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Showing posts with label Joanna Barker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joanna Barker. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 08, 2022
Top Ten Tuesday: All You Need Is Love (and a Mystery and Some Action/Adventure and a Ghost Story and...)
12:48 PM
Since Valentine's Day is on Monday, today's Top Ten Tuesday prompt is, not surprisingly, a love freebie. My mind always blanks on freebies and I'm especially stumped on this one because I'm just not much for romance. In fiction, anyway (in real life, I've been married to my college sweetheart for 24 years). I mean, I don't mind a love story; I just don't want it to be the only story in a book, you know? Still, there are a few romance novels I've seen around lately that I wouldn't mind reading. What do the books on this list have in common? They're light, sweet, and funny (at least as far as I can tell—if I'm wrong, let me know, please). Swoony, without being smutty (I hope). I'm a right prude, so I don't want anything more than that, thank you very much!
If you want to join in the TTT fun, click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details.
Top Ten Romance Novels I Might Actually Read
1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood—This love-in-the-lab rom com sounds super fun (even though I'm not a fan of fake dating tropes). It's gotten lots of rave reviews all over the book blogosphere. Plus, just look at that cover. It's adorable!
2. Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis—Two strangers trapped in a snowstorm together fall in love in this "heartwarming" novel. This one got a lot of buzz around the holidays. Sounds like a fun Christmas read for the end of the year.
3. What You Wish For by Katherine Center—I've enjoyed several of Center's novels, so I'm definitely up for this one. Set in a school, it's about an unrequited romance between a librarian and her new principal that gets a second chance to blossom.
4. So Not My Thing by Melanie Jacobson—Jacobson's sweet, sassy romances are always entertaining. Her newest is the first in a duology set in the author's native Louisiana. It's an enemies-to-lovers story about a pop star and the woman whose most humiliating moment was plastered all over the Internet because of him.
5. Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham—This historical novel features a woman who helps run her family's 100-year-old bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina. When she discovers an old, forgotten love letter in the store's attic, it sets her off on a treasure hunt that just might end with a romance of her own.
6. A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund—I've enjoyed other books by Hedlund, so I might be up for this one. It's the first in a series about a group of British women who board a bride ship bound for British Columbia in the 1860s in search of escape, improved circumstances, missing family members, and—oh, yeah—love.
7. An Impossible Imposter by Deanna Raybourn—Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat since it's more mystery than romance. It does, however, feature one of my favorite literary couples, so there ya go...This is the seventh installment in the Veronica Speedwell series, which is tons of fun. In this newest outing, Veronica and Stoker are tasked with deciding if a man with amnesia is really a client's long-lost brother.
8. The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson—I'm not someone who enjoys camping (although sleeping in an RV is infinitely more appealing than braving a tent), but this love story about a woman whose camper makeover mirrors the transformation of her life, looks like a cute, happy read.
9. Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker—I loved Barker's debut Regency romance, so I'm definitely up for more. This one features a spunky woman who saves a child's life, thus attracting the attention of her handsome older brother. As the two fall for each other, she must tell him the unfortunate truth—she's already engaged to marry another man.
10. A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett—The plot summary of this historical romance is giving me Deanna Raybourn vibes (see #7). It's about a brilliant female scientist in Victorian England who is on a secret mission for the Crown. She's assigned a bodyguard, who turns her head more than she'd like.
There you have it, ten romance novels I might actually read. Might. We'll see. Are you a romance novel lover or hater? Which are your favorites? Based on the list above, what titles would you recommend to me? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I'll gladly return the favor on your blog.
Happy TTT!
Tuesday, December 01, 2020
Top Ten Tuesday: Books for the End (of the Year)
7:04 AM
It's December 1st. Can you believe it? Even though 2020 seems to be lasting for eons, there are only 31 days left in the year. Inconceivable! I don't know about you, but I'm scrambling to figure out how I'm going to finish everything I need to do before 2020 disappears forever. My house is only half decorated for the holidays, I've got Christmas cards to address and mail (I did print them early, so at least that part's done), there are presents to buy, a house to clean, preparations to make for my son's wedding on January 2, a mountain of laundry to tackle, etc. Despite my never-ending to-do list, what's really on my mind is how I'm going to finish out my reading year. Priorities, amirite? My goal was to read 200 books in 2020 and I'm only 30 away. I read over 30 books in October, so reaching my goal is doable, if not probable. We'll see.
What would I like to read in December? Good question. I've still got a list of middle grade novels to read for my Cybils judging gig as well as a number I need in order to finish up a few reading challenges. Then, of course, there are a bunch I'd like to get to just for fun. *Sigh* So many books, so little time ...
Today's Top Ten Tuesday prompt is Books I'd Like to Re-read. Since I'm not much of a re-reader and I actually posted about this topic in September, I'm going to be rebellious today and focus instead on the Top Ten Books I Want to Read Before 2020 Ends. If you want to join in the TTT fun, hop on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the info.
Top Ten Books I Want to Read Before 2020 Ends
1. The Loop by Ben Oliver—I don't read much sci-fi, but I need a book featuring robots or AI characters for the PopSugar Reading Challenge. This YA novel, about a teen boy incarcerated in a futuristic prison run by robot guards, sounds compelling.
2. Beauty and the Baron by Joanna Barker—I enjoyed Barker's 2018 debut novel and have been meaning to pick up another by her ever since. Beauty and the Baron, the first installment in her new fairy tale retellings series, sounds like a light, fun read to enjoy in December. It will also fill the "Retelling" prompt for the Nerd Daily Reading Challenge.
3. Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham—Earlier this year, I read The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman, a MG novel about two young girls whose lives change forever after the explosion at Chernobyl. The setting was intriguing, making me want to learn more about this historical event. Midnight in Chernobyl gets good reviews and fulfills the "Genre You Don't Usually Read" prompt for the Booklist Queen Reading Challenge.
4. The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits by Alys Clare—This Victorian mystery novel just sounds fun!
5. Christmas Day in the Morning adapted by David Warner from the original story by Pearl S. Buck—I received a copy of this book from the publisher a month ago. It's a slim holiday story about a man looking back on the gift that brought Christmas joy back into his life.
6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens—Speaking of re-reads, this is the only book I revisit every year. It's a quick read but one that always moves me and gets me into the Christmas spirit.
7. Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Mid-Life Crisis by Ada Calhoun—I've been fascinated by sleeping and dreaming ever since I was a nap-resistant child. These days, I can barely make it through the day without a midday snooze, although I often have trouble sleeping at night. I'm interested to see what Calhoun has to say on the matter.
8. The Power of Ritual: How to Create Meaning and Connection in Everything You Do by Casper ter Kuile—I was looking for a good motivational book to pump me up for the new year and I came across this one. Not only does it sound inspirational, but it will work nicely to fulfill the "Self-Improvement Book" prompt for the Booklist Queen Reading Challenge.
9. Lockdown by Peter May—I enjoy May's books, so I definitely want to make time for this one, which was published 15 years ago but just re-released. It's a murder mystery set against a familiar background: a city in quarantine because of a deadly virus that's creating a worldwide pandemic. Even though I'm tired of living in a pandemic, I still find them fascinating to read about.
10. The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim—I've heard good things about this novel, which features a woman who visits her mother in L.A.'s Koreatown only to find her mom dead in a suspicious manner. In her shock and sorrow, the daughter begins looking into her mother's death, which leads her on a journey of discovery into her mother's past as a Korean War orphan trying to make her way in California. I'm definitely intrigued!
There you go, ten books I want to read this month. What are you planning to read in December? How are you doing with your 2020 reading goals? What do you think of my choices? I'd truly love to know. Leave a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.
Happy TTT!
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Top Ten Tuesday: New Authors, Old Year
6:58 AM
It's Tuesday and you know what that means! Time for my favorite weekly meme, Top Ten Tuesday. Today's prompt is all about new authors you discovered in 2018, which will be a fun one. Before we get to that, though, here are the deets on how to join in the TTT fun. It's simple: click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl, read a few guidelines, make and share your own list, then hop around the book blogosphere visiting other people's posts. It's a great way to spread the bookish love by revisiting favorite blogs, discovering new ones, and, of course, adding great-sounding books to your toppling TBR pile. What's not to love?
Okay, here we go with Top Ten New (to Me) Authors I Discovered in 2018:
1. Emily Carpenter—You know I love me a good Gothic yarn, especially when it involves family secrets, creepy old houses, and some nail-biting suspense. Emily Carpenter's books deliver on all accounts. She only has three out so far (with another one coming in March) and I read all of them in 2018. My favorite: The Weight of Lies.
2. Lori Rader-Day—I'm a big psychological thriller fan, so Rader-Day's books definitely caught my attention. I read three out of her four this year and enjoyed two of them. My favorite: Under a Dark Sky.
3. Dervla McTiernan—I loved this Irish author's debut, The Ruin. It's a dark, but very compelling mystery. A sequel, The Scholar, will be out on May 14. I can't wait!
4. Kristina McMorris—I'm a sucker for historical fiction and I find books about orphans and children in crisis especially moving. Naturally, then, I wanted to read Sold On a Monday as soon as I heard about it. I enjoyed it and plan to read more of McMorris' work.
5. Hester Fox—Fox's ghostly, atmospheric debut, The Witch of Willow Hall, earned lots of buzz last year. And deservedly so. I can't wait to see what Fox does next!
6. Elizabeth Byler Younts—The Solace of Water, Younts' most recent novel, was one of my favorite 2018 reads. It convinced me to start Younts' Promise of Sunrise trilogy, which is about how World War II affects an Amish community in Delaware. Having been raised Amish, Younts has a unique perspective on the culture/religion, which gives her books a refreshing authenticity. My favorite: The Solace of Water.
7. Alison Gaylin—Domestic thrillers are my jam, so I had to give Gaylin's books a go in 2018. I read and enjoyed two of hers. My favorite: And She Was.
8. Emma Berquist—I loved Devils Unto Dust, Berquist's debut novel. It's a Western/horror mash-up that satisfies on every level. I can't wait for her newest, Missing, Presumed Dead, which comes out in May.
9. Joanna Barker—Regency romance is far from my favorite genre, but I do count on them for light, amusing entertainment that I can sandwich between heavier reads. It's rare for me to really love a book in this genre, but Barker's debut, The Truth About Miss Ashbourne, really charmed me with its tight prose, engaging plot line, and well-developed characters. I'm definitely keeping an eye out to see what this talented newcomer does next.
10. Sarah Maine—The first book I read in 2018 was The House Between Tides, Maine's atmospheric debut. I enjoyed it and have been meaning to try the author's other two novels ever since.
So, there you go—ten authors I discovered last year. Hm, I just realized that they're all white women and most of them are debut authors. Interesting. Perhaps I need to work on diversifying my reading this year? Anyway, have you read any of these authors? What do you think of their work? Which new-to-you authors did you discover in 2018? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will happily return the favor.
Happy TTT!
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
I Don't Usually Love Regency Romances, But This One Is a Most Delightful Exception (With a Giveaway!)
12:01 PM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Juliana Ashbourne may be just a governess, but the 19-year-old has dreams that are grander than her station and richer than the pitiful sum she has squirreled away in her jewelry box. When she receives notice that she has inherited a shockingly large amount from a grandfather she never knew, Julianna's dream of opening a school for girls is suddenly within reach. There's only one caveat. In order to get the money she must spend a month at Havenfield, the sprawling country estate where her mother grew up and from whence her mother was banned after eloping with an unsuitable man—Juliana's beloved father. How can she accept such a bargain from the family that callously banished their own daughter, shunning her for the rest of her life?
When circumstances force her hand, Juliana reluctantly travels to Havenfield to begin her sentence. From the moment she steps onto the grounds, she finds herself among both friends and foes. While her aunt pelts her with icy glares, Julianna feels only warmth from Mr. William Rowley, the handsome heir to Havenfield. He might be a relentless tease, but his interest in Juliana is sincere. Which only makes her place in this strange new world more confusing. When a scandal threatens everything she's come to hold dear, Juliana must decide where she really belongs and what her heart truly wants.
Although I'm not a big romance fan, Regency love stories always entertain me with their light, frothy storylines; engaging, witty banter; and virtuous, likeable characters engaged in clean, wholesome romancing. I've come to expect (and accept) all the loosey-goosey plotting; cliché, too-good-to-be-true story people; and the same soap opera dramas playing out in the same stately parlors and gilded ballrooms. Because they're more brain candy than soul food, it's rare for me to really love a Regency novel. Which is why I found The Truth About Miss Ashbourne, a debut by Joanna Barker, such a delightful exception. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, slow-burning romance, and skillful prose, it kept me thoroughly entertained. I loved the cast, especially Juliana, who kept surprising me even though I felt like I knew her. The romance developed predictably, but over time, which made it feel less insta-lovey than other Regency couplings. Although The Truth About Miss Ashbourne runs a little longer than I usually like these kinds of novels to go, I found I didn't mind at all. In fact, I would eagerly read more books about these characters or at least by this talented new author on whom I will very definitely be keeping an eye.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Regency/Proper romances by Sarah M. Eden, Jennifer Moore, Julianne Donaldson, Josi S. Kilpack, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for mild innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Truth About Miss Ashbourne from the generous folks at Covenant in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
--
Want more opinions on The Truth About Miss Ashbourne? Click on the links below to follow along on the book's blog tour:
*Nov. 12th: http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.
*Nov. 13th: http://empowermoms.net/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.
*Nov. 14th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.
*Nov. 15th: https://www.
*Nov. 16th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.
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