Lovely Books and Things - 9.30.17

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~
It has been Indian summer weather this past week. Been spending a lot of time outdoors in short sleeves which is a rarity for me in San Francisco. So, reading (print) is still slow going. However, I have been doing more audiobook listening while walking about town.

Things to do in October...

1. Attend the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Annual General Meeting
2. Visit a pumpkin patch
3. Set up a garage sale
4. Attend a Halloween event

~*~
For Review:

All the Tomorrows
by Nillu Nasser
-Women's Fiction, Marriage
courtesy of author -Thanks!
Release date: November 6, 2017
Amazon | Goodreads

The Scent of Rain
by Anne Montgomery
-Social & Family Issues, YA
courtesy of author -Thanks!
Release date: March 28, 2017
Amazon | Goodreads
OTHER things (kinda book-related):

Book Blogger Hop
features a book related question
Sponsored by The Coffee Addicted Writer (details)
This week's prompt: Have you ever slept with a favorite, beloved book under your pillow, or cradled in your arms? (submitted by Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books)

NOPE. My books land on the side table because I like space around me to be able to toss and turn when sleeping.


AND watched: on DVD

Assassin's Creed (2016)
Director: Justin Kurzel
Screenplay: Michael Lesslie, Adam Cooper, Bill Collage
Based on video game by: Corey May, Jade Raymond, Patrice Désilets
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons
-Action, Adventure, Fantasy | imdb | my rating: 2
Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, before taking on the secret Templar society.

For Fall Film challenge: starring jeremy irons

MEH. The scenes with architecture of old Spain were cool. And a shirtless Fassbender is a treat for fans.

I Capture the Castle (2003)
Director: Tim Fywell
Screenplay: Heidi Thomas
Based on book by: Dodie Smith
Starring: Romola Garai, Rose Byrne, Bill Nighy
-Drama, Romance | imdb | my rating: 4
A love story set in 1930s England that follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, and the fortunes of her eccentric family, struggling to survive in a decaying English castle.

For Fall Film challenge: set in a castle

LOVED the kinda crumbling castle setting. Sweet but sad coming of age story. Bill Nighy was great.

Heat (1995)
Director/Writer: Michael Mann
Based on book by:
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer
-Action, Crime, Drama | imdb | my rating: 5
A group of professional bank robbers start to feel the heat from police when they unknowingly leave a clue at their latest heist, while both sides attempt to find balance between their personal and their professional lives.

For Fall Film challenge: starring val kilmer

LOVED the Pacino and De Niro interactions. This is one of those films where my alliance flip flops between the good guy and the bad guy.


~*~
* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

:-)

Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

Best Day Ever
by Kaira Rouda

Find out more about this book and author:
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Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
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Just released: September 19, 2017
Publisher: Graydon House
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Hardback: 352
Rating: 4

First sentence(s):
I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, sunlight bouncing off her shiny blond hair like sparklers lit for the Fourth of July, and I am bursting with confidence. Everything is as it should be.

Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he’s promised today will be the best day ever.

But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?

Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

At the start you can feel that something is off. Although the story is told with a first person perspective by the main character, Paul. There is a disconnect and little is revealed within the first few chapters. Then slowly crumbles of Paul's life gain clarity.

Because Paul feels like a shady character he starts off as an unlikable sort. But this mystery is what pulled me into the story - wanting to know the "real" Paul.

The story gets darker and darker as the best day ever goes from morning to the wee hours of the following morning which left me with a shiver and a whew!

~*~
* review copy courtesy of Wunderkind

Lovely Books and Things - 9.23.17

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~
LIGHT week with both books and films as preparations and drive to take the kid up for a third year of college is at hand.

While away we plan to catch a couple theatre productions at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and browse the streets of Ashland. I know of a couple bookstores that will definitely be visited :-)

~*~
For Review:

All the Tomorrows
by Nillu Nasser
-Women's Fiction, Marriage
Release date: November 6, 2017
courtesy of author -Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads
LOOKING forward to the marriage theme in this one.


OTHER things (kinda book-related):

Book Blogger Hop
features a book related question
Sponsored by The Coffee Addicted Writer (details)
This week's prompt:

Have you ever asked co-workers to give you a book or B&N gift card if they got your name for a Secret Santa gift exchange? If so, did you get what you asked for? (submitted by Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books)

NOPE. Great idea though. I just might do that this year ;-)


AND watched: in theatre

The Trip to Spain (2017)
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Starring: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon
-Comedy, Drama | imdb | my rating: 3
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon embark on a six-part episodic road trip through Spain, sampling the restaurants, eateries, and sights along the way.

LIKE the previous two films with beautiful countryside shots of Spain and updates on their lives. Some of the humor was the same, but just as funny. My only beef is that there was not enough food shots to satisfy my inner foodie.

AND watched: online

Rick and Morty (2013 - present)
TV series
Creators: Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland
Stars: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke
-Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-fi (kinda) | imdb | my rating: 4
An animated series on adult-swim about the infinite adventures of Rick, a genius alcoholic and careless scientist, with his grandson Morty, a 14 year-old anxious boy who is not so smart, but always tries to lead his grandfather with his own moral compass. Together, they explore the infinite universes; causing mayhem and running into trouble. --Written by Ruben Galaviz

STARTED watching some of these episodes. The kid introduced me to this crazy pair. Fun for Back to the Future fans.

~*~
* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

:-)

Book Blast Giveaway: The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby by Jenny Lundquist

The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby
by Jenny Lundquist
-Middle Grade, Christmas
Release date: September 19, 2017
Amazon | Goodreads
Violet Barnaby searches for the joy in life after losing her mother in this sweet and funny follow-up to The Charming Life of Izzy Malone.

Violet Barnaby is a having a blue Christmas. She’s still grieving the loss of her mother, and to make things worse, her dad has just married Melanie Harmer, a.k.a. the meanest teacher at Dandelion Hollow Middle School. But on the day Violet and her dad are packing up and moving into the new house they’ll share with Melanie and Melanie’s two children, Violet finds a letter her mother wrote to her before she died, asking Violet to enjoy Christmas, along with a Christmas Wish List—things her mom wants her to do during the holiday season. On the list are exactly the kinds of things Violet doesn’t want to do this year, like Be Someone’s Secret Santa; Give Someone the Gift of Your Time: Volunteer; and Bake Christmas Cookies.

Violet shows the letter to her friend Izzy’s Aunt Mildred, who calls a meeting of the Charm Girls, a club Izzy and Violet belong to along with their friends, Daisy and Sophia. Aunt Mildred decides she will give them each a charm to put on their bracelet if they do all of the tasks on the Christmas Wish List, which Violet is not too happy about. She’d rather forget about the list completely, but feels compelled to honor her mother’s wishes.

And when Izzy’s crush confides a big secret to Violet, Violet feels like she is stuck between her best friend and the boy who she just might have a crush on, too…

Praise for The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby

“[an] emotionally perceptive novel of grief and recovery.” – Kirkus

You’ll fall in love with Violet and love every minute of living in her wondrous world! – Stephanie Faris

Author the author:

Jenny Lundquist was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, where she spent her time unsuccessfully learning how to surf. When she was younger, she wanted to be either a rock star or a published author. After she taped herself singing and listened to it on playback she decided she’d better opt for the writing route. Jenny is the author of multiple YA and Middle Grade titles including Seeing Cinderella, The Charming Life of Izzy Malone, The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby and the forthcoming The Carnival of Wishes and Dreams (2019).

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website
Facebook
Twitter

--~ Book Blast Giveaway ~--
WIN $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 10/10/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perfectly You by Robin Daniels

Perfectly You
by Robin Daniels

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
Facebook

Just released: August 24, 2017
Publisher: Bluefields Publishing
Genre: Romance, YA
ebook
Rating: 5

The Perfect series:
Perfectly Oblivious
Perfectly You

First sentence(s):
Blah, blah, blah, blah… I was hearing Rob's words, but they weren't registering.

Zombie sighting:
She didn't say anything else, but turned on the television and flipped through the Netflix menu before setting on episodes of "The Walking Dead". If anything could make me feel better, it was Bunny Tracks and Zombies. -chapter 23

Ivy Nixon is the student body Vice President at Franklin High School. Each year, the school holds a date auction to raise funds for the senior class graduation party, and this year, Ivy’s in charge. Planning the event is a huge task and Ivy is determined to prove she can get the job done right. Unfortunately, she’s still one participant short and her deadline is looming.

Andy Walker, her cute but socially reclusive art class table mate, is her last resort. He may not be popular, but he’s funny, talented, and full of surprises. With a makeover and some major social marketing, Ivy is sure he could fetch a decent price at the auction.

Andy reluctantly agrees to help, but the more time Ivy spends with him, the more her feelings shift from professional to romantic in nature. To top it off, she’s done her marketing so well, that other girls are starting to notice Andy too. Come auction time, will Ivy be able to let him go to the highest bidder? Or will she find a way to keep him for herself...

My two-bits:

Loved this sweet romance and how it blossoms and grows. The chemistry between the two is evident at the start and gets a kick start with a major high school event.

Like the first book in this series, the story includes some sports action. In this case golf was highlighted. But miniature golf actually comes into play.

Along with the main couple and their cute interactions is a second couple (best friends of the main couple) which is just as fun to follow.

--~ Blog Tour Giveaway ~--signup to win this book (here)
~*~
* review copy courtesy of book tour sponsored by I Am A Reader Not A Writer

Happy Release: Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

Best Day Ever
by Kaira Rouda
-Thriller, Mystery
Release date: September 19, 2017
Amazon | Goodreads
Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he’s promised today will be the best day ever.

But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?

Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion.

Excerpt:

An excerpt from BEST DAY EVER by Kaira Rouda

I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, sunlight bouncing off her shiny blond hair like sparklers lit for the Fourth of July, and I am bursting with confidence. Everything is at it should be.

Here we are, just the two of us, about to spend the weekend at our lake house. Today represents everything I’ve worked for, that we have built together. The sun blasts through my driver’s side window with such intensity I feel the urge to hold my hand up to the side of my face to shield my eyes, even though my sunglasses are dark and should be doing the job. Under any other circumstances, on any other day, they would be, I know. But today, something is different between us; some strange tension pulses through the air of the car’s interior. I cannot see it, but it’s here. I’d like to name it. Discover its source and eliminate it.
….

And now we’re getting on the road. Mia turns toward me and smiles. She has a perfect smile: half-moon-shaped, with glistening white teeth. My smile is more of a rectangle; no matter how hard I try, I appear to be smirking, I know that. But my teeth are perfect, thanks to the cosmetic dentist. I grin back.

She loves me so much, and of course the same can be said for me. We’ve been together almost ten years now. We know each other’s best qualities, and we know each other’s dark sides. Although to be quite honest about it, I’m not sure Mia has what you’d call a dastardly alter ego. Her dark side is simply grumpy, and it typically only appears when she is tired, or when one of our boys faces a rough patch. For my part, I wonder if Mia thinks I have a dark side. Most likely, as far as she knows, I am just her dear loving husband.

Today, though, this morning, right now, she is exuding energy; it oozes from her pores, from her flawless face. It’s the cause of the strange pulsing between us, I decide.

“You seem wound up, honey,” I say. I want to pat her leg and tell her to relax but I don’t. Despite her odd mood she is still beautiful, almost perfect in every way.

“Do I? I guess I’m just excited,” she says, confirming my assessment while stretching her hands toward the front windshield. The diamond from her wedding ring flashes in the overbright sunshine as if imitating her energy.

“Me, too. But we’ve got a long drive ahead of us, so try to relax. Let’s make today the best day ever.” I attempt to add the proper lilt in my voice. I need her to believe I am just as happy and carefree as she is. That driving up to our lake house for the first time this season is the most exciting thing I could ever imagine doing on any day, ever.

© 2017 Kaira Rouda, with permission from Graydon House

About the author:

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction, including Here, Home, Hope, and The Goodbye Year. Kaira is also the author of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs and the creator of Real Living, one of the nation’s most successful real estate brands and the first national women-focused brand in real estate. She now lives in Southern California with her family, where she’s lucky enough to write full time, and enjoys the beach whenever possible. Kaira’s latest novel, Best Day Ever, is one of the major launch titles for Harlequin’s new imprint Graydon House, and will be available on September 19, 2017.

Find out more about this book and author:
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Lovely Books and Things - 9.16.17

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~
I had a bit of an uptick with reading this week. Managed to read a novel and novella. And, finished IT by Stephen King for the read along (here). There is something to be said of chunky books that are over 1,000 pages. After investing so much time reading it and getting into the novel's world, there is a craving for more at the end of the last page.

The next chunkster book I will dive into is Paul Auster's 4 3 2 1.

Gearing up to do a reading binge session with the Man Booker Prize long listed books for the rest of the month and into next. Hopefully I can read over half from the list (here) before the winner is announced. Do any of you ever read Man Booker nominees?

~*~
Bought:

Solar Bones
by Mike McCormack (Ireland) (Canongate)
-Literary, Ireland
Amazon | Goodreads
FOR the Man Booker 2017 long list.

INTERESTING thing about this one is that it is one super long sentence - 265 pages worth.

Reservoir 13
by Jon McGregor (UK) (4th Estate)
-Literary, Mystery
Amazon | Goodreads
FOR the Man Booker 2017 long list.

Elmet
Elmet by Fiona Mozley (UK) (JM Originals)
-Literary
Amazon | Goodreads
FOR the Man Booker 2017 short list.


For Review:

Best Day Ever
by Kaira Rouda
-Thriller, Mystery
courtesy of publisher -Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads
THIS cover screams "READ ME".

Say You'll Stay
by Corinne Michaels
-New Adult, Romance
courtesy of Romance Read-of-the-Month Club -Thanks!
BarnesNoble | Amazon | Goodreads
FOR the romance fix ;-)


OTHER things (kinda book-related):

Book Blogger Hop
features a book related question
Sponsored by The Coffee Addicted Writer (details)
This week's prompt: Have you ever bought a more expensive edition of a book, when a cheaper edition was available, just because you preferred the cover of the more expensive one?
(submitted by Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books)

YES, but rarely - only if I really want to keep it in my library. I mostly pick out paperback editions and then give the book away.


AND watched: in theatre

It (2017)
Director: Andy Muschietti
Screenplay: Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, Gary Dauberman
Based on book by: Stephen King
Starring: Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis,
Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer,
Wyatt Oleff, Bill Skarsgård
-Adventure, Drama, Horror | imdb | my rating: 4
A group of bullied kids band together when a shapeshifting demon, taking the appearance of clown, begins hunting children.

For Fall Film challenge: about fortitude

Gotta hand it to the kids for figuring out things. This version did not get too much into the paranormal bits found in the book. Clown creepiness cringe moments, indeed.

TO add to the creepy, we spotted this in the theatre lobby after the show. Ahhhh.


AND watched: on DVD

Lust, Caution (2007)
Se, jie (original title)
Director: Ang Lee
Screenplay: James Schamus, Hui-Ling Wang
Story by: Eileen Chang
Starring: Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Wei Tang, Joan Chen
-Drama, Romance, Thriller, Taiwan | imdb | my rating: 5
During World War II era, a young woman, Wang Jiazhi, gets swept up in a dangerous game of emotional intrigue with a powerful political figure, Mr. Yee.

For Fall Film challenge: about lust

BEAUTIFULLY done with lots of sexy lust and caution thrown about. And then an inkling of love? Lovely closeups.

Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Director: James Bobin
Screenplay: Linda Woolverton
Based on book by: Lewis Carroll
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
-Adventure, Family, Fantasy | imdb | my rating: 3
Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to help the Mad Hatter.

For Fall Film challenge: starring alan rickman

COLORFUL world with lots of time related puns that got stale after awhile. Alan Rickman had such a small part compared to the first Alice film.


~*~
* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

:-)

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett
by Rachael Anderson

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Currently on Blog Tour: Sep 11-21, 2017 (here)

Just released: August 28, 2017
Publisher: HEA Publishing
Genre: Historial, Romance
ebook
Rating: 5

Tanglewood series:
The Fall of Lord Drayson
The Rise of Miss Notley
The Pursuit of Lady Harriett

First sentence(s):
"How dreadful it would be to live on one's own permanently," Lady Harriett Cavendish said to no one in particular as she walked through a thick grove of pines in Askern, Yorkshire.

When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?

Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it.

Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Captain Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the captain is everything that Harriett’s previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the captain in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she is completely powerless.

My two-bits:

This third installment of the Tanglewood series is another romance set during the Regency period which turns out just as lovely as the others.

There are descriptions of estate management along with tips on the dos and don'ts of how to treat a lady.

Lot of light banter and teasing makes this couple fun to follow amidst scenes that include horseback riding, shopping and walking. I especially liked watching how each character experienced moments of growth in what it means to be a couple and most especially a couple in love.

side note: I now have an urge to eat a delicious lemon vanilla cake.

also: of the three books so far, this is my favorite

--~ Book Blast Giveaway ~--signup to win $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway (here)
ends: Sep 22, 2017
~*~
* book tour sponsored by I Am A Reader Not A Writer

Happy release: Perfectly You by Robin Daniels (with giveaway)

Perfectly You
by Robin Daniels
-Romance, YA
Release date: August 24, 2017
Amazon | Goodreads
The Perfect series:
Perfectly Oblivious
Perfectly You

Ivy Nixon is the student body Vice President at Franklin High School. Each year, the school holds a date auction to raise funds for the senior class graduation party, and this year, Ivy’s in charge. Planning the event is a huge task and Ivy is determined to prove she can get the job done right. Unfortunately, she’s still one participant short and her deadline is looming.

Andy Walker, her cute but socially reclusive art class table mate, is her last resort. He may not be popular, but he’s funny, talented, and full of surprises. With a makeover and some major social marketing, Ivy is sure he could fetch a decent price at the auction.

Andy reluctantly agrees to help, but the more time Ivy spends with him, the more her feelings shift from professional to romantic in nature. To top it off, she’s done her marketing so well, that other girls are starting to notice Andy too. Come auction time, will Ivy be able to let him go to the highest bidder? Or will she find a way to keep him for herself…

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, and crude humor, some steamy kissing, a party scene where underage drinking is taking place, and a brief but tasteful conversation about sex. The author has attempted to write characters who make good choices in questionable situations, in effort to keep the content appropriate for teens. This book contains no sex, written or implied, and no explicit language. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Excerpt:

"What about tonight?" Andy suggested.

"I suppose I could get away for a minute. What did you have in mind?"

"I'm not ready for another argument today...so, do you like cheesecake?"

"Um, hello? I am a girl..." I responded playfully.

"Of course." He laughed, smacking his forehead. "How could I forget?"

About the author:

Robin Daniels is a wife, mother of five and avid consumer of books. She loves reading SO much that she was actually grounded from it as a twelve year old. No Joking! Her mom caught her reading when she was supposed to be cleaning, which was a common occurrence. At that point mom took the books and instructed her to go watch TV or play outside like a normal kid.

Robin is a sucker for home design shows and magazines, watches way too much Netflix and has a very codependent relationship with with a certain diet soda who’s brand shall not be named. (Though anyone with a similar problem could probably guess which one.)

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website
Blog
Facebook

—~ Blog Tour Giveaway ~--
WIN $25 Amazon Gift Card or $25 in Paypal Cash

Ends 9/25/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*~
* More on the tour (here)

Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

Home Fire
by Kamila Shamsie
narrated by Tania Rodrigues

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Twitter

Just released: August 15, 2017
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Genre: Literary, Audio
Hardback: 288
Rating: 4

First sentence(s):
Isma was going to miss her flight. The ticket wouldn’t be refunded because the airline took no responsibility for passengers who arrived at the airport three hours ahead of the departure time and were escorted to an interrogation room.

Isma is free. After years of watching out for her younger siblings in the wake of their mother’s death, she’s accepted an invitation from a mentor in America that allows her to resume a dream long deferred. But she can’t stop worrying about Aneeka, her beautiful, headstrong sister back in London, or their brother, Parvaiz, who’s disappeared in pursuit of his own dream, to prove himself to the dark legacy of the jihadist father he never knew. When he resurfaces half a globe away, Isma’s worst fears are confirmed.

Then Eamonn enters the sisters’ lives. Son of a powerful political figure, he has his own birthright to live up to—or defy. Is he to be a chance at love? The means of Parvaiz’s salvation? Suddenly, two families’ fates are inextricably, devastatingly entwined, in this searing novel that asks: What sacrifices will we make in the name of love?

Audio excerpt:



My two-bits:

Issues of love and betrayal play out in this story with a Muslim experience mostly set in London.

Definitely a good read for the current times.

~*~
* Listened to audiobook version.

* part of Man Booker Prize Reading Challenge (here)

Lovely Books and Things - 9.9.17

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~
More movie watching this week as the reading is in the slump mode, hmmmm.

~*~
Bought:

The Jane Austen Project
by Kathleen A. Flynn
-SciFi, Historical, Jane Austen-related
Amazon | Goodreads
SIMPLY irresistible.

Home Fire
by Kamila Shamsie
-Literary, Audio
Amazon | Goodreads
WORKING on the Man Booker 2017 long list.


For Review:

Zenka
by Alison Brodie
-Thriller, Romance
courtesy of author -Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads
I like Alison's writing style, so this should be a fun one.


OTHER things (kinda book-related):

Book Blogger Hop
features a book related question
Sponsored by The Coffee Addicted Writer (details)

This week's prompt: Have you ever bought a book because you liked its cover art?
(submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)
YES, but rarely now. When I started blogging and visiting fellow bloggers years ago, I had many cover love moments which prompted some purchases. However, as the years passed I found those books end up in the tbr pile for quite awhile. So, I am being more mindful when it comes to the draw of the covers.

One book that I bought for the cover which has been sitting in the tbr pile since 2012...

Alien Tango
by Gini Koch
- romance, sciFi
Amazon | Goodreads
I have the first three books in a series that is reaching book 20 soon. Soooo behind.


AND watched: in theatre

Mrs.B., a North Korean Woman (2016)
Madame B., histoire d'une Nord-Coréenne (original title)
Director/Writer: Jero Yun
-Documentary, China, Korea | imdb | my rating: 5
Portrait of Mrs. B., a tough charismatic North Korean woman who smuggles between North Korea, China and South Korea. With the money she gets, she plans to reunite with her two North Korean sons after years of separation.

A peek into one side of human trafficking as well as a tale of the "grass is always greener".

Bakuman (2015)
Director: Hitoshi Ohne
Writers/manga: Tsugumi Ôba, Takeshi Obata
Starring: Takeru Satoh, Ryûnosuke Kamiki
-Comedy, Japan | imdb | my rating: 5
Moritaka Mashiro, a junior high student, forgets his notebook in class. His classmate Akito Takagi, notes Mashiro's drawings in it and asks him to become a manga artist to his stories. Mashiro declines. Takagi incites Mashiro to meet with Miho Azuki, Mashiro's crush, and tells her the two plan to become mangakas (manga artists). In response, Azuki reveals her plans to be a seiyuu (voice actress). Mashiro proposes to her that they should both marry when Azuki becomes a voice actress for the anime adaptation of their manga. The two then start creating their manga, under the pen name Muto Ashirogi, in hopes of getting serialized in Weekly Shounen Jump.

For Fall Film challenge: about hope.

Loved the scoop on manga artists. Great scenes with manga art. Friendship, Struggle, Triumph.


AND watched: on DVD

The Innocents (2016)
Les innocentes (original title)
Director: Anne Fontaine
Writer (scenario: Sabrina B. Karine, Alice Vial
Writer (adaptation): Anne Fontaine, Pascal Bonitzer
Based on an original concept created by: Philippe Maynial
Starring: Lou de Laâge, Agata Buzek, Agata Kulesza
-Drama, History, Poland, France | imdb | my rating: 5
In 1945 Poland, a young French Red Cross doctor who is sent to assist the survivors of the German camps discovers several nuns in advanced states of pregnancy during a visit to a nearby convent.

For Fall Film challenge: about temperance.

BASED on actual events. Struggles of temperance and faith with some ugly realities interplay here.

The Human Stain (2003)
Director: Robert Benton
Screenplay: Nicholas Meyer
Based on book by: Philip Roth
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris
-Drama, Romance, Thriller | imdb | my rating: 4
When a disgraced former college dean has a romance with a mysterious younger woman haunted by her dark, twisted past, he is forced to confront a shocking fact about his own life that he has kept secret for fifty years.

For Fall Film challenge: starring anthony hopkins

INTERESTING with different perspective on racism. Fun dancing scene with Gary Sinise.

Patriots Day (2016)
Director/screenplay: Peter Berg
Screenplay: Matt Cook, Joshua Zetumer
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon
-Crime, Drama, History | imdb | my rating: 4
The story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath, which includes the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorists responsible.

For Fall Film challenge: starring kevin bacon

SOME history on the event with a focus on how the investigation of finding the bombers. Great to see the team work.

~*~
* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

:-)

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

A Short History of the Girl Next Door
by Jared Reck

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads -giveaway (ends Sep 12)
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Just released: September 26, 2017
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Genre: Romance, Sports, YA
Hardback: 272
Rating: 4

First sentence(s):
I know it’s over when Liam Branson’s black Accord pulls in front of Tabby’s house before school.

Matt Wainwright is constantly sabotaged by the overdramatic movie director in his head. He can’t tell his best friend, Tabby, how he really feels about her, he implodes on the JV basketball team, and the only place he feels normal is in Mr. Ellis’s English class, discussing the greatest fart scenes in literature and writing poems about pissed-off candy-cane lumberjacks.

If this were a movie, everything would work out perfectly. Tabby would discover that Matt’s madly in love with her, be overcome with emotion, and would fall into his arms. Maybe in the rain.

But that’s not how it works. Matt watches Tabby get swept away by senior basketball star and all-around great guy Liam Branson. Losing Tabby to Branson is bad enough, but screwing up and losing her as a friend is even worse.

After a tragic accident, Matt finds himself left on the sidelines, on the verge of spiraling out of control and losing everything that matters to him. From debut author Jared Reck comes a fiercely funny and heart-wrenching novel about love, longing, and what happens when life as you know it changes in an instant.

My two-bits:

A story of friendship and unrequited love (of a different sort) which left me with a sad sigh.

With the backdrop of high school, basketball and poetry also play parts in this story that shapes the main character.

Wisdom imparted from caring grownups help with the character's growth in a positive way.

~*~
* review copy courtesy of tour

Lovely Books and Things - 9.2.17

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~
I had a slow reading week. While I am enjoying Stephen King's It, the reading is not going as fast. Going to do a big push to catching up with the read-along in time for the movie release. There are so many details of doings. It is amazing how Stephen King can churn out so many works - many of which are quite lengthy.

The seasonal weather changes and unusualness (currently feeling a heatwave in San Francisco) have affected me. Feeling out of sorts. I am feeling the need for change, but still want the comforts of stability.

~*~
Bought:

Green Apple Books on the Park hosted an evening with Gabriel Tallent with his debut novel, My Absolute Darley. He had some interesting comments on writing about courageous characters that touched me.

My Absolute Darling
by Gabriel Tallent
-Literary, Coming of Age
Amazon | Goodreads
I was attracted to the feisty main character mentioned and the story is set near my neck of the woods, Mendocino county, California.


For Review:

Happy Dreams
by Jia Pingwa
-Literary, China
courtesy of Wunderkind -Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads
From one of China’s foremost authors, Jia Pingwa’s Happy Dreams is a powerful depiction of life in industrializing contemporary China, in all its humor and pathos, as seen through the eyes of Happy Liu, a charming and clever rural laborer who leaves his home for the gritty, harsh streets of Xi’an in search of better life.

=====> GIVEAWAY
I got a second review copy. If you would be interested in it, let me know in comments with your email address. -offer ends 9/30/17

UNBOXING:

The Crowns of Croswald
by D.E. Night
-Fantasy, Middle Grade
courtesy of JKS Communications -Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads
Cool delivery for an ARC.

This box includes:
-The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night (signed)
-Postcard of book theme
-Letter from author
-Glanagerie bottle (that glows)

OTHER things (kinda book-related):

The Fall Film Challenge
September 1 to November 30, 2017
hosted by Quirky Pickings (details) | my list
JOINED the Film Fall Challenge. Looking forward to getting to some films that have been wanting to watch.

AND watched: on DVD

Saving Mr. Wu (2015)
Jie jiu Wu xian sheng (original title)
Director/Writer: Ding Sheng
Script advisor: Alex Jia
Starring: Andy Lau, Ye Liu, Qianyuan Wang
-Action, Crime, Drama, China | imdb | my rating: 4
Mr. Wu (Andy Lau) is kidnapped in Beijing by Zhang Hua (Wang Qianyuan) and three accomplices, all disguised as cops and demanding a ransom of 3 million RMB. In the ensuing 20 hours, the Chinese detectives led by Chief Xing (Liu Ye) quickly form a task force and sweep the city. Time is of the essence as Mr. Wu is ordered to be killed at 9 PM regardless of whether the money is collected or not. The police eventually apprehend Hua alone. As the deadline approaches, the detectives and captors collide. -Written by UEP North America

For Fall Film challenge: about greed

BASED on a true event. Interactions and motivations play out with suspense.

The Intouchables (2011)
Director/Writer: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Starring: François Cluzet, Omar Sy
-Biography, Comedy, Drama, France | imdb | my rating: 5
After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, an aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver.

For Fall Film challenge: about charity: an organization, an individual, a cause, an act... interpret this as you will.

BASED on a true story. Heartwarming and hopeful despite circumstances.

AND watched: in theatre

Ingrid Goes West (2017)
Director: Matt Spicer
Writers: David Branson Smith, Matt Spicer
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen
-Comedy, Drama | imdb | my rating: 4
An unhinged social media stalker moves to LA and insinuates herself into the life of an Instagram star.

CYCLED through creepy, sad and then hopeful feelings.

AND watched:

Game of Thrones
Season 7
Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Based on book by: George R.R. Martin
-Fantasy | imdb | my rating: 5
Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while a forgotten race returns after being dormant for thousands of years.

WINTER has arrived.

Lots of OMG moments with reveals and such as well as amusing dialogue which catered to fans. In general it felt rushed and a bit off in the storytelling - maybe because it was lacking George RR Martin's details.

Season 8 will most likely be released in 2019.


~*~
* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

:-)