperback about a year ago.

Why I want to read it:

To be very specific, I bought this book on my daughter’s recommendation. This goes back to a blog post I did that was about her favorite books read so far that year, and she told me that this story collection was a must-read.

This is definitely not an obvious choice for me, because I’m not much of a short story reader. I don’t have a great attention span when it comes to story collections, and have a tendency to give up after only a few stories.

Still, I do love (a) the title of this collection, (b) the cover, and (c) the fact that my daughter — who has excellent taste in books — spoke so highly of it. (I’m also fairly certain that the author’s family and my family have a connection back in our home town, not that that really matters). From what I can see from the synopsis, the stories sound weird and quirky, which could mean that they’d be right up my alley.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Lands Away Books


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books Releasing In the Second Half of 2022

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday by

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Most Anticipated Books Releasing In the Second Half of 2022.

Where do I even start? I want to read ALL the books… but here are ten I’m really excited about.. while also trying not to repeat books I’ve highlighted in other TBR posts already!

  • The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (7/19)
  • The Bodyguard by Katherine Center (7/19)
  • Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (8/30)
  • Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn (9/6)
  • Be the Serpent (October Daye, #16) by Seanan McGuire (9/6)
  • Fairy Tale by Stephen King (9/6)
  • Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory (9/20)
  • The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal (10/11)
  • Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell (11/8)
  • Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca (12/6)

What new releases are you most looking forward to? Please share your links!

Save

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The Monday Check-In ~ 7/4/2022

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Happy 4th! Enjoy the fireworks, picnics, and cookouts!

As for me… I’m traveling again! This time, it’s a family visit so I can spend time with my dad. I flew out yesterday, will be in the area for most of the week, and then next weekend will be attending a birthday celebration for one of my college roommates before flying home next Monday. I think I’ll do some remote work — just a bit –while I’m here, but otherwise hope to relax, hang out with friends and family, and enjoy the warm weather!

What did I read during the last week?

I’m being a bad reader! I added a subscription to New York Times games, and now I spend way too much time every day on them, when I should be reading. In any case, here’s what I did manage to read this past week:

Book Lovers by Emily Henry: I actually finished this right at the end of last week, but finally got around to writing a review a few days ago. A perfect summer read!

In the Quick by Kate Hope Day: Astronauts and Jane Eyre? Yup, this slim sci-fi book has both! My review is here.

The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune: I read (and adored) this book when it came out in 2020. This time around, prepping for the release of the 3rd book in the series, I listened to the audiobook — and it was amazing! The narrator is fantastic, and this story is as hug-worthy as ever. If you want to know more, check out my original review.

Pop culture & TV:

I decided to go back to Stranger Things! I stopped (for whatever reason) after season 2, but motivated at least 90% by hearing about Kate Bush being featured in season 4, I started watching again! I’m most of the way through season 3 at this point, but I’m not sure how much viewing time I’ll have this week. You know what? It’s good! I’m glad I decided to give it another try.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson: As of when I write this post (Sunday night after a long day of travel ), I’ve read all but the epilogue of this book, and it’s awesome! I’ll write up some thoughts over the next few days.

As soon as I finish, I’ll be starting:

Mr. Malcolm’s List by Suzanne Allain: This book hadn’t really been on my radar, but I’ve been deluged with promos for the novie all over my social media feeds… so why not start with the book and see if I’m interested?

Now playing via audiobook:

Flash Fire by TJ Klune: This is a total no-brainer — how could I NOT continue with these audiobooks? I love these characters so much.

Ongoing reads:

These books will be on my plate for months to come:

  • Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading one scene per week — almost done with Act IV.
  • Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb: I bought this paperback before seeing a production of The Tempest last month, and thought it might be fun to read through all the story summaries. I’m fairly familiar with Shakespeare’s tragedies, a little familiar with the comedies, and not at all familiar with the histories. My plan for now is to read a couple of chapters per week, on and off. We’ll see how it goes!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #324: Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Don’t You Forget About Me
Author: Mhairi McFarlane
Published: 2019
Length: 433 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

If there’s one thing worse than being fired from the grottiest restaurant in town, it’s coming home early to find your boyfriend in bed with someone else.

Reeling from the indignity of a double dumping on the same day, Georgina snatches at the next job that she’s offered—barmaid in a newly opened pub, which just so happens to run by the boy she fell in love with at school: Lucas McCarthy. And whereas Georgina (voted Most Likely to Succeed in her school yearbook) has done nothing but dead-end jobs in the last twelve years, Lucas has not only grown into a broodingly handsome man, but also has turned into an actual grown-up along the way, with a business and a dog.

Meeting Lucas again not only throws Georgina’s rackety present into sharp relief, but also brings a dark secret from her past bubbling to the surface. Only she knows the truth about what happened on the last day of school, and why she’s allowed it to chase her all these years… 

How and when I got it:

I bought the Kindle edition in early 2020.

Why I want to read it:

Summer is the perfect time for reading light romances, and this one seems ideal to pick up while lounging on a patio chair or with my feet in the sand…

I don’t specifically remember buying it, but it’s in my Kindle library, so I suppose I grabbed it on a day when there was a price break. I’ve been seeing recommendations for this author for a while now, and have been wanting to try her books. The synopsis sounds like fun, even though the title is giving me an irritating ear worm.

This sounds like the kind of book I’d want to read on vacation or on a plane — not that there’s anything wrong with that! I just tend to go for upbeat, enjoyable books during the summer months — nothing demanding or heavy, just pure entertainment to leave me in a happy mood.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!