Musing Monday: Release dates

 Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by The Purple Booker 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 follow book release dates and eagerly await a new arrival? Or do you just kind of check things out in a more casual manner?

I follow release dates and eagerly anticipate them for my favorite authors: Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, J.K. Rowling/Robert Galbraith to name a few. Other than those I am more casual but every now and then I get excited about an upcoming book and pay attention to the release date. For example, next Tuesday, July 11th Susan Mallery's latest Secrets of the Tulip Sisters comes out. Another book that I learned about recently called The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry is coming out on the same day. I am excited about both of those books and can't wait to get my hands on them for summer reading. 

Musing Monday: Poolside reading

 Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by The Purple Booker 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 favorite spot to read during the summer?

I love to read poolside during the summer! I thoroughly enjoy reading whatever book I'm engrossed in - either before or after I swim - while still being with my family and hearing their continued joy. It's peaceful and I feel quite content while reading outside by the pool.

Musing Monday: The Wicked Trilogy

 Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by The Purple Booker 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…

Over the past couple of weeks I have been reading historical romances by Madeline Hunter. I've read her in the past so I knew I liked her style. However, for some reason it had been a long time since I'd read a historical romance. I decided I was in the mood for one but didn't know which one I wanted to read. So I went to the library and came across The Wicked trilogy by Madeline Hunter. I've now read the first two books in the series: His Wicked Reputation and Tall, Dark and Wicked. They were both fantastic, entertaining reads for me. In fact, I gave Tall, Dark and Wicked a 5 star rating on Good Reads. Now I have begun the third book in the trilogy The Wicked Duke and I am already enjoying it.

Musing Monday's: Echoes in Death

 Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by The Purple Booker 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 WEEKS 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?

Tomorrow the new J.D. Robb book Echoes in Death is being released. I will be getting that first thing and diving into it. This is the 44th book in this series and it amazes me how it continues to feel fresh. I was a late-comer to this series because I was afraid it would be too gruesome for me. I admit that sometimes I do cringe while reading some of the scenes - they main character is a homicide detective - but I love the characters so much! I come back to this series again and again because I love Eve and Roarke so much! 

Musing Monday: Currently reading and 2017 reading goal

 Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by The Purple Booker 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 is: Have you joined any reading challenges for the new year? Do you have any general goals, book or otherwise, for 2017?

I'm going to answer a couple of the questions this week. First, I am reading The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher. I'm not too far into it yet but so far it is really interesting and fun to read. It is also rather bittersweet to read considering Fisher's recent passing. I literally grew up with Star Wars and so did my husband. We have been so thrilled to share the Star Wars world with our children, too.

Second, I always make a goal to read 52 books per year. I usually end up increasing that goal but it's what I start with and that works for me. I also track my reading on GoodReads. 

Musing Mondays: Excited about...

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm 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 book(s) are you most excited to read, this year? Is there anything special on tap?

I am quite excited to be reading The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith. I am really enjoying the book and looking forward to reading the next two in the series. I am also looking forward to a book called The Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. My kids and I are also enjoying me reading to them again each night at bedtime. They want me to read them the Harry Potter series this year. We read the first three books together last year and they would like to continue with it - so we will.

Musing Mondays: Currently reading Stars of Fortune

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 review books? If so, who do you review for? If not, was it by choice? Why?

I am currently reading the latest by Nora Roberts - Stars of Fortune. This book came out last Tuesday but I wasn't able to start it until Friday. I am just over one quarter of the way through the book. I want to gobble it down in one greedy bite. Yes, it is that good. I have a lot going on and have only been able to read a little bit of it at a time, though. I know this is a good thing because when I am done with this book I will want (probably desperately) the next book in the series. It's not out yet, of course. According to GoodReads it is called Bay of Sighs and its expected release date is June 14, 2016. Months! So yeah, I'm loving Stars of Fortune but trying not to rush through it. How do you think I'll do with that? LOL

Musing Monday's: It Had to be You

Musing Monday's asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying about it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

I am reading It Had to be You by Jill Shalvis. It's the seventh book in her Lucky Harbor series. I was late in discovering this series but I am so glad I finally gave it a try because I seriously love it. This is Ali and Luke's love story and I am really, really loving and enjoying this book.

Ali is a really nice, good-hearted, loving woman who has had a really rough life. And yet she is so optimistic and still willing to embrace and the richness life has to offer. Luke is a burned out detective who is weighed down by guilt. He comes home to Lucky Harbor looking for peace and quiet but can't seem to find it. He doesn't want to get involved with the current mess that Ali is in but can't keep away from her either. I'm a little over halfway through this book and can't wait to see how things develop between Ali and Luke. This is Jill Shalvis and Lucky Harbor so I know that this wonderful couple will get their happy ending. I'm thoroughly pleased by their journey thus far and expect that I will continue to be so.

Musing Monday's - Hillbilly Rockstar

Musing Monday's asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

It has been quite some time since I've done a Musing Monday's post. However, I am attempting (once again) to be a more active blogger. So, I will say that I recently purchased Hillbilly Rockstar by Lorelei James. I got the book because I was in the mood for something by Ms. James. Plus, I have a weak spot for stories with musician heroes. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I am not disappointed in it one little bit. In fact, this book has ticked all of my enjoyment boxes. Lorelei James has a knack for writing characters that feel so real I want to be friends with them. I love that. I appreciate that and aspire to write that way. So if you're in the mood for a love story with a bit of mystery, some definite cry moments and some steamy love scenes - read this book!

Musing Monday's - Recent Purchase

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

I recently purchased The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan.  I'd been hearing a lot of good things about this book.  Then, last weekend, it was an extremely reasonable price for my Nook, so I snatched it up.  I love Historical fiction, which this book is; plus, I think it'll be a great book club read.  I'm looking forward to reading this one - hopefully in the near future.

Musing Monday's - January 28, 2013

Musing Monday's asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.

Right now I am reading an autobiography called In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran by John Taylor.  He is the bass guitar player for Duran Duran.  I am reading this book because not only are they my favorite band, I am quite interested in knowing more about the so-called behind the scenes of the band.  I am happy to say that I have actually learned a lot that I didn't know.

I am also learning a lot about John Taylor as a person.  His life has been charmed, of course, but there has been a lot of struggle, as well.  I am almost done with the book and I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to read it.  My husband got the book for me for Christmas and I am so thankful for that.  This is definitely a book I want to keep and read again.

Musing Monday's - Series

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing, — courtesy of http://ladywithbooks.wordpress.com– asks…
Do you have a favorite series? Do you have a favorite book out of that series?

My favorite series is J.D. Robb's In Death books.  I was rather late getting into this series, too.  I have been a huge Nora Roberts fan since college but had always been afraid to try her In Death series as JDR.  I'm not really a fan of gruesome books and I thought this one would be like that. 

WHile I was pregnant with my first child, she released a book called Remember When.  The first half of the book is written as NR and modern; while the second half is written as JDR, in the future In Death Manhattan.  I devoured the first half f the book and was left hanging for the resolution and cautiously read the second half.  That was all it took and I've been a huge fan of the series ever since.  I went back to the beginning and read the series in order.  It took me a while to catch up but now I chomp at the bit waiting for the next installment to come out.  In fact, I'm currently number two on the library waiting list for the latest.

As for a favorite in the series - Vision in Death.  I have to say though that the characters and the love story between the Eve and Roarke are definitely what keep me glued to and happily invested in this series.  The homicide cases are very interesting and well done but it's the relationships that keep me coming back for more - time and again.

Musing Monday's - Hobbies and Collections

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing, courtesy of http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com– asks…
Do you have any hobbies outside of reading?
Or do you collect anything?

This is a fabulous musing! My hobbies outside of reading are mostly craft related.  I crochet, scrapbook, take a LOT of pictures, and have recently started teaching myself to sew.  My friend also sent me items to learn knitting - which I am very excited about.  Also, my children love puzzles and I really enjoy doing puzzles with them.

As for collections; Aside from my BOOK collection, my husband and I have quite a music collection.  We both came into our marriage with quite a lot of vinyl records (yes, I'm aging myself, I know), CD's and even some cassettes.  Most of the cassettes have gone now but we still have the CD's and vinyl.  And our children are beginning to love collecting music, too. 

I also have a Duran Duran (my MOST FAVORITE band EVER!) collection.  In addition to their music (yes, on vinyl and CD) I have all their merchandise that I collected during my teen years: posters, pins, books, a purse, a jacket and many, many t-shirts.  A lot of my Duran Duran t-shirts have been purchased during my adult years.  In fact, they have a store on their official website that has a lot of stuff I want - like coffee mugs! I WILL be getting the mugs very soon.  Oh, and some more t-shirts, of course - for myself and my children.  I'm happy to say my Duran Duran love has been inherited by my kids.  LOL

Musing Monday's - Snacking

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing, courtesy of http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com — asks…
Do you snack while you read? If so, what is your favorite reading snack?

I generally do not snack while I read.  The main reason for that is because the majority of my reading takes place at night, and usually in bed.  The idea of snacking in bed grosses me out.  That being said, there are times when I read during the day - usually during a readathon.  Then I will snack; my favorites are, plain M&M's, veggies and dip and chips and salsa.

Musing Monday's - Book Blogs

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing, courtesy of http://readbookswritepoetry.blogspot.in, asks:
What attracts you to a book blog? What puts you off in a book blog? Do you share personal stuff on your book blog?

I like book blogs that are informative without being preachy.  I also tend to like the ones that are not cluttered, while still being nice to look at.  As for my own blog - I share a bit of personal stuff, like my writing aspirations or struggles.  If I share something personal, it's often rather general.  THis is just me being very protective of my family.

Musing Monday's - Magazines

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks:

Do you read magazines? If so, which ones? If not, why not?

I go through phases with magazines.  I can go a long time without reading or buying one and then I buy several.  I like artistic (crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking) magazines and health/weight loss magazine like Shape the best. 

My kids, especially my oldest, have discovered a love for magazines, too.  In fact, i just bought one for each child and one for myself yesterday at barnes and Noble.

Musing Monday's - Book Length

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks:


What is the longest book you have ever read? How long did it take you to read it?

I'm not entirely positive about this answer.  I'm going to guess the later books in the Harry Potter series, though.  I remember the seventh book being near 800 pages and I think the sixth was just over 700.  I read these books within a few days of their original release dates (and a couple of times since) - so, fairly quickly.

Musing Monday's - Dictionary

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks:

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?

It honestly depends on how in to the book I am.  If it's a grippig book or section of the book - probably not.  If the word appears at a place in the book where I don't mind stopping then I'll look the word up.  Fortunately though, I can usually figure out the meaning of the word based on the context of the storyline at the given moment.

Musing Monday's - Getting Ready

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks:

What do you do with the book before you start reading it?

The first thing I do with any book before I read it is clean it.  Yes, I know that sounds funny but it's so true.  Whether the book is from the library or the book store, other people have been touching it and handling it - so I clean it first.  Then I read the back or the flaps again - even though I've already done so in making my decision to read the book.  Then I read the author biography.  I'm always interested in the author and what she or he has done.  I also like to see how long the book is - the number of pages.  Finally, I read the book.

Musing Monday's - Where to Stop

Musing Monday's is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. This week’s musing asks:

Do you tend to read to the end of a chapter or can you stop anywhere?

I don't need to stop at the end of a chapter but my stopping point does have to be logical for me.  Usually I stop reading at the end of a scene or a conversation if I'm not at the end of a chapter.  Just stopping at a random place is not something I do unless there's is something important that requires my immediate attention.