Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #509: The Hermit Next Door by Kevin Hearne

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher: Kevin Hearne, author of the acclaimed Iron Druid Chronicles, returns with an otherworldly new novella!

Newly widowed and trying to cope with her grief, Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will let them both heal and move on. She’s warned when buying their new home that the next door neighbor, Mr. Fisher, is a famous recluse and no one has seen him in years, but that’s fine with her—she’s looking for quiet.

She’s not going to get it, however, because when Pax meets the neighbor, he discovers that the reason Mr. Fisher hides from the world is that he isn’t actually from this world. He’s been stranded for decades and he’s trying to get home, and he could really use some help. 

Abruptly part of the best-kept secret on the planet, Winnie Mae and Pax have to protect Mr. Fisher from a nosy neighbor who would ruin his work and doom him to die among aliens, but they also have to ask themselves: How far would they go to escape their grief? Would another world be far enough?

The Hermit Next Door by Kevin Hearne is expected out June 30th, 2024 from Subterranean Press.

Why am I waiting on this book: I find the idea of finding out your neighbor is an alien intriguing. I am wondering to what lengths they will go to protect him from the nosy neighbor and help him find a way home. And do they really think they can outrun their grief? 

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists.Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

What I'm reading May 21, 2024

 

I am currently reading three books.

Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk is on my Kindle. I'm about half way through it. 

A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rosie Sutherland is on my tablet. I'm about 25% through it.

Oye by Melissa Mogollon is on the Kindle app on my phone. I'm about 10% through it.

All three books are good. 

Thirst  is starting to pick up a little now, so I may spend more time reading it than the others. I'm happy I want to know what is going to happen with this vampire.

A Sweet Sting of Salt is a selkie tale. I'm wondering when the main character, who is a midwife, will figure it out and what the consequences will be.

I'm not yet far enough into Oye to say yet. But it's an interesting format, sort of like overhearing a telephone conversation.

What are you reading this week? I hope you are enjoying it. Let us know in the comments. Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #508: The Gingerbread Queen by Carrie Anne Noble

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher:  Once upon a time, Gretel defeated the witch of the gingerbread cottage and saved Hansel. Now, she must face what the witch left behind...

Germany, 1825. Thirteen years have passed since Gretel and her brother Hansel started new lives in a small town. She’s changed her name, lived quietly, and tried to forget her terrible past—yet gossiping neighbors accuse her of being the old witch’s protégé. When roguish Hansel stirs up the townsfolk’s wrath, she must return to the gingerbread cottage—a place both she and her enemies fear.

Deep within the forest, the white duck awaits Gretel’s return. He and the enchanted forest have plans to nudge her toward a dark, magical future—whether she likes it or not.

Could it be her fate to become the next cruel witch-queen to reign--and to forfeit any chance of a happily-ever-after with a kind and noble man? And what dangerous secrets does the white duck hide?

The Gingerbread Queen by Carrie Anne Noble is the first book in a planned duology. Book one is expected out June 11th, 2024 from Oliver Heber Books.

Why am I waiting on this book: I like books with fairy tale type themes. I hadn't read one yet that was a follow up to Hansel and Gretel. I'm wondering what Hansel does to get in so much trouble that Gretel decides it's better to hang out at the witch's former residence. And, what's up with the duck? I want to know what happens to Gretel. Will she turn evil or will she get her happily ever after? 

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists.Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Happy Book Birthday to Oye by Melissa Mogollon

 

Through Raspberry Colored Glasses wishes Oye by Melissa Mogollon a Happy Book Birthday!

From the publisher:

A coming-of-age comedy. A telenovela-worthy drama. A moving family saga. All in a phone call you won’t want to hang up on.

"Yes, hi, Mari. It’s me. I’m over my tantrum now and calling you back . . . But first—you have to promise that you won’t tell Mom or Abue any of this. Okay? They’ll set the house on fire if they find out . . .”

Structured as a series of one-sided phone calls from our spunky, sarcastic narrator, Luciana, to her older sister, Mari, this wildly inventive debut “jump-starts your heart in the same way it piques your ear” (Xochitl Gonzalez). As the baby of her large Colombian American family, Luciana is usually relegated to the sidelines. But now she finds herself as the only voice of reason in the face of an unexpected crisis: A hurricane is heading straight for Miami, and her eccentric grandmother, Abue, is refusing to evacuate. Abue is so one-of-a-kind she’s basically in her own universe, and while she often drives Luciana nuts, they’re the only ones who truly understand each other. So when Abue, normally glamorous and full of life, receives a shocking medical diagnosis during the storm, Luciana’s world is upended.

When Abue moves into Luciana’s bedroom, their complicated bond intensifies. Luciana would rather be skating or sneaking out to meet girls, but Abue’s wild demands and unpredictable antics are a welcome distraction for Luciana from her misguided mother, absent sister, and uncertain future. Forced to step into the role of caretaker, translator, and keeper of the devastating family secrets that Abue begins to share, Luciana suddenly finds herself center stage, facing down adulthood—and rising to the occasion.

As Luciana chronicles the events of her disrupted senior year of high school over the phone to Mari, Oye unfolds like the most fascinating and entertaining conversation you’ve ever eavesdropped on: a rollicking, heartfelt, and utterly unique novel that celebrates the beauty revealed and resilience required when rewriting your own story.

Oye by Melissa Mogollon was released today from Hogarth. I'm starting it today. Have you got plans to read it?

Book Review: Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

 

In Eleanor Dash's first book, art imitated life. Now on tour in Italy, life is imitating art. Eleanor wants to write Connor Smith out of the book series he appears in. She's plotting the demise of his character. Now it seems as though someone has it out for Connor in real life. But who? And will they stop there? Join Eleanor, Connor, a handful of other authors, and a bus load of fans to find out.

I really liked Eleanor and her sister Harper. They have a good relationship. Eleanor narrates the book and is something of an unreliable narrator. She has a lot of good snark. Being a mystery writer, she is quick to see who might have a motive for what all is going on. It's like whoever organized the tour did so to maximize conflict.

The book moves along at a good pace with murder and attempted murder. The only thing that slows it down a little is the use of footnotes. Some of them are funny or informative. I found myself just skimming them after the first few chapters. I don't think I missed much. Another plot device used was the main character breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to the reader. Generally this works well, although it did slow momentum in a few places.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written and interesting. I partially figured out what was going, but not all of it. I liked the main character breaking the fourth wall, but wasn't keen on the footnotes. I liked enough of the characters to want to know what happened to them. If you like cozies with an author for the main character and some humor, this might be a good book for you.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack was published April 30, 2024 by Minotaur Books. This is the first book in The Vacation Mysteries series. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Book Review: The Good, the Bad. and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

 

After a honeymoon across Europe, Meddy and Nathan join the Aunties and their extended family in Jakarta for  Chinese New Year. Fourth Auntie has arranged for an old beau of Second Auntie to join their family celebration. Abi comes bearing gifts, lots of gifts. But one of these things is not like the others and was meant for a business rival. The Aunties all agree it is only right to return that gift to Abi. So, they start looking for it. Chaos ensues when the person who has it doesn't want to give it up.

The Aunties all have a time to shine, especially Fourth Aunt and First Aunt. They dominate the plans and follow through. Meddy has less to do until closer to the end. She and Nathan are mostly swept along in the chaos that is the Aunties. There is not much character growth, but we do get to see a more well rounded depiction of some of the characters.

The plot moves along fairly quickly once it gets going. Problems arise and the Aunties make plans to solve them. The plans often seem a little wild and complicated. You've got to suspend your disbelief, but then you can sit back and enjoy what happens.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. This is the third and final book of the series. I felt it was left open enough that if the author changes her mind she could easily revisit these characters. I have to say that I've really enjoyed reading about the Aunties and the chaos that seems to follow them. I also like the way they love one another and will band together whenever one of them is in trouble. If you enjoy humorous mysteries, this could be a good series for you. The Aunties will definitely keep you on your toes.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto was released March 26th, 2024 by Berkley.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #507: The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher:

A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this warm and wonderful debut fantasy, perfect for readers of Travis Baldree and Sangu Mandanna.

Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…

Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.

Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong is expected out November 5th, 2024 from Ace.

Why am I waiting on this book: I like the comparison to Travis Baldree. Found family stories are interesting. The idea of her telling only small fortunes is unique when paired with the reason why. And I like the cover.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists.Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan

 

Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and Luna Evans know there are the dead, and then there are the restless dead. The Evans' funeral parlor is the only one in town. So it seems sooner or later they all come through there. But the general population of this small southeastern Texas town know nothing about the restless dead. That includes the Deputy Roger Taylor who is lead investigator on a string of murders and disappearances. The coroner has said that it may be some kind of rabid animal. Deputy Taylor has his doubts. And he thinks the Evans have something to do with it. He just isn't sure what. 

I loved the cover and title. But, I thought the cover was a little misleading. It looks like it's going to  be a vampire book, but it really isn't. The monsters they face, the strigoi, are for the most part zombie-ish in nature. In fact, Ducey refers to them as ghouls.

The main plot is about the ghouls and what's going on with them in terms of the townspeople and the Evans family. There is a subplot about Luna finding out about her heritage since she is only half Evans. Plus she needs to find out more about the family business.

The story is told from alternating points of views. This includes all of the Evans women, the sheriff, Deputy Taylor and at least one more. It's a lot, but it works. It's coherent and easy to follow as each chapter starts with the name of whose viewpoint it is from.

Lighter moments are juxtaposed with horrific deaths. There[s a mystery as to who the master strigoi is. There is a dog, Belle, and she doesn't die in the end. There are more deaths than I expected. The ending did surprise me. I did not guess in advance who the master strigoi was. 

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's generally well written. The world building in terms of how the restless dead work was interesting. I liked the Evans women. And I find I am looking forward to the next book in the series. If you like your horror with just a dash of lighter moments, then this could be a good book for you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #506: The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois by Ryan Graudin

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher: In this lush and lyrical fantasy, Ryan Graudin transports readers to the hidden magical pockets of early 1900s Paris, a place of enchanted salons, fortune tellers who can change your stars, and doorways that can take you to the most unexpected places—and introduces readers to the delightful Céleste Artois, a con artist who will make a deal with the devil in exchange for her life...and change the fate of the world. , 

Céleste Artois had dreams of being an artist. But when the creative elite of Paris dashed those plans, she turned her talents to forgery and cons. She and the Enchantresses—her two fellow thieves and best friends—see Paris as a rich hunting ground for marks. Yet even though their hideout in Peré Lachaise cemetery is bursting with francs, Céleste cannot rest. There is always more to take. And the blood she has begun to cough into her handkerchief means her time is running out.
 
But everything changes when she encounters Rafe, a mysterious and beautiful stranger who leads her to an enchanted salon—a place where artists can bring wondrous imaginations to life. Céleste is captivated by this establishment, and learns of the existence of magical Paris, hidden in the pockets and alleys of the ordinary world, if one only knows where to look. 

Rafe offers Céleste an irresistible deal: the gift of time in exchange for lending him and his benefactor her forging talents. But one must be careful making deals with devils, and there's more to this hidden world than meets the eye. Shadows have begun to circle Paris. And soon, the Enchantresses will find that true magic is far more powerful, and deadly, than they ever imagined. 

The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois by Ryan Graudin is expected out August 27th, 2024 from Redhook Books.

Why am I waiting on this book: I like the sound of a magical Paris that exists alongside normal Paris, but can be found if you just look in the right places. I'm wondering what Rafe and his benefactor want her to forge. I wonder if the forgery alone will be the sole cost or if it will cost her more. I want to know what happens to Celeste and her fellow thieves.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists.Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!