Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

Wednesday Book Love – American Princess by Stephanie Thornton

Every Wednesday I’m going to highlight a book I’m really excited about and hope you’ll pop in and tell me what you’re excited to read as well.  This week’s pick is American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt which releases on March 12, 2019. I’ve read several of Stephanie Thornton’s novels and I love them. She has a way of telling stories that transports you to another time and place.

Goodreads Description

A sweeping novel from renowned author Stephanie Marie Thornton…

Alice may be the president’s daughter, but she’s nobody’s darling. As bold as her signature color Alice Blue, the gum-chewing, cigarette-smoking, poker-playing First Daughter discovers that the only way for a woman to stand out in Washington is to make waves–oceans of them. With the canny sophistication of the savviest politician on the Hill, Alice uses her celebrity to her advantage, testing the limits of her power and the seductive thrill of political entanglements.

But Washington, DC is rife with heartaches and betrayals, and when Alice falls hard for a smooth-talking congressman it will take everything this rebel has to emerge triumphant and claim her place as an American icon. As Alice soldiers through the devastation of two world wars and brazens out a cutting feud with her famous Roosevelt cousins, it’s no wonder everyone in the capital refers to her as the Other Washington Monument–and Alice intends to outlast them all.

 

Goodreads Link
Pre-order on Amazon

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intro – Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Each Tuesday, Vicki from I’d Rather Be At The Beach, hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros.  This is a fun way to share your current read or reads with others and all you need to do is post the first paragraph or two of what you’re reading or going to read. My pick this week is from an author who I really enjoy reading and I was thrilled to see she has a new book coming out on August 13, 2019.  I know it’s a bit of a wait but I bet Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center will be well worth it!

ONE

The night I became the youngest person – and the only female ever – to win the Austin Fire Department’s Valor Award, I got propositioned by my partner.

Propositioned.

At the ceremony. In the ballroom. During dinner.

By my partner.

I added a bit extra as the sentences are so short. I think this makes for an interesting beginning. I’m curious to find out what she does to handle to this awkward situation. It’s next up on my reading list!  How about you? Would you keep reading?

 

Source: Uncorrected advance copy, final printed copy may be different.

Elevation by Stephen King (Audiobook)

Goodreads Description

The latest from legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting, extraordinarily eerie, and moving story about a man whose mysterious affliction brings a small town together—a timely, upbeat tale about finding common ground despite deep-rooted differences.

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face–including his own—he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

My Thoughts

Elevation is Stephen King’s latest release.  It’s a short book compared to most of his but it still packs a pretty big punch. What I admire about King’s writing is how he embroils you in his characters lives within minutes of starting one of his stories. This book is no different.

Scott Carey has been losing weight steadily even though to everyone else he looks the same. Even stranger he weighs the same in or out of his clothes even with the pockets weighted down. He confides in Doctor Bob Ellis but even he has no idea what’s going on with Scott. Will Scott continue to lose weight until he disappears entirely…

What I liked most about this novel is how it tackles things like intolerance showing us that it shouldn’t be. That kindness and generosity take us a lot further in life. How Scott’s illness brings together a group of people who never would have been friends otherwise.

The novel also includes a really short story at the end. At first I didn’t like it but in true King fashion he pulled me into the character of Laurie as well. This one had a bit more of the normal King horror in it.

Audio Thoughts

I enjoyed the audio. It is narrated by King himself and he has a really good reading voice. He adds emphasis in the most perfect spots bringing his story alive for the listener.

Recommendation

I can’t say this was a favourite of mine as far as King novels are concerned but I still enjoyed it and think King fans will as well. The added bonus of King’s narration is a true treat.

 

Source: Personal copy.

Sunday Ramblings

Happy Sunday to all!  How has everyone’s weekend been?  Good I hope. Mine has been quiet. My better half is away working until Thursday so it’s been me and the mutt. It’s been a beautiful week though with nice temperatures and that always makes winter a little easier to handle.

Are you all ready for Christmas?  Trees up and presents bought?  I’ve got a couple little things to pick up and then I’m finished. I don’t go all out on the wrapping and stuff anymore. Just put it in a Christmas bag or envelope is my new motto.   I’ve got my little Christmas tree up and a few decorations so it’s so somewhat festive. I took a picture the other day – in the dark of course because that’s when trees look the best.

On the reading front I’m still reading The Huntress by Kate Quinn. For some reason I couldn’t get into reading in the beginning of the week but it’s picked up now. I’m listening to an audio called Tell Me a Secret by Samantha Hayes which is quite good and just finished Our Little Lies by Sue Watson which I really enjoyed. Last week saw the following on the blog:

Monday was a review of Her Pretty Face by Robyn Harding (Audiobook)

Tuesday was First Chapter, First Paragraph in which I featured The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Wednesday’s Book Love featured The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber

Thursday was a review of Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly (Audiobook)

Friday featured a BookTrib Holiday Thriller Giveaway. Be sure to visit my Giveaway Page and enter to win!

Saturday featured the one and only challenge I’m taking on and that is the 2019 Historical Fiction Challenge hosted by the wonderful Amy over at Passages to the Past.

Some photos of Sam bulldozing the snow.  Sorry they are a little dark but it’s been a bit gloomy here.

That pretty much wraps up my week. I’m going to be running a few errands today and then hopefully relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine in the evening. I hope you all have a great week ahead!

2019 Historical Fiction Challenge

I am joining only one challenge for next year and that will be Amy’s 2019 Historical Fiction Challenge over at Passages to the Past. For a long time I read a lot of historical fiction and then I kind of stopped. I don’t know why though because I truly love it so I’m going to use this challenge as a way to get back into it again.

There are a few levels and I’ve hemmed and hawed on which I’d choose and finally settled on the Medieval level which is 15 books. I should easily be able to do that and maybe even more.

I am really looking foward to doing this challenge. If you’d like to join in head over to Passages to the Past and join in the fun!

 

BookTrib Holiday Thrillers Giveaway

BookTrib is having an awesome giveaway promotion through the month of December (13th- 20th).  Each week they will be giving away 20 books to one lucky winner!  What could be better than to curl up in your favourite chair with a drink and the tree lights on and a thriller in your hands. Not much I’d say!  Be sure to check back each week as there will be a different box of books up for grabs.

All you have to do is click on the BookTrib photo below and it will take you right to their site where you can enter. U.S. entries only. Good luck to all!

 

 

***U.S. Entries Only***

As part of our holiday giveaway promotion, BookTrib will be giving away 20 books each week to one lucky winner through the month of December. Who needs to feel cozy and safe when you can feel frightened and paranoid reading a fantastic thriller? Like what you see? Enter for a chance to win lots of great titles and be sure to check in next week to see what our new box might have in store for you!

 

Source:  Giveaway through BookTrib. All above information obtained from BookTrib publicist.