On The Same Page discussion

Book #87 The House in the Cerulean Sea 4 stars audiobook

What a fantastical book! Though the themes were very serious, it didn't feel like it (until it did). A story of finding yourself and your place in the world, we follow Linus Baker as he meets the force of nature, magical children who reside in House in the Cerulean Sea and their caretakers. Lovely standalone fantasy book. Dare I say it? A wonderful summer beach/pool read.

Lillie wrote: "Book #87 What a fantastical book! Though the themes were very serious, it didn't ..."

I really enjoyed reading this but I definitely need to listen to the audiobook.

I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea too!

〰️Beth〰️ wrote: "I really enjoyed reading this but I definitely need to listen to the audiobook."

Lea wrote: "I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea too!"

It really was a great book! Have you read TJ Klune's newest book Under the Whispering Door? I really enjoyed that one as well.

It's June 1st! I've been down with covid (mild, thankfully) for the past week and it's felt like a month. Can't complain, at least I've been able to stay home and my family has been stellar throughout my continued quarantine. Wish I could say I've been zooming through books but have a bit of brain fog and my concentration has been hit. So I've watched several movies when I've been awake.

Anyway, my reading for month was going very well. Just slowed down this week.
Total books read: 18
Favorite Books:
Close Runners Up:
Third Place:
Book I Didn't Care For: (couldn't connect with the writing)
All the other books were 3 or 3.5 stars - made for a good month

7 books read off of my challenge lists, total of 38 read out of 88. I think I'm right where I should be.

Excellent month, Lillie. I enjoyed A Darker Shade of Magic too.

Lillie wrote: "It really was a great book! Have you read TJ Klune's newest book Under the Whispering Door? I really enjoyed that one as well."

Yes! I read that one too. I liked it too! But not quite as much as The House in the Cerulean Sea!

Great month of reading Lillie! Glad you are on the mend and doing better. I hate being sick too.

I have The Paradox Hotel on my tbr, it looks really good. Glad you enjoyed A Darker Shade of Magic, which is a really good trilogy.

I am thinking of picking up . These books are huge, but so much fun to read.

You had a great reading month anyway Lillie. Lots of really great books on that list. Glad you are feeling better!

Bill wrote: "Excellent month, Lillie. I enjoyed A Darker Shade of Magic too."

Thanks, I have A Gathering of Shadows queued up next but then I'm also listening to Middlemarch (half listening/half reading) and just downloaded Six of Crows ebook plus a couple of other books. Will just have to see where my mood leads me.

Lea wrote: "Yes! I read that one too. I liked it too! But not quite as much as The House in the Cerulean Sea!"

You know, I think, if I had read The House in the Cerulean Sea first, I might've felt the same way. When I read Under the Whispering Door, I had no idea what to expect from the author. But I knew what to expect from them with the Cerulean Sea, a magical experience and I got it :) Can't wait for their next book.

Alondra wrote: "I am thinking of picking up Caliban's War (The Expanse, #2) by James S.A. Corey . These books are huge, but so much fun to read. "

I hope you do! It really is a great series. But you do have to be in the space drama frame of mind.

Michelle wrote: "You had a great reading month anyway Lillie. Lots of really great books on that list. Glad you are feeling better!"

Thanks Michelle! It was a fun month.

Lillie wrote: "I hope you do! It really is a great series. But you do have to be in the space drama frame of mind..."

You are so correct. Sci-Fi has had a hold on me for a few months. I think because it really is so "far out" of this world and has nothing to do with Earth (which is stank). LOL

Book #88 Dying in the Wool (Kate Shackleton #1) 4 stars audiobook

Thanks to Pat, I found a new to me cozy mystery series! Listened to the first book yesterday and I've already downloaded the next one. Set in the years after WWI, Kate, a widow (maybe, husband is missing) has her first paying private detective case. With help from a former policeman she starts investigating to try to locate her friend's missing father. I like Kate. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Sorry you've been ill Lillie, but glad it was only a mild version of Covid

Lillie wrote: "Book #88 Dying in the Wool (Kate Shackleton #1) 4 stars audiobook

Thanks to Pat, I found a new to me cozy mystery series! Listened to the first..."

This has been floating around on the TBR for years. I should take a better look at it based on your review.

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Sorry you've been ill Lillie, but glad it was only a mild version of Covid"

Thanks! I feel super lucky that it was a mild case.

Carolien wrote: "This has been floating around on the TBR for years. I should take a better look at it based on your review. "

I look forward to reading your review of it. Hope you enjoy it.

Book #89 Under Lock & Skeleton Key (Secret Staircase Mystery #1) 4 stars audiobook

First in a new mystery series about a magician whose family's business is building secret rooms in houses they work on. Enjoyed it a lot. Kept smiling throughout. This mystery focused mainly on who the mystery lady was that they found in a secret room of a house they're working on. How did she get in there? Who is she connected to? Fun book.

Book #90 This Time Tomorrow 3.5 stars print book

Another fun beach read. Did I see where this was going? No. Did it touch upon some serious topics? Yes. Time traveling on her 40th birthday, Alice ends up on the night of her 16th birthday. What would you do if you could travel back in time? Would you change your past to change your present?

Book #91 Middlemarch 4 stars print and audio book alternatively

Started off by listening to the book because every time I looked at the print book I felt overwhelmed. What happened was that when I stopped listening to the book I would feel the urge to pick up the print book just to read the sentences. My first time reading George Eliot and I was in for a very nice surprise. Set in a small village in England in the early 1800s, we're introduced to several characters whom we follow for a short period of time. We're allowed a glance into their lives and loves. I loved the way the author wrote. She kept me engaged throughout the long novel. I'll definitely be reading her other work.

Book #92 Murder on Millionaires' Row (Rose Gallagher #1) 4 stars audiobook

I didn't read any reviews of this book, it just looked like a fun cozy mystery set in NYC in the 1880s and it was but it was a bit more. Wasn't expecting the ghosts or the supernatural. Definitely took a turn for the better once those elements got introduced. It was like going from a black and white movie to color. Will be continuing with the series.

Book #93 The Murder Rule 2.5 stars print book

Sometimes the unexpected isn't a good thing. I thought I was going to be reading the third in a mystery series which I've been loving. Instead this was a thriller/suspense book, felt like it was interchangeable with any of the other suspense books out there. And on top of it, there were several instances where I had to suspend my disbelief at the legal antics. It didn't seem believable in the least. Oh well.

Book #94 Eye of the Sh*t Storm (The Frost Files #3) 2.5 stars print book

The third in a series that's been fun until this one. Think the series could've been a duology and it would've been great. This book dragged in too many places which in turn, took a while to finish. Never had any desire to pick it up again. Not interested in continuing with this series if anymore books get published.

*edited to put the actual title of book #93 instead of putting in book #92’s name twice

Lillie wrote: "Book #90 This Time Tomorrow 3.5 stars print book

Another fun beach read. Did I see where this was going? No. Did it touch upon some serious ..."

George Eliot is a favorite author of mine. Glad you enjoyed.

Bill wrote: "George Eliot is a favorite author of mine. Glad you enjoyed."

Thanks! Have you read them all? Which ones were your favorites?

Lillie wrote: "Bill wrote: "George Eliot is a favorite author of mine. Glad you enjoyed."

Thanks! Have you read them all? Which ones were your favorites?"

I've read Daniel Deronda, Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss & Adam Bede. Daniel Deronda was my first book and remains my favorite. The Mill is a close second. But I enjoyed them all.

Bill wrote: "I've read Daniel Deronda, Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss & Adam Bede. Daniel Deronda was my first book and remains my favorite. The Mill is a close second. But I enjoyed them all."

Thanks! I’m going to have to add them to my tbr list. Maybe do a multi-year challenge and read one a year.

Just a comment about 3 YA series I’m currently reading, The Diviners by Libba Bray, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab. I’ve muddled them in my head. Should’ve started them at different times.

I keep doing this to myself. Last several weeks I was reading 3 contemporary fiction authors, Emma Straub, Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry. Because I read their books at the same time last year and then again this year, they’ll forever be entwined in my head.

I know what you mean about that. Even though I read several books at a time, I (try) not to read similar ones at the same time. Like two fantasies or two historical mysteries. I do have a problem reading too many mysteries close together!

Lillie wrote: "Book #89 Under Lock & Skeleton Key (Secret Staircase Mystery #1) 4 stars audiobook

First in a new mystery series about a magician who..."

Definitely added this and murder on millionaires row. I need more cozies in my life and they look fun.

Even though I read multiple books, I never read the same genre, because I used to get them muddled as well.

Alondra wrote: "Even though I read multiple books, I never read the same genre, because I used to get them muddled as well."

Patricia wrote: "I know what you mean about that. Even though I read several books at a time, I (try) not to read similar ones at the same time. Like two fantasies or two historical mysteries. I do have a problem reading too many mysteries close together! "

I usually do the same as you and try to not read the same genre at the same time. I blame it on mood reading! But I'll have to be more careful going forward.

Book #95 Jade Dragon Mountain 3.5 stars audiobook

Promising start to a new-to-me detective story set in the late 1700's China. Our "detective" is an exiled Imperial librarian going around the country. This story is set on the borders of the country where a Jesuit priest is murdered right before the Emperor is set to arrive for a festival to celebrate the Emperor and the upcoming eclipse. Really enjoyed learning about the history of the Jesuits in China (hadn't even known they had been there). Li Du, the exiled librarian, is a great level headed man who goes around the business of finding the murderer in the face of criticism from those around him. Nobody wants to rock the boat before the Emperor arrives. Solid mystery. Will look for the next book (probably next year since I'm feeling like I've been playing catch up).

#96 A Gathering of Shadows 4 stars audiobook

For whatever reason, I really enjoyed this second book better than the first one. I felt like the first one was all build up. Though I think I ended up giving that one the same rating. Is there a 4.25 rating? lol. I liked that Delilah and Kell were apart. I liked that we got introduced to more characters. And I enjoyed the Essen Tasch competition. Just fun. Pretty sure I laughed more. But I am ready for the story to get moving, for the action to be taken up a notch.

Book #97 The Diviners 4 stars audiobook

Boy, did it take me time to get into this story. I lay the blame at the character, Evie. She was whiny, bratty, a know-it-all and selfish in the beginning and stayed that way for way too long. I thought for sure I'd be giving this a 2 star. Luckily, the author introduced a whole slew of characters and I thought, here we go! But then she put most of them on the back burner and I was worried. In the end, the author pulled off a good book (view spoiler)[but seemed to leave it as a cliffhanger (hide spoiler)]. Am I going to read the next one? Same answer as the Li Du mysteries, probably next year. Adding that I hope the back burner characters are more incorporated into the storyline.

I'm glad you enjoyed Jade Dragon Mountain! For me, the first and third books in the series were the best. The third book draws on some of the things that happened in the first book, and I wished I'd read them a little closer together (I read the books six years apart, so if you read them next year, you'll probably be fine...)

I really enjoyed The Shades of Magic series too. I heard there is going to be a brand new trilogy in this world starting next year. I hope it is as good as this one.

I'm not looking at The Diviners yet. I want to read it eventually and will remind myself to keep going if I find the main character annoying. :-)

Was trying to wrack my brain to remember who had mentioned this series! Thank you :) I did enjoy it but I feel like I'm falling behind on my challenge so I'll need to put it aside until next year. Maybe I'll put the rest of the series as part of my challenge for 2023. You know, that list for next year that I'm already compiling...

Yes, push past Evie's antics. And try to remember that this is YA with all it's tropes. But I could feel the energy the author put into the book, the research she must've done. Overall a good book, a fun fantasy mystery book that, hopefully, continues in the rest of the series. I'd love to hear what you end up thinking of it.

Lillie wrote: "I usually do the same as you and try to not read the same genre at the same time. I blame it on mood reading! But I'll have to be more careful going forward..."

Exactly!! Sometimes I have to have all the horror, or all the mystery; then forget who what when where how and why....Ugh. LOL

Glad you enjoyed A Gathering of Shadows. I just love this trilogy. I feel like rereading it. <3

That is good info on the Diviners. I will keep that in mind for when I can get to it.

Yes! I get into moods and then I like to read several similar genre books concurrently or one right after the other and I end up getting confused, lol

Definitely enjoying the Shades of Magic trilogy. Already have the last one sitting and waiting for me. Just have a couple of other books I’d like to read before then.

Book #98 Overboard (V.I. Warshawski #21)
4.5 stars audiobook/print

This long running mystery series, set in Chicago, continues to be top notch. Yes, Vic (V.I. Warshawski) is a strong woman and can stand on her own two feet but she realizes that her chosen family is her strength. Maybe that’s the main reason I really like this character. Although Vic already has several investigations going, the mystery of a young teen, close to death, found among the rocks on the beach by Lake Michigan is her top priority. What was the word she whispered before the ambulance took off? What had happened to her? Who was she running from?

2-5 star books back to back!

Book #99 Last Night at the Telegraph Club 5 stars audiobook

Set mostly in the 1950s, we follow 17 year old Lily Hu when she realizes that what she's feeling has a name and that there are others like her. The journey that she goes through as a young Chinese woman discovering that she's a lesbian and that she's not alone is life altering. I was swept away with her on her journey, my heart was in my throat waiting for someone to discover her late night trips to the Telegraph Club, a lesbian club. What would happen if her Chinese parents or community were to find out? What would happen to her first love/relationship? Such a good book!

Book #100 Firekeeper's Daughter 5 stars audiobook

As a daughter of both an Ojibwe and French settlers, Daunis Fontaine, lives in both worlds yet doesn't fully belong to either. Now that she's graduated from HS, she's had to put her dreams of leaving the area on hold to help her mother. It's during this time that she witnesses a murder and is asked to help gather up information to bring the murderer to justice (view spoiler)[there's a whole lot more to it as the murder is peripheral to the main case (hide spoiler)]. The book is so much more than the murder case, it's about Daunis' struggle as a non-registered tribe member and her inner-conflict. It's about trying to reconcile loving family even though they are racist. It's about navigating life as a young Native woman. It's about being accepted for who you are. The author drew me in and kept my attention throughout the book. Another fabulous book!

*An aside, for me a 5 star book is one that gives me all the feelings. It's a book that I won't hesitate to reread. And it's a book that I want on my bookshelf. I know your mileage may vary and that's what makes being here so fun, seeing other people's opinions.

Lillie wrote: "2-5 star books back to back!

Book #99 Last Night at the Telegraph Club 5 stars audiobook

Set mostly in the 1950s, we follow 1..."

I enjoyed the Telegraph Club as well. Totally unexpected for me.

Lillie wrote: "2-5 star books back to back!

Book #99 Last Night at the Telegraph Club 5 stars audiobook

Set mostly in the 1950s, we follow 1..."


I loved Firekeeper's Daughter! Glad to see you enjoyed it too.

Bill wrote: "I enjoyed the Telegraph Club as well. Totally unexpected for me."

Yes! That's exactly it, unexpected. Went into it expecting a good but average YA novel. I found it to be very engaging.

Michelle wrote: "I loved Firekeeper's Daughter! Glad to see you enjoyed it too. "

I remember you enjoying it and that gave me hope going into it. It really drew me in. Was reading about it after I finished and it looks like it's going to be adapted for Netflix! I'm so excited.

Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I loved Firekeeper's Daughter! Glad to see you enjoyed it too. "

I remember you enjoying it and that gave me hope going into it. It really drew me in. Was reading about it after I..."

That is good news! Another Netflix series I can watch with my husband.

Michelle wrote: "That is good news! Another Netflix series I can watch with my husband. "

I'm still waiting for Daisy Jones & the Six to come out on amazon! I loved that audiobook so so much.

Book #101 A Memory Called Empire (Texicaalan #1) 4 stars 6/30/22

Excellent start to a new science fiction space opera/alien worlds. An ambassador from a small out of the way station is sent in to replace the previous ambassador who died. This is essentially a fish out of water story, a mystery filled with political intrigue. The only difficulty I had with it was the use of a number and a plant (usually a flower) as character names. Saw that the next one is out and I'm excited to get to it.

Before I start the wrap up, I have to say that June has been the longest month and the shortest month simultaneously. I had double cataract surgery and am still recovering from that. Added to that, yesterday we had to put my constant companion, my dog Snoopy to sleep. I can honestly say that June 30, 2022 was officially the worst day of the year. Unfortunately, our other dog, Skye, is getting close to the end as well. The pit in my stomach has been there since they were both diagnosed with heart failure. Thank you for indulging me.

June Wrap Up

Here we are mid-way through the year. And I checked to see how I'm progressing with my challenges. I wanted to read at least 1/2 of what was on each list. And it happened for every thing but 2 categories.

Total books read in 2022: 101
Total books read in June: 14
Ratings: 2-5 stars, 1-4.5 star, 6-4 stars, 2-3.5 stars, 1-3 star, 2-2.5 stars
Total books read from challenge lists: 45/88
Didn't reach 1/2 goal in Reading Group Challenge (5/12) and Non-Fiction (0/4)
Spent way too much time reading Free Reads: 56! Obviously I blame this group 😂

Favorite reads:


Runner up favorites


Least favorite:

Lillie wrote: "Before I start the wrap up, I have to say that June has been the longest month and the shortest month simultaneously. I had double cataract surgery and am still recovering from that. Added to that,..."

So saddened to hear what a bad month you had. Some people do not understand about 4 legged children. Snoopy is over the rainbow enjoying treats and toys. I hope Skye maintains. I have two 13 year olds with cancer and liver issues. I always worry if one goes first how will the other cope because they have been inseparable since they were 4 month old pups.

Also hope recuperation from surgery speeds up. Several people I know have said how the procedure improved their vision even with slow recovery and/ or complications. Impressed you got so much reading in as well!

Fingers crossed for a better July.

So sorry to hear about the surgery and the loss of your furry child, Snoopy. It's so hard to watch them age. It does look like you had a good reading month and I'm excited to get to Firekeeper's Daughter, I really have to prioritze that book!

Thank you Beth! It's been a month. I'm so sorry to hear about your babies. Totally understand your worry about one preceding the other. These endings are not what I wish for anyone. Big hugs to you.

The surgery went very well. I was surprised at how soon my vision cleared up. If you ever have to go through it, find the surgeon you're comfortable with.

Lea wrote: "So sorry to hear about the surgery and the loss of your furry child, Snoopy. It's so hard to watch them age. It does look like you had a good reading month and I'm excited to get to Firekeeper's Daughter, I really have to prioritze that book!"

Highly recommend Firekeeper's Daughter!

And thank you. Snoopy was such a fun and sweet little dog, he had the biggest personality. He enriched our lives.

I'm so sorry to hear about your puppies. They are such good friends to us. My thoughts are with you.

Continued good luck on your recovery from cataract surgery.

Some excellent books you've read. Good luck in July.