Pop Culture Princess

Pop Culture Princess
especially welcome to extensive readers

Monday, January 17, 2022

Getting revved up for romance during a Winter’s Respite

Readathon time is upon us and for me, the Winter’s Respite 
 coming up in February over at Seasons of Reading is a great way to start the new year.

Michelle Miller of SOR holds it for a month and reading fiction is mainly encouraged (nonfiction is fine as well). I’ve been keeping my TBR selections set to the rule of three , which seems to be working out for the better in my case.

The trio of books that I’ve chosen here all happen to be in the romcom category, given that a) Valentines Day is also next month , and b) the term respite invokes relaxing entertainment , a solid bet when it comes to this genre:

A HOLLY JOLLY DIWALI:

Author Sonya Lalli introduces us to Niki, who is tired of being the “good daughter “ that gave up her musical dreams for a steady computer career in Seattle.

Upon being downsized from her job, Niki decides to be bold for once and goes on a trip to attend a friend’s wedding in India.

While there, she meets Sam, a musician from London whose band is breaking up. It’s clear that these two are in tune with each other but is this a new beginning or a vacation fling destined to be a one hit wonderland for them both?

I fondly remember reading Lalli’s first novel, The Matchmaker’s List, and happy to find her lively way with words readily on hand again:


HOW TO MARRY KEANU REEVES IN 90 DAYS:

In K.M. Jackson’s latest novel, a pair of friends go off on the title quest despite one of them being head over heels for the other.

When Bethany Lu Carlisle learns from a tabloid report that her favorite leading man is about to get hitched, recruiting her high school best buddy True Erickson to ride along is an instant go-to for her. Who better to trust to help stop Keanu from making a big mistake than her True blue companion?

While he does reluctantly agree to accompany her, True’s real hope is to prevent Lu from making a major error of her own, plus maybe getting her to see that the love of her life might be sitting in the front seat right next to her.

I must admit that not immediately diving into this particular Book of the Month selection has been difficult at best. However, I have a strong feeling that my patience will be well rewarded here:


LOVE YOUR LIFE:

I have to say up front that this last pick is a reread but since I’m using a physical copy instead of an ebook version this time, that’s as good of a reason as any!

Plus I did enjoy Sophie Kinsella’s  quirky look at instant romance here. Ava, a copywriter in need of inspiration, goes to a writer’s retreat in Italy where she meets Dutch, a too good to be true guy who is inspired to be romantically involved with her.

While their time in Italy is great, going back home to London turns the page in more ways than one for them both. Getting to really know one another (including their real names-Dutch is actually Matt!) and their decidedly different takes on life is a real test of commitment that may be hard for either of them to pass.

Returning to a book you know is a good time to be had is always a good choice, in my opinion, and Kinsella has proven to be a sure bet when seeking some smartly sweet solace:


The Winter’s Respite readathon begins on February 1 and if you’re in search of a good way to spend the rest of the frosty days ahead of us, this is certainly a most excellent starting point.

There is plenty of time to sign up and give yourself a nice break from technical stimulus that threatens to overwhelm your sensibilities on a daily basis. Instead, indulge in a little literary oasis there:



1 comment:

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

Seems like a solid plan...sticking with three. Most times I'm lucky to accomplish that. *wink

Wishing you much luck with the reading. Don't forget to enter the charity giveaway.