Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 16
August 10, 2024
The Sunday Post: Short Weeks, Symco, and Self-Care
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Short Weeks, Symco, and Self-CareHey Book Blogger Friends! How was your week?
I had a 3-day work week which was great since I’ve been feeling really drained from work lately and needed an extra few days off for rest, self-care, and relaxation.
Thursday I had volunteer hours at the festival/car show my family volunteers at each year, the Symco Weekender, and I had a great time helping with registration! Friday I just walked around and enjoyed the show.
Selfie with our car (my sister’s technically… it was our mom’s. Friday was also the one year anniversary of her passing)As I mentioned, I’ve been feeling pretty burned out lately… and a little depressed if I let a crack in my social-media-everything-is-sunny-persona show. Yesterday I took a day to just rest and have a movie day. Today I’m planning a hike and lunch out and then I have one more day off. Hopefully I’ll go back to work feeling better.
Last Week on the Blog:
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 5 August, 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 7 August 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Books from Ten Series
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Crescent Moon Tearoom
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 12 August 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 14 August 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
Can’t Wait Wednesday: Beast of the North Woods
None this week!
August 6, 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Crescent Moon Tearoom
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.
The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski
Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Witches
eBook, Paperback, Audiobook, 336 Pages
October 1, 2024 by Atria Books
Blurb:A cozy and uplifting debut novel about three clairvoyant sisters who face an unexpected twist of Fate at the bottom of their own delicate porcelain cups.
Ever since the untimely death of their parents, Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley have made a business of threading together the stories that rest in the swirls of ginger, cloves, and cardamom at the bottom of their customers’ cups. Their days at the teashop are filled with talk of butterflies and good fortune intertwined with the sound of cinnamon shortbread being snapped by laced fingers.
That is, until the Council of Witches comes calling with news that the city Diviner has lost her powers, and the sisters suddenly find themselves being pulled in different directions. As Anne’s magic begins to develop beyond that of her sisters’, Beatrix’s writing attracts the attention of a publisher, and Violet is enchanted by the song of the circus—and perhaps a mischievous trapeze artist threatening to sweep her off her feet. It seems a family curse that threatens to separate the sisters is taking effect.
With dwindling time to rewrite their future and help three other witches challenge their own destinies, the Quigleys set out to bargain with Fate. But in focusing so closely on saving each other, will they lose sight of themselves?
Why I Want to Read This Book:I’m ready for the fall, cozy, witchy reads and this one sounds like it will be the perfect comfort read to pick up while I’m on my New England road trip at the end of September/early October. Plus the cover is gorgeous!
Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?
August 5, 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Books from Ten Series
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Books from Ten SeriesThis week’s TTT is all about books within series that are our favorites. We all have those books from series that stand out to us from the rest, right?
1. Play by Kylie Scott (Stage Dive Series #2)
2. 15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher (Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery #3)
3. The Dark One by Nikki St Crowe (Vicious Lost Boys #2)
4. Reckless by Elsie Silver (Chestnut Springs #4) 
5. Flat White Fatality by Emmeline Duncan (Ground Rules Mystery #3)
6. Anna of Kleve: The Princess in the Portrait by Alison Weir (Six Tudor Queens Book #4)
7. Wait With Me by Amy Daws (Wait With Me #1) 
8. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot Mysteries #17)
9. Nash by Jay Crownover (Marked Men #4)
10. Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #4)
What are some of your favorite books from within different series? Is there a reason you like them above others? Did any of mine make your list?
August 4, 2024
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 5 August, 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 7 August 2024
This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!
#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
It’s been a busy week at work so I haven’t had a ton of reading time. I’ve mostly been listening to audiobooks as I hike or work out at the gym.
Currently Reading:The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This is a reread for me. I read The Guest List as an ARC but decided to reread it since I’ve read the rest of Lucy Foley’s backlist recently.
Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge
I haven’t had a ton of time to read this one but I’m enjoying it so far. A murder at the Queen of Mystery’s house? Oh, my!
Recently Finished:What Lies Between Us by John Marrs
This was definitely a great twisty thriller! I haven’t read anything else by this author but I definitely will now!
The Widow’s House by Carol Goodman
I enjoyed this one! It was part ghost story part gaslighting thriller and of course the main character was a writer which I always love.
Reading Next:Return to Wyldcliffe Heights by Carol Goodman
The newest addition to my audiobook library, I’m excited to listen to this one! This author is quickly becoming a favorite.
What are you reading and loving this week?
August 3, 2024
The Sunday Post: Chapter 32 – It’s My Birthday!
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Chapter 32 – It’s My Birthday!Hey Book Blogger Friends! How was your week?
Today is my birthday, I’m 32 now. I’ve been on a mini-vacation in Door County, Wisconsin since Thursday and I’ve been having a very relaxing time!
At Anderson Dock in Ephraim Door County has a wonderful writing center in Juddville and I try to come up several times a year to get some writing done. This time I started my next novel.
I’ve also been enjoying some amazing food, hiking the state parks, visiting the maritime museum, and I also took a ghost trolley tour! During the ghost tour we were treated to a gorgeous Door County Sunset (see below)
Last Week on the Blog: It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 29 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 31 July 2024
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 5 August, 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 7 August 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Books from Ten Series
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Crescent Moon Tearoom
July 30, 2024
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading – 29 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 31 July 2024
This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!
#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
It’s been a busy week at work so I haven’t had a ton of reading time. I’ve mostly been listening to audiobooks as I hike or work out at the gym.
Currently Reading:What Lies Between Us by John MarrsBoth of the main characters in this story are definitely unhinged! Something happened for Maggie to be locked away by Nina… but what was it? I’m about 40% in and loving it so far! It’s been on my audible wishlist for a while and I was excited when it moved into KU!
Recently Finished:One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
This one was a little too much like Survivor than And Then There Were None but the publisher knew comping it to my favorite Agatha Christie novel was enough clickbait for me. It was an okay read by not my favorite of recent reads.
Saint by Eva Simmons
Just when I thought dark romance wasn’t for me… holy f*ck! I devoured this book in a day and a half. I simply could not put it down. But it’s definitely not for everybody.
Reading Next:The Widow’s House by Carol GoodmanI’m still planning to listen to this one next followed by Carol’s new release, Return to Wyldcliffe Heights.
What are you reading and loving this week?
July 27, 2024
The Sunday Post: Booked Eau Claire, Haunted Ruins, and Shipwrecks
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Booked Eau Claire, Haunted Ruins, and ShipwrecksHey Book Blogger Friends! Sorry I missed you all last Sunday! We got hit by the global Windows issue at work and things were all chaos for a couple days.
I’ve had a somewhat exciting couple weeks. I found out that I’ll be an attending author at a new book convention in my home state in September 2025, Booked Eau Claire! I’m so excited!
This week I got out and did a little exploring! I took a day trip and went hiking in a county park next to ruins of an old hotel that burned 3 times between 1900-1930. They claim it’s haunted and that there are still skeletal remains inside.
Ruins of Maribel Caves Hotel, Maribel, WisconsinI also was able to walk through the remnants of the Lottie Cooper Shipwreck in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This wooden schooner went down with all hands lost in 1894.
Remains of the Lottie Cooper Shipwreck, Deland Park, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.Last Week on the Blog: It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 22 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 24 July 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Debut Novels I Enjoyed
Can’t Wait Wednesday: My Salty Mary
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 29 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 31 July 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Crescent Moon Tearoom
* I’m on vacation August 1-4!*
New Book Mail on My Shelves:Kindle Unlimited Borrow:
July 23, 2024
Can’t Wait Wednesday: My Salty Mary
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.
My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mary #3
eBook, Hardcover, Audiobook, 448 Pages
August 20, 2024 by HarperTeen
Blurb:Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride and A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, New York Times bestselling authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows are back with a fantastical, romantical, and piratical historical fantasy remix that marries the story of The Little Mermaid with the life and times of infamous lady pirate Mary Read.
Don’t call this mermaid “little”—call her “captain,” unless you want to walk the plank.
Mary is in love with the so-called prince of Charles Town, except he doesn’t love her back. Which is inconvenient. Since she’s a mermaid, being brokenhearted means she’ll—poof!—turn into sea-foam.
But instead, Mary finds herself pulled out of the sea and up onto a pirate ship. To survive, she joins them. But Mary isn’t willing to just sing the yo-ho-hos. She wants the pirate life, all of it, and she’s ready to make a splash . . . by becoming captain. But when Blackbeard dies suddenly, Mary has a chance to become so much more: Pirate King . . . or Queen. She won’t let anyone stop her—not Blackbeard’s cute son, not her best friend from back under the sea who’s having a bit too much fun with his new legs, and certainly not everyone who says she can’t be a pirate just because she’s a girl.
She may not be the best man for the job, but she’ll definitely prove that she’s worth her salt.
Why I Want to Read This Book:Both the Jane and the Mary series by these authors are a lot of fun! I’m behind on the Mary one but this one sounds really good, perfect for an end of summer read!
Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?
July 22, 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Debut Novels I Enjoyed
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Debut Novels I EnjoyedThis week’s TTT is all about debut novels we enjoyed. I love giving new authors a chance and here are a few I enjoyed!
1. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
2. Her Villains by Jade Presley
3. The Return by Rachel Harrison
4. The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich 
5. This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
6. Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
7. Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan 
8. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
9. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
10. Resurrection Road by Hannah Marae
What were some of your favorite debut books? Did any of mine make your list? Are there any debuts that for you are your favorite of that author’s works?
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 22 July 2024 and WWW Wednesday – 24 July 2024
This week I’m linking up to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date and WWW Wednesday hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words!
#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
WWW Wednesday was created by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and was taken over by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. To participate answer the 3 W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
It’s been a busy week at work so I haven’t had a ton of reading time. I’ve mostly been listening to audiobooks as I hike or work out at the gym.
Currently Reading:Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
I’m slowly making my way through this one and hoping to make more progress next weekend.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth WareI just started the audiobook of this one so I don’t have a good impression of it so far. They’re on the boat to the island. I don’t care for the main character too much yet.
Recently Finished:The Wedding Party by L.R. Jones
This one was a fast listen and while I enjoyed it, it felt like the killer was laid out for you early on.
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
I liked this one but I liked Penelope and Collin’s story more.
After You’ve Gone by Margot Hunt
I really enjoyed this one and I could see a series with this character solving murders!
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
I don’t think “dark romance” is for me. The villain – oops – I mean love interest was just awful. Nothing sexy or appealing about him. And the heroine. My gods, was she stupid. I DNF’d at 40%. This is my 3rd attempt to get through this book.
Reading Next:The Widow’s House by Carol GoodmanI’ve had this audiobook for a while and I think I’ll listen to it while I wait for Carol Goodman’s next release at the end of the month.
What are you reading and loving this week?
