Want Books: In My Mother’s House

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I don’t get to read as many books written by Filipino authors as I would like to and I think this is mostly because I enjoy reading certain genres and there aren’t a lot of Filipino books that fall under those. Also, I’m not much of a short story reader so even if a book is in a genre that I’m interested in, I’m less likely to read it if it’s an anthology. So whenever a Filipino title grabs my attention, usually because it’s highly recommended by friends, I want to read it. This is the case with In My Mother’s House by Joni Cham, which my friend Chris loved (see her review here).

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

An honest and insightful exploration of the complex, sometimes tortured, relationship between an immigrant Chinese mother and her Philippine-born daughter.

In My Mother’s House guides us across a minefield of personal, familial, and cross-cultural trauma to that place made safer by the finality of death and the possibility of forgiveness and re-birth.

The book is only available in Central Books and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit one of their branches the last time I was in Manila. I’ll try to drop by and get a copy of this when I come home from Christmas. What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist?

Want Books: The Girl With the Cat Tattoo

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I first heard about The Girl With the Cat Tattoo by Theresa Weir from contemporary romance author Laura Florand. She mentioned that it’s a romance novel with scenes from a cat’s point of view! That seems like such a fun and unique book. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything from the point of view of a cat (or even a dog). I checked The Girl With the Cat Tattoo’s Goodreads page and it looks like it’s also recommended by Ruthie Knox.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

When a matchmaking cat takes it upon himself to find his young mistress a new mate, he accidentally stirs up memories better left forgotten.

Melody’s husband was murdered by what seemed a random act of violence. Two years later, the killer hasn’t been caught, and Melody is coping in unhealthy ways. During the day she’s a mild-mannered children’s librarian, but at night she’s a party girl, hanging out in bars, drinking with new friends, and often bringing home strange men. Although acquaintances have tried to keep in touch, Melody has cut herself off from most of the people in her old life. Max, her eccentric cat, doesn’t approve of her new friends, he’s tired of the parade of losers, and he finally takes it upon himself to find Melody a new man.

I have a feeling I’ll find the matchmaking cat funny. What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist? Also, please let me know if you’ve read any of Theresa Weir’s books and what you thought of them.

Want Books: Elizabeth the First Wife

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I wonder if followers of this blog have noticed that I always publish my Want Books posts on Saturdays? I don’t post every week but I like highlighting books on this meme because I usually go through the posts whenever I’m in the mood to buy some books. I have a Goodreads wishlist but I feel like my Want Books choices are higher priority. Today’s pick comes from a recommendation by my friend Angie of Angieville. Angie’s reviews are so convincing that there have been times when I’ve grabbed a book as soon as I finished reading her review. A few months ago, she reviewed Elizabeth the First Wife by Lian Dolan and it’s been on my wishlist ever since. She mentioned that it’s similar to Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer and What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, which I both loved so I really want to see if I’ll like Elizabeth the First Wife just as much.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

Elizabeth Lancaster, an English professor at Pasadena City College, finds her perfectly dull but perfectly orchestrated life upended one summer by three men: her movie-star ex-husband, a charming political operative, and William Shakespeare. Until now, she’d been content living in the shadow of her high-profile and highly accomplished family. Then her college boyfriend and one-time husband of seventeen months, A-list action star FX Fahey, shows up with a job offer that she can’t resist, and Elizabeth’s life suddenly gets a whole lot more interesting. She’s off to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for the summer to make sure FX doesn’t humiliate himself in an avant-garde production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else talk about this book so if you’ve read it, let me know what you thought of it. What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist? Hope you’re all enjoying a good book this weekend.

Want Books: Tempting Danger

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I’m still in the middle of rereading the Kate Daniels series, which I talked about last week, so I’m in an urban fantasy kind of mood. I asked for recommendations in that genre and my friend Estara mentioned the World of the Lupi series by Eileen Wilks. I looked up the first novel in the series, Tempting Danger, and saw that I added it on my Goodreads wishlist last year. Maybe I should bump it up and try to see if this is a series that I’d be interested in following.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

Lily Yu is a San Diego police detective investigating a series of grisly murders that appear to be the work of a werewolf. To hunt down the killer, she must infiltrate the clans. Only one man can help her – a were named Rule Turner, a prince of the lupi, whose charismatic presence disturbs Lily. Rule has his own reasons for helping the investigation – reasons he doesn’t want to share with Lily. Logic and honor demand she keep her distance, but the attraction between them is immediate and devastating-and beyond human reason. Now, in a race to fend off evil, Lily finds herself in uncharted territory, tested as never before, and at her back a man who she’s not sure she can trust.

Have you read or heard of this series before? I would be interested in hearing what you think of it. And what book is at the top of your wishlist? Hope you’re all having a great weekend so far. I’m pretty tired at the moment because I took advantage of my Universal Studios Singapore annual pass again and met a couple of friends there today.

Want Books: The Distance Between Us

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I’m sorry for the lack of posts this week, I was swamped with work and was just too tired to do on blog stuff whenever I got back to the flat. And today, I went out with my flatmates for a breakfast buffet and to watch the Phantom of the Opera. So you know, been busy in general. I have been reading good books though – I recently finished Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein (which Michelle and I read together for Novel Gossip), Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst (being discussed for YAckers) and And All the Stars by Andrea K. Höst. Aside from that, I have been getting some excellent recommendations from friends such as The Distance Between Us by Kasie West. I saw Nomes review it on her blog and I knew right away that I would want to read this. It helps that I like the romantic cover – the sun shining behind the girl, how they’re wearing matching red clothes, holding hands and whoa there, missy, you have your leg in between his. LOL.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she’s beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out — she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

This looks like a good one! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll enjoy reading this as much as Nomes did. What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist? Also, what book has kept you occupied the past few days?

Want Books: Medair

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I’m sure most of you have noticed that I’ve been posting more about contemporary novels than fantasy lately. Even my recent Want Books posts have all featured either YA or adult contemporary books. The last fantasy novel that I read was House of Shadows by Rachel Neumeier and I really need to work on a review for that because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Looks like I haven’t reviewed a fantasy novel since A Face Like Glass last March! Well, that’s a bit sad. I’ve read a couple of fantasy titles for YAckers discussions, such as Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly, but I wasn’t able to review them on the blog.

While I do have a number of fantasy titles in my bookshelf and in my Kindle now, it wouldn’t hurt to add more to the pile. Funny that I mentioned Rachel Neumeier earlier because she highly recommends the Medair duology by Andrea K. Höst. I haven’t read anything by this author yet but I do have And All the Stars and Stray on my Kindle. I’ve been hearing good things about her books from other book bloggers as well.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

Medair an Rynstar returned too late to drive back the Ibisian invasion. Centuries too late.

When friend and enemy have become the same thing, what use are the weapons Medair planned to use to protect her Empire? There is no magic, no artefact, no enchanted trinket which can undo the past.

But no matter how Medair wishes to hide from the consequences of her failure, there are those who will not allow her the luxury of denying the present. Her war is already lost, but she carries weapons which could change the course of new battles.

With the skirmishes of war beginning, and hunters in near pursuit, it is her conscience Medair cannot escape. Whose side should she be on? What is she really running from?

Looks pretty interesting to me. I’ve heard that once I’ve read one of Andrea K. Höst’s novels, I’d want to read the rest. I’ll do my best to read at least one of them this year! What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist? Would you happen to have other fantasy recommendations that you think I’ll love?

Want Books: Wildlife

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I really enjoyed reading Fiona Wood’s debut novel Six Impossible Things back in 2011. Her second book Wildlife has been released recently and I’m really curious about it. It has a blurb from one of my favorite authors, Melina Marchetta: “A beautifully crafted novel with achingly real characters that I couldn’t get out of my head.” I’ve also seen reviews from Aussie book bloggers – Nomes, Mandee and Reynje – and they all made me want to read the book more. There are times when Aussie books pop up in bookstores here in Singapore so I asked around for Wildlife when I dropped by two bookstores yesterday but unfortunately, it’s not available over here.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

Boarding for a term in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sibylla expects the gruesome outdoor education program – but friendship complications, and love that goes wrong? They’re extra-curricula.

Enter Lou from Six Impossible Things – the reluctant new girl for this term in the great outdoors. Fragile behind an implacable mask, she is grieving a death that occurred almost a year ago. Despite herself, Lou becomes intrigued by the unfolding drama between her housemates Sibylla and Holly, and has to decide whether to end her self-imposed detachment and join the fray.

And as Sibylla confronts a tangle of betrayal, she needs to renegotiate everything she thought she knew about surviving in the wild.

I was thinking of giving in and trying Fishpond for the first time. I wanted to get Wildlife and Girl Defective by Simmone Howell but the latter is out of stock. I’ll probably wait for that to become available before ordering. How about you, what book is at the tip of your wishlist? Hope you’re all having a good weekend so far.

Want Books: Sugar Rush

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I heard about the Cupcake Club series by Donna Kauffman through Laura Florand. I saw in one of her updates that she was excited to get a copy of the latest book in the series. I immediately looked up the premise for the first book, Sugar Rush, and decided that it looks like a fun contemporary romance, focusing on delicious desserts, much like Laura’s own novels. Also, check out that cute cover filled with all kinds of cupcakes. They look yummy! I’m a huge fan of cupcakes so that’s another reason why I want to read this one.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

When baker extraordinaire Leilani Trusdale left the bustle of New York City for Georgia’s sleepy Sugarberry Island, she didn’t expect her past to follow. Yet suddenly, her former boss, Baxter Dunne, aka Chef Hot Cakes, the man who taught her everything pastry, wants to film his hit cooking show in her tiny cupcakery. The same Chef Hot Cakes whose molten chocolate-brown eyes and sexy British accent made Lani’s mouth water and her cheeks blush the color of raspberry filling – stirring all kinds of kitchen gossip, much of which Lani wished was true…

Lani’s friends are convinced that this time around, Baxter is the missing ingredient in her recipe for happiness. But convincing Lani will be a job for Baxter himself. And he’ll need more than black velvet frosting to sweeten the deal…

Looks like there are currently four books in the series right now and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll enjoy reading all of them. What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist? Any books that you’re curious about because it was recommended by a favorite author? Just for fun, what’s your favorite cupcake flavor? Mine are red velvet and earl grey.

Red velvet from 12 Cupcakes, my favorite cupcake store in Singapore

Want Books: Down London Road

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

It usually only takes one overwhelmingly positive review from a trusted book blogger to convince me to read a book. And I’m a sucker for Angie’s bibliocrack recommendations. After all, that’s how I discovered some of my favorite contemporary romance authors like Julie James, Jennifer Crusie and Sarra Manning. So when Angie reviewed Down London Road by Samantha Young, it went straight to my wishlist. Fellow YAcker Laura created a button that’s applicable for situations like this:

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that’s a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole – something her parents have never done.

But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can’t deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn’t fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all – but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head.

And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps?

The premise reminds me a little of Unsticky by Sarra Manning and I could totally relate to wanting to find a steady and financially secure man – that’s just practical, right? 😛

What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist? Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend so far.

Want Books: Girl Defective

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted here at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now. Everyone is free to join, just grab the image above. Leave a comment with a link to your post so I can do a roundup with each post.

I just finished reading a lovely Aussie YA novel, All I Ever Wanted by Vikki Wakefield, and it left me craving for more beautifully written books from the land down under. I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about Girl Defective by Simmone Howell so I’m really curious about it. I haven’t had a chance to read any of Simmone Howell’s novels and this seems like a good one to start with. I like the idea of inverse superheroes and that this book seems to be about family and friendship, two of the things I enjoy reading about.

Here’s the summary from Goodreads:

We, the Martin family, were like inverse superheroes, marked by our defects. Dad was addicted to beer and bootlegs. Gully had “social difficulties” that manifested in his wearing a pig snout mask 24-7. I was surface clean but underneath a weird hormonal stew was simmering…

It’s summer in St Kilda. Fifteen-year-old Sky is looking forward to great records and nefarious activities with Nancy, her older, wilder friend. Her brother – Super Agent Gully – is on a mission to unmask the degenerate who bricked the shop window. Bill the Patriarch seems content to drink while the shop slides into bankruptcy. A poster of a mysterious girl and her connection to Luke, the tragi-hot new employee sends Sky on an exploration into the dark heart of the suburb. Love is strange. Family Rules. In between there are teenage messes, rock star spawn, violent fangirls, creepy old guys and accidents waiting to happen. If the world truly is going to hell in a hand-basket then at least the soundtrack is kicking. Sky Martin is Girl Defective: funny, real and dark at the edges.

I have a feeling I’d go bankrupt if I ever get to visit Australia because I’d want to buy as many books as I can. What about you, what book is at the top of your wishlist?