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Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday: The Ones That Got Away


For all the 2021 releases I read last year, there are still plenty I didn't manage to fit in. This week's Top Ten Tuesday is all about the ones that got away. I've talked about many of the titles I was anticipating reading, but to avoid jawing about the same books over and over, I've chosen ten I have not mentioned here before. All of them are 2021 releases that I meant to read in 2021 and just...didn't. In some cases, my library didn't have copies and I didn't want to buy the books. In most, though, I just ran out of time or prioritized other reads instead. #Bookbloggerproblems, amirite?

If you want to join in the TTT fun, click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details.

Top Ten 2021 Releases I Was Excited to Read and Didn't Get To  


1. Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge—Inspired by the story of one of America's first Black female doctors, this novel is about a young woman's struggle to find herself amidst the expectations of both society and her family. This novel, which one a bunch of awards last year, is supposed to be atmospheric, moving, and inspiring.


2. The Ice House by Monica Sherwood—With snowstorms covering lots of states in white stuff right now as well as COVID spikes sending people back into lockdown, the premise of this one might hit a little too close to home for some. I still think it sounds intriguing! A long winter freeze has left everything covered in ice that won't melt even though the calendar says it's Spring. The weather has led to dangerous accidents, people being stuck in their homes, and dwindling supplies coming in. Stress and worry are making everyone crazy. To get away from it, Louisa and Luke decide to build a snow fort in the backyard of their apartment building. They soon realize that their getaway is special and that it's maybe-magical properties just might be showing them how to make the ice go away and save their world.


3. The Third Warrior by Carol Potenza—I enjoyed Hearts of the Missing when I read it back in 2019 and have been waiting for a sequel ever since. This second installment has Fire-Sky Pueblo Police Sergeant Nicky Matthews following a spirit to the dead body of a local cowboy. Although the death looks like a tragic accident at first, the more she investigates, the more suspicious it seems. With a puzzling mystery to unravel, a snitch in her department at work, and complications in her personal life, Nicky has her hands full...


4. Six Weeks to Live by Catherine McKenzie—I've got this mystery/thriller out from the library right now, so I'm hoping I can get it read soon. It revolves around a 48-year-old woman who receives stunning news from her doctor—she has a terminal illness and has only six weeks to live. As she prepares for the inevitable, she discovers that she may have been recently poisoned. Her suspicions naturally fall on her husband, whom she's in the process of divorcing. When her daughters express their doubts about the accusations against their father, she begins to doubt herself. Is there someone else out there who wants her dead? Or is it all in her head, where the deadly tumor resides?


5. Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah—I'm always on the lookout for fun cozy mystery series and this one sounds like it might fit the bill. This first installment introduces Lindsey Bakeswell who retreats to Beacon Harbor, Michigan, after she catches her fiancé cheating on her. As she makes her dream of turning the town's lighthouse into a pastry shop, she faces opposition on several fronts. When her fiancé's new squeeze ends up dead after eating a doughnut at Lindsey's shop, Lindsey becomes the prime suspect in her murder. In order to save her store and her good name, she launches her own investigation into the crime.


6. The Renegade Reporters by Elissa Brent Weissman—Weissman's The Length of a String was one of my favorite reads of 2021. Her newest middle-grade offering is a mystery about a group of girls who learn about a media company that is gathering data on the student body at their junior high without the kids' knowledge. Why are they doing this and how can they be stopped?


7. Saving Grace by Debbie Babitt—This twisty thriller concerns a woman from Repentance, a small mountain town, who becomes the village's first female sheriff. When a man suspected of kidnapping young girls years ago returns to Repentance and more children go missing, she's tasked with solving the crime. As tensions rise, violence erupts, and the sheriff doesn't know what to do. How can she solve the case and restore peace to her little town?


8. Madam by Phoebe Wynne—Caldonbrae Hall is a castle turned elite boarding school perched high on the cliffs in Scotland. When Rose Christie is hired to teach Classics, the first new instructor at the school in more than ten years, she's daunted. Especially when she starts to quietly investigate the disappearance of her predecessor. Something sinister is going on at the school, but what?


9. All We Left Behind by Danielle R. Graham—This historical novel concerns a young Japanese couple torn apart by World War II. Will their love survive?


10. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz—Best friends Emily and Kristen are exploring the mountains in Chile when something horrible happens. Emily returns to their hotel to find Kristen alone in a blood-spattered room. She insists that the handsome stranger she'd been flirting with assaulted her and she had to kill him in self-defense. The scene is so reminiscent of an incident that occurred on their last trip together that Emily is immediately suspicious. Why is this happening again? Is Kristen telling the truth? What really happened in that hotel room?

There you are, ten 2021 releases that I meant to read last year and didn't get to. Have you read any of them? What did you think? Which of 2021's releases do you still need to read? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

Happy TTT!

74 comments:

  1. I haven’t read Libertie yet either, but it sure does sound good.

    My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-2021-releases-i-was-excited-to-read-but-didnt-get-to/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I can't imagine what it must have been like to be a Black doctor back in the day. Even though the book is fictional, it sounds like such a fascinating story.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lydia!

      Delete
  2. We Were Never Here sounds really good! I hope you get to read it and the rest of these soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does sound intriguing, doesn't it? I hope I can get to it sometime soon as well. We'll see!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Deanna!

      Delete
  3. I keep seeing Libertie on Book Outlet when I'm shopping and I'm so tempted! I hope you can catch up with some of these this year. :) I hope you have a wonderful week and get lots of reading in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure I even have an e-ARC of LIBERTIE on my Kindle. I just need to actually read the book. Sometimes when I get a copy of a book, I promptly forget it even exists! LOL.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Leslie!

      Delete
  4. Great list! All We Left Behind sounds potentially really heartbreaking (but the cover looks stunning). The Renegade Reporters looks super cute, and I always love seeing what new cozy mysteries people find so now I'm interested in that Darci Hannah series too! ;-)

    My TTT: https://bookwyrmknits.com/2022/01/18/top-ten-tuesday-2021-releases-i-was-excited-to-read-but-didnt-get-to/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I'm not sure I'm ready to read a WWII book. They're always heavy reads and I have to be in the mood for them. I might need to read something lighter—the MG and cozy mystery—first.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Nicole!

      Delete
  5. The Ice House sounds like it could be interesting. I am now adding Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop to my TBR. I read (or rather listened to) a few cozy mysteries last year and really enjoyed them. Also there's obviously a dog in the story, so bonus points there already.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been enjoying cozies lately, too. Sometimes you just need a light, fun read to enjoy!

      Thanks for popping in, Holliehocks!

      Delete
  6. I haven't read any of these yet, but I hope you'll enjoy all of them when you get to them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I hope so, too. It's such a bummer when great-sounding books turn out to be duds. Hopefully, these will all be winners. We'll see.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lindsey!

      Delete
  7. I made my list the same way...ones I have not already talked about...and even though I did read a TON of 2021 releases there's just no way to read them all.Plus, you can't buy them all and at the time my library didn't have them. Have a great day! https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/01/top-ten-tuesday-2021-releases-i-still.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. I usually read the ones I can get e-ARCs for and those my library has in stock. Unless I just really, REALLY can't wait for a new release, I don't usually buy them. Too spendy.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cindy!

      Delete
  8. I haven't heard of any of these. Many of them sound really interesting. I'm going to add them to my TBR. Thanks for the recs! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried to choose more obscure titles this time around :) Some of them are too obscure, apparently, because I got find them at my local libraries. Bummer.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Jenni!

      Delete
  9. I hope you find some new favorites among these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too! They all definitely have potential. We'll see if they're as good as they sound/look.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Tanya!

      Delete
  10. I want to read Libertie, too. I have so many books that came to my attention last year that I still want to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? It's impossible to keep up with all the new books coming out. I don't even try!

      Thanks for popping in, Anne!

      Delete
  11. Six Weeks to Live looks good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does, doesn't it? It's about to come due at the library, so I need to get it read ASAP!

      Thanks for stopping by, NickiMags!

      Delete
  12. I don't buy a ton of book, so my obstacle is usually that my library didn't have it. That's my biggest source of non-review books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, that's an obstacle for me as well. I bought way more books than I should have last year, but only a couple of them were new releases. The new ones are too spendy. As much as I want to support authors, I can't shell out $30 for a book!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sam!

      Delete
  13. How could I forget about Libertie?! That was one I was hoping to read this past year as well but didn't manage it. I hope you get a chance to read all of these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What I've realized reading everyone's lists this week is that I've TOTALLY forgotten about a lot of new releases I planned to read last year. LOL. I'm getting old!

      Thanks for dropping in, Literary Feline!

      Delete
  14. These all sound really good. Hope you get around to them soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too. I'm such a mood reader that I might not read them for awhile or ever. We'll see!

      Thanks for stopping by, Denise!

      Delete
  15. I haven't read any of these but We Were Never Here sounds amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doesn't it? I'm totally intrigued by that premise!

      Thanks for popping in, Bree!

      Delete
  16. Great list, Susan. I have read Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop and it was fun. I have Libertie and Six Weeks to Live on my TBR as well. Hopefully, we will both read the ones on our lists soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, good! I'm glad it's a fun read. I love the idea of turning a lighthouse into a bakeshop. It's just so fun.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Carla!

      Delete
  17. These look great! I read Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop and it was fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! If both you and Carla are raving about it, then I'm definitely going to move it up on the list. I'm SO in the mood for a fun cozy right now :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Leah!

      Delete
  18. The Third Warrior is one I'm DEFINITELY interested in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really liked the first book in the series, so I'm excited for the sequel. Hopefully, it's as good as its predecessor.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Greg!

      Delete
  19. I'm so curious about Madam! I hope you get the chance to read some of these:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love a good Gothic novel, so I'm excited for MADAM. I hope it's as chilling as it sounds!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Tammy!

      Delete
  20. Nice list. I haven't read any of these, but I want to read Libertie and Madam. Hope you get a chance to read them this year.

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They both sound so good, don't they? I hope we both enjoy them when we get to them.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cheryl!

      Delete
  21. I like the sound of We Were Never Here. I hope you get some time to read these soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds super intriguing, doesn't it? I really need to find a copy so I can read it already!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Wendy!

      Delete
  22. Ohhh now I may have to look back and add a few new ones Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop and All We Left Behind look interesting. Hope you find some enjoyable new reads. Happy Reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found some titles to pique your interest! I hope you enjoy the books if you read them.

      Thanks for popping in, Mae!

      Delete
  23. What a great mixture of books! I do wish they'd stop publishing books for a year so we could all catch up ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, right? Maybe then I'd be able to catch up a little!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Helen!

      Delete
  24. Oooh! All of these sound interesting! Great picks!

    Here’s my TTT!

    Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I think it's a pretty good lineup. I started MURDER AT THE BEACON BAKESHOP yesterday. It's fun, as cozies usually are!

      Thanks for stopping in, Ronyell!

      Delete
  25. The cover for Libertie is stunning! And All We Left Behind sounds intriguing. I hope you enjoy these when you get the opportunity.

    Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
    https://readbakecreate.com/2021-releases-i-hope-to-read-in-2022/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is pretty, isn't it? Very striking.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Pam!

      Delete
  26. I have We Were Never Here on my TBR, too. Maybe this year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I checked at both of my libraries yesterday and it wasn't in at either, so I'll need to put it on hold. Apparently, we're not the only ones who want to read it!

      Thanks for popping in, Jennifer!

      Delete
  27. The Renegade Reporters looks like a fun read for sure!

    Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thanks for stopping by earlier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think so, too! I need to reserve it at my library since it just sounds fun and entertaining.

      Thanks for dropping by, Astilbe!

      Delete
  28. There are some pretty covers here, aren't there? I especially like the MADAM one since I'm all about moody, broody reads!

    Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice list! I hope you get to read these soon. If my library doesn't have it, I do a purchase suggestion, and they usually buy it. If they don't, I remove it from my TBR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Smart! I've never actually done a purchase suggestion before. I should try it. My libraries are pretty good about stocking new releases, but I can't always find everything I want to read. I'm definitely going to try this this year.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Kami!

      Delete
  30. I really like the sound of The Ice House. Looking to read a bit more unusual fiction this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just picked up THE ICE HOUSE from the library yesterday. I'm excited for it as I think it sounds really intriguing!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cath!

      Delete
  31. These all sound good but Libertie and The Ice House in particular catch my eye. I hope you enjoy them when you get to them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll probably read THE ICE HOUSE next week since I want to finish MURDER AT THE BEACON BAKESHOP this week and then I've got to read ANXIOUS PEOPLE by Backman for book club. THEN, I'll start on THE ICE HOUSE. I'm excited for it!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Jen!

      Delete
  32. Has any published company ever asked you to write their titles? Or at least a newspaper? I am always amazed how you can turn around those prompts and make it sound like the title of a book I'd love to read.

    I'm looking forward to your review on "All We Left Behind". I think I need to put that on my wishlist.

    Thanks for visiting my TTT this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha. I actually have written headlines for a newspaper before. Back in college, I did a minor in Journalism which included a semester working at the paper. So, I guess I do have a bit of experience with that :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Marianne!

      Delete
    2. Aaaah, I caught you out. LOL

      Delete
  33. Madam and We Were Never Here sound intriguing. Adding them to my wishlist. Thanks for visiting my blog earlier.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I requested MADAM from my library yesterday, so hopefully, I'll get it soon. Shouldn't be too long.

      Thanks for popping in, Neeru!

      Delete
  34. I've not read any of these either. We Were Never Here sounds really good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think so, too. I'm not sure when I'll actually get around to reading it, but I hope it's sometime soon-ish.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Suzanne!

      Delete
  35. I didn't come across any of these in 2021 but they all look really great! The cozy especially caught my attention. A pastry shop in a lighthouse? Yes please!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's pretty fun. Not the best cozy I've ever read, but it's entertaining. I'm planning to read the next in the series.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Katherine!

      Delete
  36. Happy TTT! We Were Never Here looks so interesting and I keep seeing the cover around, so it sounds like I need to add it to my TBR! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does sound super intriguing, doesn't it? I hope it's as good as it looks!

      Thanks for popping by, Destiny!

      Delete
  37. I'm not familiar with the books on this list, but All We Left Behind sounds compelling -- I may be adding that one to my TBR! :)

    claire @ clairefy

    ReplyDelete
  38. Six Weeks to Live sounds super interesting!

    ReplyDelete

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