Looking Ahead: January TBR, Indie Books, Poetry, and More!

I want to thank  Devouring Books   for this tag. This is a new post that she is starting  at the end of every month where we share the books that we are looking forward to in the coming month. This is a great tag because we are both always looking for books to add to our my “To Be Read (TBR)” lists. Her list has already given me some great recommendations for my TBR and I’m excited to share mine with you as well!

Rules!

• Create a list of books that you are looking forward to in the next month.
• Credit the creator of the tag, Devouring Books.
• Link back to the person who tagged you.
• Tag 5-15 people!

 

Releasing in January

Love Looks Pretty on You by Lang Leav

Release Date: January 29, 2019

Leav is redefining the face of poetry for a new generation. I received a free digital advanced reader copy of this book from Net Galley. It was my first exposure to Leav’s work. Her talent and unique voice made me an instant fan of her work. Click here to read my full review.

 

Chameleon Aura by Billy Chapata 

Release Date: January 22, 2019

According to the Goodreads synopsis, Chapata is a poet from Zimbabwe who “provides a thought-provoking take on the universal experiences of love, pain, and what comes next through messages of empowerment.  I received a free digital advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. I love the fact that it is by a poet from Zimbabwe.

Upcoming Reviews

 

Quiet Insurrections by Daniel Klawitter

I’m very much looking forward to curling up with a cup of tea and Klawitter’s latest book of poetry. Daniel Klawitter is an immensely talented poet who has great skill with a pen.

I met Klawitter through the Order of St. Luke, an organization for both clergy and laity that promotes excellence in liturgy and works to spread a deeper understanding of the sacraments. (Click here to read more about how much the Order of St. Luke has meant to me in my own life.)

Quiet Insurrections was named as an honorable mention in the prestigious 2018 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards. Klawitter has graciously allowed me to interview him about his writing process, inspiration, and other poetical works. Stay tuned for my review of Quiet Insurrections as well my interview with Klawitter.

 

soft magic by Uplie Chisala  (Poetry)

Although soft magic was originally released on September 7, 2015, I just received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. I’m interested in reading this book because I love poetry and I’m especially interested in the work of female poets of minority descent.

 

Blog Tours

 

The End Begins (Seven Trilogy Book #1) by Sara Davison 

Genre: Christian/ Dystopian/ Romantic Suspense

I’m still relatively new to the world of book blogging but I’ve heard that Blog Tours are a great way to connect with authors and other readers. I’m looking forward to hosting my first blog tour, The End Begins, on January 11th. Come back to see my review as well as to read my interview  with the author, Sara Davison.

 

The Last Thing She Said by Rachel Walkley

I will be hosting The Last Thing She Said on February 1st here on my blog. That means that this book is one that I’m currently reading. So far it’s a fast paced book and I am looking forward to interviewing the author, Rachel Walkley about her inspiration.

Don’t forget to check back in February to see my full review and read my interview with the author!

 

12 Days of Indie Books

 

 

 

 

Book reviews are incredibly important for authors. They make an author appear more credible and may even help an author eventually find a home with a traditional publishing house. They also serve as much needed promotion and publicity.

I am a self-published author and as such I know just how challenging it can be to get book reviews. In honor of this, I am committing to read the following twelve independently published books (one for each day of Christmas!) in the near future. I will then post those reviews to Goodreads and Amazon. I will also purchase the book on Amazon so that Amazon will allow me to leave a review. Furthermore, if the book fits with my Book Review Policy, I will post a review right here on my blog.

Please note: My job keeps me quite busy but I will get to these twelve books within the next three months (God willing!).

Do you have a book you would like me to review? See my Book Review Policy for more information.

1. Jairus Girl by L. R. Hay 

Genre: All Ages/ Pre-teens/ Christian

I’m looking forward to reading this brief novel which explores the story of Jesus from the perspective of the children.

 

2. I, Win by Win Kelly Charles

Genre: Memoir/ Nonfiction

Win Kelly Charles is a bestselling author, journalist, and fashionista from Aspen. She also happens to have Cerebral Palsy. Win does not allow her disability to define her. Instead, she is redefining the way people view disability. 

 

3. Hunted in the Valley by C.R. Pugh

Genre: YA/ Dystopian

I know that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover but I love the rich hues of blue on this one. I’m intrigued to see what adventure that awaits within this beautiful cover.

 

4. If Dan Can Shred- You Can, Too!

Genre: Memoir/ Nonfiction

Danielle Coulter is the first adaptive snowboarder in the world! She also happens to be best friends with Win Kelly Charles. Win’s memoir inspired Danielle to write her own and I’m looking forward to reading it!

 

5. Breakwater (Broken Tides #1) by Catherine Jones Payne

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Mayhem and Mermaids? What more could you want?

 

6. Jerry the Squirrel by Shawn P.B. Robinson 

Genre: All Ages/ Fantasy

Jerry is an adorable squirrel. I must find out what happens to him on his adventures with his many friends!

 

7. Breaking Into Butterflies by Miranda Kulig

Genre: Poetry

I enjoy supporting author female writers. I’ve only read a few pages of Kulig’s poetry collection but I have been very much impressed with it so far and am looking forward to see how she develops the theme of resurrection and rebirth.

 

8. Crown for Castlewood Manor by V Barton

Genre: Contemporary Romance

I really enjoy how the description of this book makes it sound like Downton Abbey meets reality television. I can’t wait to explore Castlewood Manor for myself!

 

9. Fallon’s Hope by Narah Quinn

Genre: Fantasy

Narah Quinn is an emerging writer and the author of Fallon’s Hope. We met through Twitter and she asked if I would host her book as well as to provide a review. She is an incredibly sweet person and I’m curious about the fantasy world she has created.

 

10.   A Secret Place of Thunder by Patricia Adams 

Genre: Christian/ Dystopian

This looks like a fun exploration of what the “end of times” might look like if viewed through a biblical lens. The Goodreads synopsis makes it sound like a blend of the Left Behind series mixed with a healthy dose of fantasy.

 

11. Merona Grant and the Lost Tomb of Golgotha by Brina Williamson

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy

Williamson’s art is amazing and the premise for this book reminds me of Indiana Jones’s quest for the ark of the covenant.

 

12. Tales of Aerthos: Kingsblade by Rob Nugent

I want to give a special shout out to Rob Nugent, who advised me to start a blog in the first place. His work reminds me of Game of Thrones meets Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I’m excited to finish this fun novella.

Tag! You’re It!

I tag:

Ellie at A  Book Devourer Twitter: @abookdevourer

O.D. Book Reviews Twitter: @ODbookreviews

Allie at Allie Reads Twitter: @allieereads

Rose at Books & Stuff Twitter:@rosesbloom24

 

There are so many great books that I want to read in the coming year. I plan on reading many more (I read over 125 books in 2018!) but these are all at the top of my TBR list. One of the most fun parts of starting my own website has been the opportunity to get to know other writers and other bookworms!

I’m very excited to be starting my 2019 reading list. I’m not sure what surprises the New Year will bring but I know it’s going to be a good one.

 

What’s on your TBR? Let me know in the comments! 

Let’s be friends! Connect with me on Twitter and Instagram.