WWW Wednesday #2

July 11, 2023April 20, 2024 | sarasreadingnook

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme formerly hosted by MizB at Daily Rhythm and now hosted on Taking on a World of Words.

The three Ws are:

Currently Reading

Thoughts:
I’m really loving my Kindle and audiobook combo! It just makes everything so much more enjoyable. I thought it would be more fantasy-focused, but it’s actually more of a murder mystery vibe. There are a few slower parts, but they don’t bother me because the mystery is just so intriguing. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
Murder Mystery, Fantasy

Summary:

Two women investigate a murder mystery through communicating with the deceased via a séance led by renowned spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Lenna Wickes overcomes her skepticism to join Vaudeline as an apprentice, but they begin to suspect they are caught up in a web of deceit.

Thoughts:
At the moment, I haven’t been able to make much progress with this book because I’m really caught up in “The London Séance Society.” But it’s right there on my nightstand and Kindle e-reader, and I’m planning on getting into it as soon as I finish TLS. It’s a fantasy book, so it might require a bit more focus, but I’m super excited to see where the story takes me!

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
YA Fantasy

Summary:

A girl named Selly is left behind by her father in Kirkpool. A magician boards her ship and assigns them a risky mission to navigate the Crescent Sea undetected. The mission involves rebellion, fear, and dangerous gods. This captivating fantasy series is full of magic, romance, and adventure, written by the bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle.

Thoughts:
I haven’t had much time to dive into this book, but I’m really excited about its focus on Greek mythology. I absolutely love reading about it! I’m particularly interested in getting a glimpse of Queen Penelope’s perspective while Odysseus is off on his journey back to Ithaca. Although I haven’t read the first book in this series, I plan to see if this one is OK as a standalone. So far, so good.

House of Odysseus by Claire North (The Songs of Penelope #2)
YA Fantasy

Summary:

House of Odysseus is a YA retelling of ancient Greek myth, giving voice to the women who stand strong in a world ruled by ruthless men. The story takes place in the palace of Odysseus, where Queen Penelope tries to prevent her home from being crushed by two mad kings, Orestes and Menelaus, with the help of Elektra and Helen of Troy. The goddess Aphrodite watches over them all, with her own plans in mind.

Recently Finished Reading

Thoughts
This book was super creative! Can’t wait to share my review.

Together We Rot by Skyla Arndt
YA Fantasy

Summary:

A girl enlists the help of her former friend, Elwood, to uncover the truth about her missing mother and suspects his family’s involvement. Elwood, on the run from his family’s cult, agrees to help in exchange for hiding. As they investigate, they uncover decades of cult activity and discover Elwood’s bizarre transformation. Wil is left wondering if she can save the boy she loves from the darkness.

Reading Next

Thoughts:
I started reading this book a couple of months ago but had to take a break. Luckily, I have both the ALC and a Kindle review copy. I’m planning on setting aside a whole weekend to really dive into this book. Actually, I’m hoping for some rainy weather, candles, and a spooky atmosphere to really get into the witchy vibes! I want to see if this book is a good choice to recommend for Autumn reading. After reading the summary, it sounds like the perfect pick for a witchy read!

Weyward by Emilia Hart
Historical fiction, Fantasy.

Summary:

“Weyward” by Emilia Hart is a novel that intertwines the stories of three women from different centuries who display remarkable resilience and a deep connection to nature. Kate flees to her great aunt’s ramshackle cottage to escape her abusive partner, only to discover a hidden secret from the witch hunts of the 17th century. Altha is accused of witchcraft and must use her unique magical abilities to maintain her freedom. Violet is trapped in her family’s estate during World War II and longs for the education and freedom her brother receives, while searching for traces of her deceased mother.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to the publishers who have provided me with review copies of the following books:
“The London Séance Society” by Legend Press through NetGalley, “The Isles of the Gods” by Penguin Random House/Knopf Books (gifted copy), “House of Odysseus” by Libro.FM and Hachette Audio, “Together We Rot” by Penguin Random House/Viking Group for Young Readers and NetGalley, and “Weyward” by Libro.FM, MacMillan Audio, and St Martin’s Press through NetGalley.

QOTD: During the summer, which genre(s) do you prefer?
Let us know!

The Sunday Post #17

July 8, 2023July 8, 2023 | sarasreadingnook

Hello, everyone! Today we are linking up with

The Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking the Shelves hosted by Reading Reality
The Sunday Salon hosted by Readerbuzz

Jump to: General Update | Olivia Update | Reading Update | Watching Update | Last Week on the Blog | Next Week on the Blog | Acknowledgements | QOTD

General Update

We have been enjoying the weather! Especially for gardening. The catnip is growing, the succulents are propagating, and the herbs are flourishing. We’ve had some alternating days of rain and heat both of which are essential for the garden. We cleaned our AC unit and it’s effective and chills our apartment down quickly.

And I’m very much enjoying reading and blogging again! If it’s your first time here, let me know in the chat below. We review a pretty wide variety of books. And we especially love any books about cats.

Olivia Update

My cat Olivia and I have been enjoying spending time on the catio. We go outside together in the evenings so I can water the plants and read while she lounges under the outdoor table. However, several nights ago our peaceful evening was interrupted when I noticed a wasp near us by the outdoor sofa. I have a fear of wasps that stems from a painful experience in high school when I stumbled onto a wasp nest while hiking with friends. Although I tried my best not to panic, I calmly brought Olivia inside. It wasn’t until we were safely indoors that I could relax and breathe again!

Reading Update

Currently Reading

Looks like I’m in the mood to read fantasy this week!

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to Penguin Random House for providing me with a physical copy of “The Isles of the Gods” for review purposes. Additionally, I would like to thank Libro.FM for granting me early access to the audiobook version of “House of Odysseus”. Finally, I am grateful to both Legend Press and Libro.FM for providing me with review copies of “The London Séance Society”.

Watching Update

Currently Watching

I’ve been absolutely loving Wimbledon this year! So many of my favourite players are still in the tournament, but I’m especially rooting for Jabeur and Rybakina on the women’s side. I’m really excited about the upcoming Berrettini vs Alcaraz match and honestly, I’m rooting for both players! I have a feeling it’s going to be an amazing game.

I’m currently watching and loving Schitt’s Creek for the first time. The writing of the show is incredibly witty and clever – I can’t get enough! The characters are so endearing, and it’s entertaining to see them adapt to their new lives in the town. The acting in the show is outstanding, particularly Dan Levy’s dialogue delivery and facial expressions!

Thank you to the internet for all of the SC memes. They’re just the cherry on top of this hilarious series.

Ew, David!

Last Week On the Blog

Review | None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

WWW Wednesdays

Review | The Good Luck Café by Annie Rains

Next Week on the Blog

Review | Together We Rot
WWW Wednesdays
I may partake in Top Ten Tuesdays and write a review for The Isles of the Gods

QOTD: What book do you recommend we review next?
Let us know!

WWW Wednesday #1

July 4, 2023April 20, 2024 | sarasreadingnook

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme formerly hosted by MizB at Daily Rhythm and now hosted on Taking on a World of Words.

The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading

Thoughts
I’m really liking this book so far! The last few chapters have been quite wild, but I’m still enjoying it.

Thoughts:
Recently, I’ve been in the mood for fantasy books and I’m enjoying reading about the characters and their adventures on the sea.

Recently Finished Reading

Thoughts:
I am excited to share my thoughts on this! As a huge fan of Lisa Jewell, I can’t wait to discuss it.

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
Thriller

Summary:

In Lisa Jewell’s latest psychological thriller, a woman named Alix Summers meets Josie Fair on their shared forty-fifth birthday at a local pub. After bumping into each other again, Josie reveals that she has been listening to Alix’s true crime podcast and thinks she would make an interesting subject. Despite Josie’s strange behavior, Alix continues to make the podcast and discovers that Josie has been hiding dark secrets. Eventually, Josie persuades her way into Alix’s life and home, only to disappear and leave a terrifying legacy behind. Alix and her family’s lives are now at risk, and she must uncover the truth about Josie Fair.

Thoughts:
Heart-warming and a great summer read! Check out my blog post for the full review!

The Good Luck Cafe by Annie Rains
Contemporary Romance

Summary:

Moira’s content life is disrupted when the town council plans to demolish her mother’s café for parking. She seeks the aid of former friend Gil Ryan, now Mayor, to save the business. As they clash, they discover unexpected attraction, but with no compromise, is their relationship headed for disaster?

Reading Next

Thoughts:
This book has been on my review list for some time and I can’t wait to finally dive into it!

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
Fantasy

Summary:

Two women investigate a murder mystery through communicating with the deceased via a séance led by renowned spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Lenna Wickes overcomes her skepticism to join Vaudeline as an apprentice, but they begin to suspect they are caught up in a web of deceit.

I would like to express my gratitude to the following publishers for providing me with review copies of the mentioned books: Together We Rot (e-ARC via NetGalley) and Isles of the Gods (physical gifted copy), from Penguin Random House; None of This is True (e-ARC via NetGalley), from Simon and Schuster Canada; and The Good Luck Café (physical gifted copy), for which I am thankful to Forever Publishing. Additionally, I would like to thank Legend Press and Libro FM for providing me with copies of The London Séance Society (e-ARC via NetGalley and ALC via LibroFM). All the opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.

QOTD: Out of these book titles, which one do you find most interesting?
Have you had the opportunity to read any of the prior works of these authors? Let us know!

The Sunday Post #16

July 1, 2023April 20, 2024 | sarasreadingnook

Hello, everyone! Today we are linking up with

The Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking the Shelves hosted by Reading Reality
The Sunday Salon hosted by Readerbuzz

Jump to: Olivia Update | Reading Watching Update | This Week on the Blog | Next Week on the Blog | QOTD

General Update

Hello everyone!

I hope you have been having a great few months! Over here in the Northern Hemisphere, we have been experiencing the joys of summer.

Recently, I’ve been putting a lot of effort into making my apartment more comfortable and organized. My balcony garden is flourishing, and I’ve been working on improving my reading room, although it’s been a bit of a slow process. I’m currently searching for a new sofa and some artwork to enhance the area. Additionally, we intend to install glass doors on my academic bookshelf, with the bottom shelf serving as storage.

With all the busyness, reading has unfortunately taken a backseat. As for my blog, I have fallen behind on my reviews. I have several physical and e-ARCs that I still need to complete. However, there is some progress to report! I feel refreshed and am able to read again. In fact, I just finished a novel for the first time in months and have already scheduled the review for my blog. I still have two more reviews to write. I hope to keep the momentum moving forward!

Olivia Update 🐾

Olivia is really enjoying the warmer weather and feeling happy and content! We’re spending more time reading together, which is great. With some extra free time coming up soon, she’s looking forward to more cuddles.

Currently Reading

I want to express my gratitude to @readforeverpub and @annierainsbooks for sending me a gifted a gifted copy of The Good Luck Cafe. Also, a big thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with a gifted copy and an e-galley via NetGalley of The Isles of the Gods. Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with a review copy of Together We Rot via NetGalley.

Next Week on the Blog

The Good Luck Cafe Review

QOTD: What book will you start next? Let us know!

The Sunday Post #15

March 20, 2023April 20, 2024 | sarasreadingnook

Hello, everyone! Today we are linking up with

The Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking the Shelves hosted by Reading Reality
The Sunday Salon hosted by Readerbuzz

Jump to: Olivia Update | Reading Watching Update | This Week on the Blog | Next Week on the Blog | QOTD

General Update

Hi everyone!

Thank you for coming back to our site! Olivia and I have taken some time away from blogging and social media. This has largely been due to a massive reading slump that came about after a back injury (yes, another one!) that occurred in December. I wasn’t able to do much at all during the month of January as my range of motion was limited. Even reading was painful as I couldn’t find a comfortable position to read. Unfortunately, this caused me to fall behind. Fortunately, I’ve felt better over the last few weeks thanks to physio and feel ready to read again! I’ve even been using the KonMarie method to declutter, organize, and clean my home so that it will be ready for Spring.

Additionally, I’ve been baking up a storm! My parents are bakers and I have learned a lot about the bread making process over the years.

Olivia Update 🐾

Olivia has been doing very well. She’s the best company! She’s been a little suspicious about this new KonMarie method. In particular, the addition of a cat bed for our bedroom, which I thought had the potential to spark joy. While initially hesitant, Olivia has now grown to love it! And she can be seen snoozing on this bed at all times of the day. She might even be there right now.

Reading Update

Currently Reading

Thank you to LibroFM and Random House for review copies of Weyward (e-ARC and ALC) and Brotherless Night (gifted ARC)!

Received this Week

Thank you to @readforeverpub and @annierainsbooks for a gifted copy of The Good Luck Cafe!

Next Week on the Blog

Back to regular posts!

QOTD: What Have You Been Up to? Let us know!

November TBR Game

November 1, 2022November 1, 2022 | sarasreadingnook

Hello everyone and welcome to another round of our TBR Game, “Fighting Evil by Book Light!”

RULES

1. Five turns: two spins, each. First: card; Second: prompt
2. Played monthly.
3. If the wheel arrow lands exactly between two pieces, re-spin.
4. Cards updated.
5. Must accept result of each spin. No re-spins.
6. Unfinished books may be carried over to next month (optional)
*7. If participating in a readathon, can modify TBR game for that readathon.

November TBR Game

TBR Video

Today’s Candidates:

NEW RELEASES

CAT BOOKS

FANTASY

MANGA/GRAPHIC NOVEL/Or PICTURE BOOKS

ROMANCE

THRILLER/CONTEMPORARY

And we also have rereads and an add a book cards as well!

TBR Game Playlist

Playlist Link

Want to play at home?

Simplified Version:

In this version, the Random Name Picker below will choose your genre cards for you!
Enter the following:

For list of names, enter:
New Releases (Sailor Mercury)
Add a Book (Tuxedo Mask)
Fantasy (Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Pluto)
Thriller/Contemporary (Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune)
Cat Books (Sailor Venus with Artemis and Sailor Moon with Luna)
Manga/Graphic Novel (Sailor Moon)
Romance (Sailor Mars Saturn)
Reread (Sailor ChibiMoon)

Do this five times to select your genre cards and from there, you can pick whatever book you would like to for your TBR! But remember, if “Add a Book” is selected, you will have to add a book! Or, you can delete this option since it can get out of hand pretty quickly! Alternatively, you can pick as many books as you’d like to.

Random Name Picker

Random Name Picker by GIGAcalculator.com

If you would instead like to download the genre cards and select your cards in a different way, they are included below.

Genre Cards:

TBR Cards:

Detailed Version:

Before you play this version, download the Combined Genre + Book Cards below and add your own candidates to each card. For your first turn, select your genre card by pasting the following into the random name generator. This will provide you with your genre card.

for list of names, enter:
New Releases
Add a Book
Fantasy
Thriller/Contemporary
Cat Books
Manga/Graphic Novel
Romance
Reread

Random Name Picker

Random Name Picker by GIGAcalculator.com

Once you have your genre selected, then roll the dice to select your candidate. Repeat this process five times, or as many times as you would like to in order to pick your TBR. Remember to add a book each time you choose Add a Book.

Random Number Generator

Random Number Generator by GIGAcalculator.com

Combined Genre + Book Cards:

TBR Cards:

QOTD: Will you be playing along?
Let us know your TBR picks for November!

My Bookstagram account is hacked! UPDATE: it’s back!

October 30, 2022October 31, 2022 | sarasreadingnook

My Bookstagram account is hacked! UPDATE: it’s back!

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Hi everyone, I’m currently hacked out of my bookstagram account. I don’t know what’s going on but if you receive any odd messages from @sarasreadingnook it’s not me. It looks like Instagram has frozen my account so hopefully the hackers haven’t done much damage. I’m hopeful that it can be restored within the next day before my November reading prompt challenge!

UPDATE:

I got it sorted out!
Basically, if anyone gets hacked out, make sure your phone hasn’t blocked Instagram in your blocked contacts list (32665). If it has, unblock and wait 24 hrs before trying to get the SMS code. That worked for me ✅

November bookstagram Photo Prompts

October 26, 2022October 27, 2022 | sarasreadingnook

Hello everyone!

Olivia and I have decided to make a photo prompt/reel challenge for November. It’s my birthday month and I was inspired to celebrate things I love during this time of year. The warm colours, the yellow birthstone, grabbing warm mugs of peppermint tea! And spending time with family and friends, and of course, my cat Olivia.

Please join us! You can do as many or as few prompts as possible. And, of course, feel free to combine days together (I may be doing this as well!)

If you’d like to participate:

Use the hashtag: #ReadingWithSaraAndOlivia when completing the prompts to join!
Add your bookstagram posts to the linkup below so we can see them!
If you would like to blog with our prompts, add your blog links to the linkup below
Comment with your bookstagram handle
Enjoy!

QOTD: Do you enjoy using prompts?
Let us know!

Ten Books With Spooky Season Vibes

October 25, 2022October 25, 2022 | sarasreadingnook

We are excited to link up with Top Ten Tuesdays, hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.

Most books Olivia and I read during this time are either cozy or scary. Here are our picks for books with Spooky Season Vibes!

Cozy Vibes

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks (Illustrator). Read this one for the coziest Autumnal vibes and the most delicious treats.
CW
Watch our Pumpkinheads Reading Vlog here!

Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney. Read this one to enter a fantastic cozy mystery series that features cats, The Cambridge Bookshop Series.
CW

(Note: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for Chapter and Curse. All opinions are my own).

Horror

The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke. Spooky! This book was a five-star read for me. Read this one for witchy vibes but beware – it’s dark.
CW

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson. This book is a Carrie retelling that I highly recommend! Make sure to read the content warnings.
CW

Watch our Lighthouse Witches reading vlog here!

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This book is a wild ride! It’s a mixture of gothic, mystery, historical fiction and horror. It’s also one of my favourite books, though it’s not for everyone. If you like atmospheric reads, this may be for you.
CW

Watch our Mexican Gothic Reading Vlog here!

Lost Boy by Christina Henry. This book is a Peter Pan retelling told from the perspective of Captain Hook and I think it’s brilliant. There are lots of content warnings, but I do recommend it if you’re ready for a viewpoint that challenges thoughts on Peter Pan.
CW

Horror Manga

Lovesickness by Junji Ito. This manga is packed with scary and graphic scenes that make you want to scream! Read this if you are ready for a spook.
CW

Deathnote by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata (Art). A haunting and cunning chess game that challenges good vs. evil vs. ethics.
CW

Cozy Graphic Novels

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee. Adorable! And tugs on your heartstrings.
CW

Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse. It reminds me a bit of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Quirky, cute, and a perfectly cozy read.
CW

Watch our Wrap-Up for these two books here!

@sarasreadingnook
Thank you to everyone who cohosted and joined the Hello Autumn/Spring readathon! Here is our vlog and recap. Olivia and I made a Fall bucket list: to carve pumpkins, have pumpkin pie, go on lots of outdoor walks (Olivia to hang out on the catio), and to read lots of witchy books! #ReadathonVlog #48hrReadathonVlog #48HourReadathon #cozyBooks #MysteryBooks #HelloAutumnSpringReadathon Cohosts @Abigail @kaylasbookishlife @Ruby G Chiara Bianca
♬ original sound – Sara’s Reading Nook – BookTok