January Books I'm Excited About...

I thought it would be fun in 2021 to share some of the books that I'm really excited about each month!  Let's acknowledge the fact that this is most likely not ALL of them.  I really get excited/want to read WAY more books than I actually even read in a year.  Story of a mood reader I guess....and someone that literally wants to read ALL of the books!  This list might even help me prioritize the books that I want to read but that remains to be seen (as I'm writing this first post in 2020).  Here are just some of the books releasing in January that I am most excited about (with the disclaimer that I have no idea if publishing dates will be moved all around like they were in 2020):

Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner is a new standalone that I am SO excited about.  This is labeled as "a propulsive thriller featuring an ordinary woman who will stop at nothing to find the missing people that the rest of the world has forgotten."  YES PLEASE!

If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier has such a gorgeous cover!  This book is described as "When her favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, an adrift young woman plunges headfirst into the wild backcountry of Northern California and her own dangerous obsession."  I'm here for it!

Every Waking Hour is the 4th book in Ellery Hathaway series which is an absolute favorite of mine.  I don't care what this one is about - I'm going to read it!

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins has already been getting some pretty great reviews that I've seen.  This is all I needed to hear before I wanted to pick it up: "A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins's The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda."

Bloodline by Jess Lourey sounds like a darker thriller which I can never resist.  This description has me itching to pick it up: "Perfect town. Perfect homes. Perfect families. It’s enough to drive some women mad…"

In the Garden of Spite by Camilla Bruce sounds SO good!  It's described as "An audacious novel of feminine rage about one of the most prolific female serial killers in American history--and the men who drove her to it."

The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous is the newest book by an author that I've been wanting to try.  This book is listed as "The USA Today bestselling author of The Au Pair returns with another delicious, twisty novel--about a grand estate with many secrets, an orphan caught in a web of lies, and a young woman playing a sinister game."

A Crooked Tree by Una Mannion is one of those books that as soon as I read the description was instantly added to my TBR.  I NEED to know what happens in this book!  "A haunting, suspenseful literary debut that combines a classic coming of age story with a portrait of a fractured American family dealing with the fallout of one summer evening gone terribly wrong."

What book or books are you looking forward that are releasing in January?

April NetGalley Releases (On My TBR 2020)

New books are always on my radar - that's just the truth of it!  I'm constantly adding books (both new and older titles) to my TBR list.  But I'm thinking about starting a new feature where each month I talk about a few of the upcoming releases that I've gotten from NetGalley or Edelweiss.  I get way too many books from those sites and wanted a way to share about them.  It's easier with print review copies where I can just snap a picture and post about here or on Instagram.  But I didn't want to leave out the e-books that I've gotten and want to squeal about with all of you either!  I may change this up but for now I'm going to give you the Goodread's summary and why I'm so excited to read each book.  Let me know in the comments if this is a type of post that you would like to see on a regular basis!

No Going Back by Sheena Kamal

"Nora Watts has a talent for seeing what lies beneath strangers’ surfaces, and for knowing what they’re working hard to keep hidden. Somehow, it’s the people closest to her she has trouble truly connecting with. In the case of Bonnie, the teenage daughter Nora gave up for adoption, she has to keep trying. For Bonnie has a target on her back—and it’s all because of Nora."

This is the 3rd book in what has become a favorite mystery series of mine!  I've been impatiently waiting for this book every since I finished the last page of the second book.  I shortened the Goodread's summary as it will spoil the earlier books if you haven't yet read them.  This IS a series that needs to be read in order but as there are currently only three books - I'm sure you can catch up easily.  And it will definitely be worth your time!  The first book is The Lost Ones if you are interested.  It's so good!

The Split by Sharon Bolton

"No matter how far you run, some secrets will always catch up with you...

The remote Antarctic island of South Georgia is about to send off its last boat of the summer – which signifies safety to resident glaciologist Felicity Lloyd.

Felicity lives in fear – fear that her ex-husband Freddie will find her, even out here. She took a job on this isolated island to hide from him, but now that he's out of prison, having served a term for murder, she knows he won’t give up until he finds her.But a doctor delving into the background of Felicity and Freddie's relationship, back in Cambridge, learns that Felicity has been on the edge for a long time. Heading to South Georgia himself to try and get to her first is the only way he can think of to help her."

I've yet to read a book by this author that I didn't love.  She is one of my absolute favorites so I was so excited to receive a e-copy of this one!  The premise of this one sounds intense and I cannot wait to see if it is going to be as good as it sounds!  If you haven't had the opportunity to try out this author's books yet, start with her Lacey Flint series.  The first book is titled Now You See Me (I think it is under S.J. Bolton rather than Sharon) but that entire series (4 books total) is SO GOOD!

Have You Seen Me? by Kate White

"On a cold, rainy morning, finance journalist Ally Linden arrives early to work in her Manhattan office, only to find that she’s forgotten her keycard and needs to have a colleague she’s never met let her in. When her boss finally arrives, he seems surprised to see her—because she hasn’t worked there in five years."

Kate White is another author whose books I've enjoyed previously.  She has a series as well (the Bailey Weggins series) and some standalones - I haven't read everything that she has written yet but I would definitely like to.  I cut the above summary short as well but it was all I needed to know that I wanted to read this book!

You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce

  "Cassandra Tipp is dead...or is she?

After all, the notorious recluse and eccentric bestselling novelist has always been prone to flights of fancy--everyone in town remembers the shocking events leading up to Cassie's infamous trial (she may have been acquitted, but the insanity defense only stretches so far).Cassandra Tipp has left behind no body--just her massive fortune, and one final manuscript."

This is a new to me author but this book has me SO intrigued!  It sounds kind of creepy and definitely right up my alley!  I also just adore that cover!  I just can't wait to see what this book is all about!

In Her Shadow by Kristin Miller 

"Once his secretary, Colleen is now pregnant with Michael's baby. When he brings her to his opulent estate, Ravenwood, she is abruptly thrust into a life of luxury she's never known. But Colleen finds the immense house suffused with the memory of Michael's beautiful wife, Joanna, who left months ago and who haunts her imagination. It quickly becomes apparent that there is little room for a new mistress of this house: The staff greets her with hostility, and there are entire wings and corridors from which she is prohibited to enter.
Then bones are unearthed in the grove across the street."

It sure feels like gothic novels are making a comeback in 2020 and I am HERE for it!  This cover...that premise...I am so excited to read this one!  It's kind of giving me some Rebecca vibes as well which makes me want to reread that one sometime in the near future.

Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia

"Nora Trier catches thieves. As a forensic accountant and partner in her downtown Minneapolis firm, she’s unearthed millions in every corner of the world. She prides herself on her independence, the most essential currency of accounting, until her firm is hired by Strike.

An anti-corporate, feminist athletic empire, Strike is owned by Logan Russo, a brash and legendary kickboxer, and her marketing genius husband, Gregg Abbott. They’re about to host a major kickboxing tournament with twenty million dollars in prize money, and the chance for the champion to become the new face of the company. Gregg suspects his wife already has a new face in mind—a young trainer named Aaden, for whom Logan feels an unexpected connection.Days before the tournament begins, it’s discovered that the prize money is missing. Gregg hires Nora’s firm to find both the thief and the money but Nora has a secret connection to Strike that threatens her independence. Her partner pressures her into taking the case anyway, hinting he has information about Strike that could change the course of the investigation in a shocking and deadly way."

I read and really enjoyed this author's 1st book a few years back - Everything You Want Me To Be.  I've been wanting to read more by her every since!  I really like the sound of this one so I'm looking forward to reading this one soon!

There you have it - six of the books that I've gotten from NetGalley and Edelweiss that I'm super excited to read and that are coming out next month.  I'm actually planning on participating in a #Netgalleyspringclean challenge on Instagram next month.  That means I'm really going to focus on getting some of these books read in the very near future.  

Are there any April releases that you are excited about?

Bookstagram Made Me Do It (Edition #1)

I feel like I've been a lot more active on "bookstagram" these days compared to my blog.  And to be fair, I'm just as spotty at posting there as I am on here when it comes to keeping up with reviews of books I've read.  But I've been neglecting my blog a bit which I'm hoping to change.  Book blogging in general has really changed from my early blogging days - and that's okay.  Things evolve with time so it is to be expected I suppose.  Time also gets away from me as there is only so much of it that I'm willing to dedicate to the book-related world.  All of this rambling is to say that I've been wanting to change things up here and share more than just reviews or my occasional reading updates.  Will I ever post on here regularly and consistently again?  I don't know but I'm okay with that.  I do feel like my blog is in a posting rut though so that part needs to change (hence this post).  I used to get ALL of my book recommendations from other book blogs.  I still get book recommendations from blogs but I also get many, many more recommendations now from bookstagram.  Here are just a few of the books that are now on my radar thanks to the bookstagram world:

After The Flood by Kassandra Montag

Summary from Goodreads:

"A little more than a century from now, our world has been utterly transformed. After years of slowly overtaking the continent, rising floodwaters have obliterated America’s great coastal cities and then its heartland, leaving nothing but an archipelago of mountaintop colonies surrounded by a deep expanse of open water.

Stubbornly independent Myra and her precocious seven-year-old daughter, Pearl, fish from their small boat, the Bird, visiting dry land only to trade for supplies and information in the few remaining outposts of civilization. For seven years, Myra has grieved the loss of her oldest daughter, Row, who was stolen by her father after a monstrous deluge overtook their home in Nebraska. Then, in a violent confrontation with a stranger, Myra suddenly discovers that Row was last seen in a far-off encampment near the Artic Circle. Throwing aside her usual caution, Myra and Pearl embark on a perilous voyage into the icy northern seas, hoping against hope that Row will still be there.

On their journey, Myra and Pearl join forces with a larger ship and Myra finds herself bonding with her fellow seekers who hope to build a safe haven together in this dangerous new world. But secrets, lust, and betrayals threaten their dream, and after their fortunes take a shocking—and bloody—turn, Myra can no longer ignore the question of whether saving Row is worth endangering Pearl and her fellow travelers."

This book just released this week and the reviews for this one have been rolling in like mad.  I've seen nothing but positive things so far, but I'll admit that I try to skim reviews as much as possible when the hype for a book is this big so nothing gets ruined for me.  Some of the big name bookstagrammers are really raving about it so I'm intrigued.  Add in the fact that post-apocalyptic books are something I'm almost always drawn to and I just knew that I have to read this one soon.  If I didn't have The Passage by Justin Cronin already checked out from the library this one would be on my holds list right now.  I do want to get my hands on this one though before the end of the year!

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell 

Summary from Goodreads:

"Be careful who you let in. 

Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she’s been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am. 

She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby’s life is about to change. But what she can’t possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well—and she is on a collision course to meet them. 

Twenty-five years ago, police were called to 16 Cheyne Walk with reports of a baby crying. When they arrived, they found a healthy ten-month-old happily cooing in her crib in the bedroom. Downstairs in the kitchen lay three dead bodies, all dressed in black, next to a hastily scrawled note. And the four other children reported to live at Cheyne Walk were gone."

This book has yet to be released (looks like it releases in November) but early bookstagram reviews have me itching to read this one.  I may have EVERY SINGLE one of this authors books on my TBR list now but I've yet to read a single one of them.  I'm thinking this may be the one I begin with honestly.  The premise just sounds so delightfully creepy - it also sounds like the perfect type of read for this time of year.  I do have a copy of this book thanks to NetGalley so I'm hoping to read this one before publication date.  It just sounds SO good, doesn't it?

The Whisper Man by Alex North

Summary from Goodreads:

"In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.

After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank.

But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed "The Whisper Man," for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.

Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter's crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man.

And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window..."

Now this book has been ALL OVER bookstagram.  So much so that even though I currently have it checked out from the library I'm a bit hesitant to read it (which is what happens to me when the hype for a book is this big).  But I also just can't resist giving this one a try to see if it is as creepy as it sounds.  And this is the perfect time of year for creepy reads just like this!  I just want to read them all....give me all of the creepy thrillers to read until the end of October!

I'm going to stick with three books this time around.  Tell me though, what books have you added to your TBR list lately?

Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Anna Pigeon has fled New York and her memories to find work as a ranger in the country’s national parks. In the remote backcountry of West Texas, however, she discovers murder and violence. Fellow park ranger Sheila Drury is mysteriously killed, presumably by a mountain lion. But the deep claw marks Anna finds across Drury’s throat and the paw prints surrounding the body are too perfect to be real."

My Thoughts:

This is my second book read for my personal TBR challenge.  I actually picked up my copy of this book from the used bookstore but then it just languished on my shelves.  I'm grateful for the push to finally pick it up that this challenge gave me because I really enjoyed this one.  It was a quieter mystery but it was the perfect choice for the reading mood that I was in.  I loved this book for the setting alone.  The author was able to just draw me in to the wilderness and stark back country of Texas within the pages of this book.  Through Anna's love of nature and the area where she lived, I was also able to feel like I was there myself.  I found that the mystery came almost second to me in comparison to just experiencing the atmosphere that Barr created within this book.  

What I loved about this book besides the setting was the feel of it.  It almost reminded me of a Sue Grafton novel although they are two very different type of books.  I think it was the fact that both series are set in a different way of life - a time where technology and cell phones aren't the every day norm.  Anna has to use a pay phone to make calls to her sister in New York and can barely type up reports that she needs to do.  Both series feature a different type of investigating where it isn't all focused on forensics but instead focuses more on uncovering the secrets leading up to the crime.  This was a shorter book but I still was so easily caught within the pages.  I found myself surprised by the ending as I didn't see any of it coming.  It just made the book that much more enjoyable and has me eager to continue on with this series (which is why I now have a copy of book two on my shelves ready and waiting).

Overall, I really enjoyed this quiet mystery and am very excited about this series in general.  Luckily for me I believe I have many more books to look forward to.  I'm two for two as well when it comes to books read for this challenge.  Both have been really great reads for me and finally knocked a couple of books off of my TBR that have been on there for entirely too long.  I don't plan on waiting long before moving on to the second book!  I think that fans of mysteries and suspenseful reads will enjoy this book.  I really do see a lot of comparisons to the Sue Grafton series so if you enjoy that one you may like this one as well.  Easily recommended!

Bottom Line: A quiet mystery that sucked me into the beauty of its' surroundings!

Disclosure:  I purchased my copy of this book from my local used bookstore.

The Sunday Post #38 (2018 Reading Plans)

"The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme"

Good morning everyone!  I'm actually writing this post ahead of time which means it won't get posted in the late afternoon like it usually does.  Success on my part - LOL!  As the title of this post probably already shows, I've been really thinking about my reading plans for 2018 already.  I've said this before but 2017 has not been my best year of reading.  In fact, I'm on track to read the fewest number of books this year since I began blogging back in 2008.  I'm sitting at 50 books read for the year - if I finish 4 more books I will tie with my reading year in 2012.  I know I shouldn't worry about the numbers so much but it is quite the difference when in the last two years I have finished eighty books both years.  My TBR keeps growing but my reading pace has slowed down and I'm not really sure why.

I'm not going to sit and moan about it though, instead I'm trying to figure out what I can do to make 2018's reading better.  Signing up for #COYER was a great way to begin but I'm not going to stop there.  One of my new plans to jump start my reading with really great reads is I have come up with a list of fifty books that I'm calling my TBR list (not very original - I know).  This is a mixture of fiction and nonfiction reads that have all been on my TBR list for some time- no new 2018 releases involved.  Every month (or more than once a month if I like) I'm going to use the random number generator to pick one of these books to read.  I'm going to knock some of these books off of my TBR list once and for all!  I have a tendency to "save" books to read that I think I'm going to really like but I don't want to read right away because then I won't have them to look forward to read.  This makes no sense but there you have it.  I put a bunch of books like this on my list to finally give myself the push to read them.  I made a tab on my blog if you are interested in seeing the fifty books that I chose (I might make a separate post but it is doubtful because that is a lot of books covers to share).  The plan is to keep my list at fifty constantly - for every book that I finish I will add a new one to the list.  And at the end of the year I'm going to look back at all of the books I finish for this personal challenge.  It should be fun! I've got other reading plans for 2018 but I'll post about them at a later date.  I've already got my first book picked out for this because I can't wait until the new year to begin.  I will be reading this gem very soon:

It has been a few weeks since my last reading update which means I have a lot to catch up with you on.  I've actually finished three books since my last post which is pretty awesome considering.  These are the books that I've recently read:

Into The Drowning Deep by Mira Grant was just as amazing as I had hoped that it would be.  I loved every minute of reading it so I'm absolutely thrilled that it looks like it is part of a series.  I need more killer mermaids in my life!  I'm going to post my thoughts on this one soon but expect a lot of gushing to be involved.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie was delightful read.  I've actually already written up my thoughts on this one which I'm calling a success.  This book was such a great read!  It has me wanting to read more of her books soon, and I heard on another Read or Dead podcast episode that there is another movie coming in the future based off of one of her books.  I'm pumped!

Bloodstains with Bronte by Katherine Bolger Hyde was a fun follow-up to the first book in the series (Arsenic With Austen) that I recently read.  While I definitely liked the first book more, it was great to get back to this cast of characters and cozy series once again.  I will be working on writing up my thoughts on this one very soon as well.

I'm now currently reading the following two books:

 

Final Girls by Riley Sager is so completely intense!  I can't stop reading yet find myself unsure if I want to keep going.  I'm loving every minute of it!  I'm also reading Troublemaker by Leah Remini as my nonfiction read.  I'm a huge fan of her show exposing Scientology so I couldn't resist picking up the book.  I'm enjoying it although I have to say that most of my attention is currently focused on Final Girls at the moment.  These are both print books and I don't have an ebook on the go currently which is rare.  I'll be picking up one of my choices from my #COYER reading pool soon to start on my kindle.

Plans for the day are the usual.  My youngest has basketball pictures before his game so we have that in the afternoon.  My laundry piles are sky high so I'm going to be working on getting those down to a more manageable level.  Reading and blogging as much as possible.  And then football, family time, and The Walking Dead of course.  It sounds like the recipe for a great Sunday and perfect start to my week.  I'm off to work on said laundry piles but do share if you are also already thinking about your reading in 2018.  I would love to hear what your plans are!

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

April Reading Plans (2017 Edition)

Wow!  It is hard to believe that I'm already working on my reading plans for April.  2017 hasn't been my best year so far in regards to how many books I've read but it has been a good year quality wise.  This will probably one of the busier months for my family as we adjust to sports schedules and fitting all of that around school and homework.  I still have lots of reading goals and books that I would like to read so my reading pile is as huge as always.  Here are the print books that I'm hoping to read in April:

• A Perfect Gentleman by Candace Camp - This was a surprise review copy sent by the publisher to me this past month.  I enjoyed one of this author's books last year so I was super excited about this especially as I hadn't heard about it until now.  I read the premise and can already tell that this is a book I will enjoy.
•  Summer Knight by Jim Butcher - I've been craving some Harry Dresden so it is well past time to continue on with this series.  I was listening to a podcast the other day that mentioned this series and ended up requesting this book from the library soon after.  I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Harry gets himself into next.
• The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen - 1st in a series and this is actually off of my own shelves.  I picked this book up from the used bookstore earlier this year I believe and am anxious to read it.  I've never seen the show that is based on this series but I wouldn't mind checking it out (after I read the books first).  I can't wait to check this book out!
• The Day I Died by Lori Rader-Day - This is a review copy for an upcoming TLC Book tour that is later this month.  This author has been on my radar for awhile now so I can't wait to finally give her a try!  It sounds like my kind of book and will probably end up being my next read.

I've decided that for April my goal is to mainly read e-books for the majority of the month.  You've heard me say a million times how terrible my self control is when it comes to NetGalley and Edelweiss.  Despite always signing up and participating in #COYER e-reading challenges, I am still desperately trying to catch up on some of these review copies that are just sitting unread.  I would love, love, love to make a dent on my TBR list for e-books.  Here are the kindle books that I have added to my April pile of possibilities:

 

 

 

•  Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner - These first two books are both the first books in a series that I haven't yet started and now also have the 2nd book waiting to be read.  Don't worry I'm shaking my head at myself over here too.  I really like the sound of this one and am eager to get started on it!
• Mummy's Favorite by Sarah Flint - See above for my part of my explanation on wanting to read.  The cover of this one is also pretty great and then you add in the description....well, I've already downloaded this one on my phone ready to be started.  Both of these books sound like they will be right up my alley so I can't wait!
• Final Girls by Riley Sager - I told you guys that I wouldn't be able to wait too much longer before reading this one.  It doesn't release until July I believe but I just have to check it out for myself now.  It sounds creepy and thrilling and I'm there for all of that!  Plus, that cover!!!
• Dangerous Behavior by Nancy Bush - I requested this one from NetGalley based of the description alone.  I've had this author on my TBR list for years but hopefully not for much longer.  It sounds like a page turner and I'm looking forward to checking it out!
• He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly - This is another author that I've been wanting to read for years.  I jumped all over the chance to read this one because I've got no self control.  Also, because this book basically sounded amazing and how could I not?  
• Gone Without a Trace by Mary Torjussen - I'm participating in a blog tour for the publisher for this one later this month.  I couldn't help saying yes because I am basically addicted to all thrillers/mysteries as of late.  It sounds like it will be a great read and I have high hopes!
• Death Among the Doilies by Mollie Cox Bryan - 1st in a cozy mystery series that I've been wanting to start.  It also helps that I now have the second book also waiting to be read on my kindle so I need to read this one first (I'm seeing a trend here as well).  I love a good cozy to switch things up so this should be perfect.
• The Child by Fiona Barton - Last year I read and enjoyed The Widow by this author.  This book sounds even better so I couldn't resist requesting it.  I'm loving that cover as well!  I think that one of the characters from the previous book is in this one as well (the detective or reporter maybe?) so that will be interesting to see as well. 
• The Lady Traveler's Guide to Scoundrels & Other Gentlemen by Victoria Alexander - I feel like this book should win the award for longest title.  This is for another upcoming TLC book tour although my review date isn't until May or June - I can't remember off the top of my head.  Another author that I've been wanting to try so I'm excited to see what this book is all about!
• Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote - Oh my goodness- the premise of this book!  A woman who gets married and then thinks that her new husband may have killed his previous wife.  I'm so there!  That cover is so eye-catching as well and I just had to check it out for myself!

So many books!!  I really, really would love to read the majority of these books and make a small dent in my e-reader TBR.  Okay, it might only be a drop but it is the thought that counts.  I have plenty of good reading ahead of me so hopefully my reading picks up this month.  I mean how can it now when I have all of these to look forward to?

What book/s should I read first?  Have you read any of these yet?  What books are you hoping to read in April?  Do share!

Happy Reading!

 

March Reading Plans (2017 Edition)

Hello!  It feels like it has been awhile when maybe it really hasn't?  I've had posts scheduled so my blog hasn't been silent but I haven't actually written any posts up in a couple of weeks almost.  Responding to comments?  Nope.  What happened you might wonder?  Well, first we went out of town for the weekend with the kiddos so that was a lot of fun.  We came back though to a week of the flu- it was one kid after the other.  It wasn't fun but we seem to be all past it now for which I am very thankful.  On top of that I've been working mandatory overtime all month long and that is going to continue on through this month.  Busy, busy!  March is here though and it is already time to think about the books that I'm hoping/planning to read this month.  I've already finished my 1st book for the month and it was completely off pile.  I'm counting it as a win though since it was actually in my February pile of possibilities and off of my own shelves.  Score!  Here are the print books that I would like to read this month:

• By Book or by Crook by Eva Gates - 1st in a cozy mystery series and one that I picked up last month when I was at a local Goodwill.  I loved the sound of it and decided I didn't want to wait long to give this series a try!
• Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie - 3rd book in this mystery series and also from my own shelves.  I read the first two books in this series a year or two back and just adored them.  I've been meaning to continue on with this series every since so in March I'm hoping to do exactly that.  I've got really high hopes for this one!
• The American Girl by Kate Horsley - This is actually a recent library find that I was so intrigued by.  I picked it up on a whim and read the back....and just like that I knew it was coming home with me to be read as soon as possible.  I love when I find new to me books like this!
• Someone Must Die by Sharon Potts - Another Goodwill find that I couldn't resist bringing home with me (I've already brought a ridiculous number of books into my house in 2017 but that's another story).  I really like the sound of this one and couldn't resist adding a thriller to my pile of reads.  It sounds right up my alley!
• Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey - This is a review copy that has been sitting on my shelves for way too long.  I keep saying that I'm finally going to get through some of these older review copies- maybe this month will be the month that I actually do just that.  It sounds intriguing!
• Never Tell by Alafair Burke - Another aged review copy.  And I love Alafair Burke so I have no clue why I haven't read this one yet.  Obviously that needs to change and soon.  I'm really looking forward to this one as I haven't read a bad book by this author yet.  
• The River at Night by Erica Ferencik - This was a Goodread's win that I just recently received.  I've seen some really great reviews for this thriller so I'm super excited to have the chance to read it!  I will definitely be squeezing this one in before March ends.
• Origin in Death by J.D. Robb - Off of my own shelves and the next book (for me at least) in the In Death series.  Enough said!

I'm of course also hoping to read plenty of books on my kindle.  Here are the kindle books that I am hoping to read in March:

• Path Into Darkness by Lisa Alber - NetGalley review copy and that cover alone had me adding this book to my TBR list.  The description had me requesting this book as fast as I could (despite the fact that I really, really don't need to be requesting books from Netgalley).  I'm really looking forward to giving this author a try!
• The Lost Children by Helen Phifer - This author has been on my radar for awhile now so I jumped at the chance to read this one (also courtesy of NetGalley).  I love the sound of this book as well and cannot wait to give it a try.  This publisher is one of my favorites for a thrilling read so I can't wait!
• Hard-Hearted Highlander by Julia London - I recently read and enjoyed Sinful Scottish Laird by this author.  This is the next book in the series and one that I'm reading for another TLC book tour that is coming up in April I believe.  I enjoyed the previous book so much that I'm really looking forward to this one!  I also am hoping to read ahead so I'm adding this book to March's TBR pile.
• I See You by Claire Mackintosh - I have heard SO MANY great things about this author and her books.  I simply must finally see what the hype is all about!  I know next to nothing about this book other than it is a thriller and that readers are loving this author a lot.  I can't wait to give this book a try!
• The Secrets You Keep by Kate White - I've loved this author's books in the past so I'm super excited to have her newest book on my e-reader.  She always writes page-turners and that is exactly what I'm in the mood for.  I keep saying this but I cannot wait to read this one as well!  So many books, so little time!
• Deadly Silence by Rebecca Zanetti - This is the beginning to a new romantic suspense series.  I really don't read enough books like this so I'm really looking forward to giving this book a try.  Plus that gorgeous cover really helps!  I have high hopes as I've read a different book by this author (also a 1st in a different series) and really enjoyed it.  
• Saving Sophie by Sam Carrington - I knew as soon as I read the description of this book that I wanted to read it.  Somehow it got pushed to the side for other books though and I'm just now adding it to my reading pile.  Also a thriller but this one sounds like it focuses more of family relationships.  I can't wait to begin!
• When the Grits Hit the Fan by Maddie Day - 3rd book in one of my favorite cozy mystery series.  I seriously stalked NetGalley for this book because I wanted to read it so badly.  I actually just shared my thoughts on the 2nd book not that long ago and that got me even more excited for this book.  I CANNOT WAIT!

So many books here!  So many books that I really, really want to read right this minute.  2017 has been a bit of a slower reading year so far for me.  I'm already two books behind on my Goodread's goal.  Obviously I need to stay off Facebook and Litsy more which will help me not to be so distracted and give me more reading time.  I just love Litsy so much though!!  Maybe March will be the month where my reading year starts turning around.  I sure hope so because I really want to read all of these and that isn't including all of the other books that I wanted to read in the past two months that I haven't gotten to yet.  A girl has to dream, right?

What books are you hoping to read in March?  Have you read any of the books that are in my reading pile?  If you have feel free to let me know your thoughts or tell me which ones I should read next.  Happy reading!

February Reading Plans (2017 Edition)

Here we are and I'm already planning out my reading for February.  How fast time flies by lately!  I went off pile with my reading in January but I also managed to read a few books that were included in January reading plans.  A good mix if I'm being honest with myself.  I'm a very moody reader so sometimes I just have to go with my reading moods or risk a nasty reading slump instead.  I'm having fun still with coming up with books that I want to read each month so here we are with my February reading pile.  A few things to note though (besides the given fact that I will most likely ALWAYS go off pile at some point each month): one- I feel like it is a given that any library book I have checked out currently is always a possibility for that months reads.  I include library books in my reading piles sometimes but I certainly don't include them all - because I always have a ridiculous number checked out.  LOL!  I'm also still mulling over what my nonfiction pick will be for this month.  I'm still working on January's pick- which is Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer.  In light of everything that is going on in politics lately....well, I'm still deciding on my next nonfiction read.  I will leave it at that.  Here are the print books that I'm hoping/wanting to read in February:

• From Potter's Field by Patricia Cornwell - Last year I binged out on the earlier books in this series and enjoyed every minute of it.  I am ready to continue on and see what type of case Scarpetta gets involved with next.  These books are always page turners and I'm especially looking forward to this one.  This book is from my own shelves which is an added bonus.
• Baby It's Cold Outside by Addison Fox -  I added this one to my TBR list awhile back thanks to the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books podcast which is a favorite of mine for romance recommendations.  This book just sounds like fun and the perfect read for this time of year.  I kind of have an obsession with anything related to Alaska so it is high up there on my reading list!  This is a library find.
• Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman - This is a review copy for an upcoming TLC book tour.  My tour date isn't actually until March but I'm trying to read ahead so it is on this month's pile.  Also, it basically sounds amazing so why wait?  Lippman is one of those authors that I always mean to read- but I don't know that I've actually ever read anything by her.  I have high hopes though for this book!
• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass - In 2017 I'm really hoping to push myself in reading in different ways.  One of those ways is in actually reading the books that EVERYONE else seems to be talking about or have loved.  I add those books to my TBR list but then never read them myself (sad fact- I've never read The Hunger Games- for real).  I picked this one up from the library to push myself.  I don't read a lot of YA or fantasy but I've heard such good things about these books.  I can't wait to see for myself what the hype is all about!
• The Drifter by Christine Lennon - Another review copy for upcoming TLC book tour.  This is also for a March tour date but I don't want to wait that long to read it as it sounds too good.  Add to that an absolutely gorgeous cover and I'm ready to begin this one right now!
• Asylum by Jeannette De Beauvoir - This is a Goodread's giveaway win that I then never read.  What in the heck as I love the sound of this one??  I'm changing that this month though and finally knocking this book off of my TBR shelves.  It sounds quite creepy and I am always in the mood for a good mystery.
• The Book of You by Claire Kendal - This is the review copy that I picked out to read this month that has been on my shelves now for WAY too long.  I don't even know why I never read this one until now as it sounds like my type of book.  I'm really looking forward to finally giving this book a try!

The e-books that I'm adding to my February reading pile are:

• Stolen by Carey Baldwin - Edelweiss review copy for an upcoming PICT book tour.  My tour date is actually in February (though later in the month) so this will be my 1st e-book choice.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to read this one after loving the previous book in this series last year.  I'm anxious to get started!
• First Degree Mudder - This is the latest installment in one of my very favorite cozy mystery series.  I'm been waiting to read this one for awhile now so I'm glad to finally add it to the pile.  This is a NetGalley review copy and one that will count towards #COYER Blackout.  I'm looking forward to getting back to these characters and catching up!
• Chasing Shadows by Karen Harper - NetGalley review copy (as are really all of the e-books on my list almost) and also the 1st in a new series.  I read the description of this book and just knew that I had to read it.  This author has been on my radar for awhile now so I'm excited to give her a try with this new book.
• No One Knows by J.T. Ellison - This book is on my radar thanks to the What Should I Read Next podcast (which is also becoming one of my favorites).  She was talking about it and I was instantly intrigued.  I've enjoyed this author in the past so I have high hopes for this book!
• Her Husband's Lover by Julia Crouch - I just read a really great review for this one and knew that I needed to move this book up my reading TBR list!  I can't get enough of thrillers as of late and this book just sounds intense!  I need it in my reading life for sure!  
• Someone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary - This is the 1st in a mystery series that I've been meaning to try for WAY too long.  I've seen some rave reviews for it and I've no excuse on why I haven't yet read it.  February is going to be an amazing month of reading if I get the chance to read half of these books and authors!
• Shadowed by Karen E. Olson - 2nd book in a series where I just loved book one.  And yet I STILL haven't continued on with this series yet.  I'm hoping to change that especially as I think the 3rd book is due to release soon (if it hasn't already).  
• A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders - This book was recommended to me by the publisher and something about that cover is just calling my name.  I like the sound of it even though it means I will be starting yet another series out of order.  No worries, if I enjoy this one I will just go back to the beginning then.  LOL!  

Whew!  I'm both excited and exhausted just thinking about all of these great sounding books.  My book piles overflow!  I tried to include a mix of books in a variety of genres to keep things interesting (and maybe keep me from going off-pile so much).  Any books that I didn't read from my January reading pile are also being thrown into the mix here as obviously I want to read them as well in the near future.  I'm going to burrow under the blankets this month and just read to my heart's content!

What books are you hoping to reading in February?  Is there any book here that you think I should read first?  I hope that all of you have an amazing month of reading in February as well!