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Book Radar

ACE OF SPADES Summer Edition is Coming and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

How is your Thursday going so far? Me, I’m watching Love Island: Australia and getting so pumped for the premiere of the OG UK Love Island coming in June. It’s the best thing about the summer. Anyone else a fan? Or do you just want me to shut up and talk about books? Lucky you, I’m about to talk about books. Let’s do this.

Book Deals and Reveals

ACE OF SPADES summer edition cover

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé has announced on Twitter that there will be an Ace of Spades one year anniversary summer edition. 

Here’s the cover reveal for Where You See Yourself, Claire Forrest’s debut that includes an “unforgettable coming-of-age tale, a swoon-worthy romance, and much-needed disability representation.” This one’s out from Scholastic in April 2023.

Former model Paulina Porizkova is releasing a memoir in essays! Here’s a look at the cover. The book is out from Penguin Books on November 15th.

Another beautiful cover reveal: here’s My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin. It’s out from Henry Holt and Co. on February 14th, 2023.

The first full-length official trailer for Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder debuted last night during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on ESPN. This trailer gives fans their first look at Christian Bale’s much-anticipated turn as villain Gorr the God Butcher.

Hogarth took North American rights to two novels by Man Booker winner Han Kang. Greek Lessons is set to be released in the U.S. in April 2023, and Human Acts is slated for April 2024.

Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham has sold her new essay collection Have I Told You This Already to Sara Weiss at Ballantine.

Lupita Nyong’o has dropped out of the Lady in the Lake adaptation at Apple. She was set to star alongside Natalie Portman, Y’Lan Noel, Mikey Madison, and Brett Gelman.

Here are the winners of the 57th Annual Nebula Awards.

A new Freckle survey asked American adults about reading habits and how they sourced reading materials and here are the results.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Can’t Wait for This One

the light pirate book cover

The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (Grand Central Publishing, December 6th)

If you’re a fan of cli-fi or have been interested in reading more fiction about climate change, Lily Brooks-Dalton’s The Light Parade is the book to put on your TBR this year. This book follows the story of Wanda, who is born during a devastating hurricane in Florida. As the state continues to slip away in the face of destructive hurricanes and rising sea levels, Wanda continues to grow and adapt to this changing world.

This book has been called the perfect read for fans of Station Eleven and Where the Crawdads Sing. Wanda’s stunning story reflects a terrifying near future that many would rather not confront. It’s a reflection on the wrath of wilderness in the face of man-made disasters. And it’s a brilliant character study.

While December seems so, so far away now, this post-apocalyptic novel will be on shelves sooner than we know it. And mark my words. This is one I could see adapted into a film or television series in the coming years.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“If we carefully regard the works of art that we consider seminal in the history of the world—works of painting, literature, dance, sculpture; all the beautiful things wrought by human hands and imagination—it is clear that what united them is time. Time purchased with hoarded and illegitimate wealth, time wrung from the muscles of Black bodies, time wrenched through a vicious alchemy from the violent arms of colonialism. Friends, we exist in a perpetual state of time debt, wherein only those who have benefited from this thieving achieve the privilege of what we so blithely call genius. Comrades, what would it mean if what was once stolen cold now be repaid?”

The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing… I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

I recently finished reading Book Riot’s very own Susie Dumond’s novel Queerly Beloved. And can I just say I love that the book included a recipe for champagne cupcakes. I made them last weekend, and they were delicious. Enjoy this pic of the finished product.

But you know what’s even better? She’s been sharing additional recipes from the book on her Instagram. Like this rainbow cake, and these blueberry muffins. Can we make this a thing that more authors do? Because I love baking almost as much as I love reading. Still waiting for Susie to release her recipe for the raspberry mint cake! I want it.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

pole dancing orange cat on a cat tree

Fun fact: did y’all know Murray is a pole dancer? He’s really good at it too! I know he’s hoping I’ll make it rain treats in this picture. But so sorry, Murray. It’s not treats time just yet.

Anyway, that’s it for Thursday’s Book Radar! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, if you are in the US and get time off to enjoy the holiday. And if you don’t, I hope you still find time to relax and, of course, read.

Talk soon!

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

Cassandra Clare’s CHAIN OF THORNS Cover Revealed and More Book Radar!

Dearest Book Friends,

It’s Monday again, and I yet again have some big news to share with you! We got a new kitty over the weekend. Of course, no one will replace Phantom in our hearts, and we still miss him very much, but Murray was needing a new buddy, and we couldn’t say no to this sweet guy. So stay tuned til the end to catch a glimpse at our new baby. And in the meantime, I’ve got what you came for… book stuff!

Book Deals and Reveals

ross gay inciting joy book cover

Check out this gorgeous cover of Ross Gay’s upcoming essay collection Inciting Joy.

Here’s the cover reveal for Jennifer Maritza McCauley’s story collection When Trying to Return Home, out from Counterpoint Press on February 7, 2023.

And here’s the cover of Sophie Kim’s upcoming novel Last of The Talons. This one’s coming out in September, but you can read an exclusive snippet in Paste Magazine.

Cassandra Clare has revealed the cover of her new novel Chain of Thorns. Check it out!

You have to check out this cover reveal for the title alone. This is the cover reveal of Penny Reid’s Folk Around and Find Out, the second novel in Penny Reid’s Good Folk: Modern Folktales series.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick plans to publish a memoir aimed at young adult audiences with Scholastic. The release date is tentatively set for March 7th.

Culture Crave tweeted a new look at actors Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman in the highly anticipated Marvel film Thor: Love and Thunder.

A television series based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go is in the works at FX.

A Barnes & Noble is being sued in Virginia Beach for carrying Gender Queer and other books.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

city of likes book cover

City of Likes by Jenny Mollen (Nancellebooks, June 14th)

I think we all try to pretend that we’re not, but who am I kidding? I’m clearly obsessed with social media. I spend a lot of time on Instagram, and I’m fascinated by the ways people curate their lives for public consumption. I mean, how is that not fascinating? How can you not be mesmerized by the sheen of social media?

I do have a point. And I’m getting to it. City of Likes is a book about social media. But it’s also a book about being a woman in contemporary culture and all that entails—female friendships, motherhoods, hustle culture, social media influencers, and so on. This book is entertaining, satirical, and it also feels incredibly real. Yikes.

Following the birth of her second chid, Megan Chernoff is having a bit of an identity crisis. Unemployed and adrift and looking for a fresh start, Megan moves with her family to New York City, where she meets Daphne. Daphne Cole is a glamorous, aspirational momfluencer. And for some reason Daphne wants to be Megan’s friend. Before Megan knows what hits her, she finds herself swept up in the world of influencers, attending exclusive parties and wellness rituals, and yes, reaping the thousands and thousands of followers on all of her social media accounts. But the deeper Megan becomes immersed in Daphne’s world, the more she loses herself and what truly matters.

What I’m Reading This Week

little eyes book cover

Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin

The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe

This is Not the Real World by Anna Carey

The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert

Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda

Darling Girl by Liz Michalski

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Monday Memes

Not directly book-related this week, but this does feel appropriate for today, especially if you’re reading this in the morning.

Other Things That Make Me Happy

Well, my new cat makes me happy! Check him out…

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

tuxedo cat in a cat tree

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Everyone, meet Remy, our new little kitten. We’re so excited to have him, and I’m extra excited to be able to share him with you.

Remy’s adventures will soon be taking him to Seattle, so stay tuned for more adventures with Remy the traveling tuxedo cat. And friends. Should I make a children’s book series?

Well, that’s all for Monday! I hope you have a great week. And we’ll talk again in just a few short days.

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END Prequel Info and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

So I just got back from my trip, so I guess this is a good time to tell you all the news. I’m moving to Seattle! So yes, if you live up there or have been there, would love to hear what we should check out once we move there. We did get to hit up a couple of bookstores while we were there earlier this week, which was super exciting. But I can’t wait to explore some more! Anyway, we need to talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

the witch and the vampire book cover

Check out the cover reveal for this sapphic YA “Rapunzel” retelling. The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores comes out March 2023!

Here’s the cover reveal for Rachel Harrison’s upcoming werewolf novel Such Sharp Teeth. It’s coming October 4th!

According to author Adam Silvera’s post on Instagram, the prequel to They Both Die at the Endentitled The First to Die at the End has now been formatted and designed. And Silvera has some teasers for the upcoming book to share with his fans, so check out his Instagram post!

Netflix’s Bridgerton is skipping ahead of Julia Quinn’s books for its third season, which will follow the Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) love story

Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has just signed a new 22-book deal with Australian publishers Serenity Press, which will include three new young adult novels.

Taraji P. Henson is in talks to produce and star in Queenie, a new series based on the book The World of Stephanie St. Clair: An Entrepreneur, Race Woman and Outlaw in the Early Twentieth Century Harlem by Shirley Stewart. 

Here’s the cover reveal for The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto, a new middle grade novel by Adrianna Cuevas.

And here’s the cover reveal for Painted Devils, the sequel to Margaret Owen’s demisexual YA fantasy Little Thieves.

Celadon took world rights to actor Henry Winkler’s currently untitled memoir. The book is set for 2024,

Hanif Abdurraqib, in his new role as editor-at-large at Tin House, acquired North American rights to When They Tell You to Be Good, a memoir by Prince Shakur

Lit Hub has the exclusive cover reveal for Erika T. Wurth’s literary horror novel White Horse.

Like these popular TikTok books? Then read these next!

May is AAPI Heritage Month, and here are 13 new LGBTQ books by AAPI to read ASAP!

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Can’t Wait for This One

the fortunes of jaded women book cover

The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (Atria Books, September 6th)

The Fortunes of Jaded Women is fun contemporary novel with a nice helping of magic thrown in for good measure. This multi-narrative novel follows the stories of Vietnamese women grappling with family issues, grief, and fighting to succeed in a world that seems to be entirely against them. This book is filled with joy and honesty, and I think everyone’s going to love it. So I absolutely can’t wait for it to come out!

The story starts with Oanh, who left her marriage for true love. Because of her daring decision, she is cursed by a Vietnamese witch. What’s more, all of Oanh’s descendants are cursed along with her so that no one in her family line will ever find love or happiness.

Oanh’s current descendant Mai Nguyen is now divorced. She’s also completely estranged from her sisters Minh Pham and Khuyen Lam. Mai’s three adult daughters, Priscilla, Thuy, and Thao, are currently successful in their careers, but their love lives? That’s a different story. Desperate for help, Oanh turns to a psychic, who predicts that the family will experience a marriage, a funeral, and the birth of a son for the first time in generations. These events will bring the family back together again, for better or worse.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“High school matters because it shapes how we see the world when we enter it. We carry the hurt with us, the confirmed fears, the insecurities people used against us. But we also carry the moment when someone gave us a chance, even though they didn’t have to. The moment we watched a friend make a choice we didn’t understand at first because they’re brave in a different way. The moment a teacher told us they believed in us. The moment we told someone who we are and they accepted us without question. The moment we felt in love. Most of the things we are feeling right now are things we’re feeling for the first time. We’re learning what it means to feel them. What we mean to one another. Of course that matters.”

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing… I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

If you’re wanting to know more about what books are most popular on TikTok, we’ve been putting together that information for you over at Book Riot! Here are the most popular YA books on TikTok, the most popular romance, and the most popular fantasy

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

black cat by a table

I know I mentioned I went to a cat cafe last weekend, and here’s a picture from the cat cafe! This sweet girl is named Shadow, and I’m completely in love with her. She has already been adopted, and I just feel like her new family is so lucky to have this angel! So, say hi to Shadow, everyone.

And that’s it for Thursday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I’ll talk to you soon!

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

Here’s the Cover for Kennedy Ryan’s BEFORE I LET GO and More Book Radar!

Hello, Book People!

How are things? Any of you from Seattle? Because I’m in Seattle today! It’s my first time ever coming here. By the time you read this, it will be too late for you to give me any recommendations for this trip, but if you love Seattle, I’d love to hear your favorite things about it for next time I get to come. Seriously! You give me your Seattle recommendations, and I give you some book recommendations. Seems like a good deal? Let’s do this.

Book Deals and Reveals

Just My Type book cover

Cover reveal time! Check out the cover of Just My Type, a new novel by Falon Ballard. This one’s out from Penguin Random House on February 7th, 2023.

Here’s the cover for Queen Move author Kennedy Ryan’s next book Before I Let Go! You can get this one in November.

LGBTQ Reads had the exclusive cover reveal for Edward Underhill’s debut novel Always the Almost, releasing on Valentine’s Day, 2023.

And Tordotcom has released the cover of The Lies of Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi.

Don Weisberg is stepping down as CEO of Macmillan Publishers at the end of 2022, with Jon Yaged tapped to take over his position as CEO.

Anchor Books bought the US rights to Nicola Yoon’s first adult novel, a psychological thriller entitiled One of Our Kind. The novel is slated for a 2024 release.

This June, Marvel’s newest mutant superhero Escapade will join other LGBTQIA+ Marvel heroes as part of Marvel’s ongoing Marvel’s Voices series.

U2’s Bono has written a memoir, entitled Surrender, and he will be publishing it with Knopf this November.

Author Rick Riordan has spoken out against fans upset about casting choices for the upcoming Disney+ adaptation of his series Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

In San Diego, an 8-year-old published a book about how a turtle got its shell, and he plans to donate the proceeds for art and music supplies.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

the man who could move clouds book cover

The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (Doubleday, July 12th)

Get ready for this one, because this might just be the best memoir you read all year long. Ingrid Rojas Contreras writes a memoir about magic, family history, grief, loss, ghosts, and incredibly powerful women. And she grapples with all of these subjects and more through humor and honesty. In other words, make room on your shelf right away, because this one’s out in just two short months.

In The Man Who Could Move Clouds, Ingrid Rojas Contreras tells a story of true magic, starting with her childhood raised in Columbia in the 1980s and ’90s. Her maternal grandfather was a curandero, a community healer gifted with the ability to speak with the dead, tell the future, treat the sick, and move the clouds. Rojas Contreras’ mother became a fortune teller and was the first woman to inherit “the secrets,” which is what the family calls their magic powers.

Rojas Contreras never though these “secrets” would be passed on to her, but after she suffers a head injury in her twenties that leaves her with amnesia, the family excitedly tells her that the same thing happened to her mother. Right before she gained “the secrets.”

When her grandfather dies, Rojas Contreras agrees to join her mother to disinter her grandfather’s remains. From there, the two women go on a journey back through their family history to their Indigenous and Spanish roots, the origins of “the secrets,” and those who thought the magic to be a curse.

What I’m Reading This Week

the memory librarian book cover

The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

This is Not the Real World by Anna Carey

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

Monday Memes

I mean, who among us hasn’t lost hours of sleep when they’re in the middle of reading a good book?

Other Things That Make Me Happy

I got to visit another cat cafe this weekend! Pictures forthcoming (I can’t help myself), but this one is Purrington’s Cat Lounge in Portland! I mentioned this last week, but I just love popping into cat cafes while I’m traveling. Nothing makes me happier than cats, let’s be real.

And Here’s A Cat Picture

orange cat on a blanket

Speaking of cats! I’m missing Murray today. I can’t wait to go home and see him tomorrow! The best part of going home is seeing the cats again. Look how sweet he is sleeping on my Sailor Moon blankie!

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful week, and as always, I thank you so much for spending your time with me today. You are truly the best!

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

A First Look at Veronica Roth’s Latest Novel and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Today I fly to Portland, and once again I’ve packed three (yes THREE) books for the flight. What am I bringing? I’m glad you asked. I’m taking I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston, Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond, and Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda. How many books is too many books to bring on a trip? You’ll have to let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, here’s all the book stuff you came for.

Book Deals and Reveals

The Pledge book cover

Here’s the cover reveal for The Pledge, Cale Dietrich’s upcoming queer YA slasher novel. Dietrich tweeted, “I’m a huge horror fan and it means so much to me that I was able to write a slasher story with a gay guy as the lead!”

Another exciting YA cover reveal: here’s a look at Amparo Ortiz’s upcoming YA fantasy novel Last Sunrise in Eterna. This one’s coming out on March 23, 2023!

Veronica Roth has got a new novel coming out! It’s called Poster Girl, and Today has a first look at the cover, an excerpt from the book, and more.

Tor.com has another cover reveal for us: Where Darkness Blooms by Andrea Hannah. This one’s coming out  February 21, 2023 from Wednesday Books.

HBO is developing a limited series adaptation of Sulathe novel by Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison.

Netflix has released the first set of images for its upcoming young adult vampire drama First Kill, which debuts on the streaming platform on June 10th.

Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings is being adapted into a television series by Greta Lee and A24.

Chris Bohjalian’s upcoming historical fiction thriller The Lioness will be adapted for television by eOne.

Entertainment Weekly has put together a list of the books they’re most excited to read this summer.

These were the most popular, in-demand books in US libraries from January to March 2022.

2022 is going to be a big year for anime! Here’s a look at some upcoming manga adaptations you need to have on your radar.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Can’t Wait for This One

Pinata Book Cover

Piñata by Leopoldo Gout (Tor Nightfire, March 14, 2023)

Y’all! This is another one of those books I’ve been HIGHLY anticipating. One of those books that was supposed to come out in late 2022. And yeah, it’s one of those books that got pushed back! I’m so bummed, but also, dang! 2023 is going to be a great year for horror fiction, I predict. And if you’re wondering why you should be excited about this particular book, well, you should have known I was going to tell you more about it.

This book is being described as Hereditary meets Head Full of Ghosts, which are two of the most astoundingly horrifying stories ever. Piñata follows the story of Carmen Sanchez, who is back in her home country of Mexico with her teen daughters Izel and Luna so that she can oversee the renovation of an ancient cathedral into a boutique hotel.

But Carmen’s project is met with adversaries at every turn. The locals treat Carmen and her daughters like outsiders, and her contractors openly sabotage the project. After Luna is nearly injured at the construction site, Carmen decides enough is enough and she returns with her family to New York.

But returning to New York doesn’t mean escaping the troubles the Sanchez family encountered in Mexico. Something has been awakened, and it might be too late for Carmen and her daughters to escape.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Clocks are everywhere if you know how to recognize them. A dandelion is a clock, obviously. Rice pouring into a bowl is a clock, each grain marking the passage of time. A school assignment, an apple as it withers, a tree waiting for spring. Each of these things measures living moments, what remains before death. Tick, tock.”

Sundial by Catriona Ward

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing… I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

Sick of books being banned? Me too. And now you can get cool shirts to express your frustration and anger while also helping out a good cause. As part of their “Freedom to Read” campaign, the Nashville Public Library Association has created “I Read Banned Books” t-shirts (and coffee mugs). A portion of proceeds from the sales will benefit Nashville Public Library programs, resources, and collections to keep information available to all people, completely free of charge.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a white, brown, and black cat curled up on a couch next to someone reading

On the weekends, my husband and I like to chill out on the couch and read together. And if we’re lucky, Cersei will jump up on the couch and join us. As you can see, this past weekend we were very lucky. And if you’re wondering what Ben is reading, it’s Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James!

Well it’s been lovely checking in with you all this Thursday! Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you Monday.

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

ATONEMENT Author Ian McEwan Has a New Novel and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Hello and welcome to another Book Radar written from an airport. I am in between flights right now, but lemme tell you… I was reading Catriona Ward’s Sundial on the last flight, and it was a wild ride. Read anything good lately? I’m always happy to hear about it. And now for what’s up in the book world.

Book Deals and Reveals

hysterical book cover

Elissa Bassist, essayist and editor of the column “Funny Women” on The Rumpus, has a memoir coming out. It’s called Hysterical, and here’s the cover reveal! You can get this one on September 13th.

Ian McEwan, the critically acclaimed and bestselling author of Atonement, has got a new novel coming out. Oprah Daily has the exclusive cover reveal of Lessons, which also comes out in September.

And here’s the cover reveal for Oceans Echo, a space adventure novel from the author of Winter’s Orbit. This book will be out from Macmillan in November!

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has been cast as the male lead in the Apple limited series The Last Thing He Told Me, based on the novel of the same name by Laura Dave.

America’s Next Top Model fans, check out what Nyle DiMarco has to say about his new memoir Deaf Utopia.

Polity Books will be publishing Serhii Rudenko’s biography of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky this summer.

State Street Pictures has optioned the comic book Assassin & Son for development as a film.

May the 4th was Star Wars day. And Disney celebrated by releasing a full trailer for the new series Obi-Wan Kenobi.

And here’s the latest trailer for the Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon.

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series has announced who is playing its 3 main characters!

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

Conterfeit by Kirstin Chen book cover

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen (William Morrow & Company, June 7th)

I don’t know about y’all, but around this time of year, I start craving fun, fast-paced contemporary fiction that will keep the pages turning, but is still super smart. And, hello, just like magic, Kirsten Chen’s Counterfeit is serving exactly what I asked for. This one’s out June 7th—that’s less than a month from now!—so make some space on your shelves for this one ASAP.

Asian American lawyer Ava Wong has always played by the rules. She’s got a dream career, a successful surgeon husband, a son, a beautiful home—why would she ever color outside the lines when her strait-laced, rule-abiding life has gotten her everything she could ask for?

Well. Turns out the life she asked for isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. Her marriage is falling apart. She hasn’t used her law degree in years. Oh, and motherhood? It’s a lot harder than it looks.

That’s where Ava’s Chinese friend Winnie Fang comes in. Winnie was Ava’s college roommate, but she dropped out of college for reasons unknown, and Ava hasn’t seen her since. Now, when she pops back up 20 years later, Winnie is no longer the shy, awkward girl Ava remembers from school. She’s confident, exudes wealth and glamour, and is running a highly successful counterfeit handbag scheme. Now she needs someone with a U.S. passport to manage her business, and Ava seems like the perfect target… ahem, I mean, the perfect person for the job.

Counterfeit is full of funny moments and surprises that make it fun to read. But it’s also got smart and thought-provoking messages to share about women’s roles in society and the myth of the model minority.

What I’m Reading This Week

Book Cover for Woman, Eating

Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Monday Memes

What type of reader are you? I, sadly, am often this last guy, unless the book is really good. Don’t judge me!

And Here’s A Cat Picture

Ahhh! While I was in D.C., I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite cat cafes, Crumbs and Whiskers. I got lots of glorious cat pictures, and it was so hard to choose which one to share with you. But this kitten was one of my favorites.

Her name is Raspberry, and she was so, so, so sweet and outgoing. She just ran right up to me, and I got a lot of cute pics of her.

Her sister Gooseberry was a little timid, but still wonderful. In fact, I found Gooseberry hiding under a pile of pillows. Once she came out and warmed up to me, I felt really special. And yeah, I posted a pic of us together over on Instagram, if you want a bonus pic. Gooseberry and I are BFFs.

I also picked up this shirt while I was there. Hey, all the $$ goes back to the kittens, so how could I not? If you wanna help save the kitties, you can buy Crumbs & Whiskers merch online too!

On Thursday, I’m heading to the Pacific Northwest to pop by Seattle and Portland, so next time I write to you will probably be from the airport yet again! More time for travel reading, I guess. And, yes, more cat cafes.

Have a wonderful week!

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

Maureen Johnson’s Got a New YA Murder Mystery Heading Our Way and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Greetings! I am still out of town and I’m feeling very sleepy and I’ve been working a ton! But it’s all very fun and exciting, and I’m still here to give you all the juicy book deets you’re dying to know. So let’s go.

Book Deals and Reveals

the cover of Nine Liars

Maureen Johnson, author of the Truly Devious series, has a new YA murder mystery novel coming out in December of this year. It’s called Nine Liars, and here’s the cover reveal and an excerpt.

Here’s the cover reveal of Do I Know You? by Emily Wibberly and Austin Siegemund-Broka. This romance novel follows married couple Graham and Eliza, who find themselves pretending to be strangers. It’ll be out from Penguin Random House on January 24, 2023.

LGBTQ Reads has an exclusive cover reveal of When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb. It releases October 18th.

Hulu’s upcoming series Saint X is going through major recasting changes, including recasting the lead role. Victoria Pedretti was originally set to play the lead, but she has been replaced by Fear the Walking Dead‘s Alycia Debnam-Carey.

Blake Lively will make her feature directorial debut with an upcoming film adaptation of the graphic novel Seconds, created by Bryan Lee O’Mally.

Melanie Iglesias Perez at Atria has bought world English and Spanish rights to The Fall of Rebel Angels by Zoraida Córdova. The book is set for a fall 2023 release.

Comics legend Frank Miller is starting a publishing company called Frank Miller Presents.

Former NFL player Steve Gleason has sold his memoir Live Impossible to Knopf. Written with Jeff Duncan, the memoir tells a story of “a life-affirming story about disability and recovery, fatherhood and faith, self-transformation and the power of possibility.” Gleason’s debut memoir is slated for 2024.

Here are the most anticipated YA novels on BookTok.

Wondering what to read next? We’ve got your May horoscopes here, including book recommendations based on your sign.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Can’t Wait for This One

how to sell a haunted house book cover

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (Berkley, January 17, 2023)

So full disclosure. I listed this book as one of my most-anticipated books of 2022. But here we are. The book has been pushed back to 2023, and I’m just sitting here twiddling my thumbs, wondering what’s even the point of a year without a new Grady Hendrix release. But hey. At least it’s coming, and as I mentioned recently, at least we got a cover reveal.

So why am I so excited about this book in particular? Well. As you might have realized by this point, I love horror fiction, and Grady Hendrix is one of the best horror authors writing right now. What’s more, this author keeps writing hit after hit. What I love most about his books are the fast-paced propulsive narratives, the vivid descriptions that bring the horror to life, and maybe most remarkably, that little touch of humor that will make you laugh but not enough to totally defuse the feelings of dread and fear. Really, what more could you ask for in horror fiction?

Grady Hendrix has taken on vampires, possession, slashers, devil worship, and more, but for this novel, he’s focusing on my personal favorite horror trope: ghosts and haunted houses. So yeah, this book might just scare the heck out of me, and I can’t wait.

How to Sell a Haunted House is the story of siblings Louise and Mark Joyner. The two are totally different from each other and basically never speak. But when their parents die at the end of the coronavirus pandemic, Louise and Mark are forced back together to get their childhood home on the market. Guess what though? Yeah, something is weird about the house. Before their parents dies, they taped newspaper over the mirrors and nailed the attic door shut. And that’s just the beginning of the disturbing events Mark and Louise will experience in that house.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“No matter what men think, abortion is a fact of life. Women have always had them; they always have and they always will. Are they going to have good ones or bad ones? Will the good ones be reserved for the rich, while the poor women go to quacks?”

Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm

A Call to Action

On that note, I want to interrupt our regularly scheduled Book Radar Thursday programming to ask for your help. The fight to regulate and ban abortions affects everyone and it threatens basic human rights. It’s easy to feel helpless and defeated in times like these, and I get it. But there are still many things we can do. Aside from voting, you can donate or volunteer. The Cut has compiled a list of abortion funds you can donate to right now, sorted by state.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a photo of a man sitting in a computer chair with a cat

Since I’m still out of town for work, my husband sent me this picture of Murray buddying up to him in my absence. I’ll admit I’m super jealous! I love to travel, but I hate missing my cats.

I know I’ve said this a bajillion times before, but cherish every moment with your pets! I miss this little dude so much! Can’t wait to see him tomorrow.

And that’s all for today. Thanks for stopping by. Be well, and have a wonderful weekend.

💙 Emily

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Book Radar

Ernest Owens Makes a Case for Cancel Culture and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Guess what? I’m in Virginia today. Yes, the travel continues! I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but if you’re wondering why I’ve been traveling, here’s the deal. I teach barre classes, and sometimes I get shipped off to other places to teach there. I’ve met some really fun people, and I’ve gotten to listen to a lot of audiobooks during my travels. So, so far so good. I feel very grateful to be doing this, even though I’m tired today. But not too tired to give you that good, good book content. Let’s chat.

💙 Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

Journalist Ernest Owens’ debut novel The Case for Cancel Culture will be out from St. Martins Press on February 21st, 2023, and here is the cover reveal.

LAIKA, the studio behind Coraline and ParaNorman, have announced that their next stop-animation project currently in production is based on the book Wildwood by the Decemberists lead singer and songwriter Colin Meloy.

Starscape has acquired, at auction, P. Djèlí Clark’s middle grade debut Abeni’s Song. Publication is planned for summer 2023.

HBO Max has handed a straight-to-series order for Noonan’s, a spinoff of its animated Harley Quinn series.

Netflix has canceled its superhero series Raising Dion after two seasons.

Here’s the cover reveal of Rafael Frumkin’s CONfidence, which will be available for preorder in June!

Andy Serkis will be directing a film adaptation of Elizabeth McCracken’s literary romance The Giant’s House.

Check out Stephen King’s unsettling new story “Finn” on Scribd.

There’s a woman-owned, exclusively romance bookstore opening up in Canada! The bookstore is called Happily Ever After, and while they’re online only for now, their tweet promises that “we will be popping up all over Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area throughout the year!”

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

siren queen by nghi vo book cover

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo (May 10th, Tordotcom)

I know talked this one up a little bit when the cover was first revealed way, way back. But now Nghi Vo’s new novel is coming out next week, and so it seemed like high time to sing this author’s praises once again. If you’ve never read a Nghi Vo novel before, you’re in for a treat. The worlds she creates in her fiction—whether fantasy or more closely connected to home—are wildly inventive. And her prose is stunning. What more could you ask for?

Set during the golden age of Hollywood, Nghi Vo’s latest novel Siren Queen is the story of Luli Wei, a beautiful and talented young actress who is hungry for stardom. But roles for Chinese American women in Hollywood are limited. And Luli lives in a world where the monsters of Hollywood are not figurative. They are very, very real. The movie business runs on a system that sacrifices young starlets like Luli. It’s a system that deals in blood bargains and ancient magic. But Luli doesn’t care. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to see her face on movie screens—even if it means becoming a monster herself.

See what I mean about her worlds being inventive? I promise you’ve never read a story about old Hollywood like this one. Honestly, there’s no story about anything that’s quite like this one, but you get the idea.

What I’m Reading This Week

just like home book cover

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond

Sundial by Catriona Ward

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

Monday Memes

Love Sex and the City? Love reviewing books? Me too. You get me. So like me, you’ll love this series of memes “Things I’ve Said in Book Reviews: SATC edition.”

And Here’s A Cat Picture

orange cat cuddling

It’s been a whole week since y’all have gotten a Murray pic, so here he is!

This a look at my typical work day, folks. Me, sitting at my computer, and Murray snuggling in my lap, requiring me to hold him with both arms which means… this newsletter is written with my pinky so as not to disturb the kitty. Y’all get it.

Alright, well… I’m going to go. You can hang here a little longer, but… I’m leaving. See you next time! Thanks for hanging with me on a Monday!

💙 Emily

Categories
Book Radar

Joan He’s Epic YA Fantasy STRIKE THE ZITHER Gets A Cover Reveal and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

How are things for you this Thursday? I’m back home, and I’m just so happy to be reunited with my sweet cats who have been very cuddly and sweet since I got home. For all my people who have pets, are your pets happy to see you when you get back from a trip? Or do they give you the cold shoulder for abandoning them? Let me know. And now, let’s talk books.

💙 Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

strike the zither book cover

Joan He’s upcoming novel is Strike the Zither, the first book in a new epic YA fantasy duology, and earlier this week, Text YA & Kids revealed the cover. You’ll be able to pick up this one in November.

Director Jon M. Chu has announced on social media that his upcoming adaptation of Wicked will be split into two films.

HBO has nabbed the rights to Dave Eggers’ novel The Every and is now developing a series based on the book, adapted by Rachel Axler.

Earlier today, Palestinian-Canadian author Jackie Khalilieh tweeted the announcement of her debut novel Something More, out from Tundra books in 2023.

Fantasy Cafe has got the cover reveal for Davina Evans’ new queer fantasy novel Notorious Sorcerer. This one will be released on September 13th by Orbit Books.

Netflix has announced the release date for its adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Persuasion. The film is scheduled to make its debut on the streaming platform on July 15th.

In the latest issue, “Avengers #55,” Marvel Comics has officially replaced Black Panther in their ongoing “Avengers” run with Nighthawk.

Mariner Books has purchased Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, a novel that’s being described as a “blend of classic and modern murder mystery” and “Knives Out and Clue meet Agatha Christie and The Thursday Murder Club.”

Flatiron books bought North American rights to Erased by Anna Malaika Tubbs, author of The Three Mothers. Flatiron says this book is “an examination of and reckoning with the history of patriarchy in America.”

Demon Slayer has released a trailer teasing the new season based on the popular manga series.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before author Jenny Han has signed an overall deal with Amazon Studios.

Warner Bros. has announced that its upcoming feature film adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot will be released on September 9th.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

Can’t Wait for This One

never ever getting back together book cover

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales (Wednesday Books, December 6th)

There are so many things that make this book jump to the top of my most-anticipated list. First and foremost, there’s the title, which… if you read this title and don’t immediately start singing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift, then I don’t know if you have a soul. DO YOU THINK YOU’RE BETTER THAN ME?

Phew, anyway. Other things that make this book a must read: It’s romance novel involving a reality tv show—even better, a reality tv DATING show. There’s the whole dating-a-royal thing happening. There’s messy break-ups. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story. Oh, and most importantly, this is a sapphic romance. Sign me up!

Okay, I’ll tell you the plot. It’s been two years since Maya dumped her boyfriend Jordy after he cheated on her. But the guy just won’t get out of her life. She has no interest in him whatsoever anymore and just wants to be rid of him. So why the heck would Maya accept an invitation to be a contestant on Second Chance Romance, a new reality show in which Jordy will re-date his ex-girlfriends in an effort to find “the one that got away”? Revenge, of course. Maya knows if she can just make it to the end, she can reject Jordy and publicly humiliate him.

The only problem with Maya’s plan? Skye, the beautiful, charismatic girl Jordy cheated on her with. How is she supposed to live with this girl for six weeks? (Hint: it’s fine, they’ll fall in love probably)

Words of Literary Wisdom

“You chide yourself for walking too far ahead, for regressing into ’80s song lyrics territory so soon. But then he says, ‘The supermassive black hole at the center of the milky way recently sparked 75 times brighter over the course of a 2 hour period, and twice as bright as it’s ever been in the 20 years astronomers have been monitoring it.’

By now you’re used to him talking Science, but you’re not sure where he’s going with this. ‘One theory,’ he continues ‘is that the event was caused by a star about 15 times bigger than the sun getting close to the edge of the black hole disturbing some gasses, heating things up, increasing the infrared radiation from the edge. But get this, we observed that star getting close to the black hole about a year before we observed the affects on the black hole.’

‘That just shows how vast the universe is, how enormous the distance,’ you say.

‘Exactly! Distances, plural. The distance between the star and the edge of the black hole, and the distance between the black hole and Earth. So, I say all of this to say that sometimes wheels are set in motion long before the spark is manifest. Is that the same thing as fate? I don’t know but…I do know that rare brilliant events take time.'”

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing… I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

I know I’ve hyped a lot of Read-A-Thons lately, but they’re seriously my favorite, and this is another one that’s a must for me! I love the YouTube channel With Cindy, and she is hosting an Asian Read-a-thon in May, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

THIS YEAR the Read-a-thon is themed around the film Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, which is basically my new favorite movie. So if I don’t participate in this Read-a-thon, who am I? And since I’m doing it, you should too!

Want to know all of the details? Here’s a doc with everything you need to know. Happy reading!

What I’m Watching This Weekend

This weekend, I feel like I’m going to be reading-focused, but there are two new movies in theaters that I’m dying to see: The Northman and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. So maybe I’ll get to see one or both? I don’t know. But these are two of my most highly anticipated movies of the year.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

grey and white kitty in a cat bed

One of my favorite things about traveling is getting to visit with other kitties! This is Indigo, everyone, and she’s a sweet little girl. So glad I got to visit with her earlier this week.

Anyway, that’s all for today! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I can’t wait to catch up with you again on Monday.

💙 Emily

Categories
Book Radar

Grady Hendrix is Ready to Sell You A Haunted House and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Happy Monday! I hope you had a good weekend. I’m flying back home and I’m sleepy, but on the positive side, I got a lot of reading done on the flight. Oh, here’s a question for you. The woman next to me on the flight asked me about what I was reading. If you saw someone reading on a plane, would you ask them about what they’re reading, or do you have a strict “leave people alone” policy while traveling? Let me know. And now let’s talk books.

💙 Emily

Book Deals and Reveals

Nerdist has an exclusive reveal of the cover for Grady Hendrix’s highly anticipated book How to Sell A Haunted House

Honey Boy director Alma Har’el is set to direct her passion project, the feature adaptation of Walter Tevis’ Nebula-nominated science fiction novel Mockingbird.’

Comics legend Alan Moore’s first short story collection Illuminatons is coming out on October 11th from Bloomsbury. You can check out the cover for the new book on Entertainment Weekly‘s website, along with some teases from the author about his favorite parts.

Here’s a preview of Sarah Pinborough’s new novel Insomnia .

Barcelona is honoring Gabriel Garcia Marquez with a new library.

HBO has released a full trailer for the six-episode series The Time Traveler’s Wife, which debuts on May 15th.

The Guggenheim Museum just welcomed an award-winning poet Taylor Johnson into their first Poet-in-Residence position

Charles D. King’s MACRO has set the Reginald F. Lewis biopic based on his autobiography Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?

The nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books Offers (WNDB) has established the Educators Making a Difference Grant program to help combat efforts to ban books across the US.

Here’s how the book industry has turned its own racism into a marketable product, according to Tajja Isen, author of Some of My Best Friends: Essays on Lip Service.

Book Riot Recommends

I’m a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, I write the Today in Books newsletter, and I’m a Bibliologist for Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations subscription service. I also have a PhD in English, so I’m basically a doctor of books. Books are my life, in other words, so in this section of the newsletter, let me share with you some upcoming books I’m super excited about. And I think you will be too!

Prepare Your Shelves!

black tide

Black Tide by K.C. Jones (Tor Nightfire, May 10th)

Horror is definitely not just for the month of October anymore.Thank goodness. There’s so much stellar horror coming out this year that I’m so excited to share with you. So even though two highly anticipated horror novels from Stephen Graham Jones and Grady Hendrix were pushed back until 2023, fret not, my horror fans. This is still going to be a good year. And if you love character-driven horror, Black Tide is going to be one you’ll want to prepare your shelves for, because it’s coming out next month.

Black Tide is a sci-fi horror novel that’s described as Cujo meets The Quiet Place. After a drunken one-night stand, Mike and Beth awake the next day to discover a shocking astronomical event has caused widespread destruction. Little do they know that this was only the beginning. Stranded on the empty Oregon coast, their emergency calls unanswered and screams echoing all around them, these two strangers must trust in each other in order to survive an apocalyptic nightmare.

Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!

What I’m Reading This Week

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

The Fervor by Alma Katsu

Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

Monday Memes

Book of the Month posted this and I’m here like… wait I drink iced coffee all year round.

And Here’s A Cat Picture

shy calico cat

Today, we’ve got a picture of Cersei Anne being her shy girl self. I love her so much and I’ve missed her! Can’t wait to kiss this sweet girl face when I get home.

Hug your pets! They are precious angels, all of them!

And have a wonderful, amazing, incredible week. Talk to you Thursday!

💙 Emily