Being Bookish

This week I am joined by Chance Whitmore from Strive, Seek, Find and his daughter, Erika as we talk about the first in Brandon Sanderson's science fiction/fantasy series, Skyward. I have to admit that I was a bit like a fish out of water with this one as I haven't read science fiction in more years than I care to think about. But what did I think about it? And was it just the thing to drag Erika from her fantasy-focused reading cycle?

Podcast Promo: The Marvelous Madames

After a few weeks of books that weren't quite what I was anticipating, this was very different. A novel about acceptance, with a number of themes that can be interpreted in multiple ways, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a surprise. A book with LGBTQ characters in a fantasy world based inside our own, the dilemmas of all the characters are easily related to. So, what did I think?

Podcast Promo: Once Upon a Nightmare

Episodes mentioned: Reviews of Good Omens, and The Management Style of the Supreme Beings

An episode in which I make something smutty VERY PG! Believe it or not, all romances are not created equal. At least, that is what I am discovering. Of course, a lot of it has to do with personal opinion and that's why, this week, I am taking a look at a historical romance based during the Victorian era written by contemporary author, Sarah MacLean, Bombshell. So, what did I think about this 2021 release? How did it stack up against the hundreds of romance novels that have come before it in my reading history? Check it out in this (as always) spoiler-free review.

Podcast Promo: Leave the Lights on

Check out my historical romance recommendations.

I am going back to cosy crime again this week with the best-selling debut from TV presenter, Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club. A group of elderly residents of retirement village Coopers Chase gather every Thursday in the Jigsaw Room to solve cold cases. But are they going to be up to the challenge when someone close to their community is found bludgeoned to death? Find out what I thought of this 2020 novel in the latest episode.

Promo: Lords of Swine

Talked about: Murder at the Vicarage and The Quiche of Death

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas was a surprise hit when it was independently published last year. In fact, this romantic comedy was picked up by a big name in publishing, Simon and Schuster. So, what did I think of my second completed read of 2022? Did I fall in love with the charming Aaron Blackford? Did Lina Martin enchant me? Listen to the latest episode to find out in my newest spoiler-free and honest review.

Featured Podcast: The Crime Diner (formerly Wine, Dine and Storytime)

This duology had a massive impact on my reading in my tweens and early teens. The series has since become something of a cult hit, especially with girls who grew up in the 1980s. So, what makes this rockstar romance controversial (because it was not without controversy)? Find out why the Cathy Duology of Easy Connections and Easy Freedom still has a loyal following almost 40 years after its release. Is Paul Devlin really the perfect hero? And what made these Liz Berry books so different from others published for the same audience in the 80s?

This is a recent read and a brand new author to me. Lindsey Kelk's 17th contemporary romance, On a Night Like This, released in November 2021. In this spoiler-free review, I talk about the characters, elements of the story that were well-written (of which there were many) and what I did and didn't like. I also talk about my mental health over the last week.

Taking a look back at the last 12 months, all the books, all the films, all the TV shows. And giving you a glimpse into the future, an idea of what's coming up in 2022.

This film was the first project launched specifically for Disney+ in the US, released on November 12, 2019. A Christmas film with Enchanted vibes starring Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader. It's Christmas, so this is the perfect time of year to review it. So, here it is, Disney's Noelle. Surprisingly, no real big musical numbers, but there is a cute little reindeer, lots of hot chocolate and candy canes.