roaming the library one book at a time
In a year that's already had plenty of ups and downs, it's nice knowing that a major high point is just around the corner. I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll keep on saying it: Julie Houston is one of the best writers working today. Whenever she has a new book announced, my radar... Continue Reading →
I've long said my dream is to work in a library in an idyllic town while also solving crimes on the side. Really, it's a joke ... I'd settle for a bookstore. Fortunately, there are plenty of authors in the cozy mystery genre who have been catering to this flight of fancy for many, many... Continue Reading →
Designing book covers is an art. Not only do they have to immediately capture a passing reader's attention, but they also must showcase the overall feeling of the book while remaining aesthetically pleasing ... or unappealing, if that's their thing. So long as it's eye-catching. This week I stumbled across a book that definitely ranks... Continue Reading →
It's been an interesting week, so I've been on the lookout for a great bookish distraction—and I think I've found the perfect one. Romance, a baking competition, and queer representation? And cake? Lots and lots of cake? It's even on the cover and in the title? Oh year, this was a very easy addition to... Continue Reading →
Between an unwelcome amount of snow and the general ongoing state of affairs, I could use a good laugh ... or at the very least, a a chortle or even a chuckle. At this point, I'm willing to settle for a smile—it doesn't even have to show teeth. So really. this Top Ten Tuesday. could... Continue Reading →
Becoming Duchess Goldblatt was one of the best reviewed books of 2020, and looking back over my review, I had nothing but good things to say about it. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, it's a book I devoured every page in one sitting. The memoir of an anonymous woman who masquerades as a literary duchess on... Continue Reading →
I don't listen to a ton of podcasts, but I've really been enjoying Double Threat hosted by Julie Klausner and Tom Scharpling. In a recent episode, they took a deep dive into chili cook-off competitions with a couple of special guests. As anyone who has ever spent more than a second looking at my bookshelves... Continue Reading →
It's a colorful Top Ten Tuesday. This week, the theme is all about the Carnival celebration Mardi Gras and one of its most identifiable features—and no, I'm not talking about the beads or King Cakes. Rather, it's those big, bright colors. While their exact history and meaning are often disputed, there's no doubt that green,... Continue Reading →
Growing up, Valentine's Day was always one of my favorite holidays, and a lot of that stems from books. Throughout elementary school, I was treated to teachers who pulled out all the crepe paper and glitter stops: from elaborate Valentine mailboxes to embellished construction paper hearts, every February my classroom was an explosion of reds,... Continue Reading →
It feels odd writing about a book with green grass and beautiful flowers on its cover while my home is currently caked in snow, but today I have something to look forward to beyond warmer weather. Back in 2019 I was introduced to the remarkable work of Liz Eeles with her first novel in the... Continue Reading →
