A Literary Escape

What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

Published on February 10, 2025January 26, 2025 by Celeste13 Comments

Today’s review is about WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY by Michiko Aoyama. Alison Watts translated this short novel from its original Japanese publication. It’s a compilation of short stories about different characters searching for a new direction in life.

Author: Michiko Aoyama
Translator: Alison Watts
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Publish Date: September 05, 2023
Print Length: 304

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of What You Are Looking For is in the Libary on Bookshop.org!*

*These are not affiliate links and I do not make a commission from any purchase made using these links.

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SFINCS Review: Gothel and the Maiden Prince by W.R. Gingell

Published on February 8, 2025January 26, 2025 by Celeste2 Comments

Today’s review is about GOTHEL AND THE MAIDEN PRINCE by W.R. Gingell. It’s part of A Villain’s Never After series of standalones. So reading the other novellas is not a prerequisite. This novella is a slice-of-life retelling of Rapunzel from the villainous witch’s point of view.

This review is brought to you by my participation in the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”, is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.). I am part of Team Behind the Musings. You can find out more about us here.

Author: W.R. Gingell
Series: A Villain’s Never After, #8
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: October 1, 2021
Print Length: 134
Purchase: Amazon

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Books I DNF in 2024

Published on February 6, 2025January 12, 2025 by Celeste16 Comments

Now in its fourth year, I present to you a list of books I DNF in 2024. As I mentioned in 2021, 2022, and 2023, this is not a “worst of” list. Anyone can DNF at book at any time for any reason. Sometimes I DNF because I’m not enjoying the book. Other times I DNF because I’m just not in the right mood for a particular book at that particular time. Basically, what doesn’t float my boat might float someone else’s.

I actually DNF quite a few books this year relative to previous years. I think I’m starting to embrace the philosophy of, “life is too short to read books you’re not enjoying.” So, without further ado, here’s my list of books I DNF in 2024.

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A Midwinter’s Tail by Lili Hayward

Published on February 3, 2025January 26, 2025 by Celeste11 Comments

Today’s review is about A MIDWINTER’S TAIL by Lili Hayward. Mina rushes away from London to the island of Morgelyn when she learns her godfather is in trouble. Taking place during the winter holidays, this tale is about listening to your heart.

Author: Lili Hayward
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Sphere
Publish Date: October 12, 2023 (UK)
Print Length: 223

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of A Midwinter’s Tail on Bookshop.org!*

*These are not affiliate links and I do not make a commission from any purchase made using these links.

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February 2025 TBR

Published on February 1, 2025January 18, 2025 by Celeste19 Comments

I did really well with my January 2025 TBR, probably because I had a lot of motivation to read them between SFINCS and ARC deadlines. I feel pretty good about what I read last month and even threw in some extras. So, now it’s time to look at my February 2025 TBR. This may or may not be a slower reading month depending on how I physically feel while I recover from a more invasive procedure.

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