It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

Good, bad, or somewhere in between, you'll always get my honest take.

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to hear from readers, publishers, authors, and fellow book lovers.

Review Copies

I'm always open to considering books for review. I read across a pretty wide range of genres, though mysteries and thrillers tend to be particular favorites. If you'd like me to consider a book, send along a little information about it and why you think it might be a good fit for A Book A Week.

Publishers & Authors

Review requests, interviews, features, or something else you have in mind? Send me a note. I'm always happy to hear about new books and opportunities that might be a good fit for the blog.

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Have a question, a recommendation, or just want to talk books? Those messages are welcome, too.

Nick and her cousin, Helena, are two women searching for their place in the world. With the Second World War drawing two a close, both women find themselves ready to take on the rest of their lives. In author Liza Klaussmann's debut novel, "Tigers in Red Weather", readers are provided with the strong characterization of an intriguing family.

Nick and her husband Hughes are finding it difficult to adjust to domestic life after the end of the war. They live in a small, Florida cottage where the repetition of their daily routines is taking a toll on them. Hughes follows the role that most men of the era do, consistently attending work to provide for his family. Nick, never much of a cook, finds it difficult to complete her daily tasks, and longs for something more.

Meanwhile, her cousin Helena is starting her new life by marrying a Hollywood producer. After the unfortunate death of her first husband, who lost his life in the war, Helena finally seems to be on the path to her dream life. Unfortunately, the lights of her Hollywood marriage are not as bright as she thought. Her husband seems interested in only using her family's money to fund his ill-fated project.

Fast-forward ten years, and both Nick and Helena are mothers to Daisy and Ed respectively. The two women, along with their children and Hughes, are spending the summer at the family's coastal property, The Tiger House. Despite their age, both women still long for something more. When Daisy and Ed stumble upon the brutally murdered corpse of a maid, the facade of happiness that the entire family has built begins to come crashing down.

In this debut, reminiscent of "The Great Gatsby" in both style and substance, Klaussmann provides readers with a tale full of genuine characters and suspense, making this novel the perfect intellectual summer read. The story is broken into five sections, each narrated by a different main character, providing intimate insights into each person's thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Chronology became a bit muddied at times, especially when characters reminisce through flashbacks, but Klaussmann does a commendable job keeping the times labeled. There is a murder in the story, but the focus becomes more about the characters, the murder merely a means to explore the family dynamics. Overall, this novel has a great mix of historical setting, interesting characters, and narrative momentum. I definitely recommend this book as a strong summer read.

For more information, visit Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1L2THWW9QNFFO/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm,
and http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13528417-tigers-in-red-weather.

(week 29, book 33)

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13 Comments

Comments

KayeDeanJuly 16, 2012 at 3:24 PM
completed!
sandym204@gmail.com
Jonathan WilhoitJuly 17, 2012 at 9:20 AM
Very cool stuff. Anything reminiscent of The Great Gatsby gets my vote of confidence. Thanks, Ethan.

Jonathan
www.ireadabookonce.com
AnonymousJuly 17, 2012 at 6:26 PM
Done..the great gatsby is one of my faves, so I will probably like this.

sweeps785(at)yahoo(dot)com
AnonymousJuly 18, 2012 at 7:45 AM
completed!
wilson12@comcast.net
Barb K.July 18, 2012 at 1:42 PM
Yes this review was helpful completed. The book looks like a good read.
Me4Wrest@gmail.com
SandraJuly 20, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Checked review on Amazon......looks like a great book, especially the time era.
westwindsoftx@yahoo.com
Monja BlueJuly 20, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Enjoyed the post, voted on Amazon. Thanks for a chance to win this intriguing read!
MonjaBlue(at)gmail(dot)com
Beverly S.July 21, 2012 at 1:11 AM
Hi, Ethan! I went to Amazon and read the review you posted...and YES, it was helpful. :)

Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Tigers in Red Weather. It is on my "want" list of books to read (which is constantly growing....wink). Not enough free hours to read all the book I want to. :) Thanks again.
Beverly S.July 21, 2012 at 1:13 AM
Ooops, forgot to leave my email in case I win. :)....

csizemore@centurytel.net
AnonymousJuly 21, 2012 at 7:55 AM
I completed it -sounds great
vickie
vmorgan456 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Victoria, TSSFJuly 23, 2012 at 2:35 PM
Completed. I was already interested from what I read in EW, but your review is even more intriguing.

victoria@victorialogue.com
rhondaJuly 29, 2012 at 10:32 AM
Completed.review made me want to read this book.Lomazowr@gmail.com
EthanJuly 29, 2012 at 9:03 PM
Congratulations to Sandra, Beverly S., and Monja Blue! They will each receive a copy of Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann. Thanks to the publisher for making this giveaway available, and thanks to all who entered. Be sure to check this site for future giveaway opportunities.

A Book A Week

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A Book A Week by the Numbers

About Me

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

Honest reviews, always.

Contact