First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon. 


Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths.  The excerpt shared is from the hardcover edition I borrowed from the library.  

 

Part the First

Clare

 Chapter 1

 

'If you'll permit me," said the Stranger, 'I'd like to tell you a story.  After all, it's a long journey and, by the look of those skies, we're not going to be leaving this carriage for some time.  So, why not pass the hours with some story-telling?  The perfect thing for a late October evening.

 

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

 

Who is the Stranger?  I'm intrigued enough to settle into this book and have him/her tell me a story.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge.  The excerpts shared are from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.

Beginning:  Prologue
She made her skittering, sliding way down the riverbank.  Her trainers hit the flat ground at the lip of the water, and she wobbled but recovered.

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Page 56:  "It's opportunity," Jonah told her.  "How many people even knew that place existed?  I count six."

 

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My thoughts:  The opening lines give me an ominous feeling.

This is the first book in the new DCI Jonah Sheens series, and I like the idea of getting into a series so soon after the first book has been released.  

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From Goodreads:  On a scorching July night in 1983, a group of teenagers goes camping in the forest. Bright and brilliant, they are destined for great things, and the youngest of the group—Aurora Jackson—is delighted to be allowed to tag along. The evening starts like any other—they drink, they dance, they fight, they kiss. Some of them slip off into the woods in pairs, others are left jealous and heartbroken. But by morning, Aurora has disappeared. Her friends claim that she was safe the last time they saw her, right before she went to sleep. An exhaustive investigation is launched, but no trace of the teenager is ever found.

Thirty years later, Aurora’s body is unearthed in a hideaway that only the six friends knew about, and Jonah Sheens is put in charge of solving the long-cold case. Back in 1983, as a young cop in their small town, he had known the teenagers—including Aurora—personally, even before taking part in the search. Now he’s determined to finally get to the truth of what happened that night. Sheens’s investigation brings the members of the camping party back to the forest, where they will be confronted once again with the events that left one of them dead, and all of them profoundly changed forever.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.  

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon. 


Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, Dear George, Dear Mary by Mary Calvi.  The excerpt shared is from the hardcover edition I borrowed from the library.  

 

Part I

The Encounter

 

Chapter One

Guardian's Wall

 

Love is said to be an involuntary passion and it is

therefore contended that it cannot be resisted.

                                                   --George Washington

 

YONKERS-ON-HUDSON

FEBRUARY 14, 1756

 

Mary Eliza lay upon cold leaves whose color had washed away a season ago, wishing she could bring back the living.  Dead things surrounded her; every flower bud hung shriveled.  The dull winter had brought only a few flakes.  Spring, when fragrance emerged from its cocoon, was her favorite time of year.  That was not this time.  Today nature emitted not even a scent to smell.

 

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I enjoy historical fiction, and couldn't resist this novel after seeing a television interview with the author.  Mary Calvi is a journalist at the local CBS news station in New York, and I think the subject matter is in good hands.  I'm looking forward to starting this book soon.

 

 

 

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an ebook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Murder Between the Pages by Linda Hope Lee.  It's the first book in the new Nina Foster Mystery Series. The excerpts shared are from the electronic version I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Beginning:  Chapter One
"The estate looks elegant and the food tastes superb, but the book is trash," Larry Hardisty announced.

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56% of eBook (approximately):  Nina leaned forward.  "Why did she want to destroy your career?  I know she was jealous of your success, but to destroy you is extreme."

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My thoughts:  This book has many appeal factors for me: the Pacific Northwest setting, a protagonist who is a librarian, and the first book of a new series.  You can read my review here, and enter a giveaway for an Amazon gift card.

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From Goodreads:   It's a sad day for librarian Nina Foster when she discovers her good friend, bookstore owner Wildeen Bergman, dead on her office floor. Worse yet, another friend, romance writer Zelma Duke, becomes the police's prime suspect. Nina knows Wildeen had something on Zelma. Was it enough to warrant murder? Handsome Stephen Kraslow, owner of the local newspaper, joins forces with Nina to find out the truth. The quest takes them on a dangerous journey of twists and turns before they reach the final outcome.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.  

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Murder Between the Pages by Linda Hope Lee

Today I'm participating in the Murder Between the Pages Blog Tour.  In this post you will find book and author information along with my review.

About the book . . .

   

Murder Between the Pages

(Nina Foster Mystery Series)

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Crimson Rose) (December 19, 2018)
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-10: 1509223673
ISBN-13: 978-1509223671
Digital Print Length: 190 pages
ASIN: B07JKZT5TM
 

Synopsis . . .  It’s a sad day for librarian Nina Foster when she discovers her good friend, bookstore owner Wildeen Bergman, dead on her office floor. Worse yet, another friend, romance writer Zelma Duke, becomes the police’s prime suspect. Nina knows Wildeen had something on Zelma. Was it enough to warrant murder? Handsome Stephen Kraslow, owner of the local newspaper, joins forces with Nina to find out the truth. The quest takes them on a dangerous journey of twists and turns before they reach the final outcome.

My review . . .  Murder Between the Pages introduces readers to a new cozy mystery series set in the suburbs of Seattle, featuring librarian Nina Foster.  When her best friend Wildeen Bergman is found murdered in her bookstore and another friend Zelma Duke tops the list of suspects, Nina finds herself reluctantly taking on the role of amateur sleuth.

Nina, Wildeen, and Zelma have been friends since their college days, but the relationship between Wildeen and Zelma has become increasingly fraught. Both women are writers, and the forthcoming release of Zelma’s latest novel intensifies tensions between them.  Is their growing hostility a motive for murder?  Desperate to clear her name, Zelma persuades Nina to intercede.

Nina’s initial investigation, aided by newcomer and newspaper owner Stephen Kraslow, focuses on people who have clashed with Wildeen recently.  Her sleuthing confirms that Wildeen may have uncovered episodes of wrongdoing by several prosperous community members before her death.  Did one of them act to permanently silence Wildeen?  And as she delves even deeper, Nina uncovers other past misdeeds.  As the list of suspects grows, Nina’s own safety is compromised.  Can she stop the murderer before she meets her own untimely demise at the hands of the killer?

Murder Between the Pages is a promising start to a new series.  The plot held my attention, and its twists and red herrings kept me guessing whodunit until the story’s conclusion.  Furthermore, the book’s picturesque setting and other elements are sure to attract and delight cozy readers—from the beautiful descriptions of Pacific Northwest scenery, to the small town library and bookstore, to the cast of characters—particularly the protagonist’s budding love interest and vibrant grandmother.  Upon finishing Murder Between the Pages, readers will welcome return visits to the inviting community of Richmond, Washington with each new book in the Nina Foster series.

Giveaway . . . Enter the Murder Between the Pages giveaway contest to win a $25 Amazon gift card by clicking on this link.

 

About the author . . .  Linda Hope Lee had written contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and mysteries. Other pursuits include watercolor painting, photography, collecting children’s books and anything to do with wire-haired fox terriers. She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest.  

Author links . . . Website:  http://www.lindahopelee.com

Twitter:  @lindahopelee
Facebook: facebook.com/lindahopelee
Goodreads: goodreads.com/lindahopelee 


Purchase links . . .  Amazon    B&N

Tour participants . . .
March 11 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 11 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
March 12 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW
March 13 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW
March 14 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW
March 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
March 15 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
March 15 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 16 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW
March 17 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
March 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
March 18 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW
March 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Murder Between the Pages from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

This Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated. 

 
 

 

Can't Wait Wednesday

  

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tessa at Wishful Endings which spotlights and discusses forthcoming books that bloggers are looking forward to reading. Generally it's about books that haven't been released yet. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday, formerly hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

There are so many exciting new books on the horizon, so without further ado, this week's Can't Wait For book is . . . 

 

Publication Date:  May 28, 2019

Publisher:  Scribner

From Goodreads:  A profoundly moving novel about two neighboring families in a suburban town, the friendship between their children, a tragedy that reverberates over four decades, and the power of forgiveness.

Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope are two NYPD rookies assigned to the same Bronx precinct in 1973. They aren’t close friends on the job, but end up living next door to each other outside the city. What goes on behind closed doors in both houses—the loneliness of Francis’s wife, Lena, and the instability of Brian’s wife, Anne, sets the stage for the stunning events to come. 

Ask Again, Yes by award-winning author Mary Beth Keane, is a beautifully moving exploration of the friendship and love that blossoms between Francis’s youngest daughter, Kate, and Brian’s son, Peter, who are born six months apart. In the spring of Kate and Peter’s eighth grade year a violent event divides the neighbors, the Stanhopes are forced to move away, and the children are forbidden to have any further contact.

But Kate and Peter find a way back to each other, and their relationship is tested by the echoes from their past. Ask Again, Yes reveals how the events of childhood look different when reexamined from the distance of adulthood—villains lose their menace, and those who appeared innocent seem less so. Kate and Peter’s love story is marked by tenderness, generosity, and grace.

My thoughts:  Mary Beth Keane has demonstrated her rich storytelling talent in her previous novels, The Walking People and Fever.  It's very good news indeed that she has completed her third novel, which will be released soon.

This Can't Wait Wednesday post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated. 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon. 


Today I'm featuring my current read, The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley.  The excerpt shared is from the hardcover edition I borrowed from the library.  

  

1
Heather

 Now

January 2, 2019

I see a man coming through the falling snow.  From a distance, through the curtain of white, he looks hardly human, like a shadow figure.

As he nears me I see that it is Doug, the gamekeeper.

He is hurrying toward the Lodge, I realize, trying to run.  But the fallen, falling snow hampers him.  He stumbles with each step.  Something bad.  I know this without being able to see his face.

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

I'm only a few chapters in, but the pacing is pitch perfect for a suspense novel and I'm really drawn in by the plot.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated.