Weekly Reads (11/30/18)

So I didn't do a Weekly Reads or Stacking the Shelves post last week so I figured I better split them or they would be rather long.  So we had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you all did too.  Mom and Grandpa came up so it was low-key but delicious.  Mr. Barb smoked the turkey as usual.  It was also Cass' birthday so cue some humiliating pics:

Also, the kitchen is pretty much finished.  I need to do a few paint and paint touch ups and I ordered a few prints from Etsy I'm waiting for but I will have pics soon - I promise.  We did manage to watch a few movies over the past two weeks too.  We saw "Equalizer 2" and while I still think I like the first one better, this one was still pretty good.  We also watched "Slenderman." It was pretty much "meh" but not horrible.  Seems like Slenderman was the IT thing this year huh?  We also started watching "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" and man is it dark and awesome.  Mr. Barb didn't want to watch it so I watched the first two episodes without him but he did eventually climb on board and has been watching the rest with me.  We have three episodes left.  

My truck is still in the shop so I'm driving the hell out of the rental.  They are telling me Monday so we'll see.  I didn't go black Friday shopping in the stores but grabbed a few cyber buys so all was good.  I've also been reading some good books and here is what's on tap this weekend and upcoming week:

And now on to my soapbox.  Very soon you may be see me in the headlines (just kidding).  Our city is trying to pass a "vicious dog" law.  Now they say they won't target certain breeds but I've heard of this happening elsewhere and that's always what ends up happening.  So in order to be categorized as "vicious" there has to have been complaints, attacks or no dog license (money making scheme perhaps) and if your dog is labeled a "vicious" you have to prove that you carry $100,000 insurance on them.  I'm no fool.  I know there are irresponsible dog owners out there and they shouldn't be allowed to get away with things.  But come on, let's focus on the laws that already exist which they don't enforce - say drug possession and distributing!  Also, there's already a leash law which makes sense so let's start by enforcing that!  Stepping down...

So what's going on in your world?

Two Bloggers One Book - We Were Kind of Prepared

So as you know by now, Stormi and I pick a book to read each month together as a buddy read.  Truth be told we usually end up reading several of the same books but we always target at least one.  Sometimes they're new releases we both have ARCs for or somethings we try to dig something off our older shelves.  This month we chose a sequel to a cozy mystery we read together earlier this year.  Neither of us were sold on the first one but we both also have the third one already so read on to see how this one fared.  And when you are done, cruise over to Stormi's blog @ Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! and if we were on the same page.

TITLE: Read Herring Hunt (Mystery Bookshop #2)

AUTHOR: V.M. Burns

PUBLISHER: Kensington

PUBLISHING DATE: April 24, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: To the town of North Harbor, Michigan, MISU quarterback Dawson Alexander is a local hero. To Samantha Washington, owner of the Market Street Mysteries Bookstore, Dawson is more than a tenant—he’s like an adopted son. But to the police, he is their prime suspect after his ex-girlfriend is found murdered. It’s more than enough real-life drama for Sam to tackle, but her role as a mystery writer also calls. Returning to the English countryside between the wars, she finds Lady Daphne Marsh in quite the quandary. Someone has tried to murder the scandalous American divorcée Wallis Simpson, for whom Edward VIII so recently abdicated his throne. It seems finding a suspect is no small challenge when most of England has a motive . . .

While Sam’s lawyer sister Jenna rushes in to build Dawson's defense, Sam and her lively grandmother, Nana Jo, huddle up to solve the mystery and blow the whistle on the real killer. With the tenacious members of the Sleuthing Senior Book Club eager to come off the sidelines, Sam and her team just might stop a killer from completing another deadly play . . . 

MY THOUGHTS:  So as I mentioned, there was an element in the first installment that really bothered me.  Sam is recently widowed and has bought a mystery bookshop.  She is also attempting to become a budding author of British Mysteries.  So the first book was set up as a book within a book.  Well, that trend continued and while I managed to make it through  the British part of the first one, I wasn't so lucky this time around.

The young man who Sam has basically adopted now lives in the garage apartment and has become a local college football star.  However, when his girlfriend ends up dead, he becomes the prime suspect and Sam, her sister and her Grandmother, decide it's up to them to clear Dawson's name.  Now I do have to admit I really like the characters in this cozy.  Sam is making her way in the world without her best friend since her husband died and she really relies on  her family.  Also, Dawson is a great young man who clearly loves baking as much as he does football.  But the best part of the book is Sam's Nana Jo and her friends at the retirement home.  These ladies are a hoot and I always chuckle during their scenes. 

The mystery itself was pretty good and kept me engaged.  I figured it out but not until near the end so that was fine.  However, the British novel that Sam is working on in this installment completely lost me and after the first few forays into it, I just started skipping it altogether.  So my rating is based on the cozy aspect of the book and not "the book within the book."  

Since I already have book #3, I will likely continue on but I don't know that I'll go much further.  However, the author also has a cozy dog centered series she just started and I do enjoy her writing enough to know that I will definitely be giving those books a go.  Overall a decent mystery with a few issues.  

RATING: 3 PAWS

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Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful....and so is this book!

TITLE: Night Shift
AUTHOR: Robin Triggs
PUBLISHER: Flame Tree Press
PUBLISHING DATE: November 6, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: Antarctica. A mining base at the edge of the world. Anders Nordvelt is over-promoted and he knows it. Arriving at Australis base on the last transport before the long night falls, he is to take over as Chief of Security. It should be an easy job. The crew have all been rigorously psychoanalysed and he's there only because the rulebook says the position must be filled. The biggest challenge Anders anticipates is to find his place within an established group. But shortly after his arrival communications to the outside world are cut. Suspicion immediately falls upon Anders. It's his job to uncover the culprit - but how can he find answers when the rest of the crew, bound by relationships, resentments and passions he knows nothing about, see him as the threat? Surely no-one can have crossed thousands of miles of wasteland - the sabotage must have been an inside job. But how could a criminal have got past the screening process? Then the commander's body is found in the ice. The running of the base falls to the senior staff, Anders included, but there is open hostility towards him. Only the uncertain support of the engineer, Max, gives any hope. But can he trust her? Is he giving her too much leeway as it is? Amidst the fear the work must continue. In a world where every last scrap of fuel is precious, the minerals must keep flowing. But the attacks continue, leaving them with no heating and little food. As they shelter in a basement room, claustrophobia, starvation and madness become as big a threat as a murderer. Will Anders live long enough to find the killer? Will anyone survive the night shift, or will future explorers find only ice and frozen corpses in the last remaining wilderness on the planet? 

MY THOUGHTS:  So this book starts up right as Anders, the MC, arrives at the mining base of Australis.  The previous security guard left under questionable circumstances and the crew are not very welcoming of a new member.  A few days after Anders arrives, a celebration is held honoring the last sunset for six months.  Anders is still learning about the individuals stationed at Australis when he is thrown smack dab in a murder investigation.  Slowly but surely someone is picking off the crew and since he is the new kid on the ice, Anders may be the best suspect.  Knowing this, he sets out to catch the true culprit and clear his name in the process.

"Night Shift" is full of action and atmosphere.  I love book set in snowy, wintry settings and you don't get much more snowy and wintry than the Antartic.  I loved getting to know the crew alongside of Anders and I have to admit, I was slightly pleased to learn the identity of the first victim.  Because the crew is so isolated, they soon not only start fighting each other but they also have to rage a war against the elements.  

I am hesitant to say that Anders is not the most reliable narrator (and nope, there is no Gone Girl of Woman in the Window comparisons here).  Nonetheless, I found him likable and was rooting for him.  I also really liked Max, the janitor.  She's pretty kick ass and I adore the fact that the person most familiar with the machinery and technology of Australis just so happens to be a woman.  While there are hints of some romance, or to be honest, sexual encounters, anyone turned off by those elements in an action, survivalist setting need not worry.  That element is not overwhelming and not shoved down your throat. 
"Night Shift" is best described as a book about survival and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Thanks to Flame Tree Press for the ARC.

RATING: 5 PAWS

Can't Wait Wednesday (186)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: The latest thriller from the internationally bestselling author of The Lake of Dead Languages and The Other Mother, a story of mistaken identities and missed chances, forgiveness, and vengeance.

ALICE gets off a bus in the middle of a snowstorm in Delphi, NY. She is fleeing an abusive relationship and desperate to protect...

OREN, ten years old, a major Star Wars fan and wise beyond his years. Though Alice is wary, Oren bonds nearly instantly with...

MATTIE, a social worker in her fifties who lives in an enormous run-down house in the middle of the woods. Mattie lives alone and is always available, and so she is the person the hotline always calls when they need a late-night pickup. And although according to protocol Mattie should take Alice and Oren to a local shelter, instead she brings them home for the night. She has plenty of room, she says. What she doesn't say is that Oren reminds her of her little brother, who died thirty years ago at the age of ten.

But Mattie isn't the only one withholding elements of the truth. Alice is keeping her own secrets. And as the snowstorm worsens around them, each woman's past will prove itself unburied, stirring up threats both within and without.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: Maybe it's because we just had our first real snow or because I just finished a book set in Antartica but I'm ready to dive into some more winter settings.  I like them as long as they are fictional.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

TTT - My Favorite Platonic Relationships in Books/Movies/TV

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

This week we are looking at platonic relationships so I'm sharing  of my faves!

Seriously, is there any better example of true friendship than Pooh and Piglet???

I've always had a soft spot for Shaggy and Scooby.

I like book Sookie and Sam in the books and the show - bet this will cause some controversy!

Bill Hodges and Holly.  There's just something so sweet about their relationship.

 

I think Lindsey and Beth have a great friendship.  Lindsey is so grounded and Beth is a tad flighty so they play off each other well.

Groot and Rocket are so cute and clearly very bonded.

They may be divorced but Chris and Benita are still the best of buds.

Olivia, Gabriel and Ricky - Since I don't want to spoil this I will just leave it at loving Olivia's friendship with both of these guys.

I'm sure this trio will find their way on lots of lists!

Cara and Vincent.  Everyone needs a wacky fairy godfather!

So there you have it.  Did any of these make your lists?  Did the Sookie pairing tick you off?  

Book Discussion - One of My Biggest Pet Peeves

So, welcome to Booker T's Farm's second Book Discussion. Once you see this month's topic and remember a recent review of mine (Mutts & Mistletoe),  you'll completely understand it's timely post.  I hope to do these occasionally because sometimes, you just have to get things off your chest.  Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments because I can't very well have a discussion by myself.

So today I want to share with you want of my biggest book pet peeves.  I like to call it........

DOG FALSE ADVERTISING

I have always noticed this to be a thing but let's be honest, I notice it happening more and more around the Christmas season.  Now everyone who knows me knows that romance is not a genre I review much here at The Farm.  I have nothing against it and in fact I have a very romantic husband, but I just prefer other genres when it comes to books.  My main exception is around the holidays.  During Christmas, I like to incorporate a few cute romantic type books because I think it's the perfect time for something lighter.  The holidays can be so hectic anyways so it's nice to read something quick and chill for a few hours.  And my followers also know that I do love my dog books (see the title of the blog and all the posts featuring Booker T and Cassius - it's a no-brainer people).  

So let me set the scene.  I'm running around doing my routine or holiday shopping.  I spy a book with snow, happy people and an ADORABLE pooch on the cover.  If I'm in a hurry and the book is cheap, I'll just toss it in the cart.  If I have some time, I may read the back but let's be real, I'm pretty much a cover whore.  So I sit down one evening and pick up said book.  I show the cute pup picture to my husband who looks up from his football game long enough to say "why are you reading that?  It doesn't look scary."  I start reading.  50 pages in...no dog.  75 pages...still no dog.  100 pages...I'm getting pissed, where in the hell is the dog???

Here are a few books to give you an idea. 

So all of these are on Netgalley right now.  And I've actually only requested one.  However, I have at least read their synopsis which is more than I do when I'm shopping as fast as I can because I hate most people.  They all have that holiday cheer vibe, snow and dogs.  However, upon closer inspection I see no indication that the cute dog hanging his head out of the truck window appears in any of the four stories in "A Season to Celebrate." The adorable lab sitting on the packages of "The Corner of Holly and Ivy?"  No mention of him either.  Now I've actually almost bought "Alaskan Holiday" at Walmart lately but didn't.  I do think the synopsis mentions sled dogs so the huskies on the front are appropriate.  "Christmas at Cape Cod" I couldn't tell you.

So see Dog False Advertising.  It ticks me off.  Thank heavens Anna over at Herding Cats & Burning Soup does read a lot of romance and I'm so glad.  I know several times this year I've went as far as asking her if the dog on the cover is even in the book.  She's been a huge help. 

Another big complaint which is similar is when the dogs (or even cats) on the cover aren't the same breed or coloring as the ones in the book?  Really, it is hard to find a cute beagle or basset?  If it mentions a black cat, why is there a calico on the cover?  

So any thoughts.  Am I being unreasonable?  Do you find me completely mad?  

So I Guess I Was Warned....

TITLE: Saga Vol. 9
AUTHOR: Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PUBLISHING DATE: October 2, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: The multiple Eisner Award-winning series returns with a spacefaring adventure about fake news and genuine terror. Get ready for the most shocking, most impactful SAGA storyline yet.

Collects SAGA #49-54

MY THOUGHTS:  So at this point, it's impossible to give this the review it deserves without spoiling it so I'll probably keep this short and sweet.  So many bloggers I trust mentioned that something shocking/drastic/indescribable happens in this edition and man, the authors sure didn't pull any punches.  I don't know that I'll ever get over the ending.  I mean, I actually tossed the book on the couch and declared "I'm done!"  as in forever.  However, I doubt that's true.  On the plus side, I did get to see some more of cute little Ghus in this one.  

RATING: 5 PAWS (and one ripped out heart!)

Happy Birthday Cassius!!!!!!

My baby turns 5 today and you can bet he's celebrating with toys, turkey and lots of hugs and kisses.  Mommy and Daddy love you Cass!

Can't Wait Wednesday (185)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: S.T., a domesticated crow, is a bird of simple pleasures: hanging out with his owner Big Jim, trading insults with Seattle's wild crows (those idiots), and enjoying the finest food humankind has to offer: Cheetos ®.

Then Big Jim's eyeball falls out of his head, and S.T. starts to feel like something isn't quite right. His most tried-and-true remedies--from beak-delivered beer to the slobbering affection of Big Jim's loyal but dim-witted dog, Dennis--fail to cure Big Jim's debilitating malady. S.T. is left with no choice but to abandon his old life and venture out into a wild and frightening new world with his trusty steed Dennis, where he discovers that the neighbors are devouring each other and the local wildlife is abuzz with rumors of dangerous new predators roaming Seattle. Humanity's extinction has seemingly arrived, and the only one determined to save it is a foul-mouthed crow whose knowledge of the world around him comes from his TV-watching education.

Hollow Kingdom is a humorous, big-hearted, and boundlessly beautiful romp through the apocalypse and the world that comes after, where even a cowardly crow can become a hero.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  First of all, the cover has a dog AND tentacles.  What a combo but I'm so in!  Also, how strange does this sound?  It's just screaming "Barb, read me!"  I need to know what made Jim's eyes fall out and I'm only hoping that S.T. and Dennis can save the world.  Oh, and who can resist Cheetos?

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

TTT - All About Being Thankful

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

This week is a freebie topic related to Thanksgiving and being thankful.  In the past I've done posts mentioning some of my favorite bloggers.  I have since discovered a few more and will be adding them at the end of this list.  I will also link the previous ones.  However, I also want to make a list of things I'm thankful in general.  So you get extra this week!

THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR

1.  A wonderful husband

2.  The best pets in the world

3. Family - The ones I like...and that I've had the chance to get so close to my Gpa the past few years.

4.  Bloggers - I've met so many wonderful people and I love interacting with you guys through comments, tweets, instagram etc.  You guys are the greatest and I can always count on you to bring a smile to my face.

5. A job where I get to help people

6. An almost done kitchen

7. Blessings in disguise - although I was recently t-boned, through medical appointments I found an issue I was unaware of and can now address.  Silver lining folks!

7. My Book BFF  Stormi - we've spent endless hours messaging and chatting about books and life in general and I can't imagine her not in my life.

BLOGGERS I'M THANKFUL FOR

Past blogger appreciation posts HERE HERE HERE HERE and HERE.

Katie @ Just Another Girl and her Books
Katie has some of the best book hauls ever and usually a lot of them she found on sale.  Plus she host a great Christmas readathon in December.

AJ @ Read All the Things
I love the variety of posts AJ has and the different genres she reads.  She is also a fellow dog-lover.

Lark @ Lark Writes...
Another great blogger who reads a variety of genres.  She and I seem to read quite a few of the same things.

Jan @ Notes From a Readerholic
Jan has great taste in books and reads a lot of the books I'm interested in.  She recently had surgery and I'm really hoping she is feeling better this Thanksgiving.

Mary @ Stacking My Bookshelves
I just discovered Mary earlier this year but she is already one of my faves?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

See those dogs on the cover?????

TITLE: Mutts and Mistletoe
AUTHOR: Natalie Cox
PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam's Sons
PUBLISHING DATE: October 9, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and--adding insult to (literal) injury--her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there's only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she'll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez's doggy day care center. And if she's not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know...

But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin's house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?

As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie's life has never felt so out of control--but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love...

MY THOUGHTS:  So ever since I saw this cover, I've been dreaming of a nice quiet weekend snuggled in a furry blankets with my pups snuggling by my side.  I was thrilled to get an ARC and have saved it for the Christmas season.  In fact, it was the perfect fit for a recent readathon.  But somehow, this book left me feeling a little flat.  Now I will admit that the last 30% or so saved it for me because in the beginning, I feared it was not going to live up to my anticipation.  

So Charlie lives in London and was recently dumped by her boyfriend.  As Christmas nears, a gas explosion in her apartment building almost impales her she ends up needing a place to stay.  Her mother, who loves to meddle, arranges for Charlie to spend the holiday with her cousin Jez, who lives in the country and runs Cozy Canine Cottages.  However, Charlie is not a dog person.  Needless to say, Charlie eventually goes and stays with Jez, who is actually a much more likable person that Charlie.  While there, she meets the local vet, who she calls Bovine Cal, because he specializes in, yep,  you guessed it, cows.  Cal and Charlie do not hit it off and things become even more complicated when Jez decides to take off for the North Pole to rendezvous with an on-line girlfriend, leaving Charlie in charge of the dogs who are boarding there for Christmas.  Even Cal questions why Jez would do such a thing.

So despite not liking dogs, Charlie ends up taking in even more boarders as the holidays draw closer and before you know it, she has a full house - literally, because the heat in the cottages go out.  Add in a small mystery, a hunk named Hugo who is engaged to the local snob, and alpacas and you have "Mutts and Mistletoe."

Like I said, in my opinion, the last part totally saved the novel.  However, I did have a couple of issues that I just can't get over.  First of all, Charlie isn't a dog person.  Strike one.  Secondly, her cousin leaves her in charge of the dogs and the kennel to traipse to the North Pole - not a smart business decision.  And last but not least, see the adorable dogs on the cover?  The ones who made me fall in love with this book before I even started?  Well, they are even in the book. Don't get me wrong, there are some adorable dogs.  We have a deaf Great Dane named Malcolm, a pregnant beagle (why did you leave Charlie with your personal pregnant beagle Jez?), two Alaskan Malamutes, an elderly dog who they call Slab because he doesn't move much, and an Irish Setter.  See, lots to chose from so why aren't any of THEM on the cover?  I have since discovered several foreign editions and both covers are more indicative of the book.

So overall I did enjoy this book, but not as much as I had hoped.  There are some great characters in the little country town whose oddness only make them that much more endearing.  The dogs are fun and adorable and Charlie does exhibit some character growth which is good, because she needed it.  So even though I could easily give this a 3/5, it's probably more like a 3.5 so for Goodreads sake I'll add up.  After all, it's still an adorable cover.

RATING: 4 PAWS

Weekly Reads/Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post (11/16/18)

So is everyone ready for Turkey Day next week (those who are celebrating)?  We are slowly getting there but November has turned out to be uncharacteristically hectic.  So the truck is now in the shop and I'm buzzing around in the rental.  It is unlikely it will be done for another week or more.  I'm feeling better but still feel a few aches and pains when I sit in one position too long.  I have a follow up appointment next week.  And the kitchen is nearing completion.  All the work is done from the guys that were doing the floor and the ceiling.  I spent a lot of time last weekend painting trim, cabinets, etc, and now I need to do the walls this week.  It's amazing how much tedious painting there is to do in a fairly small kitchen. I hope to post pictures soon because I am loving it.

The pups are doing good but we had a lot of cold rainy weather this week and they did not get out as much as they should.  Cass has a birthday next week (on Thanksgiving Day) so we'll be celebrating double and then our Anniversary is Black Friday so we'll be eating more good food and watching football.  We managed to watch a few movies this week.  First up was "MEG" which I loved but which was almost nothing like the book. It was still fun though.  And then we watched a Mark Wahlberg movie called "Mile 22."  It was massively confusing and I feel like the movie started in the middle.  A lot of people died though.

I haven't read a whole lot but as you will see, that hasn't stopped me from acquiring books.  I contribute it to the painting and kitchen work.  After work Monday, I'm on vacation for 6 glorious days so hopefully I can get some books knocked out. Here's what I hope to pick up this weekend and into next week.

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

So I had a couple of library holds come in this week - you know the law of they all come in at one.  Several of my favorite bloggers have eluded something drastic happens in "Saga Vol. 9" so I'm a tad worried.  "Portents" is a collection of Cainsville tales and since that it one of my favorite series, I can't wait to read them.  And finally I'm super curious about "And the Ocean Was Our Sky."  It will be my first Patrick Ness book.

And finally I received this wonderful book for review.  I can't wait to visit with Stoker again!  "A Dangerous Collaboration" is the 4th in the Veronica Speedwell series.

So what books did you add to your shelves this week? 

Shore - YA Bound Book Tours

TITLE: Shore
AUTHOR: Enrique Rosado
PUBLISHER: Createspace Independent Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: November 2017

SYNOPSIS: Lahar's life was regular- college, work, then binge watch whatever was in her queue. That is until she wakes up on a beach, with no idea how she got there. A young wizard named Arena, who has made a home by the mysterious shore, offers to help her home. With his massive dog and mystical creatures called Wisps, she studies under Arena's tutelage and tries to find a way back. Though mysterious forces lurk below the sand, clambering to make themselves whole, no matter the cost. 

MY THOUGHTS: When I first saw the cover of this book, I was immediately intrigued.  And then I sad mention of a massive dog and I knew I wanted to give it a chance.  

"Shore" starts out rather suddenly as the reader is immediately thrown into the action.  Lehar awakens one morning to find herself on a beach and meets a wizard, Arena, who has agreed to help her find her way home.  However, on their journey, they meet a wooden man named Void, who agrees to help her in exchange for Arena's life.  The remainder of the book is Lehar refusing to assist Void while learning magic from Arena, and the two of them growing closer as they try to figure out exactly what has gone on.

Now I will admit that this book is definitely odd, so if that attracts you, I think you might like it.  We meet lots of magical beings including a large dog named Pie who can shoot fire at people.  I actually wish my pups knew that trick.  In addition, "Shore" is a rather short novel which makes it a great quick read and face it, who doesn't love to immerse themselves in a totally fantastical world from time to time.  Rosado definitely has quite an imagination and I would love to see an animated version of "Shore" come to life one day.

RATING: 3 PAWS

The kindle edition is on sale for only $0.99 through November 16^th! If you have Kindle Unlimited you will be able to read the book free anytime you want! Buy on Amazon!

About the Author

Enrique Rosado, is a Puerto Rican who grew up on the island for a bit before landing in Killeen, Texas, a town that cultivated him and made him who is is today.  He currently lived in New York City and writes any chance he gets. 

Social links:
Website: erosado.com
Instagram: @thisonefellow
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Shore-Enrique-Rosado-ebook/dp/B077SXK5C9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534113343&sr=8-1&keywords=shore+enrique

Awwww....Puppy Love!

TITLE: A Midwinter's Tail (Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery #3)
AUTHOR: Bethany Blake
PUBLISHER: Kensington
PUBLISHING DATE: November 27, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: To bark or not to bark . . . 

Professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton loves the holidays in Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania. And nothing gets her into the spirit more than the town's annual Bark the Halls Ball. The whole community will be there to wag their tails, especially this year's special guest--Celeste "CeeCee" French, founder of a national chain of pet care franchises, who's returning home to announce plans for a bright new flagship store.

But not everyone's celebrating CeeCee's homecoming. Daphne's friend Moxie Bloom, owner of Spa and Paw, a unique salon for people and their pets, has plenty to growl about. So when CeeCee is found face down under Sylvan Creek's town Christmas tree, stabbed with a distinctive pair of professional-grade pet shears, suspicion lands squarely on Moxie. Despite Daphne's promises to Detective Jonathan Black, she quickly reprises her role as amateur sleuth. Ably assisted by her basset hound sidekick, Socrates, she must hurry to prove her friend's innocence before a killer barks again . . .

MY THOUGHTS:  There are so many things I love about this series and this installment that I don't know where to start.  Once again readers are quickly immersed into Sylvan Creek, the quaint small town that adores its pets.  This time, the town is in the middle of their Christmas preparations which include a rather unique play and a Bark the Halls Ball.  Unfortunately, once again Daphne has discovered a dead body beneath a park tree and it just happens to be a visitor from the past who was working on opening a famous name retail pet store.  There are plenty of suspects but first on the list just happens to be Daphne's best friend, Moxie.

I love so many of the characters from Sylvan Creek.  Moxie is offbeat and unique, Daphne is a real animal lover who is always taking in dogs and cats, Daphne's high-strung vet sister is even growing on me.  And while there are some hints of romance in this one, I find myself actually wanting some of the couples to move faster because they are just so darn perfect for each other!

And finally there are the pets.  Moxie has a pet rat and although I'd never own one, he sounds so cute and adorable.  Of course Daphne has Socrates, her wise Basset and still pet sits regularly for her favorite Detectives dogs, Axel and Artie.  And this time around we get to meet Snowdrop - the spoiled poodle of the deceased whom Daphne ends up caring for.  And let me tell you, Snowdrop steals Socrates' heart!  We also meet a sneaky little pug named Tiny Tim, who runs around town in a Bah Hum-Pug!  sweater the whole book.

So if you like a good mystery (and one which I didn't figure out), wonderful pets, great characters and a fun cozy town, you can't go wrong with Blake's setting.

I received my copy of "A Midwinter's Tale" from the publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  I also read it as part of th #HoHoHo readathon.

RATING: 5 PAWS

Can't Wait Wednesday (184)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FROM GOODREADS: Dr. Harleen Quinzel grew up in an abusive household with a criminal and became a psychologist to deal with her own broken family. At Arkham Asylum, she attempted to treat the Joker and instead fell hopelessly in love with him, helping him escape and becoming a member of his organization. Quinzel became Harley Quinn, a bizarre contradiction of violence and mercy. She blames Batman for her inability to maintain a stable relationship with the arch-villain, and that causes her to have an abiding hatred for the hero, who she seeks to kill. Upon capture she becomes a violent inmate at Belle Reve Penitentiary, and is assigned to the group of government-maintained super villains known as the Suicide Squad. 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  A book about Harley Quinn - my fave DC character.  I can't believe I have to wait until February for this one!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???