Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2019

Book 1: SPIN THE DAWN by Elizabeth Lim - Project Runway meets Mulan??? Yes! The comparison immediately drew me in and I love that this is a fantasy focusing on Chinese culture. The cover is also beautiful. SPIN THE DAWN is also the first in a new series. (Coming July 30, 2019)

Book 2: LOST ROSES by Martha Hall Kelly - Kelly's 2018 release, LILAC GIRLS, was one of my favorite reads last year. LOST ROSES will feature relatives of some of the LILAC GIRLS' characters and is set in 1914. I love historical fiction and can't wait to get my hands on this one! (Coming April 9, 2019)

Book 3: AMERICAN PRINCESS by Stephanie Thornton - While most of us are at least familiar with President Teddy Roosevelt, her daughter is a bit of an enigma. I am so excited to read about Alice Roosevelt and Washington, DC at this point in time. (Coming March 12, 2019)

Book 4: SLAYER by Kiersten White - SLAYER comes out today, but it is definitely one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I recently finished White's Conqueror Saga and the Paranormalcy series so am in need of a new series by her! I am also a huge Buffy fan. Sounds like this is going to be awesome. (Comes out today)

Book 5: SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE by Jean Kwok - Kwok's GIRL IN TRANSLATION was a fantastic and emotional read, so I am eager to see how SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE is. It looks to be a story steeped in culture and family secrets. The early reviews I have seen on Goodreads are also fairly overwhelmingly positive which makes me even more excited to read this one. (Coming June 4, 2019)

Book 6: BLACK LEOPARD, RED WOLF by Marlon James - The fact that this was described as an "African Game of Thrones" immediately caught my eye. I am also hoping to read more books by writers of color this year. BLACK LEOPARD, RED WOLF looks to be the start of a powerful new epic, fantasy series and I can't wait to get my hands on it. (Coming February 5, 2019)

Book 7: THE NIGHT OLIVIA FELL by Christina McDonald - This is another thriller centered around family secrets. I love a good mystery and this is also McDonald's debut. The comparison to Big Little Lies also drew me in as that is one of my favorite thrillers. Can't wait to read this one! (Coming February 5, 2019)

Book 8: WE CAST A SHADOW by Maurice Carlos Ruffin - Wow, this sounds terrifying simply because of how relevant it is. Unfortunately racism is still alive and well today. Ruffin's debut novel imagines a world where it is possible to be turned white in order to protect yourself. While I am sure this will be a challenging read I am eager to see how Ruffin develops his characters in this near-future society. (Coming January 29, 2019)

Book 9: WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power - WILDER GIRLS is Rory Power's debut novel and easily one of my most anticipated YA releases of 2019. This sounds like a creepy and engaging thriller. Plus strong female characters are the best! Looking forward to getting my hands on this. (Coming July 9, 2019)

Book 10: DEAR GEORGE, DEAR MARY by Mary Calvi - Another historical fiction novel I can't wait to read. I have always been interested in George Washington, but know very little about his relationships before Martha. I always find it interesting to read about women in our country's history who are long forgotten. Many times they played a significant role that was simply lost in time. (Coming February 19, 2019)

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Are any of these on your 2019 TBR list? 

Top Ten Tuesday Is Hosted By: The Artsy Reader Girl 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books By My Favorite Authors I Still Haven't Read

Book 1: US AGAINST YOU by Fredrick Backman - I have loved every book I've read by Backman. They are at times heartbreaking and uplifting, but the most powerful part of his stories is the characters. Every single one leaps off the page. This is the sequel to BEARTOWN which was at times difficult to read because of the subject matter, but I know I need to see how things play out for all of the characters. 

Book 2: PAPER TOWNS by John Green- I know I am so behind on this one! I've only recently started reading more of Green's books, so I am looking forward to getting to PAPER TOWNS. 

Book 3: TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han- Jenny Han's Summer series was one of my favorites in high school and now with the popularity of the Netflix movie I know I need to read this one!

Book 4: A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW by Amor Towles- RULES OF CIVILITY was one of my favorite books of the year already and so I know I need to read this one soon. Towles has a unique and engaging writing style and I enjoy historical fiction that brings the time to life. 

Book 5: ISAAC's STORM by Erik Larson- I have read all of Erik Larson's books but this one! My first read was DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY and my most recent was DEAD WAKE. Highly recommend Larson. This book in particular is about a storm I'm not too familiar with, so I'm looking forward to checking it out. 

Book 6: TRULY DEVIOUS by Maureen Johnson - Maureen Johnson was one of my favorite authors throughout high school and it's been several years since I've read anything by her. TRULY DEVIOUS sounds like an exciting murder mystery and is the start to a new series. 13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES was actually one of the first YA books I remember reading, so I am excited to see what's new for Maureen Johnson.

Book 7: THE HYPNOTIST'S LOVE STORY by Liane Moriarty - Liane Moriarty's popularity escalated with the release of the Big Little Lies tv show on HBO. I admit that is when I jumped on the Moriarty train and I have since read all but one of her published books. I have this one on my shelf and look forward to reading it this fall.

Book 8: LILY OF THE NILE by Stephanie Dray - LILY OF THE NILE appeals to me for two reasons. The first being that two of the best books I read this year were by Stephanie Dray, stories about Patsy Jefferson and Eliza Hamilton. The other reason is that I am currently reading CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran and am loving it. I would love to read more about this family.


Book 9: EMMA by Jane Austen - Jane Austen is legendary and I have a huge book that contains all of her published works. I recently read SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and loved it. I also have read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE several times. EMMA is next on my list.

Book 10: VOYAGER by Diana Gabaldon - I devoured the first two books in the Outlander series and am eager to see how Jamie and Claire's story continues. This book is also waiting on my shelf and I hope to read it soon. These books are long, but extremely engaging.

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Have you read any of these?

Top Ten Tuesday Is Hosted By: The Artsy Reader Girl 

Top Ten Tuesday: Hidden Gems

Book 1: BLOODY JACK Series by LA Meyer - This series is one of my all time favorites. I love the adventures that Jacky gets into and I wish more people would discover these exciting and well-written books. Jacky is an awesome protagonist. 

Book 2: CALL ME BY YOUR NAME by Andre Aciman - Now I know this movie is incredibly popular, but the book was even better. This is such a beautiful story and many of the passages have stuck with me long after I turned the last page. Elio and Oliver's story deserves even more attention in the literary world. 

Book 3: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent - I picked this book up randomly at a bookstore in La Jolla earlier this summer. It's been out for a few years, but it was such a beautifully written and tragic story that I think more people need to take a chance on it. Plus, Iceland is a very rare setting for a book. 

Book 4: Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrick Backman - My third book by Backman after A MAN CALLED OVE and BEARTOWN. Those two I hear so much about, but I think Britt-Marie's story also deserves more love. It was a sweet and inspiring story about a women who starts to break free from her shell. It wasn't as impactful as OVE and BEARTOWN, but I still enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to any fans of Backman. 

Book 5: GILT by Katherine Longshore - I have had this one on my shelves for years and am so glad I finally got around to it this summer. Books about Henry VIII and his wives have always been so interesting to me and Catherine Howard was one of the wives I knew the least about. Longshore has several other books out from the same time period so I am eager to pick those up. 

Book 6: MY DEAR HAMILTON by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie - MY DEAR HAMILTON was an incredible read. The broadway show, Hamilton, is sweeping the nation and for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating man and, in particular, his brave and supportive wife, please check this out. Eliza Hamilton is someone I knew next to nothing about and this was an incredibly well researched story that was also entertaining to read. 

Book 7: SEAFIRE by Natalie C. Parker- SEAFIRE was only released last month, but I highly recommend picking it up as soon as you can. It was an engaging and exciting tale of the high seas with a strong cast of female characters. This is the first book in a new series, as well. 

Book 8: WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES by Georgia Hunter- A heartbreaking true story that follows one family as they are torn apart by World War II and the Holocaust. I have read a ton on this time in history, but still Hunter's story opened my eyes to even more experience's that I was not too familiar with. This is out in paperback now and I highly recommend it. 

Book 9: THE GATEKEEPERS by Chris Whipple - There was been an influx of "political" books out lately and I don't want this one to get lost in the shuffle. Whipple's book explores the intricacies of the Chief of Staff position and gives a lot of interesting information about the many people who have held the position through the years. I learned a lot from this book and highly recommend it. 

Book 10: THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE by Kristin Harmel - Easily one of the best books I read this year! Beautifully written historical fiction set in Paris during World War II with a great cast of characters. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and Kristin Harmel has been added to my list of authors to watch. Can't wait to read more by her. 

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What are some of your favorite hidden gems? 

Top Ten Tuesday Is Hosted By: The Artsy Reader Girl 

Top Ten Tuesday: My Summer TBR List

Book 1: MY DEAR HAMILTON by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie - I recently read AMERICA's FIRST DAUGHTER and loved getting immersed into the world of Patsy and Thomas Jefferson. In August I am going to see Hamilton in Washington, DC so I figure I should get as much background on the famous man and his family as I can! 

Book 2: WHAT ALICE FORGOT by Liane Moriarty - I've really enjoyed the books by Liane Moriarty that I've read so far. At a used bookstore recently I was able to pick this one up and it seems like the perfect book to read by the pool. 

Book 3: THE GREAT ALONE by Kristin Hannah - THE NIGHTINGALE was one of my recent favorites, so I am excited to purchase this one for my summer TBR pile. I haven't read too many books about Alaska (if any?) so this should be interesting.

Book 4: TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN by John Green - I am definitely slow to get to this one, but I recently ordered it from Barnes and Noble and am eager to dive into it this week or next. I am not an avid John Green reader, I have only read LOOKING FOR ALASKA and THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, but that isn't by choice, I just have so much in my TBR pile I haven't gotten through all of his. Hopefully TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN lives up to the positive reviews I've been seeing.

Book 5: THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY by Ruth Ware - Ruth Ware's previous releases have all sounded right up my alley, I love dark and mysterious thrillers. I've only read one, THE WOMAN IN CABIN TEN, and while the book had a lot of promise I was ultimately let down by it. Still, I'm always up for giving an author a second chance and this sounds like the perfect creepy summer read.

Book 6: IT by Stephen King - Ever since watching the new IT movie several months back, I have been eager to tackle this huge book. Not only because the movie only covered part of the story, but because I really need to read more Stephen King! I've only read CARRIE so far, so this summer seems like the perfect time to start working my way through this huge classic.


Book 7: SAVE THE DATE by Morgan Matson - I adored AMY AND ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR and this one seems like another one I would enjoy. Family shenanigans and weddings, perfect for the summer! I haven't picked this one up yet, but plan on it next time I visit the bookstore.

Book 8: FORCE OF NATURE by Jane Harper - I was a big fan of THE DRY, the first book in the Aaron Falk series, so I definitely need to read this one. THE DRY was a unique and exciting thriller and while this one looks completely different plot wise, I am eager to see what's next for Aaron.

Book 9: THE SUMMER WIVES by Beatriz Williams - Beatriz Williams writes very enjoyable historical fiction and they are usually dramatic, romantic, and fast paced. Plus, the title definitely screams summer. I've read two of Beatriz's previous books and have several others on my TBR pile.

Book 10: THE HIGH SEASON by Judy Blundell - The Goodreads summary calls this one "the ultimate summer read". I remember liking her young adult novel WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED, so I am eager to try one of her adult books. I also have not purchased this one yet, but it seems perfect to read while it's boiling hot outside and I don't necessarily want something super heavy.

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What books are you looking forward to reading this summer?

Top Ten Tuesday Is Hosted By: The Artsy Reader Girl 

Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List

Book 1: Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson - I have read two other books by Kim and really enjoyed them both, so I am beyond excited to start reading my copy of Catch a Falling Star. The setting is in California and it's about a girl and her involvement with a Hollywood star. Sounds like the perfect summer read!

Book 2: Endlessly by Kiersten White - This summer I am attempting to complete some of the unfinished series I have on my shelves and this is one I'm most excited about. I adore this series and have no idea why I haven't read this one yet!

Book 3: The Sound by Sarah Alderson - A mystery taking place at Nantucket in the summer? Sign me up! This one sounds mysterious and exciting and I can't wait to dive in. 

Book 4: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger - This is a series I have been dying to start for a long time! Now that I have a copy of the sequel I'm not going to let myself find any excuses for reading this one now. Not only is the cover gorgeous and the reviews fantastic, but the plot sounds awesome!

Book 5: Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern - This sounds completely unlike anything I've ever read, but I think it will be a powerful read. I've also heard great things about this one from friends of mine who have already read it. 

Book 6: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - I have been meaning to read these one for awhile now and I think this summer is the perfect time! I adore a good edgy, romance and this one definitely looks like it will fit the bill. 

Book 7: Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally - This one doesn't come out until next month, but I know I'll be running to pick it up as soon as it releases- I love Miranda's books!

Book 8: On the Fence by Kasie West - I adore light-hearted romantic comedies for the summer and especially ones that involve the boy-next-door! This also doesn't release until July, but hopefully I'll be able to pick it up to read by the pool. 

Book 9: Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii by Vicky Alvear Shecter - This list would't be complete without one historical read! I've always found Pompeii fascinating and I've been wanting to read one of Vicky's books for awhile now. Plus, the cover is gorgeous!

Book 10: The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith - The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight was such a fun and romantic read and ever since then I have been wanting to read more by Jennifer. This one sounds just as light-hearted and perfect for the summer! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

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What books are you looking forward to reading this summer?

Top Ten Tuesday Is Hosted By: The Broke and the Bookish