bucolicbook

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You Don’t Need a Budget: Stop Worrying about Debt, Spend without Shame, and Manage Money with Easy by Dana Miranda 

US pub date - 12/24/24

2.5 stars, 

I come from a past with episodes of financial and food insecurity and I’ll be honest, more than a few of the suggestions just made me feel stressed. I didn’t personally find much that I would choose to start doing, but I appreciated the completely different mindset than what I possess. 

Offering a lot of alternative suggestions to what you’re likely used to seeing, this might work better for others than it did for me, but I would say it’s definitely a book of pick what you like, and leave the rest. 

Thank you to Little Brown Spark and NetGalley for the DRC 

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The Broposal by Sonora Reyes US pub date - 1/21/25

After reading the synopsis, I wanted to love this but wasn’t ever able to connect with the writing style as there’s a whole lot going on in this one, but not all of it is resolved. 

And don’t get me started on Jackie. 

I wasn’t the right reader for this. 

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC

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Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over: My Guide to Life by Michael Caine 

Pub date - 11/7/24 (Kindle) 1/30/25 (audiobook) and 3/25/25 (hardcover) 

In his 91 years, Sir Michael Caine has certainly lived a highly interesting life and his latest book showcases his memories of life experiences, career, gratitude, and optimism thoughtfully presented in a Q&A format.

I’ve long admired Michael Caine both as an incredibly talented actor and as an excellent example of someone happily married for the long term. I’ve grown up watching his movies (I’m younger than his marriage) and have adored him in everything I’ve seen him in. 

Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over reads wonderfully; by a man who obviously appreciates his family, good fortune, and life. Much how I admire his acting, I very much appreciated reading this one (who isn’t thankful to someone sharing some hard earned wisdom?) - the candor, honesty, and thankfulness impressed me greatly. I finished my reading an even bigger fan than before and more understanding of the person behind the image. 

A must read for fans! 

**Some of my own particular favorites of his performances include Secondhand Lions, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Children of Men, The Cider House Rules, Miss Congeniality, The Prestige, Tenet (really all of his Christopher Nolan movies), and The Muppet Christmas Carol. There are many more on my list, these are just some of my own favorites. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the DRC

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What the Woods Took: A Novel by Courtney Gould

US pub date - 12/10/24

The premise here is appealing, but I personally found the build up was a very long time coming. 

The character evolution was a positive, but I felt the story was too long and I wasn’t invested enough in the outcome; unfortunately, I didn’t at any time in my reading of this feel compelled to find out more. 

Other readers may love this but it wasn’t for me. 

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the DRC

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Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive by Eliot Stein 

US pub date - 12/10/24

I absolutely love learning new things, and this book, whew, hit the mark and then some. Compelling to read, each and every chapter is full of amazing, vividly detailed stories. I read this slowly, enjoying each chapter. 

As I was reading this, I kept wishing I could send this to my dad for Christmas. He would have found this as fascinating as I did, and I know that we would have enjoyed talking about our favorite chapters.

This is one I’ll be buying a physical copy of for my own bookshelves. 

A truly excellent book, and one I strongly recommend.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC

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Booked for Murder (Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries, #1) by P.J. Nelson US pub date - 12/10/24

An entertaining first in a new cozy mystery series - Madeline has returned to Enigma, GA to claim an inheritance from her beloved aunt. Her first night back, within minutes of her arrival, a fire is set. 

So starts the mystery. 

With its wide array of characters, charming small town atmosphere, and a fledgling romance this was a likable first (first book - congratulations to debut author P.J. Nelson!) and the first title of the An Old Juniper Bookstore Mystery series. 

I was pulled in right away, enjoyed my time reading, and will look forward to the next book by the author. 

*In the first chapter, mention was made of “You Don’t Miss Your Water (Til Your Well Runs Dry)” - and this immediately made me think of my own forever favorite version of this song - Gram Parsons with the Byrds. 

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Sunflower House: A Novel by Adriana Allegri US pub date - 11/12/24

An absolute powerhouse of a debut novel - a beautifully written heartbreak. 

I was very impressed with the research obviously put into this - though not at all an easy read, the story is well written and engaging, showcasing hope and love amidst true horrors. The imagery of the story feels particularly timely right now and will give readers much to think about. 

The author did a stellar job and I look forward to reading whatever Ms Allegri writes next.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC

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P.S: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly 

US pub date - 12/3/24

This one is highly emotional - be forewarned. It’s also laugh out loud funny in parts. And so, so worth it. 

After the death of her older brother Josh, Maddie and Dom, Josh’s best friend (who’s also the man that Maddie has always loved) have a letter from Josh, requesting that the two of them bring his ashes to the eight US states he’d never gotten around to visiting. 

*grief 

*road trip

*forced proximity

*banter

*second chance

*personal growth 

*found family 

*mental health rep 

*all the emotions

I loved Josh, I loved Dom, and I (eventually) loved Maddie.

The author beautifully captures the continuous grief of loss and this really spoke to me. I don’t want to share too much about this but will write that this book made me both laugh and cry. 

This was my first time reading Ms Connolly’s work and I’ll absolutely be reading more. 

Recommended (and make sure to have tissues at the ready). 

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching by William Martin 

US pub date - 12/3/24

I’ve been meditating for 18+ months at this point and it’s changed my life for the better ❤️ I was, therefore, so thankful to receive early access to The Daily Tao and read it with gratitude. 

This book of daily meditations is one I plan to buy on audiobook upon publication so I can listen to one each day while preparing for meditation. The daily meditation thoughts  provide the reader with terrific and inspiring messages. 

I found so much within these pages and really appreciated my reading of this. 

A full recommendation from me. 

Thank you to Hachette Go and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Secret of the Three Fates (Ruby Vaughn, #2) by Jess Armstrong 

US pub date - 12/3/24

Despite not having read the first title in the series, the cover and synopsis really appealed so I borrowed the audiobook of the first from my library before starting this. 

Very atmospheric, Gothic, post-Great War setting with a defined mystery and some paranormal elements. The chemistry between Ruby and Ryan has continued to grow as well. It’s an engaging story that I really enjoyed. 

I am definitely looking forward to more titles in this very fun series. 

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the DRC

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Moonlight and the Duke (The Silver Dukes, #2) by Meara Platt

US pub date - 11/22/24

*friends to lovers

*age gap 

*house party 

*a Mr. Darcy emerging from the water style (perhaps inspired by Colin Firth in BBC’s Pride and Prejudice??) scene 

HIs marriage wasn’t a happy one and he’s not interested in marrying again, and not to one of the many young ladies his mother has invited to a house party, hoping for a match. As a widower and involved father, with an heir (and spare) to the dukedom as well as a little girl, Connor’s main focus is on his children, not on securing a second marriage. 

Eden, at twenty seven, is long considered a spinster, but she has reasons for not having been interested in marriage (the two main reasons are her parents, a terrible match of two abusive people who focused on making one another even more miserable than on their only child. Eden is a naturalist who prefers nature observing, drawing, and journaling in the countryside to spending time in London society and agrees to keep Connor’s young children occupied while he entertains the guests his mother has invited. But Connor would much rather spend that time with his children and friend. 

This was the second in a series, and I hadn’t read the first book but didn’t feel lost at all, so an easy stand-alone and enjoyable read. A sweet, low-stakes romance, which is sometimes just what I want to read. 

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

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Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House (Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House, #1) by Fenella J. Miller 

US pub date - 11/29/24

Family life in wartime - a view of citizens and the upheaval the stress and chaos on communities. 

The story follows the lives of Jonathan and Elizabeth Roby and their two children relocated to a new area as war begins and the joys they discover amidst the sacrifices they must make. 

The history makes this a strong choice for readers, and the writing style is engaging (though it took me a little while to get used to). 

This was my first time reading the author, and I will read more of her work. 

*A Kindle Unlimited read

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC

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Betty Crocker Found Recipes: Beloved Vintage Recipes Worth Sharing by Betty Crocker 

US pub date - 11/26/24

A very fun cookbook to peruse. The layout is appealing, the photographs are great and I even found a few recipes I wouldn’t mind trying (though most of this isn’t to my own tastes). The entire book however is highly interesting and enjoyable from a historical appreciation standpoint. 

If you’re committed to throwing vintage style cocktail or dinner parties, I would recommend this. Though the combination of Bisquick/cream cheese might be a bit much for regular consumption, if it’s your thing, a copy of this is exactly what you want for retro dishes that I think would really make a statement (even if of what exactly, I’m not entirely sure). 

This would also very easily make a wonderful gift to spark a visit to memory lane for readers who fondly remember their own family making some of these same recipes.

Thank you to Harvest and NetGalley for the PDF 

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Blessing’s Baron (Seven Unsuitable Sisters, #1) by Maeve Greyson 

US pub date - 10/24/24

An engaging and well written series starter that I really enjoyed 🙂

*he falls first and hard 

*close family relationships (FMC with her siblings, and MMC with his mother) 

*he earns her love 

This was my first time reading the author; and I’ll definitely be reading more of this series and her other work. 

Recommended. 

*A KindleUnlimited read 

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Duchess Takes It All by Michelle McLean US pub date - 11/26/24

*enemies to lovers 

*banter

*independent and strong FMC 

*duty or desire 

Tamsin and Christian didn’t make sense to me as a couple and I found I wasn’t able to warm up to the story. 

Other readers will love this, but it wasn’t for me. 

Thank you to Entangled Amara and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Wolf of Mayfair by Christi Caldwell 

US pub date - 10/22/24

With such statements as “His randy shaft…”, I tried. I really did, because I’ve always enjoyed Ms Caldwell’s work, but this tried my nerves from the very beginning and after 8 chapters I had to put this down because the MMC was a jerk of such immense proportions that I couldn’t go on reading. 

I will likely pick this up again in the future and in the meantime, I hope other readers will enjoy this one more than I.

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the DRC

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Christmas with the Queen: A Novel by Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb

US pub date - 10/22/24

The second I saw this, I requested it and I will admit that the first reason I wanted to reaI this was because of the late Queen. I’m the person who, the second I see a new royal or royal adjacent historical fiction book, I want to read it. Regardless of the secondary voice/story, if we’re talking the adjacent novels.  

I was fortunate enough to have the wonderful souls over at William Morrow Paperbacks approve my for this, and I literally squealed in delight when I got the approval email. But… I didn’t read it right away. Why, you may ask? Well, I’ve been reading a lot, and I’ve had a lot of stories that, though I enjoyed, I wasn’t feeling excited about. So, I didn’t want to start this when reading wasn’t as soul satisfying / life affirmingly amazing and awesome as it usually is (I hope you 

understand what I mean by that). 

After finishing a debut historical romance that was super enjoyable and really put me back into being able to really get into a new book, I started this. And can I tell you, that by the end of Queen Elizabeth’s pre-chapter 1 section, I was hooked. 

By the time I finished Jack’s first chapter, I was even more invested. 

Olive’s chapter, even more. 

And a second chance romance? Squee! It just keeps getting better!

I loved this one. Absolutely loved it. This is one I’ll get for my own audiobook collection. 

Recommended! 

Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for the DRC