Library Loot (December Edition)

I've been to two different libraries in two days - this is the result of those two visits.  I'm calling it my December library loot but let's be honest here:  there is a good chance I'll visit the library a couple of more times before the month ends.  I made out with some really great books though that I cannot wait to read!  If I'm being honest I didn't manage to read any of the library books from my last post before they had to go back unread.  Sigh!  I'm 100% sure that I'll check them back out at some point though so no worries.  Here are the books that I couldn't not bring home with me:

• The Vanishing Year by Kate Moretti - This book has been on my radar since it first released.  I couldn't put it down though once I saw a comparison to Rebecca on the back cover.  Yes please!  It sounds great and I basically want to read it right now.
• Bannerless by Carrie Vaughn - It has been way too long since I last read anything by Vaughn.  Add to that a dystopian setting and a mystery...I just cannot resist.  Plus this book has a gorgeous and unique cover - it is calling my name right now!
• The Dark Room by Minette Walters - I found this book while browsing the new book shelves.  I hadn't heard of it but it sounds creepy and thrilling - that's basically all I needed to know before I brought it home with me.
• The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood - I've got all three of this author's books on my TBR list.  I tried one of her other books and just didn't quite get into it (although I do plan on going back to it at some point).  I really like the sound of this one so I'm planning on reading it instead.
• Dark River Rising by Roger Johns - Yes another find courtesy of the new book shelves.  It has such a gorgeous cover and then I realized it was set in Louisiana and had to bring it home with me to check out.  This may be my next print read!
• Beloved Poison by E.S. Thomson - I was browsing and found the 2nd book in this series which was sent in an asylum (if I'm remembering correctly now).  That is basically catnip to me but then I realized it was part of a series and went searching for the first book which is this one.  It sounds really great so I'm eager to try it!
• Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter - This is the only book that I actually went to the library specifically for.  It will be my first read off of my TBR list challenge.  I've got really high hopes and a lot of readers that I trust have sung this book's praises so I'm pretty excited to read it!

That's a lot of great books all in one pile.  I've also got a few books on hold that I'm patiently (or not so patiently waiting for).  I'm planning on ending my reading year with some really great books and this pile will help that happen.  Has anyone read any of these?  Are they any that I should read before all of the rest?  And just out of curiosity: does anyone else go their library non-stop like I do?

Happy Reading!

My Name is Sam, and I have a Book Addiction...

I have lots of thoughts this week about lots of different things.  The blogging community in general has been a bit drama filled lately but as always my favorite bloggers are focusing more on the positive than the bad.  It has been one of those countless times where I've reevaluated my goals and priorities as a blogger.  A post for another time maybe?  I really don't know as there are so many others that have said it better than I ever could.  On the other hand I've been feeling completely inspired thanks to finding podcasts.  What fun!  I can listen while cleaning (yes I know others have figured this out long ago but I'm late as usual) and it makes it much more enjoyable.  This should most likely be another post but I couldn't help mentioning how I excited I am about them. Recommendations are needed here though!  Which podcasts are out there that shouldn't be missed???  Please share!

I woke up this morning ready to blog and with lots of different feelings on both of these possible posts but I just couldn't settle.  I've decided to let them both simmer in my mind for now and instead finally share all of my lovely finds from my Valentine's trip to the used book store.  I spent a lovely hour or so browsing my local used bookstore shelves and finding all kinds of gems that just HAD to come home with me. 

 

 

• Play Dead by Harlan Coben - One of his older books.  I've enjoyed every book that I've read by Coben so I'm sure this will be good.
• Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie - 3rd in the Duncan Kincaid series and one of my favorite mystery series that I found last year. 
• The Missing by Jane Casey - This is a standalone and by an author that I have really enjoyed previously.
• Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates - 1st in a cozy mystery series.  The cover made me bring this one home.
• Trust Me by Brenda Novak - 1st in a trilogy...I think?  It sounds both creepy and tense so I had to have it!
• Scarlet Devices by Delphine Dryden - 2nd book in a steampunk series that I've been wanting to start.  Gorgeous cover!
• Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane - 1st in an urban fantasy series that was highly recommended to me by another blogger.
• Gossamer Wing by Delphine Dryden - 1st in the same steampunk series as Scarlet Devices.  So pumped to read both of them!
• Death's Daughter by Amber Benson - I picked this one up as I just finished a different book by this author and wanted to try her other series out. 
• Saint's Gate by Carla Neggers - Romantic suspense and one that I've grabbed from the library multiple times. 
• Here I Stay by Barbara Michaels - I will basically always buy Michael's books whenever I find them.  I feel the need to own them all....see the title of this post for an explanation as to why :)
• Fireborn by Keri Arthur - 1st in another new to me series.  My bookish addictions know no bounds.

These two are thanks to the publishers and were both unsolicited review copies.  Monday's Lie is a thriller so I definitely want to read it!  The Master isn't my usual type of read but since I really, really enjoyed a different book by this author I will be reading it as well.  At least I haven't brought in as many review copies as last time that I shared.  That's a start, right?

It is official: I have TOO many books!  No more bookstore trips until I start getting my shelves under control.  I may have an addiction but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't work on it.  Time to actually read all of these books that I can't seem to stop buying.  I can stay out of my used bookstore but I don't know that I can stay away from the library for too long.  I'm going to have to be realistic and keep mixing up my reading.  Review copies, library copies, and books from my own shelves....I have more than enough to keep my busy for a very long time!

Tell me, what books have you added to your shelves recently?  Do you have a book addiction like me??  Are your shelves ridiculously out of control?  Or better yet: which of these books should I read first?  Do share!

The Sunday Post #8 (Snow and More Snow)

"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"

 Seriously, today is all about the snow.  Was it just a few weeks ago that I was complaining about the lack of snow??  I'm pretty sure that I should have kept my mouth closed as we are in the midst of a winter storm.  An inch an hour?  Possibility of 15 inches?  Yeah, this is what we get for me opening my big mouth.  My kids are absolutely loving it though and have already been outside playing in the piles.  Me not so much as my back is already sore from shoveling.  What a workout though!  Here is a picture just of the snow when I first woke up this morning (there is a lot more out there now):

Plans for today include lots of shoveling and time spent outside.  I also have a house to clean, laundry to do, and certainly I will be fitting in some relaxation time as well.  I need to fit in some quality reading time too as I'm currently reading three different books and would like to make some progress.  January wasn't the best month numbers wise for me so I'm hoping to read a bit more in February.  That being said I'm not stressing about it as quality wise January was a really great month.  Not a single bad book in the bunch which had me very happy.  Let's move on to my reading update though.  In the past two weeks I have finished the following books:

India Black by Carol K. Carr was an absolute delight to read!  I loved this one to pieces and cannot wait to continue on with her adventures.  I really could not put this one down and blew through the pages.  I should never have waited this long to read this book.  A historical mystery filled with both spies and intrigue....this was a book that I instantly adored.

The Girl With a Clock For a Heart by Peter Swanson was also another really great read and quite thrilling as well.  I'm participating in a blog tour for this one so I don't want to say a lot until my review but it is definitely a book to check out!  The pacing of this one is quite intense and kept me on my toes.  My thoughts will be posted on the 16th of this month if you are interested.

I'm now currently reading the following books:

They are all completely different from one another but that is a good thing.  Slave to Sensation is my current print book and the one that I am having the hardest time setting down.  I've been meaning to start this series for years.  In Flames is for an upcoming blog tour and is my current e-read on my Paperwhite.  I have no clue what is going on in this one yet I can't seem to stop reading.  The Happiness Project is going to deserve a post of its' own.  I'm reading this one before bed but I really should have a notebook near me when I read it as there are just so many things.  Like I said, I will write up a post later for my thoughts just while reading it.  Lot of really great reading ahead of me for sure!

Incoming Additions:

I was doing so good until then I wasn't.  Here are all of the books that have come into my house in the past two weeks.  They are all from the publishers except Mistress of Rome which is a contest win (and one that I just cannot wait to read.  It sounds so good!).  Thank you Becca!  I'm not even showing you the ebooks because I have failed in self control.  Failed!  So I will share those next week instead when hopefully you have forgotten about all of these :) 

I'm off to scrub my kitchen down and then shovel (AGAIN!).  I will be by to comment later as I'm getting a late start today thanks to this weather.  We WILL be watching the Superbowl later although I will be reading while watching bits and pieces of it.  If the Bears aren't there then I don't care.  Ha!

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Bookish Haul (Book Gluttony Edition)

I have been pretty good recently when it comes to not buying books so it should come as no surprise to anyone that I couldn't last very much longer without a visit to the used bookstore.  I had a bag of books ready to turn in for credit so at least I probably took back as many books as I brought home.  That's a positive in my opinion!  And thanks to a very thoughtful gift from my husband I even had a bookish Christmas.  I'm so excited about all of this bookish goodness that I couldn't resist sharing with all of you.  Here are the books that I took home with me thanks to my most recent trip to the used bookstore:

• A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris - 2nd in the Aurora Teagarden mystery series.  I really enjoyed the first book in this series.  
• Blood Vines by Erica Spindler - I used to read this author's books all the time and when I saw this (newer?) one I couldn't resist!
• The Man With a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes - 1st book in a mystery series that I have been wanting to try.
• Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne - 1st in a paranormal romance trilogy that I really am looking forward to reading as well.
• The Witness by Nora Roberts - I saw a bunch of good reviews for this one awhile back so it just had to come home with me.
• I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton - I'm working on catching up with this series since it is one of my favorites.  I buy the next book in the series every time I visit the used bookstore.
• Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur - I just finished rereading the first book in this series so it was like serendipity when I found the second book waiting on the shelves.  I was so excited!
• Underground by Kat Richardson - I'm a bit annoyed with this purchase as I thought it was the 2nd book in the series and it is the third.  Oh well.  But I would really, really like to know why publishers of series books don't make it easier to determine the series order.  Most frustrating thing ever!!!
• The Minotaur by Barbara Vine - Probably the book I am most excited about and I was almost jumping up and down when I found it.  This one sounds oh so good and I just cannot wait!
• Greywalker by Kat Richardson - 1st in this urban fantasy mystery series.  I read this one a few years back (I think) and really want to continue on with the series.  
• Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters - The next book in this amazingly good series that I cannot get enough of.  Another series though where it is SUPER hard to figure out the series order.    

• Fiercombe Manor by Kate Riordan is latest review copy to grace my doorstep.  It sounds like my kind of book!

And lastly, my husband bought me the BEST Christmas gift ever with my own kindle paperwhite (along with the cute owl cover)!  It was totally unexpected and I am just in love with it already!  As you can see, I'm already working on adding books to it, and I finished my first book on it already too! 

I had a wonderful Christmas filled with family and friends.  I couldn't ask for more!  It has been a bit quiet here because of it but I wouldn't change a thing.  I hope that all of you have a had a wonderful holiday as well!  Now, I'm off to prepare for the upcoming new year with a list of my favorite books from this year, some new goals to work towards, and maybe a few reading challenges.   All of these posts aren't going to write themselves :)

Books! Books! Books!

Because Mother's Day fell on the day after we got back from vacation, I had no plans whatsoever and no expectations for it.  Much to my surprise (and delight) the family took me to the used bookstore and Starbucks for a coffee.  What a perfect way for me to spend Mother's day!  I overindulged and bought WAY too many books but I just couldn't seem to help myself.  There were just so many that I wanted, and I couldn't resist bringing them all home with me.  Now no more bookstore trips for me until I actually read some of these :)  Here are the books that I decided to bring home:

• Touch the Dark by Karen Chance- 1st in this urban fantasy series.  I found a ton of great sounding urban fantasy series that I haven't started yet.  It was hard for me to figure out which ones that I absolutely NEEDED for my shelves but this was one of them.
• The Walker in Shadows by Barbara Michaels- Ummm..because this is by Barbara Michaels.  So of course I had to have it! 
• Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur- I actually have already read this one but somehow I fell out of reading this series.  I want to get back to it since I really enjoyed it so I decided to grab book one and start again.  I'm so excited to get back to this series!
• Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland- Another first in a series that I'm looking forward to reading.  This is an author that I've been meaning to try and now I am actually going to do it! 
• Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean- I've read and loved a different book by this author so I'm super excited to start this trilogy.  Plus, I need some historical romance in my life!
• The Lost Night by Jayne Castle- 1st in a paranormal romance series that I've also been wanting to try.  I was on a paranormal kick today! 
• Deception Cove by Jayne Castle- 2nd in this paranormal romance series.  These both sound really great!
• Spellbent by Lucy A. Snyder- Another 1st in an urban fantasy series.  Sensing a trend here?  I've been craving good urban fantasy and I think my book selections reflect that.  I love the cover for this one as well!
• The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters-  Yay!  I have the third book in my hands now.  You guys don't know how hard it is for me to keep from starting this one RIGHT NOW!  I'm going to try to finish my current read first.
• Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon- Because I have LOVED every book that I have read by this author.  This is her debut novel, and I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to reading it.

I'm overwhelmed just writing this post up!  I cannot wait to read all of these and I'm hoping that the Bout of Books read-a-thon will help me with that.  I'm starting to think that I need to take a month to just read books off of my own shelves.  It is sounding really good especially looking at all of these!  Have you read any of these?  Which ones should I read first?

Or better yet tell me about your latest book acquisitions so I won't feel like such a book hoarder!  It would be nice to know that I'm in good company :)