My new book comes out on Tuesday! Historical mystery that takes place in southern Spain. A little creepy mystery, a little romance, all sassy botanist challenging social norms. https://books2read.com/turnergardenofshadows
I am a botanist, so that certainly shortened the learning curve. This is the second book in the series, so while writing the first one, I did a lot of research into what it was like to be a female botanist during the late 19th century. I’m always adding to that knowledge base for sure, especially since I’m setting each of these books in very different locations.
I just finished Tell Me Everything for book club (my first Elizabeth Strout!) and I'm about halfway through The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Very fun premise!
I’m almost done with A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher and The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell—love both, and honestly they’ve both made for unexpectedly wonderful spooky season reads!
How funny — I’m also reading a Sorceress Comes to Call! I have it in paper, though, and sadly have to leave it behind when I go out of town tomorrow. I’ll be ready to dive back in when I get home. Let’s compare notes when we both finish. I still need to read Hamnet, so behind on Maggie O’Farrell!
I was on the verge of emailing to suggest she try a Buddhist sangha when I read the congregation chapter but soon after read she had tried it. I'm not surprised yet a little sad.
Among my October reads I enjoyed The Book of Doors, The Salt Grows Heavy, and The Rivers of London (that's a magical procedural series that is pretty light and engaging)
I'm reading Phantasma (new release). It's a romantasy, which isn't generally something that I'd be interested in (no hate, just not usually my thing), however I am really enjoying it. It's been a pleasant surprise!
Charlie N. Holmberg's The Hanging City was a delight. Human/non-human romance aspect wasn't exactly what I was into, but the world building was excellent and I liked the main character a lot.
I’m reading The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk. On the surface it’s written in a traditional way but in fact the narrative voice has quite a weird POV and it’s very atmospheric, I’m into it now. And great writing!
I really love her - I so enjoyed Flights and Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead (what a mouthful!) DYPOTBOTD was similar… a mystery on the surface, but so full of atmosphere and much more philosophical than you realize at first glance.
My new book comes out on Tuesday! Historical mystery that takes place in southern Spain. A little creepy mystery, a little romance, all sassy botanist challenging social norms. https://books2read.com/turnergardenofshadows
Perfect timing! Congratulations on release day 🎉
Congratulations Amy! That is so cool! Did you know a lot about botany or did you have to learn a lot. I'm totally intrigued.
I am a botanist, so that certainly shortened the learning curve. This is the second book in the series, so while writing the first one, I did a lot of research into what it was like to be a female botanist during the late 19th century. I’m always adding to that knowledge base for sure, especially since I’m setting each of these books in very different locations.
Sounds like a dream series, and looks like you have interested readers gathering here. Exciting!
That is so cool.
Congratulations! Sounds really good👏
That's amazing (and what a compelling description)! Congratulations!!
Just started Jane Hirshfield's Ten Windows, How Great Poems Transform the World and loving it.
That sounds right up my street. Thanks for the tip- glad you‘re loving it!
Just started North Woods by Daniel Mason - hooked!
Ooo that's high on my list! I really love the premise and everyone I know who's read it, has loved it!
I love the title! We must discuss when we next speak. Xx
I’m just finishing ‘There are rivers in the sky,’ Elif Shafak - beautiful.
She has a wonderful substack as well -- such a great writer. Glad you enjoyed it!
Just reading Charles Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal, a collection of his poetry.
Wonderful! I have been on a poetry binge lately, so this is a great one to add to that list. How are you enjoying it?
I just finished Tell Me Everything for book club (my first Elizabeth Strout!) and I'm about halfway through The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Very fun premise!
I've had my eye on The Ministry of Time. That cover is a stunner, and I loved the premise as well. Glad to hear you're enjoying it.
I just finished Emma Torezs' Ink Blood Sister Scribe. I haven't read a fantasy book that was so engrossing in awhile. Highly recommend!
On my list- glad to hear you loved it!
I’m almost done with A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher and The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell—love both, and honestly they’ve both made for unexpectedly wonderful spooky season reads!
How funny — I’m also reading a Sorceress Comes to Call! I have it in paper, though, and sadly have to leave it behind when I go out of town tomorrow. I’ll be ready to dive back in when I get home. Let’s compare notes when we both finish. I still need to read Hamnet, so behind on Maggie O’Farrell!
I'm reading 'enchantment' by K.May. for the first time.
Oooh. I'm so jealous you haven't read it yet. It's one of my favorites!
I was on the verge of emailing to suggest she try a Buddhist sangha when I read the congregation chapter but soon after read she had tried it. I'm not surprised yet a little sad.
Awww. I think that feels very much in keeping with the message of that book.
Among my October reads I enjoyed The Book of Doors, The Salt Grows Heavy, and The Rivers of London (that's a magical procedural series that is pretty light and engaging)
Love love love Rivers of London! The audiobook version is incredible — one of the best narrators ever.
That's how I read it. On Whispers Underground now
So good! Isn’t he the best narrator??
He's def in my top tier.
I just read Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow for the second time, but first time in hard copy. Loved it even more the second time around!
My husband loved that book -- I will get to it eventually. The towers of books in our house are enormous.
I'm reading:
Non-Fiction - Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Been on my TBR for a long time!)
Fiction - The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw by Sarra Cannon (Was released last week....highly anticipated and well worth the wait so far!)
Oooh- I love when a book I‘ve been excited for is worth the wait. Big Magic is a classic for a reason — enjoy!
I'm reading Phantasma (new release). It's a romantasy, which isn't generally something that I'd be interested in (no hate, just not usually my thing), however I am really enjoying it. It's been a pleasant surprise!
Sometimes a new genre is the best fit, right? Happy reading.
Charlie N. Holmberg's The Hanging City was a delight. Human/non-human romance aspect wasn't exactly what I was into, but the world building was excellent and I liked the main character a lot.
oooh- sounds great! Thanks for sharing this one. I suspect I‘d be into this. 🩷
I’m reading The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk. On the surface it’s written in a traditional way but in fact the narrative voice has quite a weird POV and it’s very atmospheric, I’m into it now. And great writing!
I really love her - I so enjoyed Flights and Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead (what a mouthful!) DYPOTBOTD was similar… a mystery on the surface, but so full of atmosphere and much more philosophical than you realize at first glance.
Yes I loved Drive Your Plow ... it stayed with me for a long time
for me, too!
I’m loving Saints by Amy Jeffs and just started No Name in the Street by James Baldwin
Excellent! I do love Baldwin, but don’t know Amy Jeffs (yet). 💗💗💗