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6 Comments January 20, 2020 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello readers! Last week in reading was good. I managed to read 3 books 2 short stories and 1 novel. All books were great. I don’t know if it is better time management or my reading speed is improved, but This month I’m reading more than usual. I hope to read 3 more by the month end.

Here is how my week looked in diary-

What I read-

I just published review of The Bus ride and I will post reviews of Lullaby of Flames and The way Home this week.

Currently Reading –

A Different Kind of Love Story

Love is a force of nature. It speaks to us all. It has a life all of its own.
But what if love is unrequited?
How would it make you feel?
How far would you go to satisfy your desires?
On the eve of the end of World War 2, three people will find themselves on a different kind of battlefield.
Cupidity – Passion doesn’t come in shades of grey. It is black and white

This a different read. As it says “A different Kind of Love Story”. I haven’t read anything like this. I’m only 25% into this book and I’m already feeling dread for characters and how it’s going to destroy their life. I can feel relationship between characters won’t be same at the end of the book.

WHAT I’M PLANNING TO READ THIS WEEK-

“That bird should be destroyed!”

Andreas stared at Ethelbert in shock. Blood from an angry-looking gash on the young lord’s cheek dripped onto his embroidered tunic. Andreas clutched the handles of the basket containing the young peregrine. Perhaps this was a dream—

Andreas, an apprentice falconer at Castle Kragenberg, cannot bear the thought of killing the young female falcon and smuggles her out of the castle. Soon he realizes that his own time there has come to an end, and he stows away, with the bird, in the cart of an itinerant trader, Richard of Brugge. So begins a series of adventures that lead him from an obscure castle in northern Germany to the farthest reaches of Frederick von Hohenstaufen’s Holy Roman Empire, following a path dictated by the wily trader’s mysterious mission.

Andreas continues to improve his falconry skills, but he also learns to pay attention to what is happening around him as he travels through areas fraught with political unrest. Eventually, Richard confides in Andreas, and they conspire to free Enzio, the eldest of the emperor’s illegitimate sons, from imprisonment in Bologna.

The Falconer’s Apprentice is a story of adventure and intrigue set in the intense social and political unrest of the Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth century.

This sounds different too. I like Falcons, it would be interesting to know a bit more about them along with the story.

If I managed to read and write review of these two books I’ll start The Neighbours by Nicola Gill. And I’ll call it a month.

Let’s discuss!

What did you read last week?
What are you planning to read this week?
Have you read any of these books?

HAPPY READING!!

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#MonthlyWrapUp : November 2019

9 Comments December 3, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello Readers!

This month was quite satisfactory. I finished all book I needed to read this month. I bought 2 books at 70% discount. I love it when I get book with best deal. I bought Hag-Seed (Hogarth Shakespeare) by Margaret Atwood. That is in series but I checked could be read standalone. Looks like Shakespeare retelling. I haven’t read anything by Shakespeare so I hope I like it. Second was The Girl in The Tower by Katherine Arden. I still need to buy first and third in this series but hey this was gorgeous hardcover in 70% discount, how could I let it go?

Total books read- 7
1 Paperback (author request),
3 NetGalley (pre-approved widget),
3 ecopies (author requests)
Books reviewed- 8 (2 books I read last month)
Total Pages- 2556

Review:
One Week Til Christmas
Safe House

These I read in October but reviewed in Nov during blog tour. Both were my most favorite last month.

Books I read and reviewed in Nov-

I Know You Remember by Jennifer Donaldson — [Review] Stars: 5/5

YA thriller that revolved around Ruthie and her lost best friend Zahra.
It was about obsession, dysfunctional family, abusive parents and their addiction issues, friendship and jealousy.
There were many elements in story. All the big serious topic that gave so much to discuss over.
Climax was most interesting. Big clever twist. End was satisfactory but still mind-boggling.
Overall, it was gripping, thrilling, page-turner with brilliant twist and amazing setting. I surely recommend this book.

Affiliate Link: Book Depository

Anbatar: Legacy of the Blood Guard by Anne Dolleri — [Review] Stars: 5/5

fantastic high fantasy, second in series but can read as standalone.
It revolved around Nareth, a Samerier and prince of southern kingdom trying to bring peace between Northern and Southern kingdom.
The book was about prejudice and misconception, dispute between kingdoms, politics, betrayal, loyalty and friendship.
Writing was perfect. It gave life to creative characters and mesmerizing world. Author balanced characters and plot wonderfully. I loved this world. What I loved most was legends and stories around Blood Guard and Samerier.
Overall, it was fantastic, thrilling, filled with twist and turns, and interesting high fantasy.

The Bodies in the Library (First Edition Library Mystery, #1) by Marty Wingate — [Review] Stars: 4/5

interesting cozy murder mystery that revolved around Hayley’s job as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s First Edition Society at Lady Fowling’s Middlebank House, turned into library containing vast collection of first edition books by women authors from Golden Age of Mystery. It was about fanfiction, maintaining and respecting the legacy, secrets, conflicts, and friendship.
No clues and many suspects. What made the idea even more exciting was, Hayley knew nothing about investigation until she read Christie’s Miss Marple book, The Body in the Library.
All characters, especially writers, were quirky and interesting. What I loved most in the book was modern day setting along with Golden age of Mystery. It created wonderful atmosphere.
Everything was perfect but that motive for murder ruined the fun.
Overall, it was promising first book in new series. Interesting writing, atmospheric setting, and cozy mystery makes this book perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and this genre.

Affiliate Link: Book Depository

Gravemaidens (Gravemaidens, #1) by Kelly Coon — [Review] Stars: 4/5

unique and fascinating fantasy that take place in ancient land where sacred maidens were chosen to bury along with dead king i.e. Gravemaidens. It revolved around this concept, a healer and her journey trying to save her sister who was chosen to be one of the gravemaiden.
It was about injustice and ill-treatment towards low class people and women, ancient dogmatic tradition and cruel practices, family, friendship, sisterhood, grief and loss and how people react to it differently.

What I loved most was the world. some Mesopotamian mythical aspects, the God Enlil they worshiped and story of boatman they believed in so religiously. All descriptions were vivid. Ancient treatments methods, childbirth, tonics and tinctures were well researched.
Message behind the story was nice. Pace was bumpy . I absolutely loved the end. Half of the story was predictable. I guessed most of the turns. I was bit annoyed with main character.
Overall, it enjoyable, enthralling, and fascinating fantasy with interesting ancient world and characters.

Affiliate Link: Book Depository

Maps of Bliss and Rage by Mario Dhingsa — [Review] Stars: 3.5/5

It was collection of 8 short stories set in 8 different countries. It was about survival and adventure, revenge, abuse and religious conflicts, politics, Christianity and miracle, unlikely friendship, rumors about princess and her dangerous life, reminiscence of school life.
I loved the way each stories started with interesting characters and their situation, the way stories developed with plot twists and the unpredictable ends.
Setting was great, the place and timeline for story, cultural aspect and some historical facts ware written perfectly. Some stories were entertaining, while some emotional, tense and had hard topics.
In 2-3 stories I lost interest in middle and had to re-read few passages to get a grip. Maybe it’s just me, it won’t be the case with you, but it niggled a little.
Overall, it was interesting anthology with creative stories that took place in different countries.

The Dog on the Acropolis by Mark Tedesco — [Review] Stars: 3/5

It was, a fiction that revolved around Draco, dog, living on acropolis, his dream and his relationship with business owners on in Plaka, about the human-animal relationship, friendship, compassion and companion.
I liked the concept of a stray dog leading tourist in Acropolis, being part of small community, changing their life and bringing joy to them and along with this his dreams about his ancestor and her life during the golden age of Athens that made him feel connected to Acropolis and Parthenon.
It was interesting, unique and simple story that reaffirms ‘Animals are our best friend’.
My main issue was, though the story was realistic, author pictured relation between human and animal very genuinely, I didn’t feel it deeply. I didn’t enjoy the conversation between characters, it felt dull. I don’t know exact timeline for present story but it didn’t feel modern.
Overall, interesting concept, loved the human and animal relationship. I wish it had the feel too. Dog lovers would like to read this book.

Affiliate Link: Book Depository

I had mixed feeling for this. I loved the concept and world. But I didn’t like few things too. Review will be up tomorrow.

Promo/Blitz:

There were around 8 blitz or promo post this month. I’m not going to list them all any more. It’s really time consuming. You can check all blitz HERE.

Author Interview:

E. L. Croucher, author of Horned Winged Blessed

My most favorite book this month:

I haven’t signed up that many review tours for December and Jan. I have closed review requests as well. Whatever I have signed up for I’m going to finish it in December so new year will be dedicated to books I purchased. That is because I got ultimatum from dearest husband that he is not going to gift me any book until I finish unread books! Shocking right? Anyway, I have some goals and for that it’s better to go along with his unforgivable declaration.

You might not see me around that often as I got Netflix subscription, yayyy! But I’ll catch up with all your posts whenever I’m on laptop. I watched Stranger Things season 1 and currently watching season 2.

Let’s discuss!

How was you month in reading? What did you read in Nov? Have you read any of these books? Are you going add any to your TBR? Which book(s) was your favorite this month? Also recommend me some binge worthy series I should watch on Netflix.

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#MonthlyWrapUp : October 2019

9 Comments October 31, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello Readers! How was your blogtober?

This month has been busy with blunders. I lost October calendar! I have to check all mails to see which blogtour I signed up for this last two weeks. Even after doing so I forgot to post and published last year’s post instead. All because of that missing calendar. I still couldn’t find it anywhere! Was it my daughter who tore it from clipboard and threw it somewhere or me is still a mystery.

Good thing- My daughter learned to walk on her own yesterday. We were so happy to see her taking first steps and were even surprised she managed to walk for 10 mins. She’s still little afraid today but by this month end she won’t need us to hold her. It was birthday month and I got many bookmails. I managed to read 8 books.

I managed to read and review:

Totals books read – 8
1 paperback and rest e-copies
3 received from author, 1 from publisher, 4 NetGalley
Reviewed – 6
Pages read – 2221

Reviews:

Mercenary’s Child (The Phoenix Fallacy Book 1) by Jonathan Sourbeer —- 5/5 stars

Review Snippet- Fantastic futuristic science-fiction that revolved around main character’s journey from the slum area of the corporation to the skilled soldier of Odin legion.
It was about survival, friendship, loyalty, courage, valor, and politics.
The best and half part of the book was world building. Even though the book was filled with information, it never felt like info dumping.Training of new recruits covered another half part of the book which provided characters’ background and their development .
Overall, it was gripping, action packed, and most unique science-fiction with amazing world and characters. If you are fan of Sci-Fi, don’t miss this.

A Typical Family Christmas by Liz Davies — 5/5

Review Snippet- Lovely, entertaining, humorous and realistic Romcom that revolved around Peters family.
I bet you wouldn’t want to spend your Christmas anywhere near this family.
It was about family drama, importance of sharing burden, being supportive, understanding each other’s perspective, and bringing back the spark in relationship and enjoying Christmas as a family.
Family dynamic was best part of the book. I so enjoyed characters’ descriptions, their characteristics and antics. Loved Kate. She had empathetic and realistic tone. I disliked Brett at first but his development was great. Brett’s emotions were most heartfelt. I loved him from climax to end.
Overall, it was hilarious, dramatic, warm and festive romcom. This, so far, was best Christmas read. Those who love family drama wouldn’t want to miss this. I highly recommend this book.

Currently by Sarah Mensinga — 5/5

Review Snippet- Mix of steampunk, fantasy and mythical creature.
It revolved around Nerene, her survival in the world filled with slavery, trickery and injustice, her love for her boyfriend and dangerous journey she boarded to keep him safe.
It was about social injustice, survival, power, politics, trust, betrayal, friendship, and love; and Siren lore.
The book was told from Nerene’s captivating voice and was divided in three parts. First was world building, second- adventurous journey and third- climax and character development.
The insight was great. I found Nerene’s unwavering nature commendable. Book basically tells, there is always an alternative to the rash and reckless path that didn’t involve harming and hurting other and the power and its greed.
Overall, it was interesting and wonderful novel with impressive world. If you like to read book involving Sirens, you would want to read this. I definitely recommend this book to fantasy and steampunk lovers.

Snowflakes and Sparks (Old Pine Cove, #1) by Sophie-Leigh Robbins — 4/5 Stars

Review Snippet- Heartwarming sparkling romantic Christmas read, revolved around Suzie and Alex’s love that rekindled after 10 years they first met in Old Pine Cove.
It was about second chance at love, bonding and belongingness.
It had true festive vibe that makes you want to celebrate Christmas with equal zest.
Absolutely loved setting. Old Pine Cove was most picturesque and wonderful. Author brought place and characters to life.
Climax was not that shocking, it was predictable too.
Overall, it was enjoyable, cute, lovely and entertaining romcom. A good Christmas read that recommend.

Faker by Sarah Smith — 4/5 Stars

Review Snippet- Hot and sensual romance novel that revolved around Emmie and Tate’s workplace enemy-to-lover story.
It was about Introverts and their issues, Fake exterior people creates to shield from their vulnerability, office environment for women in male staff dominated workplace, multicultural relationship, misjudgment, love and friendship.
The enemy-to-lover trope was well written. Chemistry between characters was irresistibly sexy and enticing. Loved the way they got to know each other.
Twist at climax didn’t feel right and unique. Emmie forgave too easily after that big revelation. Some making out scenes were overly described.
Overall, it was interesting and enjoyable debut novel with enemy-to-lover trope and hot and steamy romance.

A Family By Christmas by Viv Royce — 4/5

Review Snippet- Chocolaty sweet romance that revolved round Emma, Grant and his lovely family in small town.
It was about new venture in small town, family, love, belongingness, following your heart and gut feeling.
Setting was vivid filled with Christmas spirit .
Emma’s loneliness being a foster kid touched my heart. I liked Grant’s perspective. I could understand Grant’s dream and wish to get job after getting over his loss.
I loved getting answers to all questions. I liked the message in the book about, trusting your feelings and working out a way that is best for everyone not what you want and your family wants.
No villain, no drama, no misunderstandings = no twist, which made it a tad predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed this family by Christmas. It was charming, cozy, and delightful Christmas read filled with festive feel. Do I recommend this for your Christmas reads? Righto.

Promo/Blitz:

Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley by Kelly Miller
The Lay of Lady Percival by Jennifer R. Povey
Hope by Terry Tyler
A Fool’s Circle by Suzanne Seddon
The Memories We Hide by Jodie Gibson
A Cosy Christmas in Cornwa l l by Jane Linfoot
The Givi ng Heart by Toni Blake
Star in the Shadows by Helen Buckley

Cover Reveal:

Off Balance by Aileen Erin
The Final Trial by AA Abbot

BOTM:

Review of One Week Til Christmas and Safe House will be up tomorrow.

Let’s discuss!

How was you month in reading? What did you read in October? Have you read any of these books? Are you going add any to your TBR? Which book(s) was your BOTM?

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#MonthlyWrapUp : September 2019

13 Comments October 2, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hello Readers! September had been busy month. I didn’t complete all the books I decided I will finish by this month end because of travel and new schedule of my daughter at my parents’s home. But I did pretty good. I got to realize how much help I had from my husband and how much blog and reading I could do when he is around. Well, I already knew that but it’s different when you experience it in their absence, right? And my little monster who needs her mama monster. My parents cannot manage her and much less feed her. This experience showed only me and my husband can handle her better, at least until she is grown to age when she can eat and sleep herself.

And I got many books from publisher and authors this month. Next 2 months are going to be hectic.

I managed to read and review:

Books read : 7
Reviewed : 8
2 Paperback (owned)
5 e-copies (Blogtour / Netgalley)
Pages: 2733

Books read:

Read last month but reviewed in September-
A Summer to Remember by Victoria Cooke — (Review) 5/5

Beautiful, heartwarming summery romance with wonderful setting and depth. It was about second chance at love, getting over grief, and moving on in life. Loved this among all other Victoria’s book I read.

Clear My Name by Paula Daly — (Review) 5/5

Gripping, suspenseful, thought-provoking mystery thriller with realistic characters and clever plot. It was about mother-daughter relationship, betrayal, imperfections of human beings, guilt, lies, mistakes made in life, and suffering and turmoil of being alone, away from loved ones.

Reviews:

Right Beside You by Mary Monroe — (Review) 3.5/5

Quick, light, cute romance with Christmassy feel that you can read in one sitting. It revolved around Felicia and Richard, two coworkers and commuters who were friends for long time and fancied each other from afar. It was about love from afar, being happy for someone you love, and letting your loved one know about your feeling before it’s too late. But I missed the fun of reading their growing love. I felt like I know them alright and understood their confusion but couldn’t feel their feelings. They didn’t make lasting impression.

Best Kept Seceret (The Clifton Chronicles #3) by Jeffrey Archer — (Review) 4.5/5

Dramatic, entertaining, suspenseful family saga with many twists and turns and interesting historical aspects. There was bit of everything, family drama, rivalry, court room drama, revenge, family support and love, loss, suspense, entertainment, politics, money and art fraud. I really enjoyed this book. Only small issue was, it was overly dramatic and I loved previous books more.

The Secrets of Lost Stones by Melissa Payne — (Review) 5/5

It was about getting over loss, grief and haunted memories, giving life a second chance, friendship and bonding with new people and place, hope, justice, and redemption. I just loved everything about this book. Great plot and setting, emotions and drama, perfect blend of realistic and supernatural world, wonderful characterization, and intriguing mystery. It was wow.

Anne of Windy Willows (Anne of Green Gables #4) by L.M. Montgomery — (Review) 5/5

Semi epistolary, historical/Women’s fiction that revolved around Anne’s three years as a Principal of Summerside High School. It was about friendship, helping people of Summerside, and importance of happiness, life, dresses and imagination. I just love Anne Shirley, L.M. Montgomery’s writing and her beautiful stories.

Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Enlightened Cow (Barnabas Tew #4) by Columbkill Noonan — (Review) 5/5

Fun, comical, cozy, fast paced mystery with amusing dialogues and characters. It was about enlightenment on Karma, Dharma, eternal life and death cycle. I definitely recommend this book.

Well Met by Jen DeLuca — (Review) 5/5

feel good, gripping, cute, refreshing, and dramatic romantic comedy with lovey small town and fun fair. It was about family love, belongingness, getting over grief, letting others help and share responsibility, and need of change without affecting the essence of originality. The message was deep and thought provoking. It’s perfect summer read. I highly recommend this book.

Book Promo/Blitz:

False Series by Meli Raine —- [Post]
Silo Boys by Amy-Brooke Odell — [Post]
Anbatar – Legacy of the blood guard by Anne Dolleri — [Post]
The Worst Couple in the World by Holly Tierney Bedford — [Post]

Cover Reveal:

One Week ‘Til Christmas by Belinda Missen — [Post]
Coming Home To Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale — [Post]
A Typical Family Christmas by Liz Davies — [Post]
Parting Worlds by Kaitlyn Davis — [Post]
The Vagabond Mother by Tracey Scott-Townsend — [Post]

Guest Post:

Mercenary’s Child (The Phoenix Fallacy Book 1) by Jonathan Sourbeer — [Post]

Author Interview:

Palmer Pickering, author of Moon Deeds — [Post]

BOTM:

I can’t decide one. They were amazing. So all 5 star reads are books of the month.

Let’s discuss!

How was you month in reading? What did you read in August? Have you read any of these books or add to your TBR? Which book(s) was your BOTM?

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Monthly Wrap-Up : August 2019

10 Comments September 1, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

What can be more amazing than being among the list of blogger recommended by wonderful fellow blogger? Many thanks to The Orangutan Librarian for dding me in your list of Bloggers Who Deserve More Attention post . And if you are new around here, I’m sure you don’t want to miss her fabulous discussion posts and reviews.

Another exciting thing that happened was my husband is going U.S. for company meeting next month. I’m so happy for him. One more good thing I got email from published and I hope to get review copies(e-copy/paperback) soon.

All these good thing don’t just happen without bad ones. Indian customs are not clearing the book I was sent from US author through USPS. They say it’s prohibited to receive gift/printed copies for personal use because some act since 1975 (how other countries don’t know about it and how have I received previous copies from US, London and even Jerusalem?!) and now they are asking to get some code for clearance they give to importer, which is ridiculous. How would i have that code! I’m not doing bloody business, I’m running a simple blog. And what exactly is wrong in getting books?! And I tell you the heights, I received book from Canada just yesterday. How did that pass the custom if according their so and so act it is prohibited? It’s highly frustrating and I feel so bad I asked paperback from author. I’m putting my case to Public Grievance program now and I hope they can do something about this problem.

Month in reading was pretty good.

I managed to read and review:

Books read : 7
Reviewed : 7
2 paperbacks (won in giveaway + own)
5 e-copies (received from author + NetGalley + Blog Tour)
Total Pages : 2800

The Sins of the Father (The Clifton Chronicles #2) by Jeffrey Archer — [Review] 5/5
Sequel of Only Time Will Tell, was great historical fiction that was filled with amazing characterization, family dynamics, twist and turns, and clever plot. It was about love, friendship, hardship, family drama, resilience, determination and hope. Gripping, steady paced, clever and exceptional family saga, with interesting turns and characters, set during WWII that I surely recommend to reader of this genre.

Vox by Christina Dalcher — [Review] 4.5/5
Mind-blowing dystopian science-fiction that had this terrific world where all of the above was possible, not just possible but was in existence. It was about feminism, oppressive government, hypocrisy and sexism, standing against tyranny to save family and loved ones. Provocative, suspenseful, gripping, terrific and disturbing. If you still haven’t read this book, just get it.

Era of Undying by Emilie Knight — [Review] 4/5
Era of Undying revolved around a blood warrior- Pen and her survival in the world where blood warrior were extinct, her nomadic life and adventures in the Undying world. It was about grief, guilt, accepting death and loss of loved ones, righting the wrong and adventure. Different, gripping, fast paced, dark fantasy that I will recommend to readers of this genre.

Fractalistic by Gerardo Delgadillo — [Review] 5/5
YA contemporary, related to fractal theory and experiment so one can call it mix of Si-Fi, contemporary and romance, about grief, coping with loss of loved ones, shock and depression that affect mind and alters memory and behavior, trying to bring closure and move on in life. Emotional poignant and heartfelt, those who has suffered loss will feel it intensely. I surely recommend this book.

Neither Here Nor There by Miriam Drori — [Review] 4/5
Simple romance that was made beautiful because of its setting in Jerusalem about struggle of transition in lifestyle; orthodox vs tradition, secular and extremism; strength and determination; going against the flow; understanding different culture and adopting the best in it. Things were comparatively easy for character. In real life there might be lot of problems. It was interesting, insightful and unique that dealt with controversial subject. I recommend this book. It is short, fast paced that you can finish in one sitting.

Deserve To Die by Miranda Rijks — [Review] 5/5
Tense, spine chilling, unnerving, addictive and intriguing psychological thriller about family love, betrayal, mistrust, and revenge. Brilliant plot and characters. I highly recommend this book.

The Accidental Life Swap by Jennifer Joyce — [Review] 5/5
A lovely countryside romance about believing in yourself, have confidence, stand up for yourself and don’t let others pushover you, and for that you only need inner strength and talent are always there, not a false identity. It was fun, light-hearted, fast paced and cute romance. This book checked all the boxes I want in Women’s Fiction and Romance. Thumbs up!

I also read Summer TO Remember by Victoria Cooke that I’m going to review next month.

I published review of The Escape Room by Megan Goldin [Review] and Willow by Grace Parks [Review] this month that I read last month.

Extracts / Blitz / Promo:

In The Company Of Strangers by Awais Khan — [Post]
Sentenced to Shakespeare by Iris Dorbian — [Post]
Song for a Lost Kingdom, Book II by Steve Moretti — [Post]

Cover Reveal:

The Christmas Calendar Girls by Samantha Tonge — [Post]
Awakening: Rise as the Fall Unfolds by Carissa Andrews — [Post]
Haunted House Ghost by James J. Cudney — [Post]
Weave of Love by Rachel J. Bonner — [Post]
Playing with Fire by Toni Cox — [Post]

Book of the Month: