As I look out the window at nothing but smoke, my heart goes out to everyone affected by the wildfires on the West Coast. Prayers going out for rain and relief.

That, and four day weeks throw me. What? It’s Friday already? Hence, this is a little late this morning.

So let’s get going with something to lighten our hearts.

One

A few weeks ago, I told you I was diving into A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff. Since then, I’ve read all four books in the series. I have been binge reading. Leave me alone reading. Staying up … Read more »

Hello all my lovely friends! I hope your week has been full of good things and moments of joy. To everyone in the path of fires or hurricanes or storms or just struggles, I send you my best hopes for a brighter week ahead.

Also, huge hugs to all of you who wrote me about The Blue Castle (my favorite book)–those of you who have loved it as I do, and those of you who gave it try and found it delightful. Shared books are the best!!

Maybe one of these Five Things will be something you can share

antibiotics.top… Read more »

I have been on a total fantasy reading kick. Maybe it’s in anticipation of the return of Game of Thrones. But one thing is for sure: I read one and then I dive into a whole series. Come along with me…

So when the Nebula Awards were announced a few weeks ago, I realized I’d only read one of them (The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal–which BTW so belongs on this list), so I ordered up Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (since I’m a fan of hers already, having loved and adored Uprooted) and also Trail of … Read more »

This week I’ve been reading books from two different series. What is it about a good series that keeps you coming back for MORE? I think it is great characters (of course) and sometimes it’s just the sheer joy of being in that story world again.

And with some series, it is both. Then you know you’ve hit gold.

The books I’ve been reading this week are both YA fantasy series. I always find it funny when adults sort of whisper and confess that they read YA

, like there is some line in the sand … Read more »

Like I said in other posts, I’ve gotten hooked on fantasy. Not surprising since I loved reading it as a kid and a young adult. Wrinkle in Time. The Hobbit. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Then along came Game of Thrones and I read all those and then discovered Emily Gee and her books (try: The Sentinel Mage) and just recently, I discovered Robin Hobb.

I can happily report

, I’ve found an entirely new-to-me author to binge/read and someone I can enthusiastically share with you.

Assassian’s Apprentice

I … Read more »

I have this not so secret love affair with Fantasy novels. Of course this is no surprise if you know that the first book I ever set out to write was a medieval. I love a good quest. A battle for the soul of a land. Right and wrong. And so with the passing of Ursula K. Le Guin this week, I thought I’d share this great fantasy book and hope you will share your favorites in the comments below!

I have to admit that I was just blown away by Anthony Ryan’s Raven Shadow series when I read it … Read more »