The Japanese Art of the Cocktail by Masahiro Urushido, Out June 2021!

In The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, Masahiro Urushido has created a gorgeous book on how to make amazing cocktails, along with amazing family history and history of, first drinking, cocktails in Japan and what they first were. I loved hearing how he became fascinated with America in his movie choices! Urushido is such a likable guy, and I would love to have a cocktail with him! I think it is neat he told different drinks and what you could expect to pay for them. Not sure I could afford to drink with him though!

I will say this, I could not afford to make the many drinks that were new to me, and know where to find all the specific ingredients in my small hometown. They sounded amazing though, and I want one from The Master of the Cocktails! He was right about one thing I know. If you go to a bar that is for mixology, you will be waiting for a while and expect to pay more!

In The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, Masahiro Urushido has created a gorgeous book on how to make amazing cocktails, along with amazing family history and history of, first drinking, cocktails in Japan and what they first were. I loved hearing how he became fascinated with America in his movie choices! Urushido is such a likable guy, and I would love to have a cocktail with him! I think it is neat he told different drinks and what you could expect to pay for them. Not sure I could afford to drink with him though!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to receive this ARC for an honest review.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides – Coming Out June 2021!

OH, MY Sweet Baby James! This book, The Maidens, is Unbelievable. I wanted to write in all caps, and, yes, this would have deserved every single capital letter! The Silent Patient, the author’s debut novel, was absolutely amazing, and I could not recommend it to enough people. Everyone I know who read it were like me and thought it was the best book they read that year, and still read it based on my recommendation and love it. Including the friend who is taking it to the beach next week. This book will be no different, and I cannot wait to spread the word any way that I know how. This may sound bizarre, but I finished the book on Monday, but it took me til now to find the right words to say about a book which leaves me speechless.

When it comes to The Maidens, I am simply floored. For a follow-up novel after the author’s debut, it not only lives up the hype, it exceeds it and deserves even more I, for one, cannot wait to help put it out there. The hits keep on coming! I love the story woven by Alex Michaelides and learned a lot about Greek mythology, the UK college institutions, and various aspects of university life. From the moment the book begins you are hooked. There may have been a couple of times when it felt a little slow, but I am glad I kept going. After you get into the rhythm, you cannot put it down. (I may have sneaked a peek and read a little here and there when I was supposed to be doing something else.) 

Mariana gets a call from her niece, Zoe,, who is at college in London, upset because her closest friend has been murdered. Mariana who practically raised Zoe as her own when tragedy struck Zoe’s family, drops everything to be with her niece. Mariana is also dealing with her own loss after losing her husband she loved for many years, and is struggling with overwhelming grief. Mariana is now a therapist who conducts group therapy with a few interesting characters. 

Zoe feels uncomfortable with a particular professor who she feels is linked to the crime. So begins the trip down the rabbit hole where Mariana believes the professor may be involved as the killer. Soon, other girls begin dying as well, and Mariana’s obsession with the professor, who is popular with a certain group of young women called The Maidens, grows more and more. The Maidens is a term tied to Greek Mythology and only adds suspicions as the professor teaches the Greek Tragedies. The story behind the name does not do him any favors in Mariana’s eyes, and as each girl is found with postcards in their possession with a Greek quote written on the back just prior to their death, Mariana begins spiraling. Finding out who is the killer comes to a peak when Mariana receives her own postcard. 

Alex Michaelides is my kind of author! I felt like I knew what was happening, but at the same time I Literally told myself, Autumn, you know you are not right or not completely because he is better than that. And he was. And he totally got me! This is another reason he is a master… He found ways to tie back to The Silent Patient that made me audibly gasp at the doctor’s office with his first intro of a reference to the debut novel. Then there were little things along the way that made me have to go back and reread the first book again! If you read this one first, you will still be surprised when you go back to the first book. I cannot wait for another book! Please, do not make us have to wait as long, but if it takes that long to deliver another work of perfection, I will gladly wait. 

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the great honor and privilege of previewing The Maidens in exchange for an honest review. 

100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffer

Coming Out October 20, 2020!!! Must Have!!!

Oh, my goodness. This book is simply amazing. I am going to have to buy the hardcopy as soon as it comes out, and not just for a library, but for myself. The recipes are wonderful, the quotes are delightful, the stories are a joy to read, and the playlist is great for inspiration as you bake. I also like the sections that include the extras that she used and made in the recipes such as the shards, and the measurement conversions, in the back. There are some beautiful cookies that I cannot wait to try such as the lavender cookies. That is another thing, there are pictures for just about every single recipe. That is important to me as I love to see the result, and it adds to the fun. I also loved the Let’s Play section, because that is right up my alley. This book is more than just a cookbook about cookies. It is a journey, and I loved every minute. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

I am reading Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner, release date: May 5, 2020, and it is amazing. Right now I relate to the main character who was told by one particular grandmother that if you go to bed hungry you are winning. Let me set the scene. There is the main character, Daphne, who after years of struggling with her body image and weight, learns to accept herself and body positivity. When someone comes for a visit she learns as a kid that she is “big” and that it is a bad thing. I remember thinking I was “big” or bigger than the other kids, while looking back at photos I was insane. We are taught as young girls and up that we should look a certain way, behave a certain way, do things, talk, have opinions a certain way. There is a point when someone in her life says that very thing that if you are hungry you are winning. I remember reading that I would go to bed hungry sometimes and that was okay. That happened to me within the past year or so. But that is not true. You can have a healthy snack and be okay. Big Summer is something that every person can relate to, no matter what the label in your pants, shirt, or dress says. There is something that we are all struggling with, even if it never shows. This is just an example that people can see on the outside. Yall have to read this book when it comes out, I cannot wait to see what happens!

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

I am reading for an ARC Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner and it is amazing! I love it so much and feel like I can relate so much with the character and her insecurities. While I have not faced the situation that she struggled through in high school and college, in my mind I did. I recently posted a picture of myself on my social media and said how fat I thought I was. Looking back I was tiny. But not in my head. I am about a quarter of the way through, with all the is happening with my job right now I have not had a moment to sit down and read the entire thing like I wanted to… but boy is it good! I cannot wait for May 5, 2020 when everyone gets to read it for themselves.

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

I am beginning Jennifer Weiner’s new book, coming out on May 5, 2020, titled Big Summer. I have always loved Jennifer, I am going to pretend as if we are on a first name basis, she did reply to a response of mine on FB after all… I have always loved her books, they are body positive, relatable, and can make me laugh, get mad, and cry all in one novel, but not necessarily in that order. She once wrote a book that describe a series of foods that made my mouth water. She has this way to transport you to this world she created and make you part of it, not really always an outsider looking in, but in the shoes of the narrator. I have just gotten into the first chapter, and I know what I will be doing for the rest of the day. This has already become a new favorite.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

I cannot express how much I loved this book, The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez! I read the author’s book that is prior to this one, The Friend Zone, and I loved it, but it ended so sad. I was glad to have the second book that compliments the first and have it end on such a high note. I would love to see another book about Lola or even Zane! The book made me laugh, sigh, and even shed a tear or two. I recommend that anyone who reads this book to listen to the songs that are listed with each chapter. It really adds to the story, and is just some really awesome music. I was glad to see several that I know and love in there that could be hidden gems for others. This was amazing, and I have been recommending it to everyone I know, blogging about it, and will go to amazon and audible to review it. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the books in exchange for an honest review.

Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

After several years, I finally caught up with all the Hannah Swensen books, and am reading them in real-time with everyone else. I always like being late to the party so the books are out there and I am not having to wait every year for a new one to come out. Now I have arrived with everyone else, and I was able to read the newest Joanne Fluke book Chocolate Cream Pie Murder book as an ARC, thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley. This will be a completely honest review. I was so excited to be able to read this in advance, and then when it came out on audio, I was able to listen thanks to audible. I love the narrator for the series, and it was great whether you read it on kindle, hardback, or listen on audio. 

I am going to tell the review as if you have already caught up and are getting to read the newest book, or maybe you have read it already and want to hear someone else’s thoughts. I will not give a spoiler, but it will contain spoilers from previous books, so be warned. 

In Chocolate Cream Pie Murder, Hannah has been left by Ross, and for some reason she feels the need to get up in front of her church congregation and apologize for lying about him being on location, and the fact everyone gave her gifts for a marriage that was possibly a shame. I love the series, but sometimes they do things that are kind of silly, and for me, this was one of those times. Everyone is good natured about it though, as one would expect. Well, I guess I should not say that with 100% confidence. In my home church from when I grew up, I have some real bitties that would have demanded I give them the $8.88 Wal-Mart special coffeemaker they gave me with the box halfway crushed back with interest. 

In this book Hannah is trying to determine why Ross left, where he has been, and what the status of their marriage is exactly. As you could guess without much thought, the entire marriage was not real. Ross had a secret life, and Ross might not even be his name! When the weasel finally makes his way into town, he has one thing on his mind… money. 

In this book the murder does not take place until the last 1/3 or ¼ of the way till the end of the book. Who and why the murder takes place may surprise you, do not go into it thinking you know who, what, when, where, why, and how. There are plenty, plen-ty of recipes in this one, almost too many, in my opinion. Lots of things that sounded yummy. I know Fluke created a cookbook previously with many of the recipes in the books, but I would love to have a new cookbook with all the recipes she has included since then. It would be helpful to have them all in one place. Maybe she could do it every so many books. That would be awesome! I would buy it every single time! I could not resist. 

This book also has a great surprise for the loyal readers. In her dedication, Joanne Fluke states that this is for all the readers, and that they have been asking for what she finally gives them. For me, it was not what I was expecting at all, but was still awesome. I cannot wait to see where we all go from here. Now, the difficult part. Waiting for the next book to come out! I have had the luxury of reading them all in a row, but now I am having to twiddle my thumbs like everyone else and wait. So, I shall. Wait. 

This book was a lot of fun, with the exception of pages of recipes to wade through. I liked at one point when Hannah says, “Like Hell I will!” Whoa! That is pretty big talk for her to say out loud in this cozy mystery that can barely handle kissing. I have noticed in the past couple of books, since Ross, that it has had a little more of that sort of thing, a little spicier language and topics on romance. Compared to most books you would say it was nothing, but for this series, it is a lot. This is the cleanest, regular cozy mystery that I have ever read.

I loved this book so much. It gave a nice satisfying ending to the previous on-going drama, and it opens it up to a new exciting possibility. If you like this series, make sure you read this latest installment. You will be so happy with what all happens in Chocolate Cream Pie Murder. Go out and get this book as soon as possible, and try a recipe or two. You will be happy you did!

Books, Books, Books… We Love Them!

I have been reading books nonstop lately. As soon as one ends, I have another waiting in the wings, and I already have several going at one time. I have read some really great books, and I have read some that I wish I could forget. Or, they will be forgotten all on their own soon enough. I literally just finished Cut Me Loose by Leah Vincent, and I am so glad it is over. That book was boring. Do not get me wrong, she had some terrible struggles, but it was overall just an okay book, and I felt like it just skimmed the surface. In the end, I was so tired of hearing her version of how she knew she had made it, and it seemed so snobbish. I wish I could just get that time back.

Right now I am trying to tackle the giant book Under the Dome by Stephen King. For me this has been a slow go. There are so many characters and storylines to introduce. I am 20% in, and feel like I have accomplished very little. Listen, I respect Stephen King, and adore his books, but this one has not captured my attention. Yet, everyday I make sure I get in at least over an hour in for my reading time. I am determined to finish this in the month of November, seeing how this is my TBR Pal read on GR. Someone picked this book out of all my TBR books, and I took the challenge. For me, this was a book I had on the list and would get to eventually. I just did not think it would be right now. Under the Dome was my first book I bought as a Daily Deal with audible. So I have had it for quite some time. But, all is good. I will push through and will enjoy this as all of King’s works are golden.

I am also reading a Hannah Swensen book, The Blackberry Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke. I love this series so much. It just makes me happy when I read or listen. I do love the audiobooks, and I throughly enjoy the narrator. I think she does a great job. Someone else might not agree, but I do like her.

I started the book The Handyman by Bentley Little due to someone saying that this was a book that truly gave them the creeps. I am always looking for a good horror, and hope this is it. So far it is alright, but not one that I am always turning to for a listen. Maybe it will pick up soon. If you have read it, please leave a note and tell me your opinion. Worth the listen?

On GR I am also doing a Buddy Read, and my partner and I have decided to read I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. I have read, or listened, to this book before.  I am pretty sure I have even included it in my reviewed books here on the blog. I loved this book so much that after I read and listened to it, I turned around and bought it on audible. I also did the same with Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight. I Let You Go is an incredible mystery/thriller. If you have not read it, I highly recommend this. You will not be disappointed.

Those are just a few books that I have in my lineup this month. What all are y’all reading? I feel like November is a great time to read a long book. I have had the second Game of Thrones book on my TBR list forever, and keep saying I am going to read it, maybe this will finally be the year! I will keep you posted. I also plan on finally finishing the second Outlander book this year. I will. I will. I WILL! I speak it, so shall it be.

The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney

I think I have discussed this many times before, and I apologize if I have said it every post, but I have a long commute to work. Almost an hour, so I love to listen to audiobooks on the way to work, and while I am able to sit, I will read and listen along with the book or kindle edition. I feel like I am getting something done while driving and feel entertained. I recently listened to, and finished, The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney. I had previously read their most recent novel, Believe Me, and I did not really like that one. I was hopeful for this one, and I am glad I gave it a chance!

I recently bought this book on audible with a free credit, and immediately began to listen. I read it in less than two days, I loved it that much! I did have to go back and look at the description once so I could know what was going on. I find that if I have had a book for a while, and just start it, without a little refresher, I get completely confused. Let me give you a little description so you know what is going on as well.

The story is told from two different POV, Emma and Jane, and also two different timelines. Emma and Jane have both had traumas in their lives that have them searching for a new place to live. We know right aways that Emma is dead. You would gather that information from a book blurb, so no worries. We are learning what happened to her, and Jane’s journey in the same house where Emma died.

The home the two women choose to live in are built and owned by a wealthy, and peculiar, man whose homes require it’s inhabitants to follow a set of strict set of rules. Things such as no books or photographs, living a life of simplicity and neatness. The house is also a smart home, knowing your preferences by a bracelet you wear. It lets the temperature to be set on your own personal settings, the water level and temps in the shower, and more. Along with that, you have to answer quiz questions for the house to keep running. These can be random questions that answer where you might place priorities on a moral level, or even more blunt and to the point about your personal preferences. I found that at the beginning of the book I could answer them right away with no issue. Of course I would do this one, I would think. Later in the book, I found myself being more selfish and struggling more and more with the answers.

This book was one that I enjoyed due to the fact it had plenty of twists and turns. You would think you knew what was going on, and then it would turn you on you head. As we learn about Emma we see her life events that caused her to move into this unique home and what led up to her ultimate death. We also see Jane, and how she might meet the same fate as she tries to learn what happened to the previous tenant, Emma. Do not think you have it all figured out yet, though. Just when you think you have got it, you will find that you were wrong all along.

Go into this book not trying to figure everything out in advance like I enjoy doing. Simply go in, open minded, and enjoy the read, and listen if you are doing an audiobook. I absolutely loved this book, however, if you read reviews on audible, a lot of people were not crazy about this read. I am one of the rare people who loved it. Do yourself a favor and give it a go. I promise you will be happy you did. I give this Five Shiny Gold Stars!