Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for July 14, 2023

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

The Book Review Bulletin, a monthly link-up for review posts, is open and I'd like to invite you to stop by and share a review or two. Find it here: Book Review Bulletin for July 

And now for some First Lines:

This book just arrived yesterday so I haven't had a chance to read much more than these opening lines, but I'm very excited about it. Especially because the author will be at the Columbus Book Festival this weekend, so I'm planning to get my book signed. 

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MAY 8, 1801

When I was a little girl, my father would often come to my bedside after my screams wakened him in the night. He would smooth back my damp ringlets, the mere feel of his callused and strong hand inspiring an instantaneous calm.

~From the beginning of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

A haunting legend. An ominous curse. A search for a secret buried deep within the castle walls.

In 1870, orphaned Daisy François takes a position as housemaid at a Wisconsin castle to escape the horrors of her past life. There she finds a reclusive and eccentric Gothic authoress who hides tales more harrowing than the ones in her novels. As women disappear from the area and the eerie circumstances seem to parallel a local legend, Daisy is thrust into a web that could ultimately steal her sanity, if not her life.

In the present day, Cleo Clemmons is hired by the grandson of an American aristocratic family to help his grandmother face her hoarding in the dilapidated Castle Moreau. But when Cleo uncovers more than just the woman's stash of collectibles, a century-old mystery and the dust of the old castle's curse threaten to rise again . . . this time to leave no one alive to tell the sordid tale.

Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright seamlessly weaves a dual-time tale of two women who must do all they can to seek the light amid the darkness shrouding Castle Moreau.

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

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First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

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She sucked in a sob, pushing back the thoughts that threatened to be remembered. Memories buried under layers of the dirt of life, grinding them into the ground and determining to lock them in a coffin that shouldn't ever be exhumed.

~from page 56 of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

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And here is the weekly bookish question in the Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.  

This Week's Question: What are your thoughts on "happily ever after" endings?

My Answer: In general, I like a "happily ever after" as long as it feels like the major plot questions have been appropriately resolved. Not everything has to wrapped up in a neat bow, especially if it's a series, but the mystery should be solved, and the conflict for the couple (or lead characters) should be reconciled. And in a believable way. I've read a few books that gave me the impression that the author was coming to a deadline or the maximum number of pages for the book, so they quickly had the characters kiss and make up while seeming to leave the conflicts as elephants in the room. That's not satisfying. 

Book Blogger Hop

©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What I'm Reading - July 10, 2023

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee.

 

This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next! Although the Book Date link-up happens weekly, I don't update that often. Usually I do this around the middle of the month, and try to share my monthly bookshelf summary on the last Monday of the month. Here's what I've been working on lately.

I finished reading . . . 

A Perilous Perspective by Anna Lee Huber - Kiera and Gage discover forged artwork at her relative's estate, and when they begin investigating, things turn deadly and they must unravel the clues to unmask a ruthless killer. (Read my review HERE.)

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep - Rosa is falling in love with the mysterious Sir James Morgan despite the disturbing rumors swirling about town that he is a vampire, choosing instead to believe that there is an explanation for all of the strange occurrences.  (Read my full review HERE)

A Man With One of Those Faces by Caimh McDonnell (audiobook) - Paul Mulchrone is nearly killed when he is attacked by an elderly man at the hospital, and it leads to a suspenseful and hilarious thriller as Paul and Brigit race the authorities to solve a notorious Irish crime in a very unconventional way. (Read my full review HERE)

Beneath A Peaceful Moon by Debby Lee - Mary and John are tribal members serving in the military during WWII. Both have the opportunity to use their language skills in the effort, but what will it cost them? (Read my review HERE.)

I'm currently reading . . .

Composition As Conversation by Heather M. Hoover - Although this is essentially a guidebook or resource for teaching writing, it is very interesting reading, and I think it will be really valuable if I teach writing at the co-op again next school year.

Reykjavík: A Crime Story by Ragnar Jónasson and Katrín Jakobsdóttir - Thirty years after a young girl disappeared without a trace, a journalist tries to finally solve the mystery, but someone is determined to stop the truth from being discovered.

Rebecca (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book 3) by Shannon McNear - An alternative viewpoint telling of some of the events of the Lost Colony of Roanake. This installment focuses on the story of the daughter of a Powhatan chieftain (we know her as Pocahontas) and her interactions with the colonists.

Next on the stack . . . 

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Murder Most Fair by Anna Lee Huber

A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber

Queen of Exiles by Vanessa Riley

   

   

What I'm Highlighting . . . I've just started hosting a monthly link party specifically for book reviews that you'd like to share for comments. I don't know how it will work out but it's worth a try! Stop by the Book Review Bulletin - July 2023 and link up any of your reviews that you'd like to highlight.

On my blogs recently . . . 

Besides the reviews, here on Just A Second you'll find:

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines posts

Book Review Bulletin - July 2023

Monthly Bookshelf Review - June 2023

Top Ten Tuesday - The One With My Summer Reading List

Friday Fun - Book Blogger Hop

On my main coffee break project, A Fresh Cup of Coffee:

Scripture and a Snapshot posts

Five Minute Friday posts

Everyday Images posts

Currently . . . July 6, 2023

WQ - Salute The Flag

Happy Canada Day!

WQ - Keep Glowing

What's Up Wednesday Hodgepodge - June 2023

Share Four Somethings - June 2023

WQ - The Modern Self-Portrait

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Thoughts on a Summer Day

WQ - A Bouquet of Pink Flowers

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Sweet Thoughts and Memories

Coffee Break Reading List - June 2023

A Brief History of Me as Mom

And on my "first cup blog", Homeschool Coffee Break:

Homeschool Coffee Break Reading List - June 2023

From the High School Lesson Book - Happy Father's Day!

What are you reading?

This post will also be linked at What's On Your Bookshelf? #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge hosted by Deb's World. 

 ©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for July 7, 2023

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

The Book Review Bulletin, a monthly link-up for review posts, is open and I'd like to invite you to stop by and share a review or two. Find it here: Book Review Bulletin for July 

And now for some First Lines:

Here's another review book that arrived this week, and I'll be starting today. I've read the second book in the trilogy but not the first, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this one fits in.

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England, 1606

"And above all, take care not to offend the Naturals."

Naturals. What absurdity, to call them such a thing. A mere kindness, Smith was sure.

~From Chapter One of Rebecca (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book 3) by Shannon McNear

The Lost Colony of Roanoke: discover an alternate view of their fate alongside the life of Pocahontas.

Born the daughter of a Powhatan chieftain and a woman of unknown origins, Mato'aka enjoys a carefree life. When strange men from across the eastern waters appear near her home, she regards them at first as a mere curiosity. Soon, though, she finds herself torn between fascination for one of their leaders and the opinions and ways of her people―then becomes a pawn in their delicate and dangerous game of politics. Drawn to a young Englishman, John Rolfe, who has lost a wife and baby daughter, she shares his griefs . . . and perhaps something more.

Could she have a future among the English of Jamestown, accepting their ways and even changing her name? Could her destiny be a part of the lasting legacy of the Lost Colony of Roanoke?

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

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First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

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There, upon the riverbank where the kanoe was drawn up and the cooking fire yet burned, lay Robinson, slain, with some twenty or thirty arrows bristling across his body. Gracious God in heaven! But Smith schooled himself to no outward reaction.

~from page 56 of Rebecca by Shannon McNear

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

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©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - A Perilous Perspective

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

A Perilous Perspective by Anna Lee Huber - This installment in the series opens with Kiera and Gage relaxing with friends and family at a great-uncle's estate as they all prepare for a wedding. Kiera's friend Charlotte and her cousin Rye are soon to be wed in a private ceremony, and all seems to be going perfectly, despite some minor tensions between guests and servants. Then Kiera takes the opportunity to view their host's extensive art collection and is dismayed to realize that one of his most priceless paintings is actually a forgery. When she and Gage bring this to the attention of the Marquess of Barbreck, he reacts with rage and inexplicably blames the lady of a neighboring estate.

Kiera is asked to examine the rest of the collection and try to trace what happened to the originals and when the switches were made. Several other paintings turn out to be forgeries as well, and tensions run high with the accusations Barbreck has made against the Campbell ladies.Then things take an even more sinister turn when a maid from the Campbell estate is found dead―apparently poisoned―in Barbreck's gallery. Now Kiera and Gage are charged with solving a murder as well, and catching a very clever and ruthless killer before he or she strikes again.

This story has it all―interpersonal tensions between friends and family, an intriguing art mystery, new details about Kiera's family, a suspenseful murder mystery with an unknown villain, and bits of romance at all ages and stages of life. The danger Kiera and the others face, not having any real clues to the killer's identity, is complicated when they can't initially identify what kind of poison was used. It's hard to read clues when one has little idea what to start looking for! The revelation of the killer's identity is an unexpected twist to the plot, but this time I suspected that character quite early. And this is one time when the killer's motive wasn't as convincing as I would have liked. 

From the publisher:

Argyll, Scotland. July 1832. After a trying few months in Edinburgh, Kiera and her husband and investigative partner, Sebastian Gage, are eager to escape to the Highlands with their three-month-old child. Kiera is overjoyed for her cousin Rye and her detractor-turned-friend Charlotte who are being wed in a private ceremony at the estate of Rye's great-uncle, the Marquess of Barbreck, in what seems to be the perfect wedding party.

But when Kiera is invited to peruse Barbreck's extensive art collection, she is disturbed to discover that one of his most priceless paintings seems to be a forgery. The marquess's furious reaction when she dares to mention it leaves her shaken and the entire house shocked. For it turns out that this is not the first time the word forgery has been uttered in connection with the Barbreck household.

Matters turn more ominous when a maid from a neighboring estate is found murdered where the forged painting hangs. Is her death conneccted to the forgeries, perhaps a grisly warning of what awaits those who dare to probe deeper? With unknown entities aligned against them, Kiera and Gage are forced to confront the fact that they may have underestimated their opponent. For they are swifly made to realize that Charlotte's and Rye's fututre happiness is not the only issue at stake, and this stealthy game of cat and mouse could prove to have deadly consequences.

By the same author: The Anatomist's Wife, Mortal Arts; A Grave Matter, A Study in Death, A Pressing Engagement, This Side of Murder, As Death Draws Near, A Brush With Shadows, Treacherous Is The Night, An Artless Demise, Secrets in the Mist, Penny for Your Secrets, A Stroke of Malice, A Pretty Deceit, A Wicked Conceit

This is a book featuring the whole family for the Summer Reading Challenge.

This is a book with an alliterative title (#23) for The 52 Book Club's 2023 Reading Challenge

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2023

©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for June 20, 2023

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

The Book Review Bulletin, a monthly link-up for review posts, opened on June 28th, and I'd like to invite you to stop by and share a review or two. Find it here: Book Review Bulletin for July 

And now for some First Lines:

I just received this book for review from NetGalley. I'm not sure what to expect, because everything about it is new to me, but it fulfills the Nordic Noir (which I didn't even know was a genre!) prompt for the 52 Books Challenge so here goes!

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1956

6 August

The grey hat flew out to sea.

Kristjan had stepped out of the wheelhouse to admire the view over Faxafloi bay and watch the island approaching, low and green against the backdrop of mountains.

~From the beginning of Reykjavík: A Crime Story by Ragnar Jónasson and Katrín Jakobsdóttir

What happened to Lára?

Iceland, 1956. Fourteen-year-old Lára decides to spend the summer working for a couple on the small island of videy, just off the coast of Reykjavík. In early August, the girl disappears without a trace. Time passes, and the mystery becomes Iceland's most infamous unsolved case. What happened to the young girl? Is she still alive? Did she leave the island, or did something happen to her there?

Thirty years later, as the city of Reykjavík celebrates its 200th anniversary, journalist Valur Robertsson begins his own investigation into Lára's case. But as he draws closer to discovering the secret, and with the eyes of Reykjavík upon him, it soon becomes clear that Lára's disappearance is a mystery that someone will stop at nothing to keep unsolved . . .

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

***************

First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

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To Sunna, the moments were precious, the sweet fragrance helping to distract her mind briefly from brooding on her loss, and she regularly bought packets of exotic tea in an attempt to re-create the experience at home. But today she had work to do.

~at 56% of Reykjavík: A Crime Story by Ragnar Jónasson and Katrín Jakobsdóttir

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

***************

©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.