Sunday Post (17) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next. I will also be sharing my It's Monday post on Twitter #IMWAYR.

My trip to Canada is almost over (we're heading back on Monday) but I've had a great time. I had a really nice birthday celebration with my aunt, uncle and cousin and my cousin's family. It's been very relaxing. I gained a few pounds too which is inevitable on vacation, I think. I did go on some walks in my aunt and uncle's neighborhood but I don't think it helped offset my consuming of cake and cookies. :)

I've also enjoyed helping to bird-sit for my nephew's budgie, Jade. Jade is a one month old yellow and green parakeet. He is hand raised which means he is comfortable with people holding him. I had a budgie when I was a kid but mine would nip you if you tried to touch him.

I wasn't sure how much time I'd have to read but I had a lot as it turns out. I had one review book I had to finish and I made myself plow through it but the rest of the books were enjoyable. I have had a fun vacation but I am ready to return home.

Last week on my blog:

The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma (review)

The Other Daughter by Lauren Willig (review)

Rome in Love by Anita Hughes (review)

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman (review)

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley (review)

Books read:

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

My evening book group chose this for our September selection and I wanted to read it anyway because of the movie that will be out this fall. I liked it but I prefer The Shoemaker's Wife. I plan to see the movie in the theater or on DVD but I haven't decided which. The book has a vivid setting and quirky characters so I'm curious as to how that will translate to the film version.

Malice at the Palace by Rhys Bowen

This was a fun mystery. I figured out who the killer was early on but I still enjoyed the book. I liked that it was set at Kensington Palace. There are also some developments in the Georgie/Darcy relationship as well as for Belinda. I'm curious to see where things will go in the next book.

Dream Things True by Marie Marquardt

I liked this book and its exploration of immigration issues though I kind of preferred Joyride by Anna Banks just a little bit more. Both are similar in some ways. The main character in this book is illegal as are the rest of her family. The book also addresses racism, family issues, date rape and addiction. 

Bohemian Gospel by Dana Chamblee Carpenter

This was a strange historical fantasy. I probably wouldn't have read it if I didn't have to review it. I started to really get into the story and then it became too strange for me. 

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica Speedwell is a very intelligent and spunky heroine. I guess in her time she'd be called a "bluestocking". I liked this mystery thought it took a little time to get off the ground. It isn't as good as the Lady Julia Grey mysteries but still an entertaining start to a new series.

Currently reading:

Soundless by Richelle Mead

I am reading this early because I have a review copy I need to finish for Amazon Vine. So far I like it but it is very different from Richelle Mead's other YA fiction. There isn't really any of the snarky humor I've come to expect from her books.

What I plan to read next:

Maid of Wonder by Jennifer McGowan

I love historical fiction, especially during the Tudor period and I also love mystery. So far I've enjoyed the first two books in this series. Sophia is an intriguing character with her ability to foresee the future.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

I've seen mixed reviews for this book and some have said it is similar to The Fault in Our Stars. I am going to give it a try and see what I think.

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

I loved the Girl of Fire and Thorns series so I have high expectations for this historical fantasy set in the American West.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

I have heard so many good things about this book and its body-positive message. We definitely need more books like that.

The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig

I have really enjoyed this mystery/spy series though some books are definitely better than others. This final book is the story of Jane, otherwise known as the Pink Carnation. Jane is highly intelligent so hopefully she finds a hero worthy of her.

New books received:

Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis (for review)

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin (for review)

All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani (for review)

The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig (library book)