Deinfluence (or influence 😉) my Holds/Suspensions

I know the feeling of seeing a book like Ghost Business by Jen DeLuca sitting on your Libby holds list, taunting you with its long wait time! Jen DeLuca has a knack for writing charming, witty contemporary romances, and Ghost Business is no exception. If you're wondering if it's worth keeping that hold, let me give you my take. Ghost Business is a delightful blend of small-town charm, a touch of the paranormal (think cozy mystery meets romance), and DeLuca's signature humor. The story follows a woman who inherits a haunted bed-and-breakfast and finds herself entangled with a handsome ghost hunter. It’s got all the elements for a fun, lighthearted read: quirky characters, a unique premise, and a slow-burn romance that will make you smile. Many readers rave about the unique concept – how often do you get a ghost hunter as a love interest? – and the genuinely heartwarming moments. If you loved her previous works like Well Met and enjoy a story that balances humor with heartfelt connections, then Ghost Business is definitely one to keep an eye on. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling good, perfect for when you need a little escape. When a highly anticipated book like Ghost Business or Happy Place by Emily Henry has weeks or even months of wait time on Libby, it can be so frustrating! But don't despair; there are a few tricks I've learned to make the most of my library holds. First, always check if your library card allows you to add multiple libraries to your Libby app. Often, smaller library systems might have shorter wait times for popular titles. I’ve personally snagged a book weeks earlier by checking different libraries. Another game-changer is the 'suspend hold' feature. If a book becomes available at a bad time – maybe you’re in the middle of another series or super busy – suspending your hold lets you keep your place in line without losing it entirely. You can suspend it for 7, 14, or even 30 days, and it's perfect for managing your reading schedule. Also, consider if you prefer the audiobook or ebook. Sometimes, one format has a significantly shorter wait than the other. I've often switched to the audiobook if the ebook queue is endless. And if a book is truly a must-read for you and the wait is unbearable, sometimes it's worth checking if it's available for a reasonable price on sale, or if a friend has a copy you could borrow. It's all about balancing that instant gratification with the joy of free library books! Looking at other books on those holds, like Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings or How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin, it seems like you have a great taste for contemporary romance with strong, engaging characters. These often have similar demand on Libby, so these tips can apply across your entire TBR list. For Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher, that's a different vibe, often leaning into fantasy or horror, and her books are also incredibly popular, so those hold tips are definitely applicable there too. Ultimately, deciding if a book is 'worth the wait' really comes down to your personal reading preferences and patience. But knowing these little Libby hacks can definitely make the wait a lot less painful. What are your go-to strategies for tackling those long Libby hold lists?