2. I'm enjoying Sci-Fi?
Who would've thought? Also send applause to Lionsgate for their marketing, everyone is releasing a book on November 28th apparently, and you should read this standalone fantasy book.
Welcome!
On this weekly newsletter, every - you guessed it - Sunday, we’ll discuss upcoming releases, an author of the week, top 10 books from last week, and recommendations from you. To send in your recommendation & review, visit the R&R page. Without further ado, let’s get into this week of The Sunday Reads.
Apparently November 28th is The Official Day for book releases! Mark ‘em down on your calendars! Some really cool ones will be out.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose (Mystery): Nov 28, 2023
In the follow up to Prose’s novel, The Maid, Molly Gray - now Head Maid - is back again to uncover the death of an author at the Regency Grand Hotel.
The Last Love Note by Emma Grey (Fiction): Nov 28, 2023
Kate is a bit overwhelmed, as she’s juggling work, solo parenting, and grieving the loss of her husband, and a work trip with her boss, Hugo, gives her a chance to process her grief through notes he left her - and they might also help her discover Hugo’s secret.
Betting on You by Lynn Painter (YA Romance): Nov 28, 2023
Bailey and Charlie are polar opposites who met a year ago (not so great) and are now coworkers (ugh) who somehow grow closer through placing bets and fake dating … will they actually get together or will a secret Charlie has ruin things before they can even begin?
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher (YA Romance): Nov 28, 2023
In this medieval romantic comedy, Arthur, the descendant of King Arthur, is betrothed to the princess of England Gwendoline and they hate each other, but the summer before their wedding is spent together where secrets unbound within 24 hours, making them better allies than enemies.
Top 10 books that I’ve gathered from B&N, Amazon Bestsellers, and The NYT Bestsellers Lists. These are *mostly* different from last week’s, but the ones mentioned there can be found here. In no particular order, here you go:
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (Fantasy)
The long awaited sequel to the bestseller, Fourth Wing, where Yarros has created an intricate world full of dragons and riders, war and magic, and friend and foe.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Fantasy)
This prequel to The Hunger Games shows how Coriolanus Snow became the President Snow we know in the series. In the tenth annual Hunger Games, he has to mentor the female tribute from District 12, Lucy Grey, which puts him at a disadvantage when he needs glory.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (Historical Fiction)
In Pottstown, Pennsylvania, workers are starting a new development in 1972 when they discover a skeleton, which holds the secrets Chicken Hill’s residents have held and demonstrates how love is at the center of it all.
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly (Mystery/Thriller)
Back again, Mickey Haller will need the help of his half brother, who is a retired LAPD detective, to fight an uphill battle to prove that a woman did not kill her husband.
My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand (Memoir)
At a whopping 1,040 pages, we finally get a memoir from this living legend, where she accounts her life from Brooklyn to the stage to her friendships and family.
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher (Romance)
In this second chance small town romance, Julian and Dahlia are childhood rivals who both work in home improvement. From pranks to dealing with grief, you’re sure to fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (Memoir)
Written by his own hand, Dave Grohl takes you through his life, where his passion for music and awe at living out his dreams clearly shines through as evident by the raving reviews.
Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor by Mark Harmon, Leon Carroll (True Crime)
The NCIS star Mark Harmon joins forces with a former NCIS Special Agent, Leon Carroll, to bring forth a story of two men - a Japanese Spy and a Japanese American naval intelligence agent - who help play the cunning games between Japan and the US military that have worldwide ramifications.
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom (Historical Fiction)
Nico Krispis is eleven years old when a Nazi officer invades his home and tells him that he will save his family if Nico tells his neighbors that it’s safe to board the train, but at the last station, he sees his family being boarded onto a boxcar. Realizing it was all a trick, Nico never tells the truth again. Over decades, Albom weaves the lives of Nico, his brother, and their schoolmate as they try to find Nico and the Nazi official who ruined their lives, revealing the consequences of their actions in the process.
Tired of Winning by Jonathan Karl (Nonfiction, Politics)
Karl has known Donald Trump since the 1960s, making him a great source for this novel on Trump’s fall from grace to the reemerging leader for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination despite controversy and continuing legal battles.
Today we’re discussing an author who I’ve heard a lot about but haven’t had the chance to read any of her books yet. Her novel, Better Than the Movies, blew up online this summer. The author of this week is Lynn Painter!
Lynn Painter writes romantic comedies for teens and adults. You might have heard of Better Than the Movies, Mr. Wrong Number, The Love Wager, or The Do Over. She loves energy drinks, watching rom-coms, spaghetti, and cannot do anything crafty. Painter lives in Nebraska with her family, and she occasionally contributes to the Omaha World Herald.
I have approximately all of her books on my tbr list, and I cannot wait to read them. I have heard nothing but good things about Better Than the Movies and her new book releasing soon (that I mentioned earlier!) sounds incredible. Her website is witty and makes me smile, so if her writing is anything like that I know I will love it! You can find her website here, and Betting on You releases November 28th.
Here’s your reminder to send in a brief book recommendation to my email, thesundayreads@gmail.com. In the meantime, I am more than happy to keep recommending books!
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson (Fantasy)
*and the novella, Mysteries of Thorn Manor, which is an adorable follow up!*
This stand alone fantasy book took me completely by surprise. I’ve read it twice, recommended it constantly, and recently bought a physical copy that I intend to read over Christmas. It can be incredibly difficult to compile a truly complete fantasy book in one installment, but it’s done here. Elisabeth has grown up among magical grimoires and intends to become a warden. Nathaniel is a sorcerer, something she’s always been taught to fear. When they have to work together to stop a conspiracy, Elisabeth has to question everything she’s been taught. Add in a demonic servant and books that basically have their own minds, and what more do you need?
Before You Go …
As a girl with a marketing degree, I have to say that the Lionsgate marketing (specifically on TikTok) for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is quite genius. We did a case study on the marketing for Catching Fire, which was mind blowing. They created a story combining all social platforms as well as brand partnerships to make longtime fans feel apart of The Hunger Games universe. I was interested to see what they would do for Ballad, and the Lionsgate TikTok account is doing well. They don’t have to create new fans, but they do have to cater to the original fans. Where are we? On TikTok. What do we like to do? Talk about hot actors. What did the Lionsgate account do? Create fan edits of their hot actors, specifically Tom Blythe, because there’s nothing we don’t love about a morally ambiguous attractive male these days (Draco Malfoy anyone?). Not only that, but they’re using Gen Z humor to respond to people as well, just like Duolingo did a few years ago. Not only have they created buzz about the release of the prequel to the right audience, but they’ve also made our perception of Lionsgate as a company positive. Kudos!
A long, long time ago (the beginning of this post) I mentioned something crazy (I read a book). I actually enjoyed a Science Fiction book!! Hooray! My brother told me a few months ago to read the Scythe series. I’ve finally got around to it, and I’m actually really enjoying the setting. It’s different to the settings I’m used to - historical, contemporary, or made up fantasy. Sci-Fi has been incredibly refreshing for me to read this past week, and the world itself is fascinating because of how it relates to our real world. I have to say that the series does read slowly for me, but I also enjoy it immensely! Currently halfway through The Thunderhead.
Finally, please message me here, on one of my social accounts, or email me (thesundayreads@gmail.com), if you have any improvements or recommendations for me. I’m always learning, and this is only the second installment!
That’s all I have for this week. Much love!
Izzy