Welcome to Litsy!

I just totally bombed at a piano recital, so I think I've earned a book and some cider. (If I'd done well (i.e., not completely choked on stage) I would also have earned a book and some cider. The book-and-cider was pretty much a given from the get-go.)

I‘ve picked this up and put it down three times. I‘ve made it about 30% and I just am not feeling it. The writing is just not keeping my interest. Too bad because it has a cool premise! #hailthebail

This is definitely not my genre, but I needed that bookmark. This was a hard read for me because I don‘t read in this format and I prefer the Anne Rice type of vampire. I know some would consider this a good graphic novel, but I will not be continuing this series if there is more of it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thought this was for sure going to be a 5 star read for me. I was invested. I related so much to Sloane, too. I felt that there was so much left unsaid by the end of the book. I also think there are times when leaving an ending ambiguous adds value, but sometimes I would really rather an author just make a choice.

Got a good chunk of time logged for Day 1 of #37by37. Did not plan on a red covers theme but here we are.

I was completely unprepared for the level of creepiness that this story unleashed upon me. A family of strangers is merely the initial layer of this unsettling narrative. It delves deeper into psychological delusions, the supernatural, and the classic setting of a haunted Victorian house. It was an excellent book.

Full Review abookandadog.com/blog/we-used-to-live-here

Anastasia Miller is a changeling, an alien plant person who replaced her human counterpart at age 3. She's always been honest about who she was, but with an invading force on the way, her quiet life in customer service is about to be upended. An intriguing concept, strong start and interesting ending made this book worth reading, but the messy middle felt repetitive. Also, who gets on a plane when they're wanted by the feds? Take the interstate!

Grim Wolds, England: Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House prepared to play the perfect governess-she'll dutifully tutor her charges, Drusilla and Andrew, tell them bedtime stories, and only joke about eating children. But long, listless days spent within the estate's dreary confines come with an intimate knowledge of the perversions and pathetic preoccupations of the Pounds family-Mr. Pounds can't keep his eyes off Winifred's chest.

4 Stars. I enjoyed this book, the characters were infuriating and lovely at times yet not dumbed down. I found myself actually rooting and cheering for them. I liked the mystery surrounding the story itself. It felt like a nicer pace than what I last read (The Ruins by Scott Smith). It was a pleasant take on a gothic era novel. I could also appreciate that it wasn‘t fully a dark romance and gave some warm chemistry between two main characters.

🥺🥺🥺 #37by37