J U N E ♥ book club chat + update

 

Welcome, dear readers, to June's book club chat...

First off, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cozy mysteries are a favorite of mine, and each time I read one, they become even more so. This one was one that I really, really loved. And, I thought it was the second of two books, but I recently learned that it's actually the second of THREE, so now I have two more to read in this series. (I don't mind reading certain series out of order, and cozy mysteries are often easily read in any order. So I can look forward to two more stories in this trilogy!)

As with any book I read, the setting and characters are the two biggest factors for me when it comes to the story. If I don't like the characters and the setting isn't coming alive for me, chances are I'm not going to enjoy the book...and even more so, that I'll DNF the book entirely. I've done this a number of times. However, this book, for me at least, delivered those two on a silver platter.

Fiona, our main girl, and her sister, Isla, are two characters that I loved meeting. They did have their differences in personality and approach to life, but more than that, they loved one another and always had each other's back. Although, I did find Isla especially a bit immature, and some of the bickering and whatnot were a bit annoying. It was especially fun reading how they worked together in the flower shop that Fiona owned, as well as their antics with Fiona's cat, Ivanhoe. I also enjoyed the characters of Chief Inspector Neil Craig as well as the pub owner, Raj, and Presha, who owned a cafe, and Hamish, the garden keeper.

Scotland, particularly the little village of Aberdeenshire, was truly brought to life within this story. I felt as though I was right there feeling the whipping winds of the stormy nights, and completely delighting in the cooler summer temperatures...for us Tennessee folks, at least. From the descriptions of the ancient ruins and the village church to the rainy weather and overall vibe depicted in the story, I was transported to Scotland. This was my first cozy mystery by Amanda Flower, but I felt like she truly created a world within this book. (I love that!)

As for the mystery, I had my suspicions throughout the book, all of which turned out to be completely wrong. Ha! I did eventually suspect the actual killer as they were a bit strange to me...but the final reveal was a bit of a surprise. I felt this was a rather "gentle mystery", if I may call it that. Even for a cozy mystery, it was a lot lighter on the suspense and crime solving aspect than other cozies I've read. But I actually liked that about this one...it was just what I needed.

Finally, if you know me, you know I love a magical, enchanting element to stories. And I've read several cozy mysteries that feature that...and they always end up being some of my most favorites. This one had that to a degree, but it did make me want to know more about the garden, Uncle Ian and his reappearing as a fox, and the stone in the garden, too. I'm hoping that the other two books in this trilogy explore that deeper. 

I very much enjoyed this book, and it was just what I was looking for in a story...and a mystery. I'd love to know what you thought of this one if you read along with me. So, as always, please share a comment.

And, one side note...multiple times throughout this book, Presha would bring Fiona a chai from her cafe. It sounded so delicious! And then last week, I was watching some YouTube and in one video, chai was mentioned several times...so needless to say, chai was on my mind. I've never had any sort of chai before, but it sounded like something I would enjoy. 

Thanks to the internet, I found a rather simple recipe for a chai latte, and lo and behold, I discovered a new love...chai lattes. I am in love! The warmth and coziness of this dink just sings to me. It's like me in a mug...{{smiles}} My mom and sister loved it too, and we all agree that come autumn and winter, this is going to be a staple drink in our home. Oh my goodness! How did I not ever try one of these before now?!?!

If you've like to give this recipe a try, you can find it here. I highly recommend it!

I also found a recipe for a basic chai (not a latte) and I'm hoping to give it a try soon...but right now, I'm obsessed with the latte version. ♥

I've decided to pause the book club for the time being...maybe permanently. I've been through a reading slump nearly all spring long and am just now finding my happy place in reading again. I'm also trying to simplify my commitments and remove any unnecessary pressure I feel, as well as simply read what I want to read when I want to read it...without being concerned about picking a book that I know is a good choice each month for my blog. Along with that, I've been really enjoying creating bookish YouTube videos recently, and I would rather do that than the book club...just trying to simplify here and not do "all the things". I hope you understand. I'll still be sharing lots of reading and bookish posts here, just no longer pertaining to the book club.

{{ Thank you to anyone who has participated in my book club during the past year, and especially for the kindred spirits who have shared their thoughts on the stories we've read together. I'm really grateful for your comments, messages, and bookish thoughts. }}

So, until my next post...

may your day be a beauty!

♥

M A Y ♥ book club chat & J U N E ♥ book choice

Well, dear reader friends, the time has come to discuss one of my all-time most very favorite books...

Because of Winn-Dixie.

This book brought me ever so much joy and friendship as an 11-year-old girl sitting all by myself in school, no friends in my class, feeling very much like I just didn't fit in. But one day, I opened this book and was welcomed into the friendship circle of Opal and Winn-Dixie. And this book has stuck with me ever since.

As an adult, some of the same things that I loved as a schoolgirl remain the same. The quaintness and heartwarming feel of the story. The cast of characters, who I'd love to know in real life. The sweet friendship and joy that a pet can bring. The magic of summertime. The way Opal felt out of place until she found "her people". 

All that still remains in my heart and is very much why I love this story.

But, there's more now that I'm a "grown-up". I absolutely love the generational friendships in this story. I love how children are seen as people who very much have something to bring to a friendship...and to the world. I love how the adults truly bring those children into their spaces and never once were they made to feel like a nuisance. I love that friendships can bloom at any old time and in any old place...and sometimes because of a dog. Because of Winn-Dixie.

I love how hopeful this story feels. I love how it reignites so many summertime memories of my own childhood. I appreciate the idea that friendship can happen between any people who have a common interest of getting to know one another and being there for the other. I love how this book always makes me crave egg salad sandwiches...with pickles on the side. I love how magical and utterly delightful this story feels. 

Truly, one of my all-time favorites, of any genre. Every time I read this, I am reminded why. 

And have you seen the movie? It's one of my summertime must watches...in fact, I may have to pull it out soon for an evening of comfort and coziness.

There isn't anything I don't love about this book...

it's such a special story, and I'm thankful and glad it fell into my 11-year-old hands. ♥

As for June's book choice, I've gone for a fun, summery cozy mystery set in Scotland. This is the second in a duology, but I haven't gotten to read the first yet, and it's no big deal. This is a standalone story and I'm having no problems reading it without having read the first.

Let me tell you a bit about it...

Fiona Knox thought she was pulling her life back together when she inherited her godfather’s cottage in Duncreigan, Scotland—complete with a magical walled garden. But the erstwhile Tennessee flower shop owner promptly found herself puddle boot-deep in danger when she found a dead body among the glimmering blossoms. One police investigation later (made a trifle less unpleasant by the presence of handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig), and Fiona’s life is getting back on a steady, though bewitched, track. Her sister Isla has just moved in with her, and the grand opening of her new spellbound venture, the Climbing Rose Flower Shop in Aberdeenshire, is imminent.

But dark, ensorcelled clouds are gathering to douse Fiona’s newly sunny outlook. First, imperious parish minister Quaid MacCullen makes it undeniably clear that he would be happy to send Fiona back to Tennessee. Then, a horrific lightning storm, rife with terribly omen, threatens to tear apart the elderly cottage and sends Fi and Isla cowering under their beds. The storm passes, but then, Fi is called away from the Climbing Rose’s opening soiree when Kipling, the tiny village’s weak-kneed volunteer police chief, finds a dead body on the beach.

The body proves difficult to identify, but Kipling is certain it’s that of the parish minister. Which makes Fiona, MacCullen’s new nemesis, a suspect. And what’s worse, Isla has seemed bewitched as of late…did she do something unspeakable to protect her sister? The last thing Fiona wanted to do was play detective again. But now, the rosy future she’d envisioned is going to seed, and if she and Craig can’t clear her name, her idyllic life will wilt away in Death and Daisies, national bestselling author Amanda Flower’s second enchanting Magic Garden mystery.

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I'm currently in the middle of this book and let me tell you...I am L O V I N G it! It's such a fun mystery, and the characters and setting are so phenomenal. Plus, it's got a bit of magic, which always is a huge bonus for me. {{smiles}}

I'd love to have you read along with me in June. You can find used copies of this book on AbeBooks right here. And, of course, your local library may have a copy as well. If you're in the mood for a lighter mystery, this is the book for you!

The chat for June's book club will be on Thursday, June 26th. I'll announce July's book then as well.

Until tomorrow, happy reading!

Oh, and I almost forgot, I have updated my YouTube channel as a bookish channel. And I've got a short little trailer up with plans for a summer book recommendation video coming soon...this is something I've wanted to do for a long time, and I'm so excited to begin sharing bookish videos! If you have any suggestions or specific topics related to books and the reading life, please let me know. I'm all ears!

You can find my channel HERE or by simply clicking the "my reading nook" button at the top of this page.

M A R C H ♥ book club chat & A P R I L ♥ book choice

Welcome to our March book club gathering, reader friends!

Oh, I so enjoyed this book and I'm delighted to be here today and share some of the reasons why...

This was one of those books that greatly appealed to me for several reasons. From the bookshop setting to the World War II time period to the many recommendations I'd seen online from some trusted sources, I felt fairly certain that this was a story that I'd like. (I was right!) Everything about this book was right up my alley, and I'm happy to say that it won't be my last Madeline Martin book I pick up to read. 

I adored our main character, Grace. She was a kind-hearted, genuine, sincere person whose story you were immediately drawn into. I loved how much she cared for Mrs. Weatherford, her mother's friend who had warmly invited her and her friend, Viv, to come live with her and work in London. Whilst in London, Grace gets a job at a small bookshop, with much thanks to Mrs. Weatherford. There she meets Mr. Evans, as he is the owner of Primrose Hill Books. While their relationship started out a bit rocky, as Mr. Evans was not the slightest bit keen on having an assistant working for him, I loved the way their relationship turned into a very sweet one...he became a sort of father figure that Grace had never had and the way they both protected and looked out for one another was a favorite part of the story for me.

The story was obviously set at the start of World War II, and there was much change going on during that time...rations beginning to take place, nightly blackouts, young men being sent off to train and fight, air raid sirens going off every night as people sleepily, but anxiously, made their way to the shelters, and even for Grace, taking a volunteer position many evenings with her ARP duties. I felt in many ways like I was a fly on the wall as Madeline Martin wrote so descriptively and in a way that made things real. You know, it wasn't all that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, when these events in history took place, and sometimes it can seem unreal that people actually lived through such realities. This story shared those realities, and even heartbreaking events that the characters had to go through, in a way that felt approachable. I'm certain Ms. Martin did a ton of research on this time period, and yet, she didn't make it feel weighed down with historical facts...she truly told a beautifully touching story and made that time period come to life on the pages of her book. I loved her storytelling style!

And while this book did deal with heavier situations and events that come with wartime, I felt this story was well balanced with coziness, a bit of humor here and there, heartwarming moments, and plenty of English charm. I very much loved this story and couldn't put it down. I found myself each day sharing bits from what I had read and what "my characters" were up to with my mom and sister, though not giving spoilers because my sister wants to read this one very soon, too. That, for me, is a true sign that the story is one that I'm loving.

 

If you read along with me, I'd love to hear what you loved about The Last Bookshop in London. Please feel free to share a comment with your thoughts. ♥

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And now for April's book choice...

Last August, I chose The Tale of Despereaux for my book club monthly selection. This was before I made the decision to choose books that I had previously read and loved or read the month prior to the book club. That August book choice made me realize that I needed to make that change to my book club in order to ensure I chose well. You can go back to August's book club discussion post for all my thoughts, but in short, I was incredibly disturbed and disappointed by the story. I've been thinking, though, that I really want to share a true favorite middle-grade story with you all in my book club. So for April, I've chosen one my most beloved books and stories...

Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

(Yes, she also wrote Despereaux, but I can confidently assure you that this story is nothing like that disturbing, horrendous tale...this is one that will warm your heart to no end.)

This book found me when I was eleven years old, sitting in an old school room, dressed in a very uncomfortable plaid uniform skirt and button-down Oxford shirt with a sweater vest over it. I was very lonely that school year and experiencing bullies left and right, from adults and fellow students alike, and this story was my comfort and companion during those lonely school days. Shortly after, that summer, I watched the movie, and the story was brought to life. It, too, immediately became a favorite that I still adore to this day, nearly two decades later. And I am so delighted to read this story along with you in April.

About the book:

The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket—and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she dubs Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, the preacher tells Opal ten things about her absent mother, one for each year Opal has been alive. Winn-Dixie is better at making friends than anyone Opal has ever known, and together they meet the local librarian, Miss Franny Block, who once fought off a bear with a copy of WAR AND PEACE. They meet Gloria Dump, who is nearly blind but sees with her heart, and Otis, an ex-con who sets the animals in his pet shop loose after hours, then lulls them with his guitar.

Opal spends all that sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of Winn-Dixie or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship—and forgiveness—can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.

I believe this book should be quite easy to locate at your local libraries, but, as always, if you want to purchase a copy to add to your personal collection, AbeBooks is my go-to. You can check out some really great deals here.

The discussion for April's book club will be on Thursday, April 24th. And I'll also be sharing May's book choice that day as well.

I do so hope that you'll join me in reading this most charming, heartwarming story...

happy reading!

F E B R U A R Y ♥ book club chat & M A R C H ♥ book choice

Hello, reader friends!

As it is nearing the end of February, today is the day we gather together for our monthly book club chat. Before we begin, I wanted to say that if you are interested in receiving a bit of snail mail from me, please read the following:

1. You MUST have read February's book choice.

2. You MUST answer the three following questions by sending me a message using the forms on the sidebar.

3.  And in that message, along with your answers, you MUST send me your name and full mailing address. You have until March 5 to do so.

If all THREE of those things are done, then I will happily send a bit of snail mail your way.

QUESTIONS:

1. What do Betsy and Tacy call the house down the road where they "go calling" one afternoon?

2. When they do "go calling", what do they leave behind at the house?

3. What exciting thing comes from them leaving that thing behind?

 

To start off quite simply, I adored this book!

 While I was familiar with this series growing up, I think I picked up a book or two here and there and just poked around in them a bit. But I never actually read one until now. And I just enjoyed it so much.

Obviously, this story was written for very young readers. This series was written in a way that the writing style and stories grow up and mature with the reader. Personally, I think that's such a fun and clever way to write a series for young readers.

What I loved most about this story was the sweet friendship between Betsy and Tacy, the way family was portrayed so beautifully, and all the many adventures the girls got up to. It was a true celebration, in my opinion, of the way childhood is supposed to be. Lots of imagination and pretending, lots of playing outside and creating worlds of your own, and none of the growing-up-too-fast stuff that is too common today. It reminded me so very much of my own childhood. Even though I obviously was of a different generation than Betsy and Tacy, so much of them reminded me of my sister and our friends and me and all the things we got up to.

Whilst I read this story, I did a bit of research on the author. Too many times, sadly, when I look up an author who has passed on and left classic stories behind, I come to find that their lives were quite messed up and lots of negative, often disturbing, things to read about them come up. I was glad to see this wasn't the case for Maud Hart Lovelace. She sounds like a rather lovely woman who lived quite a normal, meaningful life. She was married and had one daughter, and it was through telling her daughter stories of her growing up years that she came to write the Betsy-Tacy series. The stories, characters, and even the homes in the books are greatly inspired by her own girlhood years. And I was even more pleased to find out that should one ever find themselves in Mankato, MN, you can actually go and visit the homes of Maud and her friend, which are, of course, Betsy and Tacy's homes. Mankato was the inspiration for her town of Deep Valley. All of these little details just made the story that much more enjoyable and sweeter to me...I love when authors write stories that are inspired by their personal lives...and they aren't depressing or recalling some tragic event that they experienced.

There wasn't anything I didn't love about this book. Oh, and I must mention the illustrations...they can really make or break a story for me. When I read, I am imagining and playing out everything as I read it. Illustrations make this come to life even more, and sometimes, the illustrations aren't quite how I think a story should be pictured. But these, they were absolutely delightful. I imagine they would really capture a little girl's attention, too.

I am very much looking forward to continuing on with this series. And I would love to hear what you enjoyed about this story!

And now for March's book choice announcement . . .

For March, The Steeped in Story Book Club pick is . . .

The Last Bookshop in London

by Madeline Martin

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A quick blurb about the book from GoodReads:

Inspired by the true World War II history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz, The Last Bookshop in London is a timeless story of wartime loss, love and the enduring power of literature.

August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and blackout curtains that she finds on her arrival were not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she’d wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.

Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.

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This is a book that I am very excited to share with you all. I've been a lover of all things around the time of World War II for the last decade or so. My Grandpa was in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and I grew up hearing lots of stories about his experience during that time. Of course, as a young child, I didn't really have too much of an interest in it to fully get immersed in all the historical memories and such, but now that I'm an adult, I wish I could hear more and learn more and know more about his stories from that time. Thankfully, I do remember a lot that he shared, but I've felt drawn to that time period for awhile now.

 I've got a growing collection of stories and books that take place before, during and right after WWII, and this is one of them. I want to say that this book does have cozy elements, but it is a book written about a real time in history, during a World War, so there are elements that are a bit heavier. I am super sensitive and cautious about these kinds of things in books, and nothing in this story bothered me. But I don't want anyone going into this book expecting all sunshine and rainbows, because it does deal with wartime situations and events. 

You can perhaps find this book at your local libraries, but as always, if you want a copy for your own personal collection, AbeBooks is my personal go-to. You can check out their selection here. And there's always Amazon as well.

We will be gathering for a discussion of The Last Bookshop in London on Thursday, March 27th. I will be announcing April's book choice on that day, too.

Please let me know if you have any questions. And do let me know if you will be joining in for this month's book club.

One thing I want to share before I wrap this post up is that I have made the decision (after a few little bumps in the road of my book club last year) to make the monthly book club choices for a book that I personally read the previous month. So while the book club will be reading a book one month and we'll be discussing it that same month, I have already read that book the month prior. This allows me to vet any book I am considering and also makes it possible for me to be able to answer any questions you may have about the contents, etc. about that specific book. I hope that makes sense and that you understand. I just found this to be incredibly necessary after a couple of books last summer weren't quite what I thought they would be, and had I known what I found out, I most certainly would not have chosen them for my book club. As always, if you have any questions, please send a message or leave a comment.

Happy reading, fellow book lovers!

announcing the steeped in story book club ♥ a book club update + february's book choice

Good morning, readers!

Today is an exciting sort of day...and that's because I get to share about a little change I made to my book club. As you may have noticed, I gave my blog a little refresh for the new year, including a bit of a slightly new look and a fresh vision for what I hope, desire, and aim to share here this year. At the beginning of each new year, I like to ponder my vision for this blog and see what my heart and soul tells me. But I'll be sharing more on that in another post.

Today, it's all about my book club.

Last summer I began a monthly book club here on my blog. In this book club, I share a book choice for each month and then at the end of the month, I share a discussion post and anyone who read the book along with me is invited and encouraged to share their thoughts, too. I really enjoyed beginning a book club and learning this and that about doing such a thing. 

And as a new year begins, I felt a nudge in my heart and soul to give it a new name...so, I am ever so delighted to share that the book club is now called...

The Steeped in Story Book Club.

Everything else about this book club remains the same. I will be sharing the monthly book choice at the end of each month, with plenty of time to anyone who wishes to read along to get a copy of the book. Then we'll read the book during that specific month and gather to share our thoughts on it at the end of the month. There really isn't anything too fancy or complicated about it.

The books that I hope for us to read together will be clean (see note below), lifegiving and wholesome, cozy and comforting, and light rather than heavy stories. Some will be seasonal, other will be whatever pops off my shelf that month. I hope to possibly share some books that maybe aren't on your radar so that you may find some new favorites. But we'll also visit stories that perhaps are already beloved favorites that you will enjoy returning to. Either way, my ultimate goal is to simply remember and rekindle the wonder, beauty, and gift of being steeped in story. And my belief in being steeped in story is to be reminded of the goodness of the world and of being alive to the beauty of the world. Those are the kinds of stories I wish and hope to share in this book club.

Note regarding "clean" reads: My personal definition of a "clean" book is one that does not have open door s*x scenes or overly graphic descriptions of intimate moments. It isn't what one would call spicy or steamy, and most definitely, not what would be labeled "smut". The best way I can explain my standards is to use the show Gilmore Girls as a guide. For me to read a book, it can't contain anymore content than an episode of Gilmore Girls would. If I wouldn't watch it on a show or in a movie, I don't want to read it in a book. Hopefully, this helps explain my standards in choosing books for this book club. As always, though, if you have any questions about a specific book I chose (or have mentioned in a post), you are always welcome to send me a message through the form on the sidebar.

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And so now, for February's book choice...oh, I am absolutely beside myself with excitement about this one...drumroll, please...

Betsy-Tacy

by Maud Hart Lovelace

This is the first in a series of books written by Maud Hart Lovelace. It is a series that has been compared to the Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery...another Maud. These books are written in a way that is meant to grow along with the readers, in that the books and writing style gets more advanced as they go on in the series. This was done with the hope that readers might grow up along with the characters as they read the stories. But, of course, adults love these stories, too. And it is my hope that whether this is your first introduction to the world of Deep Valley and Betsy, Tacy, and all their adventures, or if you've long been a kindred spirit to these girls and their stories, you will join me for this beautifully sweet story.

I'm sure this book is quite easy to find at your local libraries, but if you'd like to add a copy to your own personal collection, Abe Books has some great deals, as always. It's my go-to for used book shopping online! You can find their selection here.

We will be gathering to share our thoughts on this story on Sunday, February 23rd. I will also be announcing the book choice for March that day, too.

As always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment or send me a message using the form on the sidebar. Do let me know if you'll be joining in! I will be sending a little bookish note via snail mail to those participating (by reading the book and sharing their thoughts in the discussion post) who wish to send me their address, simply as a thank you for joining me and reading along.

Thank you for being here today...

I hope you'll be joining me in Deep Valley with Betsy and Tacy next month!

S E P T E M B E R ♥ book club gathering & O C T O B E R ♥ book announcement

Oh, dear cozy wallflowers! How delighted I am to be chatting about this book with you all today!

Where to start?

Let me begin by saying that I absolutely loved this book. It was totally different than what I was expecting and yet everything I wanted and needed in a book at the time. I found this story to be enchanting and charming and sweet and captivating. 

Meeting Lucy was, for me, like meeting a kindred spirit character. That doesn't happen too often for me when I read a book, but it did with Lucy. I just really loved her gentle spirit and kindness towards everyone, but especially towards Bunty, the spunky 90-something woman living next door to her cottage, as well as her compassion and understanding and listening ear towards Freya, the good-hearted, but a bit confused, teenage girl in the village. Lucy found herself a little close-knit circle of friends that all supported each other and were a sort of family to one another, and that warmed my heart to no end.

 

Bunty was a firecracker of a character. She cracked me up on more than one occasion. And oh my goodness, her pet snake, Stanley! It's a wonder I didn't have nightmares after reading about him lying all coiled up on her windowsill. Eek! Her stories of World War II were part of what grabbed my attention as I do love stories from the homefront during the war. Her storytelling brought things to life for Lucy, and for me, too. I loved her spunk and pizazz and sharp mind of her own. She is one of the reasons why I, along with so many others, love books with "old lady characters". She was a hoot! 

And finally, I loved the relationship between Lucy and Bunty. It started out a tad bit rocky, but much sooner than I expected, it turned to a nice warm friendship of them caring for each other, Lucy learning from Bunty, Bunty getting a daily dose of sunshine with Lucy's visits, especially when her dog, Hamish came along. I especially really appreciated this relationship because it showed that friendship knows no age boundaries. The old and young can very well be friends with each other, and oftentimes, those relationships are some of the sweetest and richest, because each one brings something really special to the other. And that was my most favorite aspect of this novel. 

This book did have a bit of romance and such, and I did like Sam, the male love interest to our Lucy. I appreciated how their friendship grew slowly and sweetly and then a romantic relationship took time to evolve from that. The story took place over six months or so, and the relationship took that long to get really established. I don't care for fast, speedy relationships...in real life or in fiction, so it was nice to see a slow, gentle relationship for once.

 

There wasn't a darn thing that I did not enjoy about this book. The characters, as you know, were some of my most favorites that I've met through a story. And the story itself, of Lucy seeking refreshment and rest in a small village by renting a delightful little cottage next to spirited, feisty Bunty with the agreement to look after her and help her as needed, which turned out to be less of her helping Bunty and more of the two of them just becoming friends. The story of Bunty's past with the war and what exactly went on with her back then and all her diary entries (so fun to read!), to the possible removal of an old historical piece in town full of tradition, memories and a rich past...the telephone box, and of how the village came together to keep it and turn it into a village library. This was just my cup of tea...all of it.

Though this was my first ever book to read by Rachael Lucas, it will definitely not be my last. This has become a top favorite book of mine, and I am looking forward to reading more from her.

I also felt that this was the perfect end-of-summer, tip-toe-into-autumn read. It was a cozy read and one that just made me feel good. I admit I was so sad when it ended...but that's how I know it was a really good book. 

 So, fellow book clubbers...

did you enjoy this story as much as I did?

Who were your favorite characters?

What did you enjoy most about this story?

And would you want to live in Little Maudley?

Finally, what is ONE book you would add to their village telephone box library?

Do share with me in the comments!

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For the October book club pick, I have chosen a cozy mystery with loads of autumnal and cozy vibes. I think it's the perfect book for Halloween time and October. Oh, I can't wait to read this with you all!

About the book...

When a guest dies in the B&B she helps her aunts run, a young witch must rely on some good old-fashioned investigating to clear her aunt's name in this magical and charming new cozy mystery.

For four hundred years, the Warren witches have used their magic to quietly help the citizens of the sleepy New England town of Evenfall thrive. There's never been a problem they couldn't handle. But then Constance Graves--a local known for being argumentative and demanding--dies while staying at the bed and breakfast Brynn Warren maintains with her aunts. At first, it seems like an accident...but it soon becomes clear that there's something more sinister at work, and Aunt Nora is shaping up to be the prime suspect.

There's nothing Brynn wants more than to prove Nora's innocence, and it hurts her to know that even two years ago that might have been easier. Brynn, after all, is a witch of the dead--a witch who can commune with ghosts. Ghosts never remember much about their deaths, but Constance might remember something about her life that would help crack the case. But Brynn hasn't used her powers since her husband died, and isn't even sure she still can. Brynn will just have to hope that her aunts' magic and her own investigative skills will lead her to answers--and maybe back to the gift she once thought herself ready to give up forever.

This book may very well be accessible in your local libraries. And if you, like me, prefer to read a copy you own, I have found some great deals on Abe Books (as always), which you can find here. I have also found 2 copies for great prices on Pango Books; you can find those here. Of course, there's always Amazon as well; you can find that here.

We will be gathering to discuss this book on Thursday, October 24th. I will also be announcing November's books (yes, there will be TWO!) a few days before that, with plenty of time for you to grab a copy (of one or both reads) for yourself. 

 

 Do let me know if you'll be reading along! I've wanted to read a cozy mystery in the book club ever since it began, and October is the perfect time! I hope you'll be joining me!

Happy reading, cozy wallflowers!

A U G U S T ♥ book club gathering ♥ the tale of despereaux

Welcome, Cozy Wallflowers!

I am pleased to welcome you to the August book club gathering. Might I tempt you to a cup of hot tea? In a most beautiful mug, of course. And perhaps a lemon lavender cookie...or two? Now that we've had a bit of a nibble, may we begin?...

Oh, dear reader friends, I was so disappointed in this month's book! I picked up this book expecting to be delighted and charmed and enchanted and enthralled and dazzled and captivated by a sweet, heartwarming story. All the good things, you know? And, my dear reader, I got the exact opposite. This will, sadly, be quite the quick little chat on my end because I just don't have all that much to say about this book, without only stating the numerous things I disliked and then going on in full detail about each of them, which I shall not do.

May I quickly say the one thing I did *love* about this book? And that was the writing style and storytelling aspect of this book. I dearly adored the way Kate DiCamillo wrote this story. She really invited the reader into the story. It gave it that magical aspect of let me tell you a tale feeling. However, for me, it was there that the magical, wonderful aspect of this book began and ended.

I found this book to be incredibly dark. It was full of mostly cruel treatments towards characters, tons and tons of suffering, and much abuse. I found it to be anything but charming and delightful. It was so full of darkness, the light couldn't barely shine through, and when it did, it was gone before you could blink. While I went in expecting a beautiful story, I received quite the ugly tale. So much of it was just plain sad. I sat there reading each night wondering how in the world this was a book written for children. It was not the kind of book that made you feel good when you closed the cover. I know that if I had read this as a child, it would have greatly disturbed me. It did as an adult.

My sister and I read this book together as part of a little book club we have between ourselves. After we both finished, I asked her what she thought, and she said the same things I did. We both agreed that we did not like this story...at all. And we also agreed that it is, in no way, a story for children. I also saw some reviews online and read the same things from those readers. I wanted to know that I wasn't the only one to think so horribly about this supposed "beloved, award-winning children's book". My, oh my! A book for children! Far from it. 

The thing this book taught me, and a lesson which I have learned before, is that not all books are what they seem. A cute cover and much praise doesn't equal a good story. I'm so sorry for encouraging others to read this book. I can say, however, that September's book is absolutely delightful and definitely a feel-good story.

 

I ended up giving this book 2 out of 5 stars, and that is simply because of the writing style and storytelling aspect. I do not recommend this book at all, especially for young readers.

If you want a truly charming story that will warm your heart in all the ways, might I suggest Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie? That book is a true favorite of mine and one I can heartily recommend.

If you read this book, I would be curious to hear your thoughts? Chat below!

May your day be filled with gladness!

the cozy wallflowers book club . . . S E P T E M B E R ♥ book

Warm greetings, bookish friends!

I can hardly believe that August is coming to a close and September is nearly here. Soon, official cozy season will be upon us and pumpkins will be on front porches everywhere you look. I cannot wait! I always think of September as a sort of "in between" period...not quite summer but not quite autumn either. Even though autumn does officially begin later on in the month, it still very much feels like summer where I live, though the lushness of the trees is subsiding, and bits of gold are peeping through if you look hard enough. September brings all those autumnal dreams of coziness and wishes for crisp air whilst still being very much in the tail end of summertime. So, like I said, an "in between" period.

And whilst I cannot wait for seasonal reads in the autumn and winter and Christmas, I have chosen September's book as a little bit of a gentle step towards that vibe. I am so delighted to share that next month we will be reading and chatting about...

{{ drum roll, please }}

The Telephone Box Library

by Rachael Lucas

This is the perfect end-of-summer, beginning-of-autumn novel. It is equal parts cozy and sunshine summertime vibes...and it even has a bit of history from World War II, as well. So much fun awaiting us in this book! And I can't wait to read it along with you all! This seriously feels like the perfect "in between" seasons book for September.

(As far as a content rating, I would say this is PG-13 and is equivalent to the show, Gilmore Girls.)

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About the book:

The Telephone Box Library is an uplifting story about fresh starts and new beginnings, set in a picturesque Cotswold village, by bestselling author Rachael Lucas.

The perfect retreat for a stressed-out teacher. And Lucy has found just the right cottage for a bargain rent. All she has to do is keep an eye on Bunty, her extremely feisty ninety-something neighbour . . .

With her West Highland terrier Hamish at her side, Lucy plans to relax and read up on the women of nearby Bletchley Park. But the villagers of Little Maudley have other ideas, and she finds herself caught up in the campaign to turn a dilapidated telephone box into a volunteer-run library.

Along the way, she makes friends with treehouse designer Sam and finds herself falling for the charms of village life. And it seems Bunty has a special connection to Bletchley and the telephone box, one that she's kept secret for decades . . .

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As far as acquiring this book, seeing as how it is written and published in the UK, I'm not sure if it will be available in libraries here in the States. Most of the time, when I choose books for this book club, I do so knowing that they should be easily accessible in public libraries. However, sometimes that may not be the case, as with this one. You can find copies at good prices and in great condition on Abe Books, which is always a favorite online source for used books of mine. You can check them out here.

We will gather together on Thursday, September 26th to discuss this read and I will also be sharing October's book choice then as well. So, lots of fun ahead!

I so hope you'll be joining me in September for this cozy, feel-good read. Please let me know in the comments if you'll be reading along, and as always, if you have any questions, please ask them in a comment or by using the contact form on the sidebar. 

Happy reading, cozy wallflowers!

May your day be practically perfect in every way! 

See you all back here on Thursday for our chat about The Tale of Despereaux!

the cozy wallflowers book club . . . J U L Y ♥ B O O K

Dear Cozy Wallflowers,

It is with so much delight that I announce the July book choice for our book club. We will be reading The Beach House by Jenny Hale. I am especially excited for this book! Jenny Hale has quickly become a go-to author for me. I have read two books by her so far, this will be my third, and they are always so wonderful. She really takes you away to the seaside and you can nearly feel the sea breeze on your face and hear seagulls flying overhead. She writes sweet (and clean!) romance stories with heavy emphasis on family and legacy and her stories are always set in the loveliest of places. She also has a variety of Christmas novels, which I haven't gotten to yet. But I can tell you that I have a handful of them on my shelf just waiting to be read.

So from now until the first of July, get your hands on a copy of this book. You can look for it in your local library. But if you want to own your own copy, Amazon always has quick shipping, or if you prefer second-hand online book sellers (as I do!), Abe Books (my favorite place to get books online!) has some great options. You can find a whole slew of them here, many with free shipping. You can find a selection of them here.

Once you have your copy, you may begin reading it...we'll all be reading this story together from the comfort of our homes. And then I'll share a couple bookish posts related to the story throughout July, and finally, we'll all gather together to share our thoughts, reflections, etc. about the book on Thursday, July 25th. (I'll share about August's book club before that date. I'll be putting up a poll to choose next month's read! Probably on July 21st.)

 

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About the book:

“Oh, my goodness,” she whispered. At the bottom of the box was a stack of letters. Tied with a ribbon, the pages were faded with age. “These are all addressed from here,” she said, “but they’ve never been sent.”

When her gram passes away, Melanie Simpson feels utterly lost. She has no idea what to do with her life after she has devoted years to looking after her beloved grandmother.

But Gram’s will may hold the answer, instructing Melanie to use her inheritance to buy a crumbling house in their favorite beachside town. They used to visit the village every summer, sit by the sparkling gulf on a beach the color of a fresh pearl, and daydream about turning the place on the corner into a bed and breakfast.

Fulfilling her grandmother’s legacy, Melanie decides to restore the beach house to its original glory. She sets out on renovations of the wrap-around porch weathered by the coastal breeze, and the peeling white paint faded by the sun.

When Melanie runs into local contractor, Josh Claiborne, whose eyes match the dazzling sea, she jumps at the chance to ask him for help. But that’s the last thing he wants. He’s off to New York soon, leaving his troubled past behind. Over a game of darts Melanie gets her wish, even if Josh isn’t happy about it.

As they work together, Melanie tries to ignore their undeniable chemistry and how Josh’s rare smiles take her breath away––because soon they’ll be thousands of miles apart. But hiding in a closet is a yellowing stack of letters that could change everything. The looping handwriting reveals the mystery of the rickety house––a buried history that touches everyone in town. Will its secrets bring Melanie and Josh together or tear them apart?

An absolutely gorgeous and heartwarming read about never-ending love, new beginnings, and how family is always with you, no matter where you are.

(Taken from itsjennyhale.com)

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If you have any questions or anything at all, please just leave a comment and I'll reply as soon as possible. 

 Please leave a comment below letting me know if you'll be joining in for July's book club reading of The Beach House! I sure hope you can join in!

Oh, and before I end this post, everyone who comments on this month's bookish posts, this one included, and participates in the discussion post later in the month, will be submitted into a little bookish giveaway at the end of July. Just something to put a little bookish smile on someone's face! ♥ If you do not have a Google account and still want to share, please simply use the contact form on the sidebar of my blog. That'll work just fine!

Happy reading, cozy wallflowers!

♥