Musing Mondays (April 24)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: When someone in your life passes do you pick up a book they liked or one that reminds you of them to read?

April has been a really rough reading month for me.  Although I have been reading, it’s been slow and I haven’t been able to read for longer periods of time.  I just haven’t been in the mood to read as much.  I am slowly getting back to a regular reading pace and hoping this slump doesn’t follow me into May.

I’m currently reading…

Last night was the spring edition of Lauren from Lauren and the Books Cozy Reading Night.  #cozyreadingnight  It’s a 3 hour read-a-thon from 7-10pm where the idea is to just get cozy and read.  Grab a comfy blanket, put on some comfy pjs, grab your favorite snack, light a candle, play some relaxing music…whatever makes a cozy atmosphere for you and read!  I participated in the last cozy reading night in February and had so much fun.  So, I decided to join in to this one and hope it would help me get out of this reading slump.  Over the 3 hours last night, I continued reading a book and started 2 more books.  I even picked up one of the three books again last night before bed and this morning.  Could cozy reading night have ended this dreaded reading slump for me????  I hope so!  We’ll see…

  

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley: Goodreads 

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery: Goodreads 

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas: Goodreads 

I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…

Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors and a definite auto-buy for me.  So, I’m so excited for this February 6, 2018 and the release of Kristin Hannah’s newest book!

Goodreads

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: When someone in your life passes do you pick up a book they liked or one that reminds you of them to read?

This past November my sister passed away very unexpectedly and tragically, at only 37.  She was a reader from time to time and had recommended A Man Called Ove  by Fredrik Backman to me.  I already had it on my shelf and figured I’d get to it at some point.  After my sister passed, when I was able to pick up a book, A Man Called Ove was the first book I read.  I loved the book!  However, even if I didn’t love the book, it would always have a special place in my heart and on my shelves as a memory of my sister.  My sister and I were very different people and my sister had a lot of personal struggles in life.  I think this was a great way for me to feel connected to her and have a special memory to share with her.

Although, I have had other loved ones pass away, I think this was the first time a book reminded me of a loved one who had passed away.  It was the first time I grabbed a book to help me heal from the loss.  It’s amazing how much books connect us, both in the good times and the bad.  ❤

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

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Musing Mondays (April 3)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Are there any songs that make you think of certain books or scenes from books? If so, which songs/books?

March was a crazy and stressful month for me and I didn’t read a lot.  During the second half of March, I took a break from reading and writing blog posts.  I just couldn’t focus on reading and writing.  Instead, I did more adult coloring the past few weeks.  Everything is looking up now and the stressful days are behind us, so it’s time to look at a new month and get back to reading. 🙂

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

I’m really enjoying this book!  Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult is a Recommendation Swap book for me from my bookclub.  It’s a book that has been sitting on my shelves since soon after it was released in 2016 and I’ve had every good intention to read it.  For some reason, I just kept reading other books, but finally I picked it up to read.  I was hoping Small Great Things would help me get back on track with my reading and it is doing just that.  The book grabbed me from the very first few pages.  Jodi Picoult doesn’t beat around the bush, her characters dive right into who they are, for better or worse. It’s a book that is making me think and has already broken my heart, all by page 90.  I can’t wait to see where this story goes!

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

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Musing Mondays (Mar. 13)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you post book reviews right after you finish the book? Or do you wait a while so you can fully digest it before posting a review?

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

Up next I think I’ll read…

Goodreads

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you post book reviews right after you finish the book? Or do you wait a while so you can fully digest it before posting a review?

I write a rough draft of my review soon after I finish reading the book, sometimes right after I finish the book.  However, I don’t post the review for at least a few days while I think more about the book.  I have trouble remembering a lot about most books after I move onto another book.  So, writing a review right away is a must for me.  It helps me focus on the book as a whole and to start thinking about what I liked and what I didn’t like about the story.  Then over the next few days, I process those thoughts and make sure that that’s how I truly feel about the story.  After processing my thoughts, I go back to my rough draft of my review and make any necessary changes before posting the review.

 Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

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Musing Mondays (Mar. 6)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: If you could be best friends with an author, who would you choose and why?

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

Up next I think I’ll read…

Goodreads

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: If you could be best friends with an author, who would you choose and why?

When I thought about what author I’d like to be best friends with, three authors immediately came to my mind.

L.M. Montgomery, the author of the Anne of Green Gables series and Rosamunde Pilcher, author of Winter Solstice (as well as many other books) are two of the authors that I think I would like to be best friends with.  Both of these ladies write beautiful stories about families coming together under unlikely circumstances and enjoying the simple joys in life.  They create characters who are grateful for the love of family and the beauty of the little things.  I would love to have more of that influence to balance the lives we live now.

I think I would also enjoy being best friends with Kristin Hannah, author of Firefly Lane, The Nightingale, Night Road (as well as many other books).  Kristin Hannah’s books brought back my joy of reading as an adult.  For a time, I wasn’t reading very much for enjoyment. When my son was young, he had some special needs that took a lot of my attention and when I read, it was books to help me help him more.  When I had the time and desire to read for fun again, I picked up Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah and my passion for reading was ignited again!  Her books are emotional reads that really engage the reader and make them feel for her characters.  I would definitly like to share with Kristin Hannah how much her books impacted my reading and to learn more from her about herself and her inspiration for her books.

It was just too hard to choose only one author who I think might make a good best friend. So, I took a little liberty with this question and shared the three authors that immediately came to mind when I read today’s bonus question.

What author(s) do you think would make a good best friend for you?

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

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Musing Mondays (Feb. 27)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Have you ever accidentally destroyed a book? Such as accidentally dropped it in the tub, or run it over with a bike? How about accidentally on purpose or simply purposefully?

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

and

Goodreads

I’m almost done reading both of these books.  I should have them completed by tomorrow. I can’t believe February is about to be done, but I’m looking forward to Spring. We’ve had a few Spring-like days in February and it’s made me yearn for Springtime even more.  🙂

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Have you ever accidentally destroyed a book? Such as accidentally dropped it in the tub, or run it over with a bike? How about accidentally on purpose or simply purposefully?

Hmmm…I can’t say that I have ever destroyed a book.  Perhaps as a very young child?  But, I don’t have any memories of ever destroying a book.  I’m not much of a multitasker while reading, except for interuptions from the kiddos or husband at times.  LOL  Perhaps, not multitasking while reading is why I don’t think I’ve ever accidentally destroyed a book.  I do often drink tea while reading and I’ve spilled on a book from time to time, but that doesn’t make the book unreadable.  I don’t read in a bath, but if I did, I’d definitely be the type to drop it in the bathtub!  😉

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

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Musing Mondays (Feb. 20)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you like new book smell? Old book smell? All book smell?

I’m currently reading…

11235712

Goodreads

and

Goodreads

I blogged about ____ this past week…

❤ LOVE-A-THON ❤

I had the greatest time this weekend participating in  Love-A-Thon!  I met so many lovely booklovers accross all forms of social media.  I enjoyed creating many blog posts this weekend for the challenges, chatting on Twitter and finding new blogs/Instagrammers/YouTubers to follow.  If was a great way to bring the book community together and remind each of us of the importance of spresding the love.  ❤

Here are my posts from this past weekends Love-A-Thon:

If you joined me for the Love-A-Thon, it was great meeting you and getting to know you.  I look forward to continuing to chat and share our love of reading!

If not, I would encourage you to consider joining the Love-A-Thon next year. It was such a joy to take part in and I highly recommend it.

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you like new book smell? Old book smell? All book smell?

I’m an all book smell kind of girl!  If you can smell the books, you’re one step closer to your next book adventure!  🙂

Musing Mondays (Feb. 13)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION:  If you could travel to one place you’ve read about in a book, what place would you visit and what book was it from?

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…

Displaying 2017 Love-A-Thon graphic.pngLove-a-thon 2017 will be taking place from February 18, 2017 -February 20, 2017.  This will be my first year participating in the Love-a-thon and I’m so excited!  🙂 ❤  The purpose of the Love-a-thon is to bring the online book community together, meet new booklovers across all social media platforms and to spread love to those online booklovers we have already met along the way.  This years hosts of the Love-a-thon are Alexa of Alexa Loves Books, Cece of The Novel Hermit, Kristin of Super Space Chick and Mel of The Daily Prophecy.

This weekend you will see some different blog posts from me.  The love-a-thon hosts have come up with some fun ways for participants to share more about themselves and some really fun challenge posts.  I am having a blast creating these posts!  I hope you enjoy them!  🙂

Also, this week I started a Twiter feed, InMyReadingNook as another way to share some bookish content.  If you have a Twitter account, please come follow me.  🙂

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

Musing Mondays (Feb. 6)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you try out genres you have not liked in the past once in a while just to see if your taste changed?

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

I am absolutely loving Caraval by Stephanie Garber! I am almost finished reading it and I should be done later today.

Up next I think I’ll read…

Goodreads

Reesha Goral, author of The Servent Boy, reached out to me and kindly gave me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I am looking forward to reading this book and reviewing it for her.

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you try out genres you have not liked in the past once in a while just to see if your taste changed?

There really aren’t very many genres that I don’t read.  I’m not a fan of erotica  or horror. I’m a big chicken!  I don’t enjoy being scared.  However, I’ve even read a little bit of horror. It really depends on my mood.  One genre I can think of that I haven’t tried is Steampunk, but I’m planning to change that this year.  So, do I try out genres I haven’t liked in the past once in awhile to see if my tastes have changed?  No, not really.  Since joining Goodreads and then other social media for readers, I have expanded my reading genres so widely.  I’ve learned that it really depends on the specific book and my mood more then the genre.  If it’s the right book at the right time, I will enjoy reading it.

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

Musing Mondays (Jan. 30)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Are there any books you are really eagerly waiting for in 2017?

I’m currently reading…

I very rarely read more then one book at a time.  However, this past week what I’m in the mood to read seemed to change from moment to moment. Therefore, I have three books that I’m currently reading this week.  I’m enjoying all three books very much.

Goodreads

I’m hoping to have The Mothers by Brit Bennett finished by tomorrow, the end of the month.  I’m so gripped by the characters that this book is reading very quickly.

Goodreads

Goodreads

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Are there any books you are really eagerly waiting for in 2017?

Goodreads

As a huge fan of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a must read for me.  I’ve heard great things about this book from bloggers and booktubers who have read ARCs of this book.  I’m trying to be more kind to my budget and use my local library more this year, so I’ve already reserved a copy of Caraval from the library.  Caraval by Stephanie Garber comes out tomorrow (January 31, 2017).  The wait is almost over!  Hopefully, I’m towards the top of the library reserve list and I won’t have to wait to long to read it.

What book release(s) are you most looking forward to in 2017?

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday

Musing Mondays (Jan 23)

Musing Mondays is hosted by Ambrosia at her blog, The Purple Booker.

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

  • I’m currently reading…
  • Up next I think I’ll read…
  • I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
  • I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
  • I can’t wait to get a copy of…
  • I wish I could read ___, but…
  • I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: What is your preferred reading format?

I’m currently reading…

Goodreads

I am absolutely loving this story!  It was a busy weekend so I  didn’t get too much time to read.  I’m about 115 pages into the book and I’m really enjoying it.  We had family over Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.  It’s always nice to spend time with family, but I don’t read much (or at all) when they come over.

 Also, my son turned 17 on Thursday and got his driver’s license.  Ahhh!  He’s my oldest and first one to drive.  He went out driving alone for the first time this weekend and even picked up take-out dinner for us on Saturday.  He’s been a very responsible driver over the past year with his permit and so far with the license, but it’s still nerve wracking for mama.  I just want my “baby” home safe and sound.

Today, he drove himself to school for the first time.  Unfortunately, we are currently waiting on the nor’easter.  It’s a bit windy right now and heavy rains aren’t supposed to start until later this evening.  We are up north so we aren’t getting the potentially destructive rain as bad as the southern part of our state is predicted to get.  I’m just praying he can get home ahead of the heavy rain.  If needed, we’ll pick him up and get his car at another time.

I can’t wait to get a copy of…

Goodreads

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: What is your preferred reading format?

My preferred reading format is a physical book.  I love the feel of holding an actual book and turning the pages.  I also prefer to finish a chapter before I put the book down whenever possible, so being able to easily see how many pages are in a chapter I find very helpful.

However, I am not opposed to e-books.  I went through a phase where I read a lot of books in e-book format.  At the time, I enjoyed the convience of having a book on the spot right from the comfort of home.  Also, there are often great deals on e-books.  But if money and space where unlimited, I would choose physical books every time!

Feel free to post your Musing Monday link.  I’d love to read what you’re musing about this Monday