Recap of My Bookish Love for 2023

 Hello Dear Readers! 

Happy New Years 2024! 

2023 was a surprising year for me! I had no idea I would venture into the world of Instagram bookstagramming. I was trying to remember to update The Small Book Blog at least once a month and not always doing well with that task. However, with encouragement of my dear friend who loves to push me to be my best self, I dove into the deep end and have been happily treading water and swimming fairly successfully for the last half of the year as a bookstagrammer  (@smallbookblog) AND keeping up with my web blog too! Wahoo! Go me! Now I just need to keep reading, learning, making more bookish friends, and sharing my world of books with anyone and everyone. 

For those readers tracking their annual number of reads, I use Goodreads. I love that website for tracking books, looking up books, etc. This year my annual goal was to read 80 books. I am shocked to share that I not only achieved my reading challenge goal but almost doubled it! At the end of 2023, I will have read 142 books!!!! I am happy to say, after looking at all their beautiful covers and remembering snippets of them, there are very few that didn't bring me joy. I am posting my bookish adventures with this post. Hopefully they aren't too tiny to see. How did you do with your 2023 reading goals? I am unsure what my 2024 book challenge will be, but historically I try to do a few more books if I achieved the previous years goal. No stress, just trying to grow and see what I can do. 

With this look back, I just wanted to wish all my delightful and beautiful bibliophiles a very Happy New Year! "Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." -Brad Paisley 

Erin Sterling's The Ex Hex

The Ex Hex is a cute paranormal romance. We follow two lineages of witches whose role is to reinforce the town of Graves Glen ley lines periodically. However, from a past entanglement, subsequent breakup that results in a potentially drunken curse placed on the lost love, Vivienne isn’t excited to work alongside Rhys all these years later. Unknown to the other, both look back on their lost romance as the one that probably got away all these years later. When the ceremony goes disastrously wrong, Vivienne and Rhys are forced to troubleshoot what happened and how to correct the magic before it’s too late. More than just twisted magical sparks are flying before long. 

This is a fun romance with magic and witches. I would call it a “beach read.” It’s entertaining, sexy (with some spice for those of you wondering, a mostly open door for a few quick scenes), and an uncomplicated storyline that pulls you in with creative twists, but not under into the world of heavy emotions or darkness. It is magical happiness in an adventurous story of wishes and hexes gone wonky. 

Rebecca Yarro's Iron Flame

“Sorry to inconvenience you, but this year the role of Violet Sorrengail”—he points to me—“ will be played by Xaden Riorson”—he taps his chest—“ who will drag her, kicking and screaming if he has to, into a real relationship with real discussions, because he refuses to lose her again. If I have to evolve, you do, too.”

            -Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame

OMG! This is such a great second book in a long series!!! I feel like the above quote really encapsulates it. Iron Flame gives us more foundation, it adds twists yet answers questions while posing more… there is love, sex, violence, love, betrayal and loyalty… ugh! So many secrets, revelations and discoveries! I really can’t say anything more specific without being a potential spoil sport & I don’t want to be, but my gosh! Soooo good!!!!

Once again Yarros takes us into her world, expanding it, while we taste, touch, feel and experience it. The action and movements I could picture and walk the frozen grounds and dark caverns with the characters, happily in the safety of my reading space of course. Lol! I wouldn’t want it shorter or longer because we needed everything to set up the longer series. We need the mundane with the exciting and electric elements. I knew when I learned this was a 5 book series it would get messy, complicated, more history would come forward to keep the series elongated, entertain, interesting and add as many elements as possible to weave the story and characters into. If it was just 3 years of college with an epilogue at the end, no one would love or be as addicted to this series as we are. There are so many things to talk about and yet… I can’t… not here. Hurry up and read dear readers so I can theorize and have a therapy session with you!

I wonder what my signet would be… I definitely would be a rider with my dragon and not a flier with a gryphon. And yet I am still waiting on my letter to Hogwarts too. Luckily it's Christmas time and magic is in the air. *winks*

Alix E. Harrow's Starling House

 

This book… it’s good! I can see why Reese Witherspoon wanted this book to be her book clubs’ monthly choice. The writing is fantastic, it’s engaging and everything just flows. I did the audiobook version and it was almost relaxing. The reader was wonderful to listen to and, like I said, the story was a smooth ride. I wasn’t pulled out of it at all…well… other than to have to pause and work here and there. *Winks*

We find ourselves wandering through the pages of mystery, adventure, magic, and light horror within the walls of Starling House as Underland gets stronger and the monsters more frequent. I enjoyed the research and information on the past. It really helped inform on the present predicament Arthur and Opal find themselves trying to fight. I loved how sentient the house is and the magic within it- the house can accommodate whatever the warden needs, or the house decides is needed, even updating itself with the changing times for things like plumbing and electricity! I also loved the idea of the magic fighting the outside world so you can’t map it, photograph it, describe it… it’s almost a living thing, deciding who is a trespasser and who is welcome. Starling House protects its own.

This is my first Alix Harrow book and after reading Starling House, it has given me the push I need to finally read her 10,000 Doors of January. I will admit I have been moving it down my TBR pile. I think it’s the “10,000” in the title, my mind says, “that’s how long the book is” and I shy away. I just checked, less than 400 pages. *Phew* I will also share, I felt Starling House had tones of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and Stephen King’s Fairy Tale. I’m just delighted I pushed myself to read this book and find a new author to follow. I hope you do to. Let me know!

Hannah Grace's Icebreaker

Drama, drama, drama! At least in Icebreaker it's the good and juicy kind. *winks* I enjoyed this book wat more than I expected to. It made me reminisce my college dats, dating, campus fun, going to events, and feel blessed at how much happier my liver is without ALL the college drinking. LOL! 

Icebreaker's plot went deeper than I expected. At first, I was figuring it would be like the movie Cutting Edge or the book Pucked, but it really held its own! I loved the competitive ice skater vs competitive hockey player. There was an inherent understanding of what they need to get done to succeed and also how enjoy life and blow off steam. It has a good intro and story, we meet the players, there is a natural arc, realistic twists and issues to try and tear Anastasia and Nate apart, followed with understanding and the reiteration that positive communication is key, and finally, we get our beloved happily ever after. As Susan Elizabeth Phillips would tell us, that's what you need for a successful romantic comedy novel. Anything less is a tragedy. Also, these aren't really spoilers since you know this is marked as an "enemy to lovers" book.

Also, wowza! Ms. Grace gives us steamy, spicy, drippy, sexy scenes throughout the whole book! You will not be disappointed and...this is your warning if you are listening to an audiobook. I had no idea my 30 minute jog through the park was going to be 25 minutes of lusty bedroom antics. I can't even remember if I was jogging, or stutter step jogging, or going between jogging and racing. LOL!

If you want some great romance, Icebreakers is your friend.

Becky Banks' Flux

Vega and Hoyt are the enemies to lovers you didn't know you needed. They are the hacker-world book version of Yellowstone, the drama you can't help but get sucked into as you read along with their adventures and antics. Who knows where you might end up: jail, a penthouse suite, a gala or on the run. Flux is a layered story with a great arc, time doesn't stall anywhere and the characters are always developing and evolving as the mystery and thrills are unraveling around us. Plus, lots of luscious spice with Vega and Hoyt... lots.

Author Becky Banks has a talent for writing characters with quirks, charisma, sometimes broken and in need of healing, as well as humor. She has a talented way with words to paint you into the scene; smelling, tasting, feeling everything, electrifying the air around the characters. I have read everything this author has written and Flux is my new favorite book of the authors.

Vega comes from an abusive past that continues to haunt her and her family. She is passionately dedicated to protecting those she loves, herself, and other women who reach out in desperate need of the Valkyrie, to swoop in and save them from abusive men. While I had a love/hate relationship with Vega, we encounter time and again, a positive balance of strength in her because Vega tries to see both sides of the issues and situations, even if she has rules placing her more on the dark side (usually the lawbreaking side) than the light, that your scales tip in favor to love her. It is this willingness to see, absorb, and react that builds Vega's character throughout the book and strengthens her nature into someone likeable and loveable. You want to cheer her on as she evolves with the story.

Hoyt is a beautiful, intelligent, ruthless, billionaire, ex-NFL player, who will give you all the hot and bothered feelings we want to escape into. He has a head for tech, protecting people and placing securities in companies with an unbreachable tech system. I found myself falling more in love with Hoyt when I noticed his penitent towards patience, over and over, teaching Vega kindness is something you can give without cost to your confidence or value. Hoyt is a spot on character for this story. He was raised in a loving home but has battled his own demons and come out the other side stronger on every front.

Vega and Hoyt are uniquely capable of loving, challenging, and understanding each other as no one else has been able to. It is this new twist in reality, this glimpse into a stable shelter, supportive partner in life, and unconditional love, that Vega has secretly always sought. Through a chain of events that quickly spins out of control, Hoyt and Vega have to decide if their new found love is worth fighting for, in a world that seems to want to tear them apart, or, to be corny, will the breach to their hearts be repaired as the language is rewritten to incorporate the new variables they desperately dream of? 

Rachel Gillig's Two Twisted Crowns

“The girl, the King, and the monster they became.”

Rachel Gillig's Two Twisted Crowns is such a beautiful sequel book and masterful, gothic, ending of this duology! I love that it wasn’t strung out into a trilogy. While we might have wanted more, we didn’t need more and it’s just perfect as it is. Rachel Gillig crafted her author providence card masterfully.

It is with joy and sorrow I finished this book, but I know I will reread it many times in the future. The story, the characters, the rhyming history/story throughout…This is one of those remarkable books/series, I got to the end of and was just… complete. I also know more read throughs will show me little things I missed. I admit, as I read these, I was so focused in on learning what was going to happen or how they would unravel the situations the characters were in, I did so without looking up, barely at all, to the world around me. Next time, less rush and more savoring.

One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns are on my forever favorites shelf, lovely and waiting until I reread them again and again. If it helps, a few times a year I even dust my book shelves. That's some true love, right? They don't just sit up there and disappear into a blanket of dust. LOL! So, until then: Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

 

 

Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window

"The girl, the king...
and the monster they became" 

Have you ever found yourself reading a book and you are so totally involved in it, you have to force yourself to put it aside to sleep or do chores? Only, when you try to finally sleep, an hour or more later than it should be, your mind is still in the book and won’t turn off?! It’s intoxicating. I am in love with One Dark Window and Rachel Gillig’s writing. I was totally taken by surprise with the depths of want and need this book pulled me into. I’m totally charmed and addicted.

This book has magic woven into its very core that is unique (and I say this having read ALOT of fantasy and paranormal novels) and portrayed in a new way that wraps you up in its clutches. We follow Elspeth and her Nightmare on a path she never saw coming in this beautifully thrilling, dark, gothic, magical fantasy.

The story is centered around breaking the magical curse from centuries ago, to bring balance back to a land overthrown in superstitions, righting wrongs, and power struggles. Providence Cards are highly sought after, and the main magical tools we are shown, but also, through them we learn the history, gathering clues for the mystery. The author has steeped everything into a delicious history and surrounded us with a haunted misty wood. As everyone also craves romance with gothic, it’s there, a love that is slow burning and dangerous. “Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”


I can't gush enough about this book and wanting you to read it. Please do! Let me know if you do. I need others to talk to about it. LOL! Happy reading!

Nora Roberts' Inheritance, an ARC Review

 

Hello dear readers, 

I won Inheritance, the first book in Nora Roberts' new series The Lost Bride Trilogy, as an ARC through Goodreads Giveaways, WAHOO! I was surprised it was a ghost story; a juicy gothic love story. I don't come across ghost stories often but Roberts 100% nailed her goal she laid out in the novel's book blurb and author note of honoring her love and ghostly adventures from her youth. 

This was true to Nora Roberts writing style, with the depth and clarity she

is back to gifting us with. We are taken on a ride of friendship, fun dogs, sweet and scary ghost hauntings, curses and romance all in a haunted mansion, on the cliffs, overlooking a cute coastal town. Can it get any better than those elements combined?! Sonya, Cleo, Trey and Owen will never be the same again as the ghostly inhabitants weave tighter into Sonya's life and their relationships evolve, also weaving tighter together.  The Lost Bride's want their wedding rings found and the witch who cursed them, through the generations of Poole history, banished. 

I have read most all of Nora Roberts' books and this one... she has given us the drama, romance, and magic to keep your heart pounding and making going to sleep at night a little harder with Inheritance. Publication shows November 2023, but October, the spooky month, would have been so much more appropriate. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did when it comes out to read! 

J.R. Ward's The Bourbon Kings Trilogy

J.R. Ward, known for her ass kicking vampires, takes a turn into contemporary fiction with this romantic suspense trilogy. The Bourbon Kings follows the Bradford family, in Tennessee, as their legacy of bourbon, horses, fast women, tradition and dripping with money world is pulled apart. Ward gives us juicy and addictive drama. It’s on par with Dynasty with all the layers and levels of deceit and betrayal. It’s also steeped in tradition, hosed down with expectations, all while the reader gets to gleefully follow the machinations of family and their reactions that are riddled with love, sex, and death. This trilogy has it all (well, no paranormal friends come to visit) and will leave you thrilled you aren’t actually there but get to know all the things. LOL! I was a huge fan of this family saga. A few people have asked about the spice level and I would say it’s spicy enough. There are sexual exploitations, sex as a weapon and sex with love to enhance the story. Ward puts us in the location and the actions of what you might see if you came upon the characters, without pushing in and out with explicit descriptions and details.

Also, I loved the bourbon fun facts shared with us and the naming of each book. The angel’s share and the devil’s cut are actual things!

Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House

I started this book over a year ago, in the paperback format. I just couldn't get into the story but really wanted to read a Leigh Bardugo novel. Recently, I was able to get the audiobook version and was able to dive in and finally finish! Thanks for haunting me Goodreads "Currently Reading" shelf!

 I love the idea of magic, history, and secret societies within the university setting. There has always been so much speculation and myth attached to universities like Yale and the Bones societies. I did struggle and not love the characters. Galaxy (Alex) was hard to like purposely, I think. I also felt like the book was written in blocks, so while the reader is getting to know what Galaxy's job as Dante and responsibilities are, the implied mysteries seemed forced on me for much of the book. However, when the story started moving, it cozied in and away we went. Solving the mysteries was finally part of the story, propelling everything forward, and not a separate thing from Alex, Darlington and the societies.

 I wanted more Darlington info. They slept together?! When?! How?! 

 As I wished for, the writing was fantastic. It's detailed, descriptive and successfully puts you in the scene with smells, substances, temperatures, etc. For me, this is key to a talented author- the 5 senses need to be evoked to draw the reader in on their adventure. Bardugo is a gifted writer. I'm glad I finished Ninth House, but will probably read other people's reviews for book 2 information to see if Alex can rescue Darlington.

Nora Robert's Identity

 Hello Dear Readers! 

I just finished reading Nora Roberts new standalone, Identity. This book took me on a wild adventure running away from and tracking a serial killer. It was so plausible for real life, it made everything that much more real and sucked me into the storyline following Morgan trying to cling on to her life after tragedy and then going with Morgan as she rebuilds her life. The reader gets to have glimpses of the serial killer's journey and nefarious actions. You just hate him more and more! 

I wanted to be with Morgan and her family (both work and personal), tasting her testing drinks for the bar, learning self defense, going on hikes, attending family dinners, shopping for art, and just supporting everyone. I also found myself making mental notes of things to be aware of in my person life, to think of things to help keep my identity and person safe. YIKES! 

This is a great new addition to my Nora Roberts library. I will divulge, if she has a new book out, I am going to have to read it. I have no will power. Good thing she is a long time reigning queen of the romantic suspense industry. 

The Berenstain Bears

 Hello Dear Readers! 

Today I am feeling a bit nostalgic and blessed. My work has been doing a 30 day emotional health challenge and one of todays prompts is to write down something I am grateful for. Today, I am grateful for my parents, for storage space and for the blessing of my kids actually both loving something I also loved. What am I talking about? Let me tell you. Growing up, we moved often with my dad's job. One of the constants I always had was my parents reading Berenstain Bear books to me at night, before tucking me in for adventures in the land of dream. We had quite the collection of Berenstain Bear books too! 

As I grew and switched to R.L. Stine and The Baby Sitters Club, all books that ended up in other peoples libraries, I had no idea that my mom had saved all our Berenstain Bear books for the future potential of grandchildren. When my first child was born, my parents brought the collection over to our house. I was so shocked and so excited! I couldn't believe with all our moves, this was one of the collections she had kept safe. When my daughter was old enough to enjoy and not destroy the books, I pulled out our first adventure down the sunny dirt road. My daughter loved it. A few years later, my son was born and unbelievably, he also loves them. 

We have continued to grow our collection of Berenstain Bear books and what's delightful is both kiddos can tell me when we find the books in the store, if we have that one already or not. I also love that we will go to a party or shopping or wherever, one of them might reference a book or moral or behavior correction from reading the books... especially when one of them gets the gimmies while shopping. 

Is there any books or series that you grew up loving you have been able to share and love all over again with your kids, cousins, nieces, nephews, whomever? 

Kate Morton's Homecoming

“Home is where the heart is, and the heart could be a dark and damaged place.” -Kate Morton

Homecoming brings current day secrets and past secrets colliding into a mystery of how the Turner family really died. The reader is cast into a small town in South Australia that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a story that starts with a shocking crime that leaves ripples and mysteries for decades to come. Morton does an amazing job leading the reader through the interviews, characters, and stories, casting shadows and theories at you until you get to the satisfying ending and all has been revealed. I will admit, I wasn’t sure until the very end that we would ever know the whole truth but rest assured, Morton doesn’t disappoint. 

On a personal note, I come from the West Coast in a location that has 4 seasons and usually months of snow, so thinking of Christmas time as hot weather was so crazy! 

I love Kate Morton’s stories and endeavor to read everything she writes: beautiful almost gothic settings, layered times in history for unfolding the story and mysteries set before us, & voices that suck you in as the joy of portable magic with words should.

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden

Hello Dear Readers, 

I just finished reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. This book seemed to be everywhere I looked at books. I decided to follow the hype on it and try reading it. The Housemaid definitely tugged me in and sparked my curiosity. Pretty soon it started getting really frustrating and causing anxiety because of the characters actions. I decided to pause my reading and not take it with me for my vacation. I was worried I would be on the plane, angry at the book, and no one wants that. When I got back home (from an amazing vacation!!) the book, or rather the face in the keyhole, stared at me from my nightstand, taunting me to pick it back up and finish it. I was over halfway through the novel and it was pretty dang good as things finally started being revealed (although the cover does tell you there will be a twist so read on until you get twisty). I was glad I fell back into the story for some much needed character closure but I won't read the next book in the series. I would also caution there are potential triggers in this book so know your comfort zones beyond wanting to try out a mystery thriller novel being buzzed about. 

The Expanded World of Jane Austen

 Hello Dear Readers,

Today I wanted to spill the tea chatting about the world of Jane Austen novels. Austen novels are one of my oldest and most steadfast loves. Like with all our favorite authors, we poor readers are left in sad dry spells when we realize we have read all our beloved authors novels! For Diana Gabaldon fans this is known as “Droughtlander.” LOL!  Never fear fellow Austenite fans! Today, I want to share my top 6 favorite novels by authors who have either continued a Jane Austen novel or wrote fun (usually spicier) tales around Ms. Austen’s world. I love reading books reimagining the characters she wrote. The wit, wisdom, and romance of Jane Austen is eternal.

Becky Banks' The Clan MacLaoch Curse Series Books 1 & 2!

I spent an amazing weekend reading these lovelies: book 1 is The Legend of Lady MacLaoch and Book 2 is The Legend of the Viking. Want to go on vacation but can't? Have you been to Scotland and want to remember all the luscious memories? Romance fan? Craving adventure and figuring out how to break curses? BOOM! Magic awaits you within these pages... this series has it all. Get ready to fall in love. Plus, Ms. Banks has other books you can read while we wait for book 3!

Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary & The London Séance Society

 Hello Dear Readers, 

Sarah Penner’s book covers are GORGEOUS. I was drawn to them immediately. Honestly, I wanted them in my To Be Read pile for their beauty alone. LOL! Guess what! I’ve read them and happy I did so! I’m justified in looking at them on my Read bookshelf now. Sarah Penner is not only a talented author, she is a historian who can weave fascinating stories to share her research into the arcane, magical, scientific and dubious pockets of potential women in history. I love English mysteries and throwing in some murder, mayhem, investigations and unexplainable twists, is an instant draw and celebrated success for a successful reading escape. 

           

I will say that I enjoyed The Lost Apothecary the most. I loved bouncing from 18th century London to present day and trying to figure out how the stories would be woven together. I knew there had to be a connecting point and it was fantastic. While I also enjoyed The London Séance Society, in the end, all I could think (and still do) was “No wonder Houdini hated these people and was haunted yet still drawn to them!”

Vacations and Books

 Hello Dear Readers, 

Vacations and books… How do you decide what books to bring? What genre, what author, how many?! If you are like me and know you will need more than one book, picking books for vacation can turn into its own separate packing list and challenge.

 I find when I have a vacation in the works, I start worrying and dreaming about what books I’ll bring, especially if I am traveling on an airplane. I know if I’m on an airplane I read paper books all the way. No one will tell me to close my book for takeoff and landing. Plus, I like to use my book to put my boarding passes in, receipts, ticket stubs, photos of my loved ones, brochures and maps of places we visit, etc. The book(s) turns into a type of treasure box for the here and now as well as in the future when your fingers dance across it on your shelves.

With my vacation coming closer, I start scouring my To Read pile at home, then my wish lists on Goodreads. I know, like packing outfits based on the weather and destination, my desire to read some books might change with my mood and experiences, especially, if my kids are with me, I need something I can jump in and out of but then also something I can dive into during moments I might find time to myself. Do I want new authors or tried and enjoyed authors? Rereads or new reads? And then genre’s?! So many options and questions to fuel a habit that brings you joy. As with any good dragon, I find a corner of my room turning into a hoarded stack of book treasure potentials.  

Then comes the test of timing, as the vacation draws near and is like 2 weeks away- what do I read?! What if I start a book and it is too long and I’m almost done, but *boom* it’s vacation time! I don’t want to carry around a book that will be done within hours of vacation reading time but do I really want to abandon that book at home? I also don’t want to try to sleep at night without my relaxing reading time…  What’s a girl to do!

All these thoughts lead me to my current vacation preparation mode. I’ve been scouring my To Read list and finally, I think, narrowed my books down to 6, see image. I have new authors, authors I know who shouldn’t disappoint me, I have a cross section of genres and a few to stretch me as a reader as any good vacation adventure might do. Now, I can pivot my focus to other packing lists and vacation to- do’s. Phew!

What is your vacation book mode?

Welcome Back! Sorry 2022...

 Hello Dear Readers! 

I fear I have been neglectful... clearly since there are no posts from 2022! I am so sorry. I promise I have been reading books and expanding my mind. I wanted to post about a book that was recommended by my local bookstore. It's an amazing book to just have for your book collection. The book is created to look like an older hardbound book complete with a dewy decimal system sticker for library organizational purposes. Inside is a treasure trove of information to take the reader on an immersive experience. It's tiered too! You have the novel to read, but then you have trinkets tucked into the pages from "other readers" as well as handwritten notes in the margins from two people trying to solve the mystery! It is epic! It also will take dedicated time to sit down, absorb, and unravel. I figure when my kids are in middle or high school I will get some time to sit and enjoy. While we, or rather while I, wait, I am going to try and add a short video I took of me flipping through my book so you can see how amazing it is! Fingers crossed the video works! 

The novel is called S by J.J. Abrams and it is about: 

"One book. Two readers. A world of mystery, menace, and desire.A young woman picks up a book left behind by a stranger. Inside it are his margin notes, which reveal a reader entranced by the story and by its mysterious author. She responds with notes of her own, leaving the book for the stranger, and so begins an unlikely conversation that plunges them both into the unknown.

THE BOOK: Ship of Theseus, the final novel by a prolific but enigmatic writer named V. M. Straka, in which a man with no past is shanghaied onto a strange ship with a monstrous crew and launched onto a disorienting and perilous journey.

THE WRITER: Straka, the incendiary and secretive subject of one of the world’s greatest mysteries, a revolutionary about whom the world knows nothing apart from the words he wrote and the rumours that swirl around him.

THE READERS: Jennifer and Eric, a college senior and a disgraced grad student, both facing crucial decisions about who they are, who they might become, and how much they’re willing to trust another person with their passions, hurts, and fears."