Weekly Reads (08/18/17)

So another week has passed and all I will say on the matter is I'm tired of the news and the hate and the violence.  There, I said it.  Moving on.  It's been a hot week here at The Farm.  Every day they mention rain and yet I've still not seen any.  The pups are doing fine but Booker T hates it when it is this hot and I can't blame him.

On the movie front - we watched a movie called "Bedeviled" the other night about this social media app that preys on one's fears.  It wasn't bad but it wasn't good.  I guess the best description is that is was decent filler because nothing else was striking my fancy.  The "baddie" sort of reminded me of a Freddy Kruger rip-off but I guess sometimes you'll have that.  I continue watching some of my favorite series even though many of them seem to be winding down - Game of Thrones, The Strain, Younger, Mr. Mercedes, The Mist and Midnight, Texas.  I thought the first episode of Mr. Mercedes was awesome and the second fell a tad flat for me but we are still in the "build up" stage I'm sure.

I managed to finish a book and a graphic novel last week and am almost done with "The Luster of Lost Things."  Seems I never get through magical realism books quickly at all.  Here's what's up currently and next on the stack.  It's not actually a mystery cover but a blogging pal/author, Jackie Bouchard, sent me an ARC of her newest release which is slated to release around October. Currently the cover is still in the works (I even voted on my faves) and should be revealed soon.  Look for a feature on this as soon as I get permission.  It's called "Stray Magic" though and sounds very promising!

So it looks like a very "magical" week ahead in books. I have a late meeting next Thursday so I won't get much done that day but it will make for a short workday Friday and that's always good.  What do you guys have planned for this coming week???

Northwoods Magic Review

TITLE: Northwoods Magi
AUTHOR: Desiree LaFawn
PUBLISHING DATE: July 24, 2017

FROM GOODREADS: Quinn Reynolds is desperate for answers. After a near fatal accident, Quinn’s life changes and she is suddenly plagued by dreams of ravens, magic, and a boy with copper-ringed eyes. Told by her doctors that she is delusional, Quinn travels to the Northwoods of Minnesota to find out the truth. But Quinn has another problem that she hasn’t shared. Not only does she dream of magic, she also possesses her own power as well.

Corbin Olsen has been battling his own demons for the last ten years. After sacrificing everything to save Quinn’s life, she forgot about him completely. He’s thought of her constantly in the years she’s been gone, but nothing prepared him for the woman she has become. Although angry at her for leaving him, Corbin isn’t able to dismiss his need for her.

But Corbin and Quinn are running out of time for a meaningful reunion, the real evil is back and hunting the prey that escaped it all those years ago. 

MY THOUGHTS: 

So overall "Northwoods Magic" was a decent read and somewhat enjoyable, but nothing really stuck out to me as fabulous. When she was a teen, foster child Quinn was vacationing with her soon-to-be parents in the northwoods of Minnesota when an accident occurred and she nearly died. Unbeknownst to Quinn, she was saved by the woods' Green Man and raven-turned-human, Corbin. Quinn was taken to the hospital and her family eventually dissolved. She spent the next ten years not understanding why plants and greenery are some somehow drawn to her and how her emotions affect the plant life around her. Quinn, a poetic recluse, decides to return the the northwoods inn and see if she can find out why she has had such an odd life. However, she doesn't know that the dark power, which was responsible for her initial accident in the first place, is waiting there for her, along with Corbin who has basically pined away for her for the past ten years. This magical tale is likable enough, but I really had some problems with some of the elements. I understand Quinn is damaged and basically was made to think she was mentally unstable for ten years, but she was very weak and had no self confidence and at times I wanted to shake her and tell her to snap out it. Corbin is also mildly obsessed with Quinn and since he spent at least half of his life as a raven, lacks some serious social skills. I do have to admit I liked the side characters quite a bit, especially Corbin's "sister." I would definitely liked to have seen more from her in the book. So you can imagine there are some pretty strong insta-love elements and even though there are some very good explanations for the attraction, I still found it annoying. Not to mention that once Quinn and Corbin do finally hook up, they end up messing around like rabbits.

"Northwoods Magic" is a short read and resolves itself fairly well. There is the inevitable lead-in to a sequel, and at this point, I can't say that it's on my radar. If you like fairy tales, there is a certain magical quality to this book and you may enjoy it. However, if you dislike weak characters, this may not be the read for you.

I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 3 PAWS

Black Bird of the Gallows Excerpt Reveal

Today I am pleased to present to you an little teaser  from a book set to release soon.  Meg Kassel has kindly released a except from her upcoming book "Black Bird of the Gallows."  I've highly anticipated this book for months ever since I participated in the cover reveal and I want to thank Meg for kindly sharing this post with Booker T's Farm!

I’m seriously questioning the wisdom of coming here. Who is this boy? Who are these people? I may not want these answers. Whatever illusion I had been weaving about this being a normal family can’t be true. This is a family, yes, but one putting on an elaborate show to appear to be something they are not. “Everyday life can’t be so bad,” I say lightly, eager to change the subject before I start luring myself down a hole. “You have a beautiful home, a nice family. You’re popular at school. Kiera Shaw certainly likes you.”

He turns his gaze to me, slowly. “Kiera Shaw? You think I like her?” “I don’t know what you like.”

I don’t blink. I don’t look away. “I know only what I’ve seen.”

Reece leans close, gently entering my personal space. Close enough to put me on edge, but not close enough to intimidate. His voice is silk on gravel. His narrowed eyes glitter down at me. “And what, exactly, have you seen, Angie?”

Shivers race up my skin. I want to defuse this so badly, but I feel like this is a challenge I can’t lose. “I’ve seen and heard things that don’t make sense. Things I can’t understand.” I shift my gaze to my crow sitting on a branch above my head. It watches me with an intensity that would scare me if I wasn’t accustomed to it. “Tell me about the crows.”

He shakes his head. “Sorry. Either you know about them, or you don’t.”

My jaw tightens, even as I step toward him. I can feel his body heat. His clean, guy scent fills my senses with a unique magnetism that draws me close. Closer still. “I will find out.”

His gaze sweeps my face, lingering on my lips. “I hope not.” His breath warms my temple, sending a shiver under my skin. “There are worse things out there than a few watchful birds.”

“Like what?” I’m breathless, damn him. My words are barely audible.

His lashes fan low over his eyes. The narrow space between us crackles with tension. “Oh Angie, you don’t want to know.”

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Can't Wait Wednesday (119)

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 GOOREADS: A story of the undead like you’ve never read before, Justina Ireland’s Dread Nation is a fresh, stunning, and powerful meditation on race in America wrapped in an alternate-history adventure where Confederate and Union soldiers rise from the dead at the end of the Civil War.

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

At once provocative, terrifying, and darkly subversive, Dread Nation is Justina Ireland’s stunning vision of an America both foreign and familiar—a country on the brink, at the explosive crossroads where race, humanity, and survival meet.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  This just sounds like an interesting read.  The historical aspect as well as the rising dead is a combination I am definitely down for and in the mood for right now.

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

 

TTT - 10 Recommendations For People Who People Who Buy Books Based On Their Covers!

This top 10 weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and can be found HERE.  Each week they focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

Top Ten Tuesday is back with an all new link-up and new topics.  This week is "Ten Book Recommendations For...." so I chose to show you books for people who buy books based on their covers.  I will add that I haven't read these books but they are on my wishlist, primarily because of their covers.  So here we go!

 Children of Blood and Bone: Tomi Adeyemi 

This book doesn't even come out until next year but when I saw it on Tammy's blog I didn't even need the synopsis to add it to the wishlist (although I did read it and it definitely didn't hurt that it sounds great).

Oracle Bone: Lydia Kwa

Another one that landed on the wishlist because of the cover.

Pages Torn From a Travel Journal - Edward Lee

What's this about?  Couldn't tell you.  But I think I want to find a copy.

Lost Crow Conspiracy - Rosalyn Eves

Haven't even read Rose Red Rebellion and don't know if I plan on doing so but I saw this cover and it ended up on the wishlist anyway.

Witching Hour Theatre - Jonathan Janz

I just grabbed this for my Kindle (look for it an an upcoming haul) after seeing it on a blog - maybe The Book Den - not sure.  Didn't even need the synopsis - just loved the cover.

Muerte Con Carne - Shane McKenzie

I saw this cover and had to add it.  I think it appeals to my dark twisty side.

The Night Boat - Robert McCammon

Another book that went on the wishlist after seeing the cover. Think it was a Goodreads recommendation or something.  At least I have read this author before even if I don't know what the book is about.

Meddling Kids - Edgar Cantero

Even though I've seen mixed reviews, I still hope to read this one really soon.  All it tool was purple tentacles to make this one jump on the wishlist!

Sun Warrior - P.C. Cast

Moon Chosen started the great reading slump of November 2016 but that didn't stop this one from landing on the wishlist - mainly because of that cover.

Kalahari - Jessica Khoury

I think this is part of a series.  Who knows?  All I paid attention to was this gorgeous cover!

So what books have you bought or added to your wishlist strictly because of the cover???

Dog Days of Summer Dog Tag

In celebration of The Dog Days of Summer, Jo's Book Blog and La La in the Library created a new tag and so kindly tagged me.  You know I'll use any excuse to talk about pups so I couldn't resist participating.

1.  WHAT WAS THE NAME OF YOUR FIRST DOG?

When a was a child, the first dog I really remember was a little terrier mix named Hobo.  We got him from a shelter and I loved that little dog so much.  He sort of looked liked Toto from The Wizard of Oz.  We always had dogs growing up.  After Hobo died, I was devastated so my parents promised me another dog.  We ended up getting Poodle named Pepe.  I didn't want a poodle, Mom did and I was mad because it was supposed to be my dog.  I often thought Mom loved that dog more than she loved me :)

2. DO YOU HAVE A DOG NOW?

As most of you know, yes, we have two.  Booker T is a 7 year old Boxer (and probably Bulldog mix) and Cassius is a 3 year old Brindle Boxer (our first Brindle).  We've had 5 boxers since getting married with the other three being Cicero, Barkley and Cooper.

Cassius the day we brought him home.

Booker T in Dad's Walking Dead cap.

3.  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DOG BREED?

I guess it's kind of obvious that we love boxers and they are my fave. However, I love all dogs even though I tend to gravitate toward the medium and larger breeds.  We donate quite regularly to our local shelters though so I'm sure we'll have a shelter pup one day.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANINE-THEMED BOOK?

Garth Stein's "The Art of Racing in the Rain."  I ADORE that book and even have two copies - one was a gift from my husband and the other I bought because I feel in love with the cover.  I remember devouring it when it came out and I plan a re-read eventually.  Poor little Enzo made me laugh and cry and because of the racing theme and my dad racing cars, it made it an extra special read.

5. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FICTIONAL DOG?

 I love Scooby Doo and Mr. Peabody.  In fact, I have stuffed versions of both in my work office.

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE CHOICE WITH A FEATURED CANINE?
I can't help but like Marley and Me.  I saw it over the holidays when it was first released and had already read the book so I was prepared for the sad ending.  Also, I loved the movie Benji when I was a young kid.  I remember my Grandmother taking me to the next town over to see it on a visit once.  After that, it has always been animals for me.  I rarely even consider watching Disney films unless they are about animals.

7. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A DOG OR CAT PERSON? WHY?
Definitely dog.  I like the interaction they provide and that they seem to need people more than cats do.  They like human contact where cats seem to be able to take it or leave it.  In fact, you'll often hear me say I like dogs much better than most humans I encounter.


BONUS:  TELL US ABOUT A PERSONAL DOG RELATED MEMORY
I have so many to choose from.  My father passed 4 years ago and I remember my husband and I coming home from the viewing, knowing we had the funeral the next day.  I was a daddy's girl and an only child and I was super upset and super exhausted.  Mr. Barb suggested we rent a movie and have a drink so we could prepare for the next day and get our minds off things.  However, it wasn't really cutting it.  Booker T tried everything in his power to cheer me up. Finally, he had been playing some and was eating ice cubes and he walked right over to Mr. Barb's shoe which was setting beside him and immediately threw up inside it.  Then he looked as us like "I dare you to say something."  We both burst out laughing and to this day, we credit Booker T with being able to cheer us up that evening - by puking!


I tag anyone who wants to "play" along and complete this wonderful set of questions!

Mystery Blogger Award

I don't usually do a lot of award posts but when I this month's Blogger Comment Challenge partner, Erica from Erica Robyn Reads, had nominated me, I couldn't pass it up.  So here we go!

The rules:

• Put the award logo/image on your blog
• List the rules.
• Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
• Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
• Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
• You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
• Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
• Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
• Share a link to your best post(s)

THREE THINGS ABOUT MYSELF: 

1.  When I was a teen, I used to help my Dad prime and sand cars when he would do custom paint jobs.

2. All of our dogs have either had names that begin with "B" or "C" even though we often call Booker "T."

3.  My nickname in high school was Smurfette.  

5 QUESTIONS FROM ERICA:

1. What is the scariest most thrilling book you've ever read? - Stephen King's "The Shining" because the first time I read it was during the winter and the cold and snow just added to the atmosphere of the book.

2. What is your favorite book to screen adaptation? - Probably "What Dreams May Come" by Richard Matheson.  It's one where I actually liked the movie more and it stars Robin Williams in a serious role which I think he excelled at.

3. Do you use your local library?  If so, how often? - Most definitely.  I'm always requesting/reserving books and we have three branches in my town and I stop by one at least once every few weeks, sometimes more.

4. What is your current obsession? - A tie between collecting as much Prince memorabilia as possible and binge watching "This Is Us."

5. Who is you book blogger role model? - Such an unfair question so I'm just linking the two posts where I shared some of my favorite blogs HERE and HERE.

 

LINK TO MY BEST POSTS (I am finding this rather hard):

1. Language of Dying review

2. Just Add Water review and Hunter Shea interview

3. TTT - Ten Characters I'd Name A Dog After (still trying to convince next pup will be named Stoker

I don't like to nominate people because so many blogs are award free but if you feel like doing this, feel free to jump in and use the same questions Erica asked me.