Musings of a Literary Wanderer: February 2023

Friday, February 24, 2023

Quick Reviews

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren (2022)

Lily would love to own her own ranch, but she's stuck taking tourists on treasure hunting adventures, using her late father's maps. She's surprised one day to see her former love as a guest on her trip, but she barely has time to acknowledge him before it all goes wrong. This book was quite different from the other Christina Lauren books I've read - the romance is definitely there, but it doesn't take center stage. That would be the adventure, a fake-turned-very real treasure hunt with far-reaching consequences. I liked how Lily and Leo worked together and still seemed to know each other so well, despite their love affair being so short and then being apart for so many years. The authors do a great job of setting the scene, making the reader feel like they are taking this trip along with Lily and the guests. I will say, though, this story has been described as laugh-out-loud funny and hilarious, and I found it anything but. There are some very serious things that happen on this treasure hunt, and so I think this book is a bit mischaracterized. 4 stars

Runaway Groomsman by Meghan Quinn (2022)

Sawyer has a breakdown while serving as a groomsman at the wedding of his ex-fiance to his best friend. He runs out in the middle of the ceremony and ends up in a small town, where he just might find the peace and love he's looking for. I have really been enjoying Meghan Quinn's books, but this one was a big miss for me. The story starts off with such a bang, but it just fizzles out after that. In a small California town, Sawyer stays at a family-run cabin business and meets Fallon and her grandfather, Sully. Fallon is helping Sully renovate and run the cabins, as he is now suffering from Alzheimer's. Sawyer starts to help out around the camp and falls for Fallon in the process. Both Fallon and Sawyer felt extremely unrealistic and immature as characters. Their relationship is so slow-burn, it often felt like nothing was happening (I guess it doesn't help that Fallon had a boyfriend for most of the book). I don't mind sweet, slow-burn, almost completely closed-door romances, but this was just a slog. The dialogue is also very cringey and doesn't sound like how real people would talk (too much description, words/phrases that people don't actually use). The one thing that saved the book for me was Sully. I thought his portrayal as a man with Alzheimer's, still trying to go about his daily life, was very realistic and also heartbreaking. I loved seeing all the characters rally around him. 3 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Bear With Me Now

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Bear With Me Now

Katie Shepard

Expected publication date: April 25, 2023

Two people are ready for their lives to get a little wilder in this romantic comedy by debut author Katie Shepard.

After being hospitalized for panic attacks two years after his mother’s death, charitable foundation executive Teagan van Zijl is dragged by his sister to a wilderness therapy retreat in Montana. Lost in the woods, Teagan nearly gets eaten by a bear but is saved by an angel in muddy hiking boots—the program’s handywoman, Darcy Albano, that is. After spending the summer with Darcy, Teagan realizes he doesn’t want to return to New York without her. He hires Darcy as his sober companion—a position he doesn’t actually need filled and for which Darcy is completely unqualified—hoping she can help him figure out how to move forward. But once they get to the city, all Teagan can think of is how to confess the truth while keeping her in his life.

Darcy Albano thought she was going to work as a wilderness guide when she was hired on the camp staff, but ended up a handywoman instead—only the latest screwing-over she’s endured since her ex stole her car and her parents ruined her credit score. But Teagan van Zijl is the silver lining she didn’t expect to appear—clearly going through something but willing to commit to Darcy’s unique brand of wilderness education as the cure for what ails him. They form an unlikely bond based on the unexpected support they provide each other. Darcy never imagined staying in the city, but with Teagan’s unshakeable belief in her abilities, anything seems possible. - from Goodreads

Monday, February 20, 2023

Michele's Monday Picks #8

Angela is so generous to let me pop in with a new little series, Michele’s Monday Picks! I’m not a blogger or bookstagrammer, but I love getting excited about new releases with the rest of you. Here I’ll be sharing new books I’m really looking forward to!

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To Swoon and To Spar

By Martha Waters

Expected publication: April 11, 2023

From Goodreads:

The Regency Vows series that is “sure to delight Bridgerton fans” (USA TODAY) returns with this story about a viscount and his irascible new wife who hopes to chase her husband from their shared home so that she can finally get some peace and quiet—only to find that his company is not as onerous as she thought.

Viscount Penvale has been working for years to buy back his ancestral home, Trethwick Abbey, from his estranged uncle. And so he’s thrilled when his uncle announces that he is ready to sell but with one major caveat—Penvale must marry his uncle’s ward, Jane Spencer.

When the two meet in London, neither is terribly impressed. Penvale finds Jane headstrong and sharp-tongued. Jane finds him cold and aloof. Nevertheless, they agree to a marriage in name only and return to the estate. There, Jane enlists her housekeeper for a scheme: to stage a haunting so that Penvale will return to London, leaving her to do as she pleases at Trethwick Abbey. But Penvale is not as easily scared as his uncle and as their time together increases, Jane realizes that she might not mind her husband’s company all that much.

With her trademark “arch sense of humor and a marvelously witty voice” (Entertainment Weekly), Martha Waters crafts another delightful romp for all historical romance fans.

I have loved this series so far and am really excited about this new addition!

Do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Top Ten Tuesday: "Love"ly Picture Books For The Little Ones In Your Life

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. This week's topic is a love/Valentine's Day freebie. I haven't featured children's books in awhile, so today I thought it would be fun to share a few cute picture books about love and Valentine's Day for babies and toddlers! Henry and I have read some of these, and the rest are on our TBR!

Llama Llama I Love You / My First Valentine's Day / Bananas For You!

Moo-Moo, I Love You! / Tiny T. Red and the Perfect Valentine / Lots of Love Little One

Little Love / I Wheelie Love You

I Love You All Year Through / Dr. Seuss's Lovey Things

For an even bigger list of picture books, check out my list on Bookshop.org here!

Happy Valentine's Day!

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Michele's Monday Picks #7

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Anna Maria and the Fox

By Liana De la Rosa

Expected Publication: April 4, 2023

From Goodreads:

A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna familia. So, when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge during the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.

Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now as a member of Parliament, Gideon's on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all--a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore.

But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection...but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?

I love historical romance and this one seems very unique - do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Friday, February 10, 2023

Quick Reviews

An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn (2006)

The illegitimate daughter of an earl, Sophie is basically a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters. One night she sneaks into the Bridgerton family's masquerade ball, and her connection with Benedict Bridgerton is swift and undeniable - until she disappears at midnight. A couple years later, she once again enters Benedict's orbit - but she's a housemaid and he doesn't recognize the maskless Sophie. Now, Benedict is torn between the woman of his dreams and the woman right in front of him, not knowing it's the same person. I really loved this story! The initial meeting between Sophie and Benedict is so dreamy, swoony, romantic - all the feels! When they are brought back into each other's lives, I just wanted Sophie to be honest with Benedict, although I understood her hesitance. They have such great chemistry, even when they're bickering. I loved all the scenes with the extended Bridgerton clan, too - there is so much cheeky humor! 4.5 stars

Ignite by Melanie Harlow (2022)

Dex is a 30-something firefighter and single dad just getting over a divorce; Winnie is a 22-year-old event planner who isn't looking for anything serious - sparks fly when these two move in next door to each other. This was kind of of a "meh" read for me. I like the single dad aspect (the kids were really cute, and I don't often like kids in books), although I felt bad for his ex. The age gap could have been more fun, but Winnie was very immature (her love for Wendy's Frostys came up way too many times). I did appreciate that Winnie is actually pretty self-aware, knowing that she falls too hard and too fast in love, so she tries to keep this thing with Dex casual. I didn't realize when I started the book that it was part of a series/universe, so there are a LOT of side characters to keep track of. Like, too many - why did we need all these other people? It's like the story wasn't long or strong enough on its own. Also, there were parts that were so unrealistic - like, Winnie is offered a dream job that I'm not sure she was actually qualified for, and Dex is able to take on a pretty serious side gig despite his crazy firefighter's schedule. In the end, a predictable romance with a couple steamy scenes. 2.5 stars

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Audrey Hepburn Estate

Can't-Wait Wednesday is hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Audrey Hepburn Estate

Brenda Janowitz

Expected publication date: April 18, 2023

When Emma Jansen discovers that the grand Long Island estate where she grew up is set to be demolished, she can't help but return for one last visit. After all, it was a place filled with firsts: learning to ride a bike, sneaking a glass of champagne, falling in love.

But once Emma arrives at the storied mansion, she can't ignore the more complicated memories. Because that's not exactly where Emma grew up. Her mother and father worked for the family that owned the estate, and they lived over the garage like Audrey Hepburn's character in the film Sabrina. Emma never felt fully accepted, except by the family's grandson, Henry—a former love—and by the driver’s son, Leo—her best friend.

As plans for the property are put into motion and the three are together for the first time in over a decade, Emma finds herself caught between two worlds and two loves. And when the house reveals a shattering secret about her own family, she’ll have to decide what kind of life she really wants for herself now and who she wants to be in it. - from Goodreads

Monday, February 6, 2023

Michele's Monday Picks #6

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The Soulmate

By Sally Hepworth

Expected Publication: April 4, 2023

From Goodreads:

Get ready for a thrilling, addictive novel about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge in Sally Hepworth's The Soulmate.

There’s a cottage on a cliff. Gabe and Pippa’s dream home in a sleepy coastal town. But their perfect house hides something sinister. The tall cliffs have become a popular spot for people to end their lives. Night after night Gabe comes to their rescue, literally talking them off the ledge. Until he doesn’t.

When Pippa discovers Gabe knew the victim, the questions spiral...Did the victim jump? Was she pushed?

And would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate...lie? As the perfect facade of their marriage begins to crack, the deepest and darkest secrets begin to unravel.

I have really enjoyed Sally’s past thrillers - do you think you’ll be picking this one up?

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Month in Review: January 2023

Happy new year! It's not too late to say that, right? January was a total blur for me; we had a big deadline at work, so I was way busier than normal and ending up working some nights and on the weekend, too. It was stressful, but hopefully by the time this post goes live, I will be back to my normal schedule! Our niece's birthday was this month, so I took her out to lunch (at her favorite restaurant, Panera, haha!) and then we went shopping for some new clothes. Tom was approved to work from home two days a week until the end of April. It's nice not being home alone every day, although it is distracting to have someone else (and all the noise they make) around.

Obligatory Henry update: he isn't walking unassisted yet, but he uses his walker a lot and has also been cruising along the furniture. He is always in motion! He loves to clap and also learned to blow kisses this month. Although, I've tried to get him to do it a few times when I drop him off at daycare and he just gives me a look like I'm totally embarrassing him and he refuses to do it back. I guess at 14 months, he's too cool for me already!

The Books