Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

2017 was a challenging year on many fronts for me personally. The best medicine for me? A good book! According to Goodreads, I read and listened to 147 books last year. I always say I'm going to cut back.....but it never happens. And I doubt it will this year either. There are some great suspense novels releasing these first few weeks..... Happy Reading!

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #191

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

 But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

Australian cover

Graeme Simsion has a new book coming to North America in May 2018. I loved the Rosie Project, but couldn't get into his last book, The Best of Adam Sharp. But I am curious to see what this new book brings. Interestingly, Two Steps Forward has a co-author - Simsion's wife,  Anne Buist. The US cover is on the left and the Australian cover is on the right. The book released in Oct. 2017 in Australia. I must admit, I'm not a fan of either cover this week. The book is set on the Camino Trail. Both covers illustrate this. The US cover has the two figures close together and the heart on the path gives us a good idea of the story within. The Australian cover has the figures far apart on the path and the larger figure seems to be looking for something or someone.  I find the US cover to be somewhat bland and the Australian cover to be too over the top. It reminds me of a hippie van in the sixties. But, if pressed to choose, I will go with the US cover. The UK cover is being finalized, so we'll have to see if it is more attractive. Any plans to read Two Steps Forward? Which cover do you prefer?

 You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Over the Counter #398

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? A bit farther than a bird's eye view........Hello, Is This Planet Earth?: My View from the International Space Station  by Tim Peake.

From Little, Brown and Company:

"The #1 international bestseller: An astronaut’s tour of our planet from the heavens, featuring 150 mesmerizing photographs (with commentary) from the International Space Station

One of Space.com’s Best Space Photography Books!

During his six-month mission to the International Space Station, astronaut Tim Peake became the first British astronaut to complete a spacewalk–and, perhaps more astonishingly, the first to run an entire marathon in space. During his historic mission, he captured hundreds of dazzling photographs, the very best of which are collected here.

Tim captures the majesty of the cosmos and of the planet we call home: breath-taking aerial photos of the world’s cities illuminated at night, the natural beauty of the northern lights, and unforgettable views of oceans, mountains, and deserts.

Tim’s lively stories about life in space appear alongside these photographs, including the tale from which the title is taken: his famous wrong number dialed from space, when he accidentally called a stranger and asked: “Hello, is this planet Earth?”

With this truly unique perspective on the incredible sights of our planet, Tim demonstrates that while in space, hundreds of miles above his friends and family, he never felt closer to home."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come to the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catchy your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

The Keeper of Lost Things - Ruth Hogan

I am a collector of 'things' - old things, interesting things and yes, things I find. I always wonder about the person who owned them, lost them or discarded them. I knew I was going to love Ruth Hogan's debut novel, The Keeper of Lost Things.

Anthony Peardew also collects things - ever since the day his fiancee died and he lost the one thing that he promised her he would always cherish. His goal is the find the owners of those lost articles. But, his time is drawing near and he decides to bequeath his house and the lost things project to his assistant Laura. A parallel story with its own lost and found had me wondering if the two tales would eventually meet - and how they might tie together.

"She had been dead for forty years, but she was still his life, and her death had given him his purpose. It had made Anthony Peardew the Keeper of Lost Things."

Oh there is so much to love about this book. The characters first and foremost. They're all eclectically (and wonderfully) a little left of center. Impossible not to like and not to root for.

The premise is intriguing as I've mentioned. I loved the back stories that Hogan created for some of the lost items. Hair bobbles, an umbrella, a glove and more. Some happy, some tragic. The plots of some disastrous books written by an aspiring author had me laughing out loud.

Hogan's writing flows so well and drew me into her story immediately. She weaves a delicious, heartwarming tale of love, loss, hope, redemption, romance and humour with a helping of magical realism that absolutely delighted me. I loved it! Read an excerpt of The Keeper of Lost Things.

Ruth Hogan describes herself as a “rapacious reader, writer, and incorrigible magpie” whose own love of small treasures and curiosities and the people around her inspired her first novel. She lives north of London.

Find out more about Ruth at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and Instagram.

See what others on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

I received this book for review from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you, your family

 and friends

 the best of the 

holiday season! 

Merry Christmas, 

Luanne

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #190

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

 But you can like one cover version better than another....

US  cover

UK cover

It was the tagline of Jane Harper's forthcoming book - Force of Nature -  that first caught my attention. " Five women go on a hike. Only four return. Jane Harper, the New York Times bestselling author of The Dry, asks: How well do you really know the people you work with?" The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Both covers have dark, ominous, stormy covers. The landscape below is quite different on each cover. Fields of what looks like wheat on the UK cover, while the US cover has a dense forested area depicted. The mist also gives the scene a unknown, perhaps dangerous aura. I also prefer the font on the US cover. So, initial creation - I would pick up the US book first. Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read Force of Nature? 

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Three Strikes - Kate Kessler

Three Strikes by Kate Kessler is one of my rare DNF's. I tried numerous times to get into the book, but just couldn't. Why, you ask?

I was initially intrigued by the description of the book - "Three Strikes is the new novel in a thriller series where a criminal psychologist uses her own dark past to help law enforcement catch dangerous killers." Sounds like a great premise.

What I should have noted was that this was the third book in a series. Now, some authors make it easy to jump into their series. Some back story is provided, but often you can read them as a stand alone. Not in this case. So much has happened in the first two books and I felt overwhelmed and out of step for as far as I did get. Murder, rape, incest, serial killers, terminal illness, a messed up small town and some very dysfunctional relationships. A psychologist who has committed murder.  It started to feel like a dark daytime soap opera put to the printed page - aiming for titillation.

But, where I finally lost hope of continuing was in the character count. Oh yes, I started making my own player's list to keep track of who was who, as there are many (many) players introduced in the first few chapters. But, when my list hit 23 just past page 37, I threw in the towel. Too many, too much.

This may be the case of a book in the hands of the wrong reader, as there are many who have really enjoyed this book. I point you to the positive reviews on Goodreads.

Over the Counter #397

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Well, this was one I actually saw in a publisher's newsletter. I'd love to see more, because really, who doesn't want to play with Lego ™?

The Greatest Brick Builds: Amazing Creations in Lego by Nathan Sawaya.

From the publisher, Thunder Bay Press:

"LEGO bricks have been used for decades by children and adults to create dazzling and playful buildings, vehicles, and unique works of art. In The Greatest Brick Builds: Amazing Creations in LEGO, these jaw-dropping creations are presented in full color, with close-up photos, scale representations, historical commentary on the structures, and details on how each model was constructed using LEGO bricks. Included in this collection are the Golden Gate, the USS Missouri, and the Great Sphinx of Giza, as well as other iconic structures created by LEGO crafters from around the world."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come to the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catchy your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

The Man in the Crooked Hat - Harry Dolan

The Man in the Crooked Hat is the latest book from Harry Dolan. This was a first read of this author for me, but it will certainly not be the last! Dolan's writing is clever, his plotting serpentine and his characters intriguing, making for an addictive read.

Jack Pellum is a former police detective. When his wife is murdered, Jack goes off the rails. The case remains unsolved after two years, but there is a clue that Jack is sure will lead him to the killer.  The man wears a crooked hat. A recent murder finally lends credence to Jack's belief. The man with the hat is also sighted at this latest scene.....

 Jack is a great character, well fleshed out in both personality and personally. I liked his voice. Dolan gives him snappy dialogue, but also an introspective internal look at grief, loss and love. Jack is juxtaposed with Michael Underhill. Yes, we know the name of the killer and he too has a voice. A frightening one, as he can justify everything he's doing and has done. "This is as much on you as it is on me. I'm not going to feel bad about this." We get to see inside Underhill's personal life as well.

The plotting of The Man in the Crooked Hat does not follow a straightforward path - instead it is, well, crooked. We know who the killer is - or do we? Dolan's plotting is delightfully complex, with minuscule clues that need to be connected. A clever cat and mouse game.

I really enjoyed this decidedly different mystery. Read an excerpt of The Man in the Crooked Hat.

You can connect with Harry Dolan on his website, follow him on Facebook and like him on Twitter.

How I Lost You - Jenny Blackhurst

I liked the premise of Jenny Blackhurst's novel How I Lost You.

Susan Webster spent three years in prison for the murder of her three month old son Dylan. She doesn't remember doing it, but she must have - right? Now, released, she wants to try and start over under a new name. But when she receives an envelope delivered under her previous name, she worries. And when she opens it and finds a picture of a toddler named Dylan, she is stunned. Could it possibly be her child - still alive? Who has sent her the picture? And why? Susan simply has to see if Dylan could possibly be alive.

So, be prepared to suspend disbelief a bit - there are some plot twists that require the reader to accept some far fetched turns. Susan's naivete, joining forces with and becoming so close to Nick seemed a little too quick and easy. There are scenes from the past cut into the current day hunt for Dylan. These scenes become increasingly disturbing and lurid and it was here that How I Lost You lost some stars for me.

The publisher's description - "reminiscent of works by bestselling authors S.J. Watson and Ruth Ware" is a bit ambitious at this stage of Blackhurst's career in my opinion. Blackhurst is talented and I would be curious to see what she writes next.

I chose to listen to How I Lost You. The reader was Jennifer Ness and she did a fantastic job. Her voice matched the mental image I had of Susan. She also provided different (and believable) voices for the other characters. Her interpretation of the antagonist Jack was particularly effective - and chilling. Her diction is clear, easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. She varies her inflection, tone and speed, interpreting the story well. Listen to an excerpt of How I Lost You.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover # 189

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

Sophie Kinsella has a new stand alone novel called Surprise Me coming out in February on both sides of the pond. I do enjoy a good chick lit read, so it's been added to my TBR list. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on right. So we have roughly the same shade of blue on both covers. Author's name in white on top of both, but with  different sizing. I do find the white to be not bold enough somehow. As well as the yellow of the title on the UK cover. Both images depict a surprise. But overall, I prefer the US cover this week. It definitely grabs your eye, while the UK cover seems washed out. Any plans to read Surprise Me? Which cover do you prefer?

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Over the Counter #396

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Another little house to go with last week's little house......

Fairy Houses: How to Create Whimsical Homes for Fairy Folk by Sally J. Smith.

From the publisher, Cool Springs Press:

"Add an exquisite flourish of design to your beloved green space or garden by adding tiny fairy homes inter-woven with nature. Fairy Houses gives you the instruction and inspiration you need to start!

Have you ever seen a real fairy house? Not the ceramic ones at cavernous home improvement stores, but a real fairy house made from natural elements? Well, now you can build your own miniature magical abode - the perfect addition to your garden.

Step-by-step instructions for constructing exquisite fairy houses are revealed in Fairy Houses, explained by master fairy house architect Sally Smith. Smith has been creating one-of-a-kind DIY fairy houses out of natural artifacts for years, now she passes her miniature construction knowledge to you.

Imagine, a fairy garden with homes that have butterfly wings as stained-glass windows, twigs for window frames, birch bark for walls, dried mushrooms for shingles; it's all possible with a little instruction and inspiration from Fairy Houses.

Begin by flipping through an inspiration gallery, find which elements appeal to you, and how they fit together. From there, you’ll learn about building materials (found and natural), on-site fairy house construction, and how to light a fairy house."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come to the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catchy your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Artemis - Andy Weir

I'm betting you've either read or watched Andy Weir's first novel, The Martian. (Or like me - both). I was excited to see that he has a newly released book - Artemis.

I was hooked by this line from the publisher..."- a heist story set on the moon." I love 'heist' novels. (And movies) But every heist tale needs to have the right protagonist. Weir has created an interesting one in Jasmine Bashara. She's bold, brilliant, irreverent, daring and is an 'ethical smuggler'. But things get bigger than just some low level smuggling for Jazz. All she has to do is the impossible - destroy four 'harvesters' - and a million slugs ($) are hers. A new space suit, an apartment with a bathroom and her debt paid off. But with every heist movie there are of course, snags. And there are some big ones in Artemis's plot. (Although on finishing the book,  I do think caper would be a better descriptor than heist.)

Weir's dialogue throughout the book is snappy.  But, I found some of the jokes to be borderline juvenile and the sexual references fell flat for me. There are letters to and from a 'penpal' on Earth that Jazz has had since she was in school. I enjoyed the discourse between the two. But even in this personal format, we never really get a look at the 'real' Jazz - the one behind the flippancy. She does seem written for the screen almost. I did enjoy the supporting cast, especially tech wizard Svoboda.

Weir has a background as a software engineer and ''devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics and the history of manned spaceflight." Without a doubt, his work benefits from this detailed knowledge. I don't read a lot of sci-fi and found I got a little bogged down with some of  the details of air locks, chemicals, welding etc. Of course these details are integral to the plot, but I enjoyed the descriptions of the city and daily life on this imagined city on the moon much more.

Not as good as The Martian for me, but still an entertaining read. Read an excerpt of Artemis.

The Music Shop - Rachel Joyce

I'm often asked - who is your favourite author? Well, I just can't narrow it down to one, but Rachel Joyce is on the top ten list. Her books are so affecting - they resonate with me long after the last page has been turned.

And that is true again with her latest book, The Music Shop.

"There was once a music shop. From the outside it looked like any shop, in any backstreet. It had no name above the door" ...... "As long as it was on vinyl, there were no taboos. And if you told Frank the kind of thing you wanted, or simply  how you felt that day, he had the right track in minutes. It was a knack he had. A gift. He knew what people needed even when they didn't know it themselves."

Joyce's characters are always a little left of center, eccentric in their own ways. Inherently good and kind, but a little lost. Frank is missing something in his life, but he doesn't know it until the mysterious woman in the green coat enters his shop. Her arrival is the catalyst for a change in Franks' life. And not just Frank, but the other inhabitants of Unity Street. Although Frank is the lead character, I found myself just as drawn to the supporting cast - especially Kit - the 'assistant manager' of the music shop.' His innocence, bouncing around, love of posters and unfailing good nature endeared him to me. Maud, the surly tattoo artist was another favourite. They're all a little out of step, but I would love to be a resident of this wee little back street and walk with them.

Joyce has such a way with words - her prose are thoughtful and worth savouring. "They spoke in the flat monotone they used these days in order to remain on open road where nothing would jump out and surprise them. One wrong word and it was like trees coming down."

Now, as I first started to read, I began writing down the musical references and referrals that Frank makes. I was fascinated by the explanations of the music, the background of the pieces and what to listen for. The list soon grew too long and I was too caught up in reading to stop and add to the list. But, I do want to go back and listen to some pieces recommended by Frank and catch his interpretation of the piece. The explanation of silence within music intrigued me, as did many more of the musical references. Joyce neatly ties those references to what is happening with the characters.

It'd be lovely if there was a Frank - who doesn't want to have the right music 'prescribed' for them. On reading the author's notes, I learned that the premise for The Music Shop sprang from events in Joyce's own life.

I loved The Music Shop - absolutely recommended! Here's an excerpt of The Music Shop.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #188

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

Robert Crais has a pair of characters that I really enjoy - Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. The latest novel to feature both of them is The Wanted - releasing at the end of the month in North America and in June in the UK. The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Palm trees are part of each cover - which makes sense as the book is set in LA. Both are at dusk, but depicted with two different tones. The author's name is larger and first up on the US cover and flipped on the UK cover. I do like the tag line on the UK cover - it gives you an idea of what the book might be about. The UK picture looks somewhat familiar, like I've seen another cover with a similar shot. Still, for me this week it's the UK cover. Any plans to read The Wanted? Which cover do you prefer?

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World

Over the Counter #395

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? A wee space to call my own....

She Sheds: A Room of Your Own by Erika Kotite.

From the publisher, Cool Springs Press:

"Create your very own hideaway right at home with She Sheds.

They've got their man caves, and it's time for you to have a space of your own. She Sheds shows you how to create cozy getaways with inspiration from across the country. Start by defining the goal and purpose of your space. Will you use it for entertaining, crafting, or alone time? Then, use the gallery of over 100 photos as inspiration for your decor, paint colors, and landscaping. You'll even find fun upcycling ideas to personalize your space. Get inspired, and get started on your very own tricked-out retreat!"

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Brother - David Chariandy

David Chariandy's first novel Soucouyant, 'was nominated for nearly every major literary prize in Canada and published internationally.' His second novel, Brother is recently released and it too is racking up accolades.

Brother is the first reading of this author for me - and I was blown away....

1991 Scarborough, Ontario. Michael and Francis are the children of Trinidadian immigrants, living with their mother in a housing complex in this urban center. Their mother dreams of more and better for her sons and works tirelessly to ensure this happens. The boys also imagine their futures. Francis in the music industry and Michael dreams of a life with Aisha, far from the concrete walls of 'The Park'.

But in 1991 Scarborough, racial tensions are running high, violence is becoming part of everyday life, police presence is heavy and prejudices are rampant. Those hopes and dreams of the three members of this family are changed forever by the violence of that year.

Brother is told in a back and forth timeline spanning ten years. In the present we learn about the past as the book progresses.

Brother is a slim novel, but it took me a while to read it. I had to put the book down numerous times - to absorb and avoid the inevitability of what was coming next - even though I knew what that was. The story is real - and raw. Chariandy's prose are absolutely beautiful, drawing you in and wrapping themselves around you. I cried more than once as I read.

As a mother, that is where I felt that punch the hardest - her hopes, dreams and desires for her children. And the undercurrent of the loss of her own wants and desires. Her perseverance, fortitude and strength resonated with me - even as it eroded and collided with ugly reality. I'm sickened by the indignities, attitudes and prejudices depicted. Even more so as I know they are not fiction. But those moments are juxtaposed and tempered by the acts of love, joy and happiness that also part of the life of this family.

Cr:Joy Van Tiedemann

Brother speaks to the immigrant experience, to family, love, loss, hope, duty and desires. And the fact that the past is still the present. Absolutely, positively recommended reading. Here's an excerpt.

"David Chariandy grew up in (Scarborough) Toronto and lives and teaches in Vancouver. His debut novel, Soucouyant, received stunning reviews and nominations from eleven literary awards juries, including a Governor General's Literary Award shortlisting, a Gold Independent Publisher Award for Best Novel, and the Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist. Brother is his second novel."

The Deal of a Lifetime - Fredrik Backman

Next up on the holiday reading/listening list is The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman.

I really enjoy Backman's writing - his 'left of centre' characters and the situations he places them in.

In this novella, the lead character is a man who was driven all his life to succeed and excel at business. Where he failed was as a father. He narrates this tale, finally acknowledging his absence and shortcomings to his son. A chance meeting with a dying little girl gives him a chance at redemption. I'm not going to spoil things by telling you how that comes about. It's not quite what you would imagine at all.

"Hi. It's your dad. You'll be waking up soon, it's Christmas Eve morning in Helsingborg, and I've killed a person. That's not how fairy tales usually begin, I know. But I took a life. Does it make a difference if you know whose it was?"

Backman's writing always moves me. And he's able to do the same thing that he's done in his books as in this 'small' piece of work. I chose to listen to The Deal of a Lifetime. The reader was Santino Fontana. His voice is clear and he enunciates well. His voice suited the mental image I had of this businessman and his regrets. He provides believable voices for the other two characters in the book. He interprets the emotion of the story well. The Deal of a Lifetime was a short, sweet listen, perfect for this ruminative time of the year. The reader can't help but reflect upon their own life - what and who is important in your life? And what would you do to 'fix' things?

The title is clever - as you'll find out. Backman's introduction is just as poignant as the tale he tells. Listen to an excerpt of The Deal of a Lifetime. 

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #187

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

Italian author Luca D'Andrea's latest book - a thriller - has been sold in thirty countries Beneath the Mountain releases in North America in January and is newly released in the UK as The Mountain. So, US cover on the left and UK cover on the right. The first think I noticed was the juxtaposition of looking at teh mountains from 'outside' versus looking out from seemingly inside the mountain (perhaps a cave?) on the UK cover. I do find the black and white shot on the US cover more effective in terms of starkness. It seems more remote - which is part of the plot. The blue of the UK cover says 'underwater' too much to me. But we know it can't be underwater as there is a helicopter in the centre of the picture. Which just seems kind of random to me. The colour of the title is red on both covers, but the font used on the US cover is more effective in my opinion. Both covers use the same tag line. Cold case and killers? Count me in. A pretty easy choice for me this week - US. What about you? Any plans to read this book? Which cover do you prefer?
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

The Noel Diary - Richard Paul Evans

It's the time of the year when I start watching Christmas movies and reading Christmas novels. First up this year in books is The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans.

Jacob Churcher is a successful author. His childhood, however was not as successful. His mother suffered from mental illness and her care of Jacob wasn't great. Now that she's passed away, Jacob heads back home to clean out her house. Being back in his childhood home evokes many memories. When a young woman named Rachel knocks on the door looking for answers from Jacob's mother, it brings back even more memories. Memories of a young pregnant woman who loved him like a mother. And this is who Rachel is looking for. Together, they embark on a search .......

Evans is a a master at heart-string tugging stories. Feel-good tales that encounter some bumps along the way to a happy ending. And The Noel Diary fills the bill on those counts. Not so much on the holiday front though. I was hoping for more seasonal reading. (Noel in this case, is a person.)

Is there anyone more suited to interpret their work than the author themselves? Absolutely not. They imagined it and wrote it. Evans has been the narrator for the majority of his books on audio. This was the first time I had listened instead of reading. Unfortunately for this listener, Evans' voice just didn't work for me. Although he does provide some inflection, I found his reading to be just that. Reading, not performing. The male and female characters had the same monotone voice. And as I tend to listen with earbuds in, I hear in greater detail. Some of the words sounded garbled at the end of sentences and I found his drawn out A's and O's to be, well, just annoying. The reader makes or breaks a book for me. I finished The Noel Diary, but didn't love it as much as I had hoped to. I'll be returning to the written page for next year's seasonal offering. Listen to an excerpt of The Noel Diary. Or if you prefer, read an excerpt of The Noel Diary.

Over the Counter #394

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Candy is ...... addicting?

Nope, Candy is Magic by Jami Curl.

From the publisher, Ten Speed Press:

"This game-changing candy cookbook from the owner of Quin, a popular Portland-based candy company, offers more than 200 achievable recipes using real, natural ingredients for everything from flavor-packed fruit lollipops to light-as-air marshmallows.

Chai Tea Lollipops, Honey and Sea Salt Marshmallows, Chocolate Pretzel Caramels, Cherry Cola Gumdrops—this is not your average candy, or your average candy book. Candy-maker extraordinaire Jami Curl breaks down candy making into its most precise and foolproof steps. No guess work, no expensive equipment, just the best possible ingredients and stop-you-in-your-tracks-brilliant flavor combinations. She begins with the foundations of candy; how to create delicious syrups, purees, and “magic dusts” that are the building blocks for making lollipops, caramels, marshmallows, and gummy candy. But even more ingeniously, these syrups, purees, and magic dusts can be used to make a myriad of other sweet confections such as Strawberry Cream Soda, Peanut Butter Hot Fudge, Marshmallow Brownies, and Popcorn Ice Cream. And what to do with all your homemade candy? Jami has your covered, with instructions for making candy garlands, tiny candy-filled pinatas, candy ornaments, and more—you are officially party ready.

But this is just the tip of the deliciously sweet iceberg--packed with nearly 200 recipes, careful step-by-step instruction, tips for guaranteed success, and flavor guides to help you come up with own unique creations—Candy is Magic is a candy call to action!"

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Sleeping Beauties - Stephen King and Owen King

I'm a long time Stephen King fan, having read everything he's ever written. His sons, Owen King and Joe Hill are also talented writers. Sleeping Beauties is a joint effort between father and son Owen.

Sleeping Beauties is set in a small Appalachian town where the biggest employer is the women's prison. I love the weirdness that creeps into King's small towns. This one is no exception. As the women of the town start falling asleep, they become covered by white, gauzy tendrils. And once they're asleep and covered, well, they don't wake up. If the covering is torn away - let's just say it's not good for the men. There's one woman who has no trouble waking and sleeping with no ill effects. Who is the mysterious Evie? As more and more women fall asleep, the men begin to panic....are they ready for a world with no women?

On the one hand, Sleeping Beauties is a classic King horror tale. Taking something as innocuous as falling asleep and running with it. I love King's sideways view of the world and the pockets of unreality he imagines. But you could also look at the book with a different eye as well - in a social commentary sense if you will. Women's rights, the abuse of those rights, sexism, violence and more. There's also a snake in a tree and a woman called Evie.......'nuff said. There's a choice to be made by the women in the book. (Yep, including the sleepers)

I chose to listen to Sleeping Beauties. I've often said that listening to a book immerses me more fully in the story than reading. This was definitely the case for Sleeping Beauties. The performer (because she did more than narrate!) was Marin Ireland - and she was fantastic! She has a bold voice, easy to listen to and so very, very expressive. There are many characters in this novel and she created numerous voices, accents, tones and cadences to illustrate them. Her interpretation of the book was spot on.

How much of the book is Steven and how much is Owen? You know, it's not something I ever tried to discern. Instead, I happily popped in my earbuds for twenty five hours of what if...... and enjoyed every moment of it. Listen to an excerpt of Sleeping Beauties.

Run Hide Repeat - Pauline Dakin

Run Hide Repeat: A Memoir of a Fugitive Childhood by Pauline Dakin marked for absolutely fascinating reading.

Pauline Dakin is a Canadian, award winning journalist (radio, television and print), producer, and is currently a journalism professor. Run Hide Repeat is her first book. It's a memoir - and it's one you won't be able to put down. Truth is truly stranger than fiction.

"When all had been revealed, I wished it to be unsaid. As unsatisfying as my previous ignorance had been, it was better than this story, and easier to live with than my struggle to weigh the truth against the possibility that...that what?"

The book's opening chapters introduce us to twenty three year old Dakin. Her mother Ruth and Stan, a family friend have decided that Pauline can finally be told the truth. Why they moved from one side of the country to the other, not once but twice, following Stan and his wife. Why they often left at the drop of a hat, leaving without saying goodbye to neighbours and friends. Why they often missed school. Why they were cautioned to never tell anyone the details of their lives. 

The answer? The Mafia was after Ruth and her children. The running, the precautions, the moves and the secrets were to keep them safe.

Dakin moves the telling of her story from past to present. The reader has the knowledge of the adult Dakin, but it only makes the childhood memories all the more perplexing. And somewhat ridiculous. There's no way this could be true - could it?

Pictures of Ruth, Stan, Dakin and her brother and father enhance the memoir and give a human face to this unbelievably true story. Halfway through the book (and this was in one sitting), there was still no answer to the 'why?' Curiosity had me picking the book up every spare moment until I finally reached the final pages.

The telling of Run Hide Repeat is a complex and deeply personal personal story. Telling your own story to the world is brave. "An unforgettable family tale of deception and betrayal, love and forgiveness" is an apt description from the publisher. Read an excerpt of Run Hide Repeat.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #186

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

Australian cover

I'm looking forward to Alafair Burke's forthcoming book, TheWife. (January 2018) It's a "A Novel of Psychological Suspense", so it's on my TBR list. The US cover is on the left and the Australian cover is on the right. The first thing I notice is the different 'tones' between the covers. The beach says light, sunny and airy to me. But, small things like wedding rings do get lost in the sand. I like the imagery - looking through that perfect circle. The Aussie cover is dark and foreboding. A dark, closed door with a heavy knocker. This cover also has a tag line that lets you know a bit more about what you might find inside. I'm torn this week, but in the end will go with the Aussie cover - simply because I would be more likely to pick it up, given my love of suspense novels. What about you? Any plans to read The Wife?Which cover do you prefer?

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.

Braving It - James Campbell

This is the kind of thing I wish I could have done when I was younger. Seeing more of the world, being a little more adventures and taking chances. But, at this stage, I am just as happy to read about others' adventures.

That's the story in Braving It: A Father, A Daughter, and An Unforgettable Journey Into the Alaskan Wild by James Campbell.

James Campbell and his fifteen year old daughter Aidan headed to the Alaskan wilds not once, but three times. Winter and Summer. They visited Heimo Korth and his wife Edna twice, helping to build their new cabin, hunting and trapping. The third visit was braving and paddling the HulaHula river.

Campbell's descriptions of the land, people and lifestyle of Alaska are vivid and powerful, attesting to his love of the outdoors, notably Alaska. Campbell is an established writer and he knows how to tell a story. I was captivated by the details - what it takes to stay alive in this wild country, the dangers and the simple pleasures.

And while Braving It is on the face of it a travel adventure and memoir, its also the story of Campbell and his daughter Aidan's relationship. Campbell's decision to take his daughter to Alaska was not made lightly. We are witness to Aidan's burgeoning love of Alaska, her growing confidence and her continued love of the outdoors. These trips ignite a sense of wanderlust in Aidan - I would be curious to see where life takes her. Campbell is torn between protecting his daughter and allowing her to grow. These trips are almost a coming of age - for both of them.

I chose to listen to Braving It. The narrator was Roger Wayne. I thought he interpreted the novel really well. His voice is pleasant to listen to and easily understood. His reading depicted Campbell's thoughts and emotions well. His inflection and thoughtful pauses allowed the reader to feel as thought we were having a conversation with Campbell. He provided distinct voices for each person. Wonderfully written and a treat to listen to. Listen to an excerpt of Braving It.

Over the Counter #394

What book caught my eye this week as it passed over the library counter and under my scanner? I scream, you scream, we all scream for.......

Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America by Amy Ettinger.

From Dutton Books:

"A journalist channels her ice-cream obsession, scouring the United States for the best artisanal brands and delving into the surprising history of ice cream and frozen treats in America.

For Amy Ettinger, ice cream is not just a delicious snack but a circumstance and a time of year—frozen forever in memory. As the youngest child and only girl, ice cream embodied unstructured summers, freedom from the tyranny of her classmates, and a comforting escape from her chaotic, demanding family.

Now as an adult and journalist, her love of ice cream has led to a fascinating journey to understand ice cream’s evolution and enduring power, complete with insight into the surprising history behind America’s early obsession with ice cream and her experience in an immersive ice-cream boot camp to learn from the masters. From a visit to the one place in the United States that makes real frozen custard in a mammoth machine known as the Iron Lung, to the vicious competition among small ice-cream makers and the turf wars among ice-cream trucks, to extreme flavors like foie gras and oyster, Ettinger encounters larger-than-life characters and uncovers what’s really behind America’s favorite frozen treats.

Sweet Spot is a fun and spirited exploration of a treat Americans can’t get enough of—one that transports us back to our childhoods and will have you walking to the nearest shop for a cone."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

The Museum of Broken Relationships - Review AND Giveaway

If you're a fan of books like PostSecret and Humans of New York, The Museum of Broken Relationships" Modern Love in 203 Everyday Objects is a book you're going to want to pick up. And I have a copy to giveaway, courtesy of Grand Central Publishing!

Olinka Vistica and Drazen Grubisic were a couple for four years. When their relationship ended, they came up with a novel idea - a place to store all the painful triggers of past loves, creating a vault for both their tangible and intangible heritage. We named this repository The Museum of Broken Relationships.

The collection tours, but there are two permanent museums - on in Zagreb, Croatia and one in Los Angeles, California. And now there's a book!

I found the concept fascinating. We all have mementos - things we keep that remind us of a love or a loss. Things that may bring comfort - or sadness. There is a time to let those heartbreaking items go - both physically and emotionally.


Those are the items housed in the museums - ranging from small toys, stuffed animals, wedding dresses, shoes, rings, letters and more. I think the belly button lint was the most unusual, but there were more unexpected items. Each item appears in a full colour photograph. Accompanying each item is the story behind it - and why it has finally been let go. The dates of the beginning and the end are also noted. A relationship gone sour is the most prevalent, but death is also behind some of the stories.

What is the appeal of this you ask? We all have a little streak of voyeur in us - glimpsing a peek into some else's heartache or heartbreak. And it's impossible not to keep turning pages. And at the end, I thought about one or two things I could send in.......

If you'd like to read The Museum of Broken Relationships, I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends December 2/17.

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Voices on the Road Blog Tour AND Giveaway!

I had someone ask me the other day how I found time to read so many books.Well, the truth is that I listen to a great number of books as well. I've always got one in the car for my commute back and forth to work. (And for those nights I can't sleep - one on the MP3 player as well) I find listening brings a book to life for me - I become immersed in the tale.

Lots of you will be travelling this weekend - car, bus, plane - or maybe you're the one doing all the cooking! Either way, an audio book makes a great companion. I've listed five that I've enjoyed below. AND make sure you enter the amazing giveaway I have for a fantastic selection of 10 audiobooks that have been generously donated by Galaxy Press, Hachette Audio, Harper Audio, High Bridge Audio, Macmillan, Penguin Random House Audio, and Post Hypnotic Press, Scholastic, Simon and Schuster Audio, and Tantor Audio. Enter at the end of the post.

And in no particular order, here are five of my favorite listens:

The Passage by Justin Cronin is the first book is this apocalyptic trilogy. The reader for all three entries is Scott Brick. Brick is a fantastic narrator. Or perhaps I should say performer. His voice is amazingly expressive. He narrates all three books.  Listen to an excerpt of The Passage. (My review)



Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series is a series I enjoy. I read the first book, but have since listened to subsequent entries. The Secret Place features readers Stephen Hogan and Lara Hutchinson. Their Irish accent creates vivid mental images of time and place. I enjoy the two readers - it makes it feel like you are listening in..... Listen to an excerpt of The Secret Place. (My review)

Matchup is edited by Lee Child. But here's the great thing - this is a short story collection featuring iconic characters from many authors. And it's narrated by many readers. The stories are great and it's a wonderful way to discover new readers. Listen to an excerpt of Matchup. (My review)



Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series is another perennial favorite of mine. Again, I started reading the series, but have transitioned to listening to them - in great part because of the reader. The Wrong Side of Goodbye was a fantastic listen. Narrator Titus Welliver has become the voice of Bosch for me - gruff, growly, tough. His interpretation of the character absolutely matches my mental image. Listen to an excerpt of The Wrong Side of Goodbye. (My review)

She Rides Shotgun is Jordan Harper's debut novel. It reads like a movie and narrator David Marantz's interpretation captured the feeling of danger and action that drives the book. Listen to an excerpt of She Rides Shotgun. (My review)

Check out other blogger's favorites on this Audio Publishers Association tour - full schedule can be found here. Want more? Keep up on social media -  Audiobook_Comm on Facebook and @Audiobook_Comm on Twitter with the hashtag #loveaudiobooks.

Enter to win a selection of ten audiobooks using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, ends December 2/17.

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You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover #185

- You can't judge a book by its cover - which is very true.

But you can like one cover version better than another....

US cover

UK cover

Now, I must say that although mysteries and thrillers are my favourite genres to read, I also love a good post apocalyptic read. I'm looking forward to The Feed by Nick Clark Windo. "Set in a post-apocalyptic world as unique and vividly imagined as those of Station Eleven and The Girl with All the Gifts, a startling and timely debut that explores what it is to be human and what it truly means to be connected in the digital age."The US cover is on the left and the UK cover is on the right. Two different looks this week. The US cover illustrates an urban area, densely populated. And to me red always signifies danger or stop. The UK cover is the opposite - a decimated or rural area with nothing but the two figures. The colours are not what you would expect - no green on the ground or blue in the sky. Instead these colours seems to say something unnatural has happened. Both covers feature The Feed with twisting, almost insidious tendrils throughout. Different taglines, but both are ominous. I like the starkness of the UK cover and the two people, so it's UK for me this week. Which cover do you prefer? Any plans to read The Feed?

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World.