Becoming by Michelle Obama

This autobiography is one of the very few, you can´t walk by. Michelle Obama was an outstanding First Lady who didn´t ask for that position but filled it with grace, dignity and her very own way of thinking. She is an icon and probably belongs to the pool of women who are the most watched and photographed of our time. Respected and loved not only by many Americans but most of the rest of the world as well. And she showed us and still does, that you can be in a powerful position and still act and speak with laureateship and respect for others.

Becoming*
Author Michelle Obama
Publisher Crown on November 13, 2018
Genre Autobiography
Pages 448
Format Hardcover, Audiobook
Source Library, Purchased
Goodreads

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America – the first African-American to serve in that role – she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her – from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world´s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it – in her own words and her own terms. 

Thoughts

I´ve heard so many great things about this book, that I couldn´t wait to get my hands on it.

Weekly Book Wrap-Up #67 – It Is Stormy Outside And Inside

With the Weekly Book Wrap-Up, I give you a bit of an insight into all the new books that have arrived at my place.

No matter if I won a giveaway, got approved for a reviewer´s copy, an ARC or just bought one myself. Everything that I add to my shelves, in what way ever and read during the past week or am still reading, I will write about it.  And maybe I tell you a bit about the upcoming things on Inkvotary, that is if I don´t forget it and have something to share with you *smile*

International Women´s Day

Today is the International Women´s Day and I can clearly say, that I am proud to be a woman.

But being a woman isn´t always easy in the times we´re living in. It seems that we still need to prove that we are worth equal pay, that we are worth getting jobs we often do way better than any male human could.

Ein Traum Für Uns by Marie Force

Some years ago, I discovered the Green Mountain books by Marie Force. Cameron, the daughter of one of the main figures in this new novel, was the main figure back then and I had a great time reading it.

Ein Traum Für Uns* 

Author Marie Force

Lost In Love-Die Green Mountain Serie #8

The Butler, Vermont Series #2

Translation Lena Kraus

Original Title Can´t Buy Me Love

Publisher Fischer TB on January 23, 2019

Genre Novel

Pages 277

Format Paperback

Source Publisher 

Goodreads

Mary Larkin loves her job at the Abbott Green Mountain Country Store and her quiet, well-ordered life. However, it is over when the worldly Patrick Murphy appears on the scene. The attractive billionaire takes Mary´s heart by storm, and the two spend happy days full of emotion and passion. But can Mary trust Patrick´s vows of love? After all, he is known as a bon vivant who has never again had a real relationship since the death of his first wife … (personal translation of the German back text by ©Vi at Inkvotary).

Thoughts

Well, this time I wasn´t as thrilled with this series, as I used to be. Something has changed. 

Waiting On Wednesday #91 – Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



 I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Cows-Folge Nicht Der Herde by Dawn O´Porter

I didn´t know anything about the author or this novel when I first got aware of it. But the cover was literally calling my name and with that summary, I simply had to have and read it. Although I was not sure what to expect.

Cows-Folge Nicht Der Herde* 

Author Dawn O´Porter

Translation Christine Strüh

Original Title The Cows-Don´t Follow The Herd

Publisher S. Fischer on February 27, 2019

Genre Novel

Pages 459

Format Paperback

Source Publisher 

Goodreads

What to do when the whole world laughs at you? Full speed ahead! And do not apologize. Tara is 42, working and single parent. She has the three oversized egos of her colleagues under control, and the disparaging looks of the mothers at the school gate do not prepare her sleepless nights. As a hair-raising misstep by Tara makes the self-confident single-mum the laughing stock of the nation, unexpectedly two accomplices jump to her side. (personal translation of the German back text by ©Vi at Inkvotary) 

Thoughts

Some parts of this novel made me shake my head. While others made me laugh. 

Valhalla by Thomas Thiemeyer

This thriller was freaking fantastic! The combination of technical as well as medical facts in the eternal ice of the Arctic, holy smokes!

Valhalla* 

Author Thomas Thiemeyer

Hannah Peters #3

Publisher Knaur on March 1, 2016

Genre Thriller

Pages 512

Format Softcover

Source Purchased 

Goodreads

The curse that came from the cold. 2015. Spitzbergen – the northernmost settlement point of humanity. A world of ice and snow overshadowed by four months of polar night. There, archaeologist Hannah Peters investigates mysterious structures under the Arctic ice. The melting of the glaciers is said to have revealed the foundations of a mythical northern kingdom. But Hannah is not the first to explore these ruins … 1944. In annexed Norway, far away from any settlement, a project is maturing that is more gruesome than anything humans ever devised. A biological time bomb, hidden under the eternal ice. Her code name: VALHALLA. (personal translation back text German edition by ©Vi at Inkvotary)

Thoughts

Valhalla is a great mixture of technical facts, history knowledge and a wonderful love story – without ever being boring. 

Waiting On Wednesday #90 – The Oracle Queen by Kendare Blake

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

This Side Of The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Guess, one could say that I am a big fan of the author. It started with the beautiful to look at a cover, the German edition of book one had. Since then, the cover became even more beautiful. Not to mention the story inside *smile*

This Side of the Grave* 

Author Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress Series #5

Publisher Avon Books on February 22, 2011

Genre Vampire

Pages 357

Format Paperback

Source Purchased 

Goodreads

Danger waits on both sides of the grave. Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they´ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat´s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance … With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally” – the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war … to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

Thoughts

To watch Cat and Bones act with each other and others are simply said fantastic. 

Waiting On Wednesday #89 – Chain Of Gold by Cassandra Clare

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Rest In Peace Rosamunde Pilcher

Yesterday afternoon I heard the sad news, that Rosamunde Pilcher had died.

I was shocked, couldn´t believe it at first and felt sad. For over twenty years she had been a solid rock on TV in the genre romance. Her novels and other writing material have been filmed in numerous ways; ZDF (a German TV station) has been making more than 100 films since 1989 and they were watched by a broad audience on Sunday evenings.

It wasn´t necessary to sit in front of the TV (though we sat there of course) to know, that it was Pilcher-time when certain music was to hear, and the light and romantic tone sounded through our living room.

The wonderful landscapes, the buildings that were shown and the small towns where every novel was set. Her style was unmistakable.

Wenn Das Glück Erwacht by Robyn Carr

We don´t need to start a discussion about the look of the German edition. No doubt, the cover of the English edition, is way better. It is its content, that counts. Though this one is a bit shallow despite its often very serious tone and story.

Wenn das Glück erwacht* 

Author Robyn Carr

Translation Gisela Schmitt

Original Title The Life She Wants

Publisher Mira TB on January 4, 2019

Genre Novel

Pages 402

Format Paperback

Source Publisher 

Goodreads

Emma´s life is in shards: Before her husband is arrested, he commits suicide. Although Emma has nothing to do with his criminal business, she is shunned by all. She hopes to find a safe haven in her old home. But here too, not only beautiful memories are waiting for her. In particular, before a meeting with her former best friend Riley, she is afraid. All the more surprised is Emma that Riley´s brother Adam receives her with open arms – and is always on hand when she needs a strong shoulder to lean on … (a personal translation of the German edition´s backtext by ©Vi at Inkvotary).

Thoughts

Robyn Carr shows the side of life, that isn´t as happy and easy, as one would wish for. 

Waiting On Wednesday #88 – The Rise Of Magicks by Nora Roberts

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Familie Ist, Wenn Man Trotzdem Liebt by Susan Mallery

Writing this review wasn´t easy. Somehow, I was searching for words to describe the mood I was in while reading and always waiting for the moment that the story will make me feel touched. Well, what can I say?

Familie ist, wenn man trotzdem liebt* 

Author Susan Mallery

Happily Inc Series #3

Translation Ivonne Senn

Original Title Why Not Tonight

Publisher Mira TB on January 4, 2019

Genre Novel

Pages 331

Format Paperback

Source Publisher 

Goodreads

Dragon hearts do not break. He is called the dragon, but Natalie Kaleta dares to enter his cave. The young gallery assistant was supposed to pick up only a few artworks from Ronan Mitchell. Now, however, she spends the weekend at the well-known, attractive artist, as her car slips down a slope. In fact, a blessing for both, because they spend very enjoyable nights … But Natalie dreams of a husband and own children. Ronan, on the other hand, recoils at the word “family”. Will Natalie be able to tame the dragon? (personal translation ©Vi at Inkvotary)

Thoughts

Either this one wasn´t meant for me or it just wasn´t the right time. But compared to other books I´ve read by the author, Happily Inc couldn´t catch me the way her other work has managed it.  

Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts

If you are looking for another kind of romance novel and love the touch of mysterious things compared with a great writing style, then this could be worth your time.

Blood Brothers* 

Author Nora Roberts

Sign Of Seven Trilogy #1

Publisher Jove Books on November 27, 2007

Genre Novel

Pages 336

Format Paperback

Source Publisher 

Goodreads

In the town of Hawkins Hollow, it´s called The Seven. Every seven years, on the seventh day of the seventh month, strange things happen. It began when three young boys – Caleb, Fox, and Gage – went on a camping trip to The Pagan Stone … It is only February, but Caleb Hawkins – a descendant of the town founders – has already seen and felt the stirrings of evil. Though he can never forget the beginning of the terror in the woods twenty-one-years ago, the signs have never been this strong before. Cal will need the help of his best friends Fox and Gage, but surprisingly he must rely on a stranger as well. Reporter Quinn Black came to Hawkins Hollow hoping to make its eerie happenings the subject of her new book. She too can see the evil the locals cannot, somehow connecting her to the town -and to Cal. As winter turns to spring, they will shed their inhibitions, surrendering to a desire that will grow and form the cornerstone of a group of men and women bound by the fight against what is to come from out of the darkness …

Thoughts

This book kind of surprised me. It was totally different from every book I knew so far from the author. 

Waiting On Wednesday #87 – Under Currents by Nora Roberts

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Waiting On Wednesday #86 – Nightblood by Elly Blake

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

The Life I Left Behind by Colette McBeth

The cover of the German edition somehow got me. I like the combined colors, with the roots and waterdrops and dark background. Totally different from the English edition.

The Life I Left Behind*
Author Colette McBeth
Publisher Headline Review on August 13, 2015
Genre Thriller
Pages 352
Format Paperback
Source Publisher 
Goodreads

Six years ago, Melody Pieterson was attacked and left for dead. Only a chance encounter with a dog walker saved her life. Melody´s neighbor and close friend David Alden was found guilty of the crime and imprisoned, and the attack and David´s betrayal of her friendship left Melody a different person. She no longer trusts her own judgment, she no longer trusts her friends. In fact, she no longer really has any friends. She´s built a life behind walls and gates and security codes; she´s cloistered herself away from the world almost entirely. And then, soon after David is released from prison, Eve Elliot is murdered in an attack almost identical to Melody´s. With the start of a new police investigation, Melody is suddenly pulled from her ordered, secluded life and back into the messy world around her. But as she learns more about Eve´s murder, Melody starts to wonder if perhaps David hadn´t betrayed her after all … if perhaps the killer is someone else entirely, someone who´s still out there, preparing to strike again.

Thoughts

I was thrilled after I´ve had read the authors book Precious Thing and was curious to find out if this one would be as thrilling as the other one.

Treasures Lost, Treasures Found by Nora Roberts

I read this novel in a phase of my life where I literally devoured books written by Nora Roberts. Her way of writing about romance was, back then, totally new to me and it was fascinating to dive into new worlds with her figures and stories.

Treasures Lost, Treasures Found* 

Author Nora Roberts

Publisher Silhouette Special Releases on August 14, 2017

Genre Novel

Pages 256

Format eBook

Source Purchased**

Goodreads

Kate Hardesty had inherited a dream: a pile of mysterious charts and notebooks, mapping the way to sunken treasure. Determined to complete her late father´s explorations, she returned to the island where she grew up, and hired deep-sea diver Dominic Silver – the man she left behind four years ago. But working with Dominic meant more than searching for gold … it meant finding the priceless treasure Kate hadn´t been looking for.

Thoughts

But you can tell that there is a change of style, tone, and voice in her work. 

Waiting On Wednesday #85 – Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

The Heist by Daniel Silva

One of the few books it took me several attempts before I finally started reading it. And after I was thrilled with The Messenger, this one turned out to be average for me. Sad to say it, but I want to be honest with you.

The Heist
Author Daniel Silva
Gabriel Allon Series #14
Publisher Harper Collins on July 15, 2014
Genre Thriller
Pages 467
Format Hardcover
Source Library 
Goodreads

Sometimes the best way to find a stolen masterpiece is to steal another one … Gabriel Allon, art restorer, and legendary spy is in Venice when he receives an urgent call from the Italian police. The art dealer Justin Isherwood has stumbled upon a chilling murder scene and is being held as a suspect. The dead man is a fallen spy with a secret – a trafficker in stolen artwork, sold to a mysterious collector. To save his friend, Gabriel must track down the world´s most iconic missing painting: Caravaggio´s Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence. Gabriel´s mission takes him on an exhilarating hunt from Marseilles and Corsica to Paris and Geneva, and, finally, to a private bank in Austria, where a dangerous man stands guard over the ill-gotten wealth of one of the world’s most brutal dictators …

Thoughts

Sure, the way how Gabriel Allon did his work as a spy was fascinating, logical and very well thought through, but the rest?

Every Little Thing by Marie Force

After reading all its predecessors, I, of course, wanted to know how the story will continue. Good, this novel wasn´t about one of the Abbot children, but many of them were present.

Every Little Thing* 

Author Marie Force

The Butler, Vermont Series #1
Green Mountain Series #7

Publisher HTJB Inc on January 26, 2017

Genre Novel

Pages 338

Format Paperback

Source Purchased 

Goodreads

Grayson Coleman has just moved home to Butler, Vermont after spending years working for a high-powered law firm in Boston. He´s looking for a simpler, less stressful existence in the sleepy little mountain town where he grew up with his siblings and Abbott cousins. Once the holidays are over, he plans to hang out a shingle and open a new general law practice. After helping to raise his seven younger siblings, the last thing on Grayson´s mind is a family of his own. Emma Mulvaney is enjoying a break from her reality as a busy single mother in New York City while she and her adorable daughter, Simone, spend the holidays in Vermont with Emma´s sister, Lucy, and Lucy´s future in-laws, the Abbotts. After meeting Abbott cousin Grayson Coleman and talking to him for hours, Emma is nervous and excited to have dinner alone with him after sharing her deepest, most personal secrets with him. Will that first night be the start of something new for the jaded lawyer and the selfless single mom or will a holiday week flirtation turn into something much bigger than either of them ever expected?

Thoughts

No question, the cover of the German edition is a soft and very feminine one – with all the rose tones in the motive. 

Waiting On Wednesday #84 – Queen Of Ruin by Tracy Banghart

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.



I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

Best Authors Of 2018

During 2018 I discovered some new-to-me-authors like Mads Peder Nordbo, Brad Parks or Megan Miranda.

I read many more authors but narrowed them down to a list of ten. You might miss the one or the other authors name, but I chose them after the books I´ve read and who impressed me the most.

Reading Holly Black´s The Cruel Prince made me become her fan. It wasn´t my first book written by her, but the one, that convinced me to keep reading her books. At least those that are about The Folk of the Air.

Best Books Of 2018

Not sure if I am quite late with my list of the best books I´ve read in 2018 or if I am quite right doing it now.

But for some reasons, I didn´t see a point in creating my list while we still had December and I was still reading books until New Year´s Eve. You never know if the last book you´ve read during the last days of the year is a candidate for the best-books-list or not.

My Best Books of 2018 contains new releases, older books, some I read in English, some in German.

Waiting On Wednesday #83 – Soul Of The Sword by Julie Kagawa

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post.

While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t.


I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.