Tag Archives: to read

The Monday Check-In ~ 12/6/2021

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.

Hard to believe that Hanukkah has already come and gone. Today is officially the last day, which means we’ve already lit the last set of candles, and it’s time to start packing away the menorahs and decorations until next year. We had some fun family gatherings and delicious latkes… and now it’s onward to the rest of December.

Reading plans for December:

I’ve come up with an unofficial, let’s-see-how-it-goes plan to try to clear my backlog of ARCs during the rest of December. I don’t think I’ll get to them all, but my goal is to read three ARCs that I was especially interested in, and then use audiobooks from the library to listen to the books whose ARCs I didn’t get to earlier in the year.

I’d like to be able to start 2022 feeling caught up on my “obligation” reading! My intention for 2022 is to focus on reading books from my shelves and reading according to my moods, rather than by commitment or to get through ARCs. We’ll see how it goes…

What did I read during the last week?

My biggest accomplishment was finishing this huge book:

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (book #9 in the Outlander series) by Diana Gabaldon: It took me almost two weeks, but I finally made my way to the end of this 960-page book. So many thoughts… but it’s going to take me a while to digest. I’m thrilled to have read it of course — but hate the thought of waiting years to see what happens next!

Also read (listened to) this past week:

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I finished this book at the end of last week, but just posted a review (here) a few days ago. Terrific sci-fi!

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens: A fun, light-hearted contemporary romance. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve gotten totally hooked on Yellowstone. I powered through seasons 1 and 2 over the past week and a half, and I’m just now diving into season 3. I can’t seem to look away, especially whenever Kevin Costner is on screen — he’s just magnetic.

Fresh Catch:

More new books! A couple from a visit to a used book store, plus a few other treats:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I haven’t quite decided what I feel like reading next, now that I’ve finished my Outlander book… but it’ll be one of these two.

Now playing via audiobook:

If the Fates Allow by Rainbow Rowell: This short story will be a quick listen, but I’m looking forward to it! And once I finish, I’ll be starting…

Perfect Timing by Owen Nicholls, which also sound like it’ll be light and fun.

Ongoing reads:

Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I am now a good 3 or 4 weeks behind the group, but plan to catch up this month.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #296: Time’s Convert (All Souls, #4) by Deborah Harkness

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: Time’s Convert (All Souls, #4)
Author: Deborah Harkness
Published: 2018
Length: 448 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches comes a novel about what it takes to become a vampire.

On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus’s deeply held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.

Fast-forward to contemporary Paris, where Phoebe Taylor–the young employee at Sotheby’s whom Marcus has fallen for–is about to embark on her own journey to immortality. Though the modernized version of the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable than they were in the eighteenth century. The shadows that Marcus believed he’d escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both–forever.

A passionate love story and a fascinating exploration of the power of tradition and the possibilities not just for change but for revolution, Time’s Convert channels the supernatural world-building and slow-burning romance that made the All Souls Trilogy instant bestsellers to illuminate a new and vital moment in history, and a love affair that will bridge centuries. 

How and when I got it:

I bought the hardcover in 2018, as soon as it was published.

Why I want to read it:

I absolutely loved the All Souls trilogy, so I was thrilled to learn that there would be a new book set in this world. Time’s Convert, as I understand it, is more of a companion piece than a continuation. The All Souls books focused on Matthew and Diana, and their story wraps up nicely in book #3, The Book of Life.

This book focuses on the backstory of a fan-favorite character, and then continues his story into the future beyond The Book of Life. I’m very eager to learn what happens next for Marcus.

So why haven’t I read Time’s Convert yet? No good reason, really, except that as of when it was released, a few years had gone by since I was in the world of All Souls, and I felt like I needed a refresher before diving back in. I thought about re-reading the trilogy… but that just never happened, and now even more years have passed!

I’ve been loving the TV version of A Discovery of Witches, and with just one season remaining before the show catches up with the end of the trilogy, I’m thinking that I’ll watch season 3 before starting Time’s Convert. But — every time I see it sitting on my shelf, I’m reminded that I really do want to read it!

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 ~ 11/29/2021

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.

What a week — Thanksgiving and then Hanukkah! We had a lovely, small gathering for Thanksgiving, and had another little family gathering for the 1st night of Hanukkah last night.

My daughter was home for the week (she leaves this afternoon), and it was wonderful… although the time sped by so fast it made my head spin.

Among other fun events, we did a family theater outing over the weekend to see the touring production of My Fair Lady… it was “loverly”!

Back to regular life this week…

What did I read during the last week?

I finished two audiobooks, and loved them both:

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner: A moving, compelling contemporary novel about women’s lives and friendships. A 5-star read! My review is here.

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I finally got around to this book, and I’m so glad I did! I finished it on Sunday, but haven’t had a chance to write up my thoughts yet. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Family streaming time! We watched half of Jungle Cruise and thought it was incredibly dumb; then watched Red Notice the next night and had fun with it. Apparently, the theme of our viewing this week was Dwayne Johnson — not a bad theme!

Fresh Catch:

Besides the long-awaited book currently in my hands, my other new books this week were:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Aaaaah! It’s the 9th book in the Outlander series! I started it last Tuesday, as soon as it arrived, and I’m still only at 35%. Between the holiday week and the length of the book (990 pages!!), this is going to take a while.

Now playing via audiobook:

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens: I needed a light listen this week, and this one was available for immediate download from the library. Cute so far!

Ongoing reads:

Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m falling seriously behind the group at this point… hoping to catch up over the winter holiday break.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #295: The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

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 Wicked Deep
Author: Shea Ernshaw
Published: 2018
Length: 310 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow…

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself.

How and when I got it:

I bought the Kindle edition about two years ago.

Why I want to read it:

I picked up a copy of this book after reading the author’s 2019 novel, Winterwood. I loved the writing and the storytelling in that book, and was eager to read her earlier book.

As far as the plot of The Wicked Deep, I’m always up for a good witchy story, and this one sounds sinister and spooky and full of malice. Long-dead witches seeking revenge? I’m in! I really like the sound of the contemporary elements of the story, with a teen girl having to try to find a way to break the cycle. Reading the synopsis once more time as I write this post, I’m intrigued all over again!

I think this book is on my mind right now because I’m taking a look at my upcoming ARCs, and I’m planning to read the author’s next release, A History of Wild Places, in December. Here’s hoping The Wicked Deep and A History of Wild Places are both just as good as Winterwood!

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 ~ 11/22/2021

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.

My daughter is home for the week, and you won’t find a happier mama! I’m thrilled that she’ll be here for Thanksgiving and the first night of Hanukkah, and even though I have to work a couple of days this week, I’m so excited to have time to spend together.

What did I read during the last week?

Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau: Sweet romance between a bakery owner and a movie star, with lots of donuts and cupcakes. My review is here.

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser: I really enjoyed this lovely story about finding new love and new beginnings. My review is here.

Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (Outlander, #8) by Diana Gabaldon: Re-read for the 3rd (maybe 4th?) time, this time as part of a group re-read with my book group. We finished just in time for the new book’s release!

Pop culture & TV:

I ventured out to the movie theater to see Belfast, and I’m so happy I did. It’s a beautiful movie, and can I help it that I especially loved seeing Caitriona Balfe (star of Outlander) in it? I really hope the cast and the movie get some Oscar love.

Fresh Catch:

At the risk of proving once and for all how obsessed I am… the only new book on my mind right now is this one, coming Tuesday:

And yeah, I did also pre-order the Kindle edition so I can dive in right at midnight on Monday!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: I’ve been intending to read this sci-fi book since it came out earlier this year. I’m glad I’m finally starting it! I’ve read about 25% so far, and I’m really liking it… but I’m going to have to pause in the middle once my copy of BEES arrives.

Now playing via audiobook:

That Summer by Jennifer Weinter: I’ve listened to about 50% so far, and while I have guesses about where the story is going, there’s a hidden agenda here that has me really intrigued. The narrator is Sutton Foster, and she’s wonderful.

Ongoing reads:

Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m about two reading segments behind the group, but we have a couple of weeks off over the holidays, so I’ll catch up then, if not sooner. This book is way more complicated than I expected, but I’m finding it worth the effort when I have time to focus.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #294: Curse Workers trilogy by Holly Black

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: Curse Workers (trilogy)
Author: Holly Black
Published: 2010 – 2012
Length: White Cat – 310 pages; Red Glove – 325 pages; Black Heart – 297 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes the “dangerously, darkly gorgeous” (Cassandra Clare) Curse Workers trilogy…

Cassel Sharpe comes from a family of curse workers, people who have the power to change emotions, memories, and luck with the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re also all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists, but not Cassel. He doesn’t have magic, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family—except for the small detail that he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two older brothers, who are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s an unwitting pawn in a huge con game, he must unravel his past, and his memories. To find the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

How and when I got it:

I bought the three paperbacks many years ago — and yes, the gorgeous covers had a lot to do with it!

Why I want to read it:

It’s Holly Black! Of course I want to read these books!

I actually bought these books several years before reading one of my all-time favorite series, The Folk of the Air — but especially after reading those amazing books, I’m willing and eager to read anything and everything by this author!

The overall plot of the trilogy sounds terrific. I love the idea of being able to change emotions with a touch — it sounds like such a dangerous power to possess.

In case you’re interested, the three books of the trilogy are being released this coming December as an all-in-one edition. 992 pages!! Somehow, it seems a lot more intimidating to think about reading it that way. (And I way prefer the covers of the editions I have!)

What do you think? Would you read this trilogy?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Wicked Witch’s Blog


__________________________________

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 ~ 11/15/2021

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.

San Francisco weather enjoys playing games with us, I’m sure of it! This week, we had summer in November — gorgeous blue skies, temperatures in the 70s, absolutely lovely! And I’m not complaining in the slightest. I got to enjoy some terrific walks by the beach and had time here and there to sit out on my back porch, basking in the sun with a good book. Bliss!

What did I read during the last week?

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman: Gripping, dark YA drama, set in a contemporary fantasy world in which teens battle to the death for control of high magick. So good! My review is here.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean: I just loved this audiobook about a Japanese American girl who discovers she’s actually the daughter of Japan’s Crown Prince. My review is here.

The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Li: This is the author’s 3rd book about the Montague siblings, here focusing on youngest brother Adrian. Strictly an okay read. I couldn’t be bothered to write a review.

I also read two great novellas:

One Day All This Will Be Yours by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Trippy time travel paradoxes! My review is here.

Rizzio by Denise Mina: Powerful historical fiction about a real-life murder during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I know I’m a few years behind on this one, but I just started watching season 1 of Yellowstone over the weekend… and based on just the first few episodes, I can say: This is good, y’all. I’m definitely going to keep watching!

Fresh Catch:

Well… I went a little crazy with the book buying this week. Curse you, Amazon’s 3-for-2 sale!! Here’s a look at what I bought (or see my post here for a look at all the book covers).

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Donut Fall In Love by Jackie Lau: I’m going to stick to light, upbeat reads this week. I’ve just started this one, but it’s suiting my mood — I mean, a rom-com with baked goods? How could this go wrong?

Now playing via audiobook:

The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser: I’m about 60% of the way through this charming, thoughtful audiobook about a 40-something year old woman starting over after her marriage falls apart. And really, what could be better than a story set in a Scottish bookshop?

Ongoing reads:
  • Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series: THE FINAL WEEK. My book group has been reading five chapters per week since May, and we finish this Friday… just in time for the release of the new book next week!
  • Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. Yikes, I’m on the verge of falling seriously behind. I have a couple of chapters I need to power through to catch back up to the group.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #293: The River by Peter Heller

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 River
Author: Peter Heller
Published: 2019
Length: 253 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

The story of two college friends on a wilderness canoe trip—of a friendship tested by fire, white water, and violence

Wynn and Jack have been best friends since freshman orientation, bonded by their shared love of mountains, books, and fishing. Wynn is a gentle giant, a Vermont kid never happier than when his feet are in the water. Jack is more rugged, raised on a ranch in Colorado where sleeping under the stars and cooking on a fire came as naturally to him as breathing.

When they decide to canoe the Maskwa River in northern Canada, they anticipate long days of leisurely paddling and picking blueberries, and nights of stargazing and reading paperback Westerns. But a wildfire making its way across the forest adds unexpected urgency to the journey.

When they hear a man and woman arguing on the fog-shrouded riverbank and decide to warn them about the fire, their search for the pair turns up nothing and no one. But: The next day a man appears on the river, paddling alone. Is this the man they heard? And, if he is, where is the woman?

How and when I got it:

As with so many of the books on my Kindle, I bought the e-book version a year or so ago when there was a one-day price break.

Why I want to read it:

Peter Heller’s 2012 novel The Dog Stars is one that has stayed with me — beautiful, powerful, and frightening. I’ve been wanting to read more of his works ever since.

I remember hearing about The River when it came out, and knew that I’d want to read it eventually. It has so many elements I love, especially wilderness exploration with a touch of danger. This book sounds like a great combination of a story of friendship, an outdoor adventure, and a thriller, all rolled into one.

A sequel, The Guide, was just released earlier this year, and it sounds terrific — in fact, hearing about this new book is what reminded me that I really do need to finally get to The River.

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 ~ 11/8/2021

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.

I got boosted! I’m happy that I got my booster shot, but lost about two days to mild side effects. Kind of sucky at the time (aches, chills, fever), but it’s for the greater good, so what’s two days?

On the bright side, spending two days in bed and/or cuddled up under cozy blankets drinking tea gave me extra time to read.

What did I read during the last week?

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca: The 3rd book in the Well Met series, a really fun interwoven set of love stories with the local Renaissance Faire as the connecting theme. My review is here.

You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao: This YA novel was a complete miss for me. A story of loss and moving on, it follows a teen-aged girl whose boyfriend dies in a car accident, yet finds a way to continue speaking to him through her cell phone. The premise sounded promising, but the plot itself is messy and illogical, and there are too many elements that just don’t work. I didn’t end up writing a review, but this would be a 2-star read for me at best.

The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo: This, on the other hand, is a 5-star read! I love this story of finding family and connection. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

As a fan of (most of) The Vampire Diaries, I perked up when I saw a movie starring Nina Dobrev pop on on Netflix. So yeah, I watched it, and it was… not good. But hey, maybe I’m just a grinch who doesn’t enjoy Christmas-themed love stories! (No, that’s probably not it, but I’m trying to give this movie the benefit of the doubt.)

I did finish Only Murders in the Building this week, and loved it. I also got out of the house to go see Dune in IMAX (my 2nd viewing, but first in an actual movie theater), and loved being able to see it full-scale and with an amazing sound system.

Fresh Catch:

I wasn’t going to buy any books this week… and then I discovered that the special 25th anniversary edition of Drums of Autumn was just released! Obviously, I couldn’t resist.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman: I haven’t gotten all that far yet, but so far, I’m intrigued by this dark story about magical families sending representatives to fight to the death in a tournament that determines who controls magic. At least, that’s what I think the story is about — I’m only about three chapters in, and it’s not completely clear to me! Basically, Hunger Games with magic… maybe?

Now playing via audiobook:

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean: This is a really sweet, fun twist on the “I’m actually a princess!” trope — Japanese-American high school student Izumi discovers that she’s the secret illegitimate daughter of the Crown Prince of Japan, and is suddenly swept up in a whirlwind of court manners and royal luxury as she meets her father for the first time and must learn what it means to be part of his family. I’ve listened to about 40%, and I’m really enjoying it.

Ongoing reads:
  • Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. This week: Chapters 136- 140. Two weeks to go… just in time for the release of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
  • Doctor Zhivago is our group classic read, two chapters per week. I’m keeping up… barely.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #292: Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip

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: Winter Rose
Author: Patricia A. McKillip
Published: 1996
Length: 262 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Sorrow and trouble and bitterness will bound you and yours and the children of yours…

Some said the dying words of Nial Lynn, murdered by his own son, were a wicked curse. To others, it was a winter’s tale spun by firelight on cold, dark nights. But when Corbet Lynn came to rebuild his family estate, memories of his grandfather’s curse were rekindled by young and old – and rumours filled the heavy air of summer.

In the woods that border Lynn Hall, free-spirited Rois Melior roams wild and barefooted in search of healing herbs. She is as hopelessly unbridled – and unsuited for marriage – as her betrothed sister Laurel is domestic. In Corbet’s pale green eyes, Rois senses a desperate longing. In her restless dreams, mixed with the heady warmth of harvest wine, she hears him beckon. And as autumn gold fades, Rois is consumed with Corbet Lynn, obsessed with his secret past – until, across the frozed countryside and in flight from her own imagination, truth and dreams become inseparable…

How and when I got it:

I bought the e-book version when I saw it listed as a price drop. It was many years ago, but I don’t know when!

Why I want to read it:

From what I’ve seen on Goodreads, this is a Tam Lin retelling, and that’s enough for me to be sold! I’m always up for a good retelling, and I love fairy tales in general… plus, the synopsis for this book sounds lovely and magical. And who can resist that gorgeous cover?

I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I’ve heard her name from a bunch of trusted sources, and I think I have an old paperback of hers somewhere on my shelves as well.

I’d love to know if you have recommendations for other Patricia McKillip books. And meanwhile, what do you think of my Shelf Control choice this week? 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!