Cover Runway Sunday

    

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

The Finch sisters once spent long, hot summers exploring the dozens of abandoned properties littering their dying town―until they found an impossible home with an endless hall of doors…and three keys left waiting for them. Curious, fearless, they stepped inside their chosen rooms, and experienced horrors they never dared speak of again.

Now, years later, youngest sister Claire has been discovered dead in that old, desiccated house. Haunted by their sister's suicide and the memories of a past they've struggled to forget, Meg and Esther find themselves at bitter odds.

As they navigate the tensions of their brittle relationship, they draw unsettling lines between Claire's death, their own haunted memories, and a long-ago loss no one in their family has ever been able to face.

With the house once again pulling them ever closer, Meg and Esther must find the connection between their sister's death and the shadow that has chased them across the years…before the darkness claims them, too.

HAPPY READING!!

May Silent Book Club

Hey hey hey! A new month means it's nearly time for another Silent Book Club. This one will be held on May 15, same bat time, same bat channel. Only this week I might be hosting alone as my co-host will be gearing up to go on vacation. So come out and meet other readers, help us take over the long tables at Leftcraft, and maybe find some new books to add to your TBR. We'll be kicking off at 7pm, and reading will begin at 7:30! 

If you have any questions you can reach out to the Book Club on Instagram, @SilentBookClubEdmonds. Or, drop a comment here! You can also find other Silent Book Clubs closer to you if you don't live in Western Washington! There are so many Silent Book Clubs, and not all of them require physical present. So places do virtual read-ins!

HAPPY READING!!

May Spotlight Read

 

I adore Christina Henry's books. So when I saw she had a new book out, I ran, not walked, to add this to my TBR. I've already had this on pre-order, and it comes out right before our May Silent Book Club. So this will probably be my May Book Club read. I should be in between physical reads because this also comes out the week after I get back from vacation. I'm hoping to spend reading on my parents' patio!

A single mother working in the gothic mansion of a reclusive horror director stumbles upon terrifying secrets.

Harry Adams loves horror movies, so it’s no coincidence that she accepted a job cleaning house for horror-movie director Javier Castillo. His forbidding gray-stone Chicago mansion, Bright Horses, is filled from top to bottom with terrifying props and costumes as well as glittering awards from his career making movies that thrilled audiences—until family tragedy and scandal forced him to vanish from the industry.

Javier values discretion, and Harry always tries to keep the house immaculate, her head down, and her job safe. Then she hears noises from behind a locked door, noises that sound remarkably like a human voice calling for help. Harry knows not asking questions is a vital part of keeping her job, but she soon discovers that the house may be home to secrets she can’t ignore.

HAPPY READING!!

April Wrap Up

Hello May!  April was an odd month for me. It was both busy and not busy at the same time. If that makes any sense it all. Or, maybe it feels that way because I've been a bit under the weather. This year the pollen is definitely trying to kill me. It feels like it's been ages since I've been this sick with my allergies. I've gone through so many boxes of tissues. That does mean I've been reading a lot because the only I've wanted to do in the morning, or after work, is curl on the couch.

However, I seem to be coming out of my need to read short books. I finally finished Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. Though, that might have to do with the fact I've finally finished and caught up with, the Judge Dee series, so I'm moving on to full books. Or, maybe because it's almost summer and I'm excited about beach and pool reads! Either way, I'm reading two great books at the moment.

Books Read: 7
BINGO Books: 2

A to Z Challenge: 1

Pages Read: 551

Currently Reading: I'm Starting to Worry About the Black Box of Doom

This year's BINGO card is definitely harder than last year's card. While I'm not struggling, per se, I'm definitely not flying through squares like last year. I did however manage to cross off 2 squares this month (Free Space & Red Cover). I'm currently reading my Debut Author Square! My A to Z Challenge has definitely been a struggle this year. Because I've been low-key obsessed with my Kindle. Most of what I've been reading has been on there. I haven't been very interested in my physical reads, despite how many I have, not that it's stopped me from collecting more.

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous at Breaking the Spine.

Hazel Davis is drifting: she’s stalled in her career, living in a city she hates, and less successful than her younger sister @evelyn, a lifestyle influencer. Evie came of age on the family YouTube channel after a viral video when she was five. Ten years older and spotlight-averse, Hazel managed to dodge the family business—so although she can barely afford her apartment, at least she made her own way.

Evie is eighteen now, with a multimillion-dollar career, but Hazel is still protective of her little sister and skeptical of the way everyone seems to want a piece of her: Evie’s followers, her YouTuber boyfriend and influencer frenemies, and their opportunistic mother. So when Evie disappears one day during an unsettling live stream that cuts out midsentence, Hazel is horrified to have her worst instincts proven right.

As theories about Evie’s disappearance tear through the internet, inspiring hashtags, Reddit threads, and podcast episodes, Hazel throws herself into the darkest parts of her sister’s world to untangle the truth. After all, Hazel knows Evie better than anyone else . . . doesn’t she?

Why I'm Waiting: This sounds creepy, mostly because people on the internet creep me out.

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate.

Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end.

Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm's length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction.

Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn't been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.

While going through their parent's belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends. Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave.

HAPPY READING!!

Book Haul

Okay, so I went book shopping twice last week. This isn't something I normally do, but I wanted to support a couple of small indie bookstores during SnoCo's Indie Bookstore Week. Two of the bookstores are a little bit out of the way, and while the drive to them isn't bad and the town super cute, I just don't normally find my way that far North. So I made a special trip to go to both and support during Book Store Week. While on my way home I realized my favorite comic book store was on the way home.

So.. of course, I stopped in there and picked up a couple of things that have been on my wishlist for a while. Nerded out over Stranger Things, and then realized I'll have to go back sooner rather than later. Because one of the graphics I picked up is book one for maybe three. And, since it's Sarah Gailey, I know I'm gonna need to keep up with the series.

And, because Saturday was officially Indie Bookstore Day, I ran into my local bookstore and supported them. So definitely did more book shopping than I normally do in a week, but it was for a great cause. I was able to three of my favorite bookstores, and wander around a new one I'd never been to before.

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

   

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

Discover everything about aliens in this fun handbook packed with eerie accounts of the extraterrestrial, fascinating science, and weird facts–perfect for middle grade readers and young sci-fi fans.

Incoming transmission . . . Are there aliens out there? What’s the deal with Area 51? Can outer space support human life? Explore the extraterrestrial in Sightseeing with Aliens, a field guide for the curious and the adventurous. Blast off to space and discover:

Weird science and eye-opening history! Read up on humanity’s forays into space and meet the Mars rovers. Fascinating accounts of alien encounters! What really happened in the 1947 Roswell Incident?Out-of-this-world science fiction! Tune into iconic alien media, from H.G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds to Star Trek. 
The third book in the Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural series, Sightseeing with Aliens is a hilarious and unabashedly weird investigation into how the unknown can shape our lives. Get to know the extraterrestrial with stellar illustrations and hands-on activities, like creating a time capsule and taking on the 7-Day Earthling Challenge to help Planet Earth. The whole galaxy is out there—grab your guide, and let’s go!

For more on the supernatural, check out Hanging with Vampires and Chilling with Ghosts!

HAPPY READING!!

Indie Bookstore Day

If ever there was a good reason to go out and get that book you've been thinking about reading, a day to break that book-buying ban, today that is that. Because it is Independent Bookstore Day! Now, I have to work today because it's Saturday and my day to open, but I am also very lucky that my local bookstore is just right around the corner from the kitchen I work in. So during my break, I'll be able to run over and support them today! Because I'll take any excuse to add books to my shelves. Though at this point, I'm pretty sure I'm officially out of room on all my bookcases.

So today is the day to get that book you've had your eye on. If you can't get out to go to a shop in person, don't forget about bookshop.org, they allow you to shop online and support a local shop anywhere. Either way, in case you needed a reason to get yourself a little bookish treat, here's me, giving you that excuse. I'll be using it today. Hopefully to add another cozy murder mystery to my Summer TBR. 

HAPPY READING!!

Book Mail

I got some of my favorite kind of book mail yesterday, the kind I forgot I ordered. A few weeks ago while I was sorting through shelves, I realized I didn't own all of Edgar Cantero's book. In fact, I was missing my favorite one, Supernatural Enhancements. There was a reason for that, I am not a fan of the paperback cover. So I put off adding to my collection, thinking I'd surely, at some point, find the hardback with the library cover. Because I was in love with that cover. Fast forward to maybe six years later, I still don't have it because it's become hard to find.

So, what do I do? Head to Google of course to see if someone is selling a copy. And, wouldn't you know I found a cute little shop on Etsy that was selling exactly what I needed. 

Then of course, because it was coming from Canada, time passed, and with work and me getting ready to go see my family the in Middle, I forgot I ordered anything. Until I went to check the mail and there was a book-shaped package in my mailbox. I was confused for half a second until I realized what it was. Finally, I get to add this to my shelves, but not after a quick little re-read. Because I remember absolutely loving this book, and it is the reason I've added Cantero's two other English books to my shelves.

So a huge thank you to Novel Realms Used Books on Etsy, you can find them here! Because look at this thing! Ugh, I have so many books I want to read, but now I just really want to re-read this one!

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous at Breaking the Spine.

Groundhog Day meets Guardians of the Galaxy in Django Wexler’s laugh-out-loud fantasy tale about a young woman who, tired of defending humanity from the Dark Lord, decides to become the Dark Lord herself.

Davi has done this all before. She’s tried to be the hero and take down the all-powerful Dark Lord. A hundred times she’s rallied humanity and made the final charge. But the time loop always gets her in the end. Sometimes she’s killed quickly. Sometimes it takes a while. But she’s been defeated every time.

This time? She’s done being the hero and done being stuck in this endless time loop. If the Dark Lord always wins, then maybe that’s who she needs to be. It’s Davi’s turn to play on the winning side.

HAPPY READING!!

April's Silent Book Club

Another great turnout with lots of returning faces! I'm happy people are enjoying these meet-ups, and I've also been enjoying seeing what everyone is reading. Honestly, this was the last day I even had the energy to pick up anything to read. My week got busy! This is one of the reasons I really like the idea of Silent Book Club. I at least know I'll have this one day, one hour, to bust through what I've been reading, or maybe just start something new.

Don't worry if you missed the April meet-up, we'll be doing it again on May 15! We'll still be taking over Leftcraft from 7pm to 9pm. So you can over Instagram to @silentbookclubedmonds for more information! Or RSVP through the Bookclubs app! Hope to see you all in May!

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

   

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

Between her careless mom, her cheating ex-boyfriend, and her rotten reputation around town, Annie Lane is used to being left behind. But she’s never been left for dead before—until she wakes up to find her body’s been dumped on a mountain rumored to raise the dead.

Annie can’t remember who killed her, but she’ll stop at nothing to figure it out and make them pay. Because girls like her don’t get justice unless they take it for themselves.

HAPPY READING!!

Mini Reviews

Okay, this was almost a three, nearly two-star book. What drew me into this was the idea of the story as a whole. This wasn't about the victim of the crime or the do-er, it was about the parent. And for me, that was an interesting point of view to have through the case. Because it was the mother trying to solve the crime. No, it's not a spoiler, the title of the book gives it away. The second thing was it's read by AJ Cook, I was sold basically with just that fact alone. And this book starts off with a bang and I was sucked in and listened to it while I was doing my opening duties at work, while I did housework, but at about the half mark, I started to fade with this. But I was told by a friend to keep going, get through the hump of doubt, and the ending will be worth it. It was a hundred percent. In fact, I had to listen to the ending twice! It smacked me right out of left field because I was so focused on the mother, on Chloe, that I forgot to think about anything else. So for that ending alone four stars! 

Cassandra Khaw's book always calls me. From the absolutely stunning covers to the actual synopsis of the books, yet for some reason, I've never picked one up. Despite the fact, I'm pretty sure I own two of them. So while I was flipping through Libby the other day looking for a quick read to wind down after my shift, I stumbled across These Deathless Bones. It had no holds and was under a hundred pages. I was sold. I loved this and its cliffhanger ending. It's a weird little story about a stepmother who almost kind of wanted to love her stepson. But, maybe some children are born bad. I loved that we got dropped into the middle of the story right at the climax of what could have easily been another book. I loved that we sort of got a complete ending. To the point, you're stratified, but not at the same time. Like I totally could have used like twenty more pages. Also, I'm cool with not knowing because I can imagine all ended well, though it probably didn't. There was probably bloodshed. But, what this book really did was prove to me I really need to read the other books I own by Khaw because I really liked her storytelling style!

HAPPY READING!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that have yet to be released but don't have to be. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous at Breaking the Spine.

Get ready to solve the mystery at the heart of this middle grade adventure about family—and a house with a mind of its own.

Twelve-year-old Perigee has never met a problem they couldn’t solve. So when their Dad’s spirits need raising, Perigee formulates the perfect road trip to Dad’s childhood home to reunite him with his estranged mother. There's something in it for Perigee, too, as they will finally get to visit “Eklunds' Puzzle House,” the mysterious bed & breakfast their grandparents built but never opened. They arrive ahead of a massive storm and the House immediately puts Perigee’s logical, science-loving mind to the test. Corridors shift. Strange paintings lurk in the shadows. Encoded messages abound. Despite Perigee’s best efforts, neither the House nor Grandma will give up their secrets. And worse, prickly Grandma has outlawed games and riddles of any kind. Even the greatest of plans can crumble, and as new arguments fill the air, the House becomes truly dangerous. Deadly puzzles pop up at every turn, knives spin in the hallways, and staircases disappear. The answer lies at the heart of the House, but in order to find it, Perigee and their new friend Lily will need to solve a long-lost, decades-old riddle… if the House itself doesn’t stop them first.

Why I'm Waiting: This sounds like it'll be a lot of fun to read and unravel! 

HAPPY READING!!

New Release Tuesday

Be careful who you fall for...

Robbie and Trevor Cresmont have a body count—the killer kind. Handsome and privileged, the Crestmont brothers' have enough wealth to ensure they’ll never be found guilty of any wrongdoing, even if all of Happy Valley believes they're behind the deaths of their ex-girlfriends. First there was soccer star Victoria Moreno, Robbie’s ex, who mysteriously drowned at the family lake house. Then, a year later, Trevor’s girlfriend died of a suspicious overdose.

But the Crestmonts aren’t the only ones with secrets. Lauren O'Brian might be the new girl at school, but she's never been a good girl. With a dark past of her own, she's desperate for a fresh start. Except when she starts a no-strings-attached relationship with Robbie, her chance is put in jeopardy. During what’s meant to be their last weekend together, Lauren stumbles across shocking evidence that just might implicate Robbie.

With danger closing in, Lauren doesn't know who to trust. And after a third death rocks the town, she must decide whether to end things with Robbie or risk becoming another cautionary tale.

HAPPY READING!!

Book Haul

I went thrifting last week and came home with all kinds of treasures: a new blanket, some new glasses, and of course books. Honestly, I was surprised I found any books. This particular thrift store is kind of hit or miss on their book selection. It's not terrible, but not the usual type of read. But luck was on my side last week. Because I lucked on not only goodies but managed some work clothes as well. I work in a kitchen, so I prefer to get my work pants second-hand because I'm rough on them between deep cleans and grease. The bleach stains are real.

This haul is full of nostalgia! One of my favorite shows growing up was Eerie Indian, and I had no idea there were books attached to the show. So I couldn't pick this one up. Five Total Strangers has been on my TBR for at least a year. I can't decide if it's a curl-up in front of the fire read or a poolside read. But, I can sort that out once the pool opens. 

As for the R.L. Stone book, well he's been an auto-buy author for me since grade school. So I never turn down the chance to add more of his books to my shelves.

The Fright Time, I've never heard of the series. However, I remember some 90s young adult horror giving me the creeps as a kid. So this will be an interesting read if not a creepy one.  

HAPPY READING!!

Cover Runway Sunday

   

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we all know we do it. Sometimes the cover initially catches our eye, drawing us to give a book a closer look. It's the first thing we see, our first impression. Every Sunday I'm going to post some of my favorite covers of books coming soon!

A violent storm washes a mysterious house onto a rural Pacific Northwest beach, stopping the heart of the only woman who knows what it means. Her grandson, Simon Culpepper, vanishes in the aftermath, leaving two of his childhood friends to comb the small, isolated island for answers―but decades have passed since Melissa and Leo were close, if they were ever close at all.

Now they'll have to put aside old rivalries and grudges if they want to find or save the man who brought them together in the first place―and on the way they'll learn a great deal about the sinister house on the beach, the man who built it, and the evil he's bringing back to Marrowstone Island.

HAPPY READING!!