Here’s to a Happy New Year’s Eve- and a Happy New Year! Saying good-bye to 2012, and hello to 2013. Whatever your plans to ring in the New Year(whether it’s staying in or partying like it’s 1999!) have a fun and safe NYE.
So, grab some bubbly, make a toast and have fun tonight- and all of 2013.
Happy Reading,
Traveling With T
I’m the girl who loves to know when the next book of the series is coming out- pretty much just as soon as I finish the previous book. I may or may not mark my calendar to earmark these special days (I’ll let you be the judge of that!)
While this is in no way a complete list- these are the books I’m currently aware of…..
Jan 8th- Kinsey and Me by Sue Grafton
Feb 5th- Veiled Revenge: A crime of fashion mystery by Ellen Byerrum
Feb 26 – Red Velvet Cupcake Murder (Hannah Swensen) by Joanne Fluke
March 5th- Nickeled and Dimed to Death- A Deveraux’s Dime Store Mystery by Denise Swanson
April 2nd- Going, Going, Ganache (Cupcake Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay
May 7th- Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck
May 7th- Topped Chef: A Key West Food Mystery by Lucy Burdette
May 9th- Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
June 4th- Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
June 18th- Island Girls by Nancy Thayer
June 25th- Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand
July 9th- Finding Colin Firth by Mia March
Aug 6th- Seed No Evil (Flower Shop Mysteries) by Kate Collins
Sept 3rd- Murder of a Stacked Librarian (Scumble River) by Denise Swanson
Oct 1- Billionaire Blend (Coffeehouse Mystery) by Cleo Coyle
What books are you looking forward to reading?
The term street lit is used to describe this series- for those unfamiliar with the term usually refers to the dark side of city living, the urban settings- profanity, sex, and violence are usually explicit. Street lit is not sugar-coated, nor painted as a pretty picture. If a reader enjoys books that are raw, filled with grit, violence, profanity and sexual situations- a street lit book is probably what the reader is looking for.
Real Wifeys: Hustle Hard is the third book in the Real Wifeys series by Meesha Mink. The main character, Sophie “Suga” Alvarez is book smart, has common sense, and is street smart. She’s worked hard in both lives- worked hard to be street smart and worked equally hard to be book smart. Sophie has a great job, a man that she loves like life itself. While Sophie points out that she floats between two worlds and feels comfortable in both- she’s ready for some changes. She wants her man to make his business legitimate as she’s growing weary of worrying about him- worrying that this is the day that he does not return. Sophie longs for her and Dane’s lives, the professional and personal, to be legitimate. However, this is a want that may not can happen.
Sophie has to put her street smarts and books smarts to use, though, after she has to start taking care of Dane’s business. When Dane’s business and the law cross paths, someone has to step in- and Sophie does. She does because she needs to- if she has any prayer of keeping her man and for them to have a life together- without a business that is not legitimate. While Sophie is running the business, other parts of her life need attention as well- and she begins finding out about things that she might would have rather not known. The streets have tales of betrayal, bad deeds, murder, and more. Can Sophie handle it all?
If, as a reader, you are looking for a book that is in the category of street lit, where the book is not sugar coated and the happy ending is not guaranteed- this is a book that you should check out. Real Wifeys: Hustle Hard has something for readers: it tells a story of a person that is doing the best she can with some hands she’s been dealt- and is determined to come out on top. Love, betrayal, lust, urban life, murder, friendship- all aspects are covered in Real Wifeys: Hustle Hard.
Touchstone Books provided a copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Touchstone Books for the copy.
I was nominated for Liebster Blog Award by The Book Wheel– a cute book blog! Do the right thing and check out the blog- it’s fun, informative, and just great.
To receive the Liebster Blog Award, you must follow the rules:
Random Facts About Me
The Book Wheel’s Questions for Me
My 11 Questions to Other Bloggers
My Nominees
There are many, many, many books of 2012 that were good- some were great- others fantastic. Some created a lot of buzz (hello, Gone Girl!) while some were equally as good- but did not get the attention. These are the books I read in 2012 that I thought were great!
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn– yes more praise for this book. It really was THAT good!
2. Hemingway’s Girl by Erika Robuck– historical fiction. Romance. Sadness. Anger. A strong willed Mariella. And Hemingway- his literary ways, his personal life- the things that made him a good man, but also the bad sides that he showed. READ!
3. The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D by Nichole Bernier– this book made me think quite a bit. Excellent discussion for book club.
4. Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio– two tales seemingly unconnected- except for the fact of a Blackberry Winter. But, oh so much more to this story!
5. The Mermaid Collector by Erika Marks- Coastal Community, mermaids, secrets, love. Beautiful story.
6. The Art Forger by BA Shapiro– art, lust, deceit, double-crossing- each page is filled with good plot.
7. The Meryl Streep Movie Club by Mia March– funny book about 3 women dealing with some personal life drama- then their aunts terrible news. Finding yourself, reconnecting with family- all while watching Meryl Streep movies. Perfect beach book.
8. The River Witch by Kimberly Brock– haunting. The story will stay with the reader for quite some time!
Quick update to show that I’ve not fallen off the face of the Earth.
Holidays at my house tend to be a jumble of busy, busy, busy on a normal time- however, this season has brought some extra busy stuff besides the normal holiday stuff- so I’ve not been on here for almost a week!
BTW, Santa was kind to me in regards to books: The Bungalow by Sarah Jio, Friday Night Knitting Club by Katie Jacobs, You Belong to Me by Mary Higgins Clark, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris (signed & personalized!) and a gift card which I promptly used to buy Dare Me by Megan Abbot (a book that has been on my TBR list for some time and that Santa forgot).
What books did ya’ll get for the holidays?
The History of Us by Leah Stewart tackles some hard truths in my opinion. It speaks of choices- choices to be who you want to be, choices to have a career- to being sucessful. It also tackles the topic of when a “choice” is not really a choice. Do you give up everything you’ve worked hard for to do the “right” thing- espeicially it it’s something that you never wanted? Or do you put yourself- dreams, goals, career- above it all?
Eloise, a young professor at Harvard, is late for her class. Right before she’s about to go into her class, she gets a phone call that changes everything in her life. Her niece, Theo, has called- Eloise’s sister, Rachel and her husband have died. As quickly as Eloise can, she hurries back to Cincinnati to see what needs to be done in regard to the death of her sister. What Eloise finds is a form of chaos- her own mother not able to take care of the 3 kids that Rachel has left behind in the world. Eloise makes the necessary, but tough choice that she’ll move back to Cincinnati, take over care for the kids, and try to ensure that they have a happy and productive life.
Years later, Eloise is still watching over the kids. Still has her life on hold. She still dreams of work at a more prestigious university, publishing more, being able to live her life the way she wants. The house they live in needs much up-keep- she’s ready to have a smaller place. With the kids being grown up, it seems time is right for some changes. Francine, Eloise’s mother, promised to turn the deed to the house to her once the last kid is grown up so that Eloise can do with the house what she needs.
However, the best laid plans do not always happen. Francine does not give the deed to Eloise as promised. The story from this point on becomes a story of the life of the 3 children- Theo, Josh and Claire. The disappointments they feel, how they’ve grown into adults, the ways they still are children. At the heart of the story is two things: Choices and at what point do people become responsible for their own happiness? At what point does a person put their energy into making the life they have been living the life they want- instead of thinking about past dreams and things that cannot be changed?
The History of Us– smartly written characters, characters that can be identified with, situations that make the reader laugh and cry. This book has the writing to evoke emotion- happiness, sadness, even anger at some of the events. Read this, discuss with friends, take some time to think about this book, the plot and the characters. This is a book that the reader does not just read and put aside to never think of again. This is a book that has content that begs to be discussed, to be analyzed.
I highly recommend this book for fans of fiction, books about families, and good stories. Thank you Touchstone Books for providing a review copy.
It’s Friday. It’s been a week of getting ready for the holidays. A week of reading. A week of watching holiday movies.
Deep South Magazine has some good articles this week posted on thei website. Good food, good cooking, books to give as gifts.
Remembering F. Scott Fitzgerald at West Egg Cafe- this has made my list of must stop places on my next trip to Atlanta. If literary trails and eateries make your heart happy- do check out Deep South Literary Trail App. Still looking for books to give to the bookwork in your life? Our Favorite Books for Giving has some excellent selections- including Hemingway’s Girl by Erika Robuck. Here’s my review of Hemingway’s Girl.
My #fridayreads: The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe and A Good Hard Look by Ann Napolitano. What are you reading?
I read The Art Forger by BA Shapiro this past weekend. Fantastic. Review will be posted after the holidays. I also finished The History of Us by Leah Stewart– it’s good, emotional at times- some hard subjects are dealt with. However, I’m recommending it to book clubs- the theme, subplots, and overall tone of book will be excellent for discussion- I strongly believe that everyone will have an opinion on this book.
Preparing my list for Cruisin’ Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge- quite looking forward to that. List will be posted in 2013.
Traveling With T’s Favorite Books of 2012 will be posted ASAP (I know I’ve been saying it, but I really mean it!) Traveling With T’s Books to Look Forward to in 2013 will also be posted (NOTE: This list will only contain books that I’m aware of being published in 2013 & that I’m RIDICULOUSLY excited for- if there is a book that you think I should be aware of- please, please, please comment!)
I made my goal of reading 110 books in 2012 this week. No applause, please 😉
Enjoy the holidays and have a Happy New Year! And happy reading as always!
The list of cozies I’ve read in 2012. Most are books in established series that I adore and a couple are new authors (to me). Read on for recommendations, to find a new author to enjoy or comment if there is an author that I just need to be reading!
Rating system:
5 * I LOVED it!
4* It was Great!
3 * Ok!
2 *Could have been better
1 * No enjoyment.
Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke (3*) The storyline of Hannah, her “invisible coffee server trick” and the finding of dead bodies is not bad. It’s like that comfy old sweatshirt- maybe you should get rid of it, but it comforts and soothes you, so it stays. This is basically how I feel about the Hannah Swensen series. However, the romance issue- I don’t read cozy books for soapy-romance storylines- however, this triangle of Mike, Norman and Hannah has went on for too long. It’s not even that exciting of a triangle. Let Hannah have a slighly more grown-up love life than what she’s been having for the past several books.
Death on Heels by Ellen Byerrum (4 *) Lacey Smithsonian and her fashion clues. And her aunt’s truck- Lacey is the type of girl that I would like to hang out with. This time Lacey’s fashion clues take her back to Colorado to see if she can help clear her ex. Will the fashion clues help out in the Wild West? I enjoy the Crime of Fashion Series quite a bit. Lacey’s smart, funny and witty.
Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette (4 *) Meet Haley Snow. Living in Key West now, her boyfriend dumped her to go back to his ex- who happens to be the co-head of the magazine where Haley wants to be a food critic. Then when Kristen dies- Haley’s a natural suspect! Haley decides that she better look into this case so she can prove her innocence. Food, location, and Haley- an adorably cute character who likes Tarot cards to be read before she makes choices. Charming debut- great mystery!
Death in Four Courses by Lucy Burdette (4 *) Haley’s at a Key West Food Conference. The keynote speaker, Jonah, has already hinted at ruffling some feathers over the conference weekend- and Haley’s curious. Especially when she finds Jonah’s body, and the police suspect a friend of Haley’s. Haley and her mom team up to find out who wanted to keep Jonah from ruffling feathers and to clear Haley’s friend. Between the food, the descriptions of Key West & bubbly Haley- I can’t decide what I like the most! I do know this- Haley would be the best person to go with for a tarot reading!
Sprinkle With Murder by Jenn McKinlay (4*) Melanie and Angie- life is good. They’ve opened up a cucpake shop, their partner Tate is getting married and his fiancee Christie is their first important client. Things look ok- until Christie, the bridezilla, turns up dead with a cupcake- and Mel is a suspect! Will Melanie and Angie find the real killer? And could a Prince Charming swoop in to save Mel? This series starts off with a good storyline, some interesting subplots, and cupcake recipes-yum!
Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn Mckinlay (4*) Continuing book in the Cupcake series. More details on Mel, Angie and Tate’s friendship. And some romance for Mel with a very cute man!
Death by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlay (4*) Cute book. Good Mystery- Mel and Joe are adorable together. The cast of characters is growing- each bringing something fun to the series! If you like food cook off shows- you’ll enjoy this book in particular!
Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay (4 *) Sales are down so when Mel and Angie get an offer to go to a rodeo town and sell cupcakes- they jump on it. Not everyone is happy, though, to see the cupcake people in town. When a murder happens, the girls get to work solving it, selling cupcakes to win a bet, and trying to leave Cowboy Country in one piece. Some subplots are heating up, some are coming near a resolution!
Books can be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay (3 *) Lindsey is the director of the Briar Creek Public Library. Still getting used to small town life, but with her friend, Beth, Lindsey’s life is good. Then Beth’s boyfriend turns up dead after a very public break-up. Beth is a suspect- and Lindsey vows to clear her. Good start to series.
Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay (4 *) This series really picks up with the addition of Heathcliff the dog, the storyline of missing valuable books, and a romance blooming between Lindsey and Sully. Plus the craftafternoon ladies are still having fun!
Book, Line and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay (4*) There’s buried treasure in Briar Creek and everyone is enabling their inner pirate! Someone doesn’t want the buried treasure to be found by anyone else, though, and goes to long lengths to keep it for themselves. To add to complications, Lindsey’s ex, John, shows up and wants her back. What does this mean for Sully and Lindsey?
50% Off Murder by Josie Belle (3 *) Maggie, the founding member of Good Buy Girls, notices that Claire- a new member, has been acting strange. She brushes it off since Claire seems fine the next time she sees her-and Claire is fine- till she’s arrested for murder. Maggie and the rest of GBG look into clearing Claire, and Maggie tries to stay out of Sam Collins, new sherrif in town, way. That’s easier said than done especially since Maggie and Sam have a past. Interesting book, curious to see what happens next with the GBG and Maggie and Sam!
Nightshade on Elm Street by Kate Collins (4 *) Abby’s trying to plan her and Marco’s wedding shower without the help of either mothers- which is problematic by itself. Throw in Jillan, Abby’s cousin, a missing woman, and Pryce asking for Marco and Abby’s help to solve the mystery- and it’s a busy time! An excellent addition to the Flower Shop Mysteries.
A Brew to a Kill by Cleo Coyle (4*) Clare’s no stranger to trouble. Dating a NYPD detective, assisting in solving crimes- Clare knows about trouble. When a hit and run happens in front of the Village Blend, it troubles Clare for many reasons- most notably because the victim is a friend. However, when the hit and run is potentially tied to her ex-husband Matteo’s coffee buying trips- it becomes essential for Clare to solve the crime- for her, for Matteo, for the Village Blend- for all their lives. Another great addition to the Coffeehouse Mystery series- Clare is like a fine wine- just getting better.
Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle (4*) It’s the holiday season in NYC and things are busy at Village Blend. When Clare discovers the body of a part-time worker, she’s sad to see a life cut short. She, Madame, and Matteo team up to find out what happened to M.
A Peach of a Murder by Livia J. Washburn (2*) The story of Phyllis and friends was just not for me. The plot sounded good- but sadly, it was a slow read and I really couldn’t find enough that I liked about the characters.
Murder of the Cat’s Meow by Denise Swanson ( 3 *) The book was ok. Skye and Wally are trying to plan a wedding, Skye’s house still has a ghost, Skye finds a body. Bunny’s involved in a scheme.A few too many subplots. Enjoyable enough, though.
Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson (3*) This was ok. Dev is not an unlikeable character and I’m curious to see where this series heads. Something was a bit “off” with it- but I did have the flu while reading this book.
Mistletoe, Merriment and Murder by Sara Rosett (3*) My first book in the Ellie Avery series. Bought it based on cover and plot description. The mystery was ok- the characters seemed to be fine as well. May have to read a couple of the earlier ones to get more of a feel for the characters. Not bad, just ok.
Today my blog, Traveling With T, turned a year old. It’s been a crazy, fun, wild, frustrating, challenging year. But, and here’s the key: It’s been so worth it. Fulfilling. Enjoyable.
When I started Traveling With T, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wanted a blog where I could write about experiences- local restaurants, book signings, events. I wanted some anonymity, I wanted a title that was catchy, but didn’t pigeonhole me- one that I could discuss different things; but still with a focus.
I didn’t start the blog because I had a burning desire to be a writer (although, I have much respect for writers). I’ve thought over the last few years that someone publishing my thoughts from the pitfalls of guys using emoticons in texts, to the art of the road trip, to why being a nail polish namer has to be an interesting job (plus much, much, much more) would make for an interesting book- but I’ve never really had a burning desire to write for a living.
When I was a kid, I used to read Ann M. Martin books, Francine Pascal and more. Reading these books, I always thought it would be so nice to get to meet the people behind the books I loved. But, a small-town girl, states and hours away from these authors never did get a chance to meet them. As I grew up, I put the idea out of my head- reading was not cool (even though I secretly read in high school). The older I got, the more I realized reading was a part of me- it was something I needed. With social media, I can chat with authors, learn about book signings and more. Going to a book signing is the best kind of fun. Proud to report that I’ve been to several book signings over the past year- and I love each and every one.
Part of the reason I started blogging is that while I don’t have burning desire to be a writer/author- I do have a strong desire to be around the writer types. To hear where they get inspiration, to see their works comes to life. To be able to sit down with them- with total wide eyed innocence and discuss the things I love, dislike, and more about their books. An author has a creative energy that I adore being around- a creative energy that fills a place in my heart and life. An author gives me something to think about, something to ponder deeply and maybe even creatively for days, weeks. When I’m around an author-type person, I feel like I’m the best version of myself- the bright, inquisitive person- the person who is fully validated because she is with people who speak a language that she loves. I feel smarter, brighter, almost Wonder Woman-ish.
There have been times over the past year that I thought of just deleting my blog. It seemed like it wasn’t going anywhere, some days it wasn’t even fun. But, slowly, I began to get followers- and then I became involved with She Reads Blog Network- and that for me was all the validation I needed to continue. While, I don’t think I started the blog with the full on intention to review books completely- being able to review books is something I find pleasure in. It’s back to that whole “books fill a place in me, in my creative part”.
My desire for myself and my blog:
1. Host giveaways. I promote other blog giveaways, but have never had one at Traveling With T. 2013 will be the year that changes.
2. Continue to review books. Fiction, #southernlit, cozies and more.
3. To one day, be more involved in the process of an author’s life. A publicist, perhaps? To be more involved in the work of an author from the beginning of the process to the end would be very fulfilling.
On today, as my blog turns a year old- a heartfelt “Thank You” to my followers, the people who “like”, retweet, and share my blog posts. Without you, my blog would be floating around in the internet. Each time you like something I write- I”m reminded of the Sally Field “You Like me! You Really Like Me!”
To MVBClub- thanks for letting me guest blog, for being an inspiration and a sounding board. xoxo
To Melinda McGuire- thank you for letting me guest blog about Oxford and Faulkner- you’re the best!
To Deep South Magazine- thank you for every RT, every comment and more. My appreciation for you is beyond words.
To authors (Erika Marks, Erika Robuck, Nichole Bernier, Michael Lee West, Meg Donohue, Jenn McKinlay, Cleo Coyle,Lucy Burdette,Robin O’Bryant, Claire Cook, Mia March, Sarah Jio, Michael Morris, Peggy Sweeney-McDonald, Megan Abbott) Thank you for your books. For taking time out of your schedules to tweet with me, to call in for book clubs. Thank you for writing great books and books that I anticipate being great.
To She Reads, She Reads Blog Network, and Kimberly Brock- I’m so overcome with happiness for being able to be part of She Reads. Thank you- Thank You- Thank You. Being able to be a part of this great group just makes me feel all sparkly and happy. Honored to be a part of a such a sparkly wonderful group.
To authors everywhere: Even if I don’t know you- you inspire me. To the dreamers, the people with the imaginations and creativity, to the ones who have the desire, drive and determination to write a book: Never change. Keep writing. Keep inspiring people. Write not just because you can; but because you can’t live in a world that’s without your writing.
Best,
Traveling With T
PS: A special thank you to Ann M. Martin, Judy Blume, Francine Pascal and the Nancy Drew books: without your books, I might not be the reader I am today. Beyond grateful for the love of reading the books you’ve written that has instilled a love of reading in me. “Thank you” seems so inadequate- but that’s all I have to say.
Traveling With T 