My Virtual Bookshelf additions for February
Every month I share the books that have caught my attention enough to be added to my TBR list. I find books in a variety of ways (probably like most of you). I hear about them on one of the book podcasts I listen to, from a Goodreads buddy, from a Facebook group list, from a friend, #BookRiot, #BookBub, or another book blogger. The sources are never ending - as is my list! Here are the dozen books that made the cut this month:
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Genre: Mystery
Published Aug 2020, 330 pages
Added because: it's an #ownvoices mystery and a good review by Anne at #ModernMrsDarcy
Synopsis: a local enforcer on the Rosebud reservation in SD becomes embroiled in a political and cultural mess when his nephew is caught in a drug sting; he is forced to reclaim his Native heritage as he works to solve the mystery.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Genre: Fantasy
Published January 2021, 480 pages
Added because: found on a Facebook group list and it sounded intriguing
Synopsis: Greek Mythology meets Hunger Games. Hmmm - set in NYC, I'm willing to give it a try. And it has such a cool cover!
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publish date April 2021, 416 pages
Added because: I'm familiar with the author and love a good witch story
Synopsis: a woman in an abusive marriage wants her freedom but in 1662, independent women are looked at with suspicion. When odd things start to happen, she must fight to escape the gallows and her marriage.
I received an ARC of this book so watch for the review soon.
**ED: March 2022 - DNF @ 35%
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publish date June 2021, 352 pages
Added because: sounds fascinating
Synopsis: little known story of J.P. Morgan's personal librarian - a woman who became one of the most powerful women of her time even as she kept a dark secret - she is actually the daughter of the first black man to graduate from Harvard, but she's passing as white in order to follow her passion.
**ED: became a Buddy Read for 2022; stay tuned
Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff Vandermeer
Genre: Sci Fi
Publish date April 2021, 368 pages
Added because: I received an ARC copy
Synopsis: a speculative fiction thriller of dark conspiracy, endangered species and the potential end of everything; questions about climate change as the MC tries to solve the mystery she discovers from an eco-terrorist.
**ED: April 2021 - DNF @ 30%
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
Genre: Nonfiction
Published 2004, 335 pages
Added because: compared to Seabiscuit and Boys in the Boat on FB list
Synopsis: story of deep divers who discovered unknown U-boat off coast of New Jersey and the 6 years they spent investigating and salvaging the boat
The Black Coast #1 by Mike Brooks
Genre: Fantasy
Published February 2021, 672 pages
Added because: saw it on #NetGalley and am intrigued
Synopsis: filled with war dragons, sea-faring raiders, and dangerous magic as this epic fantasy pits two long-time enemies joined to combat a new demonic despot who could be the end of the world
**ED: read Mar 2021 - review here
A Court of Thorns and Roses #1 by Sarah Maas
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published 2015, 432 pages
Added because: strong recommend from FB list
Synopsis: teenage girl who survives in the forest is forcibly taken to a magical kingdom for killing a faerie and discovers that her captor is hiding lots of secrets; as she learns more, her feelings turn from hostility to passion and she must break an old curse to save him and the kingdom. (might be too much romance for me, but it could be good)
Just Try to Stop Me #3 by Gregg Olsen
Genre: Mystery
Published 2016, 465 pages
Added because: on Kindle sale list and sounds like a good thriller
Synopsis: a female serial killer escapes and Waterman & Stark have to catch her before her next killing goes on a live stream
**ED: read June 2021 - 3 stars
Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens
Genre: Thriller
Publish date August 2021, 384 pages
Added because: THRILLER
Synopsis: twisty, action packed thriller about woman who returns to her small home town after the death of her sister; she finds there is a serial killer of hitchhikers along the highway and tries to find her sister's killer
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami
Genre: General Fiction
Published 2019, 320 pages
Added because: intriguing premise; on sale for Kindle
Synopsis: a Moroccan immigrant is the victim of a hit and run which brings a whole cast of characters together - his family in their grief, the detective on the case, the community; they confront family secrets, community racial divisions, and the messy, unpredictable emotion of love
Indigo by Paula Berinstein
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published Sept 2020
Added because: the author contacted me for a review and it sounds like an interesting premise
Synopsis: in the mid 1940s, a young woman arrives in Charleston with her husband, a black physicist. Several events converge leading her husband to experiment with time travel. When he dies in one of his experiment, Esther is thrown back into time, 1750. She seeks help on an indigo plantation but finds lots of secrets and little help. Trouble ensues. (I would never have chosen or even read the synopsis of this book based on the cover - not usually indicative of a type of book I'd like - will let you know if that holds true!)
Did any of these dozen books intrigue you enough to make your TBR list? This is a fairly light month of additions. I read 12 and added 12 - I don't think that's EVER happened! A net zero to my TBR list!
