I really enjoy book groups! Have you known this about me? Ha!

Hi there, friends!  Well, summer is winding down and I bet school has started in many places.  It has in our part of the world.  It's still very hot, but August is usually hot for us.  We look forward to fall coming and I look forward to reading a bit more in the 'spooky' section of mysteries or thrillers.  As I've shared a bit, summer has been quite busy for us.  My reading has kind of been all over the place, but it also seems to be settling down a bit.  I did a bunch of re-reading this summer, but I also read some 'new-to-me' books as well.  And I attended my three book groups regularly.  Had a lot of fun with those!

So, here's the scoop on the last book group meetings I've participated in - all over the last couple of weeks.  The first one is the 'Book Cafe' that I've mentioned a few times.  This takes place at a local library where I volunteer a couple of days a week.  It is for readers to come and talk about what they have been reading - no set book or genre to read.  Just share what's been fun for you or not fun for you if you like.  This last meeting had a couple of new people and they were interesting.  The usual group talked about various genres - sci-fi, fantasy, non-fiction, romances, mysteries, thrillers - you get the idea.  The new people had one gentleman who has pretty much spent his life reading science or non-fiction books and he has decided to try reading fiction.  He is starting with John Grisham and asked if we had read any of those.  Almost everyone had.  Another new person was a lady who has been reading some Sarah Maas books at the recommendation of her daughter.  Don't think this lady quite understands about series books because she didn't like the fact that the stories went on and on and on.  Ha!  Anyway, we gave her encouragement and also said that one doesn't have to read 'all' the books in the series if one doesn't want to.  I shared about re-reading books and got a couple of laughs about 'too many books, not enough time'.  

Next, I attended the Mystery Book Group that I love so much.  We had a theme this month, so everyone read different things.  It was fun to hear all the choices.  The theme was books that included a hobby or pursuit or interest that you enjoyed.  Some shared mysteries with yoga or genealogy or art history or creating art or sewing/knitting/crocheting as part of the story.  Lots of cozy-type books were suggested.  I did a re-read of the first book in Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery series, Sprinkle With Murder.  There are 16 books in this series, but I haven't read all of them yet.  It was fun and the setting of Scottsdale, AZ was familiar to me.  

I also decided to try a couple of Nicole Maggi's National Park mysteries and use the 'National Parks' as my 'area of interest'.  The first was A Murder In Zion, a park that we have not visited as yet.  The second was Lost In Yellowstone, a park that we saw on vacation last year.  While I didn't love every aspect of the books and the protagonist was a little angsty and emotional at times, I did really enjoy the settings of both books.  The Yellowstone book made me laugh and nod my head and picture places that we visited and contained crazy people who don't want to listen to the park rangers at all.  The main character is an investigator for the National Park Service and, of course, there are crimes/murders in both areas.  Will I read on in the series?  Yes, I will and I think the 3rd book will have a Death Valley setting, based on a hint at the end of the Yellowstone tale.  The Mystery Book Group will be reading With A Vengeance by Riley Sager for September.  I've already done a read/listen and will be interested in what others think.

OK, I know this post is getting a little long.  The 3rd book group I attend is one I call the Afternoon Book Group.  Both the mystery group and this one are at the branch library in Austin where I worked and volunteered for a long time.  I had not read the August book, but I wanted to hear what others thought about it, so I attended.  The book was A Far-Flung Life by M.L. Stedman.  The discussion was quite interesting, but I'm not sure I will pick it up and try it.  Several others had not read it either, but many had read the author's first book, The Light Between Oceans.  I told the group that I had read the description and some reviews and learned that many thought A Far-Flung Life was quite emotional and a bit heavy.  One lady said it was wonderful and not heavy.  However, when she talked about her experience she said, 'it was quite heavy'.  Ha!  I said, different strokes at different times for each of us, right?  I will be leading the discussion next month at this group's meeting and the selection is Lisa See's new book, Daughters Of The Sun And Moon.  Have not read it yet, but will do so soon.

I'll leave you at this point and will just say that I am glad to be back sharing my reading.  Have you read any of the books I mentioned above?  Thoughts?  Have you attended or been part of regular book groups at libraries or wherever?  I'm sorry to say that I worry that these types of book events are beginning to not be as popular, regular, or available as they once were.  Sigh.  I hope they don't go completely away.  

Have a good weekend!!      

Waiting On Wednesday - Big Little Truths

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

I am definitely looking forward to trying Liane Moriarty's first sequel of all her books.  I read Big Little Lies for the first time over 10 years ago, 2014 I believe.  I think I read it first in print and then a few years later listened to it on audio.  Both were fun.  I will admit that I remember parts of that book, but not all.  I did not watch the TV adaptation.  So, I'm thinking I will revisit Big Little Lies again before I pick up Big Little Truths.  I have enjoyed many of this author's books, but a few of them were not my favorites.  Hope this one will be a favorite!  Have you tried Liane Moriarty's works?   

Big Little Truths

by Liane Moriarty

Publication Date:  August 25th

In her first-ever sequel, Liane Moriarty examines the complexities of modern women’s lives, shining light on shame and family secrets with wit and compassion. Whether you’ve read Big Little Lies or not, this is the perfect novel for longtime fans and new readers alike.

The last time we saw the women of Big Little Lies—Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie—their children were five years old. If someone wasn’t invited to a child’s birthday party, feelings were hurt. But ten years have passed, and the kids are now in high school, with all of the drama that accompanies teendom (goodbye playdates, hello drugs, sex, and alcohol).

Now, after the principal of the high school receives a severed human finger in the mail, the parents are in an uproar. But Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie have other things to worry about. Celeste’s mother-in-law, Mary Louise, is behaving oddly—is it old-age forgetfulness and forthrightness, or something more sinister? Madeline is facing perhaps the biggest challenge of her life, Jane is at a dangerous fork in her marriage, Bonnie has realized there’s only so much solace in yoga. And Renata? Renata is living her best life—revenge is sweet.

When a strange man begins lurking around the school asking supposedly innocent questions, this tightly connected group of women must finally face the full repercussions of the big little truths they have and haven’t shared with their kids. Because the stakes are now much higher than not being invited to an ice-skating show—and the ice has never been thinner for any of them.

A little catch-up...

Hi there!  Hope everyone is doing well and not too hot in your region.  We are quite warm here in Central Texas, but it is August after all.  August means hot, humid, and repeat.  Sometimes not quite as humid, but this year has been pretty sticky.

Just thought I would stop by for a very short post and share that I hope to be more regular with my updates now.  We'll see.  It has been a busy summer, but my in-laws have settled in pretty well to their new living situation and my mother-in-law especially has been trying out various activities that are available to them.  Their house sold quickly once it was on the market and that was such a great thing.  Time will tell how things go, but I'm hopeful that they are in a good place and that they will come to enjoy it as much as they can.

We have not travelled this summer as we have been busy with the 'moving' project, but we do have some plans for the fall.  I'll be in and out, but will try to stop by and share a bit.  September is always a busy month for family stuff - birthdays, etc.  I'm planning to attend two book groups this week, one this afternoon, the Book Cafe, where everyone shares what they have been enjoying reading lately.  I'll also attend my Mystery Book Group on Thursday evening.  Will come back on Friday or this weekend and talk about those.  

My reading has been good at times and tiresome at times.  However, I have enjoyed a number of books and I'll try to share some of those as well.  I've done pretty well keeping up with all your blogs and commenting and have enjoyed that a lot.  I'll leave you with another chalk art picture, this one of a lovely buck.  Enjoy!

   

Summer Break - yes, I'll be taking one...

 

Hello friends!  Well, I know I said I was going to try to not take an 'official' summer break this year, but...we are still quite busy with family stuff and helping out the in-laws with moving, settling, getting their house ready to sell, etc.  It does take a bit of time.  I am also reading very, very, very slowly.  I am reading though, so that's a good thing.  And I attended 3 book groups this month and had things to share from my reading at each of them.  Will hope for the same in July.  Still trying to keep up with book group selections and also enjoy my 'comfort reads'.  

It's been hot and humid here.  Yes, it is summer and that is normal, but we have had a bunch of needed moisture and so, the humidity is up, up, up.  Our lakes are full though and I think those that love boating, swimming, etc., are very happy.  I think I said before that we have a vacation planned for the fall, so there is that to look forward to.  

Hope each of you have a nice rest of June, July, and August.  I may be back before September, but we shall see.  Enjoy your books and count on my stopping by and commenting on your blogs.  I will be keeping up with that.  Take care and see you later!!! 

June is here!

Hello book people!  Summer is here!  Have you been having fun with your reading or vacation planning or just getting kids out of school and figuring out a summer routine?  We have been doing well.  Still working with the in-laws on their upcoming move.  That should be accomplished in the next couple of weeks, maybe.  As many of you know, it takes a while and there are always lots of things to do.  Hoping they will be able to be in their new place this month and then their house can be cleared, cleaned, etc.  We're not planning any trips until September, so otherwise just having our usual stuff - golf for him, books, book groups, library volunteering for me. 

I did manage to read 7 books in May.  Still a low-ish number for me, but glad I'm reading better.  I did decide definitely on a 'Comfort Read' summer.  So, the woman reading above, think of that as me 'comfort reading' - ha!  I have read books for my June book groups and hope to enjoy discussing those.  I am currently reading Heaven and Earth, the 2nd in the Three Sisters Island trilogy by Nora Roberts.  Remembering why I have loved this series in the past.  I'll continue with the 3rd book and then decide if I want to stick with Nora Roberts or go on to another favorite author.  I also decided to re-read or rather re-listen to the first two Aaron Falk books by Jane Harper.  The Dry is the first and Force of Nature is the second.  I have not yet read or listened to the third book, Exiles, and am really looking forward to that one after re-reading the first two.  Have you tried any of the books I've mentioned above?  Would love to hear your thoughts about them.  I think Exiles will be the last Aaron Falk book, but I'm not sure about that.  Guess we will see.

Oh, another book I've been considering re-reading is Outlander and perhaps the many books that follow in that series by Diana Gabaldon.  I read that initial book way, way back in the mid-90's.  I liked it a lot, but I just never continued with the next or any in the series.  I've been thinking about trying them for quite some time and maybe this is the right time.  I know that so many have read those books or watched the TV adaptation.  If you've read them, what do you think?  Should I take myself off to Scotland for a bit?  They are very long books, but....I honestly like long books if I get involved in the story and with the characters.  Maybe if I decide 'yes', I should make it a year-long project.

Think that's about it for this week.  Again, hope you have a nice first week of June.  I'll try to stop by soon with the selections for both the book groups I regularly attend.  This is the time of year that the 2nd half of the year's books are chosen.  Take care and enjoy your summer reading!!

I've been to two book groups and had fun, plus I'm settling in for a 'Comfort Reads' summer....

Hello book people!  I'm here again to share a bit about what I've been reading and where I've been talking about reading.  Hope everyone has had a good week.  We've moved into a bit of a stormy season, but sometimes rain and storms are forecast and they show up and sometimes they don't.  Typical for Central Texas during May.  It has been nice to see the lake levels trending up because summer is on the way.

I was able to attend two book groups in the last week and enjoyed both of them.  The Mystery Book Group discussion was about The Golden Gate, written by Amy Chua.  This is a historical mystery set in Berkeley, California during the mid-1940's, but it also has portions that occur during the 1930's.  It is the author's debut mystery and it was liked pretty well by most of the group.  Lots of characters and the shifting back and forth in time was not well-loved by some.  I kind of thought the story could be tightened up a bit as we seemed to start over with each character, but I would try another book by the author.  Lots of things to learn about other cultures and also that historical time period. 

I also talked about the book I'd read for May in the Afternoon Book Group I attend.  This was a sort of 'Reader's Choice' month and the book I selected was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.  I know that several of my blogging friends have read this one and it has certainly been popular.  Many in the group found it difficult or impossible to get a copy, but I think some will eventually read it.  This is an epistolary novel and I'm very partial to those books, though I did read this one on audio.  It was populated by various narrators, which suited me just fine.  Several in the group did try this one and almost all who did were very, very complimentary of it.  It's about an older lady, Sybil, who has spent her life corresponding through actual letters and she continues to do so.  She writes to family, to friends, to authors, and also to someone that we're not sure who they are until the end.  Sybil was a bit of a 'grumpy old lady' at times, but I will say that by the end she changed her views on many things.  She 'grew and changed', which I always find a good thing.  Again, like the previous book, there were a few issues that I had, but I think they were all personal to me and not a problem with the book itself.

Both of these book groups are gearing up for the second half of 2026 and what books will be selected, so I'll probably share those choices in a few weeks.  I always like to hear if any of you guys have already read some of them and what you might have thought.  So, have you read The Correspondent or The Golden Gate?  Do tell!  

I've already read the books for June for both groups, so I'm going ahead and beginning my 'Comfort Read Summer'.  I think I mentioned that I was thinking about making that a thing for me this year.  I've shared that 'comfort reads' in my life are possibly books that I've read before and enjoyed so, so much or they are books that I've read and they made me feel positive about things or maybe just a book in a well-loved series that I haven't tried as yet.  I'm planning on reading with those goals in mind for most of the summer.  I usually take a blog break also in summer, but maybe I'll try not to do that this year.  Will make a goal to stop around weekly, hopefully, and just share what's been going on and what's been on my 'comfort' list.  

Right now, things are going well with the 'family senior living' move, etc.  And I'm listening to the first book in David Baldacci's Amos Decker series, Memory Man.  I'm reading the first book in Nora Roberts' Three Sisters Island Trilogy on my Kindle.  The title of that one is Dance Upon The Air.  Highly enjoying both of these books.  Hope all have a good holiday weekend upcoming and I'll try to check in next week.  I'll leave you with another pretty chalk picture. 

      

A good week with things accomplished....and some reading-ish...

 

Hello book friends!  Hope you have all had a nice week with whatever you've been doing.  Some good reading at least I hope.  Thanks for all the kind words shared and also some 'comfort read' suggestions regarding my last post.  Things are progressing with the upcoming move for my husband's mother and step-dad.  And that's a good thing.  It will still take a while, but progress is progress, right?  

My reading has been OK-ish and I plan to share more about the books I've finished and some thoughts on them maybe next week.  I'm planning on attending my mystery book group meeting tonight and then attending the afternoon book group that I'm part of next Tuesday.  I liked both books that will be discussed, but had a few issues with each of them.  I'm looking forward to hearing what other members of the groups thought.  I'm now doing a read/listen of the afternoon book group's selection for June and then I plan to dive headfirst into 'comfort reads' for most of the summer.  Yay!

I wanted to share a pretty picture and so I chose the one above.  Very spring-y, right?  It was one I took at a chalk festival that I attended a few years ago.  I am very much not a creative person and was always amazed at what the participants (so very gifted!) could create with a sidewalk and some chalk.  Wow!  Sadly, that chalk festival was discontinued a couple of years ago, but I have some great pictures from my times attending.  

I'm trying to keep up my walking and hope to go back to the yoga class that I went to last year and before.  Also trying to think of other pursuits that brought me joy and relaxation.  Take care all of you and if you have any 'relaxing' suggestions, let me know.  We'll talk next week.

A short update for early May...

 

Hey there, book friends!  Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the good things about spring wherever you live.  I had said I hoped to be a little more present here on my blog, but that has been a bit tough.  Not from bad things, but we've had some family stuff and will continue to have that in upcoming days.  My in-laws are going to be moving into senior housing in a few weeks and we will be helping them get that accomplished.  It does take some time and effort to sort out what needs to stay and go and go away - right?  My folks have been gone for many years, but I remember that time of assisting them.  We are glad that they have decided on their own that the transition time is here (they are in their 90's).

So, my reading has been a bit off (still - sigh!) and I know that one day I'll get my mind a bit more settled.  I keep sitting down to read and then thinking of something else that needs to be noted down or whatever, jumping up, and doing that instead.  Ha!  I did read 7 books in April, but several of them were re-reads.  I'm hoping to attend at least two book groups in May.  And other than those, I'm thinking of just putting a 'pause' on my TBR and turning to my 'comfort' reads.  What are they?  Well, I'll share a link here from a post I did a few years ago about my favorite 'comfort reads'.  

If you take a look at that post and have read any of those books, please tell me what you thought about them.  Or just tell me what would qualify as 'comfort reads' for you.  I'll try to get around to all your blogs and comment as I can, but I'm suspecting that it will be a few weeks before I can get more regular here.  Take care, everyone!  I put a favorite 'morning light' picture above and will add another at the end.  Happy reading!!

Waiting on Wednesday - The Brothers McKay

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

This week I'm 'waiting on' a new book by one of my favorite authors, Craig Johnson.  This is the 22nd book in his Walt Longmire series, set in Wyoming.  I have enjoyed the books featuring Sheriff Longmire and his team and family since the very first one, The Cold Dish.  I haven't read every single one of them, but my husband has read all the ones available at this time and he's a big fan too.  I also really liked the TV adaptation of Walt and company as well.  Have you read any of this series?  It's one I recommend.  

The Brothers McKay

by Craig Johnson

Publication Date:  May 26th

A masterful new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series

When Pepper McKay, one of the most hated men in Absaroka County, is found murdered on his ranch in Crazy Woman Canyon, suspects aren’t in short supply. But Sheriff Walt Longmire’s attention is on those who had gathered for a family meeting that evening, McKay’s very different sons: a smooth-talking charmer, a cosmopolitan journalist, a reclusive monk, and a half-Native ranch hand who keeps the place running. Each had a motive. Each claims he’s innocent.

As Walt investigates what happened that night at the O-Kay Lodge, he’s pulled into a tangle of old grudges and long-buried secrets. Then the case takes a sharp turn: a second body surfaces, and a wildfire tears through the canyon, trapping Walt and forcing him into a fight for his life as both the killer and the elements close in.

The twenty-second novel in the Longmire series, The Brothers McKay is a murder mystery and a survival thriller that tests the sheriff’s hard-won sense of justice—all while paying sly homage to Dostoevsky’s classic.

Waiting on Wednesday - Fury In Death

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

I know that I have mentioned several times that I have really, really enjoyed the series written by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) that features Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke.  It is an incredibly long-running story and this new book that will be published in the fall is #63!  Have I read all of them?  Yes, yes, I have.  One of the things that I love so much about this series is the fact that Eve and Roarke, both of whom come from very rough childhoods, have found each other, love each other so much, and have exhibited growth in their inner selves and their dealings with others.  They help people, they seek justice, they have created a family of friends and co-workers that we also get to know and love.  Not sure how long J.D. Robb will add to this storyline, but I'll be there reading them until she finishes.  Have you tried any of this series?  If so, what are you thoughts?

Fury In Death

by J. D. Robb

Publication Date: September 8th

In the new crime thriller from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author, Lt. Eve Dallas journeys into the darkness where murder is born…

NYSPD homicide detective Eve Dallas never knows what to expect when she gets word of a body. It could be an elderly man who made the mistake of climbing a ladder in slippery footwear. And the next call could be a wealthy biotech executive beaten to death in his home office—but what was Larry Chu’s mistake?

The victim’s corpse is so mangled and damaged it’s hard to believe a lone, unarmed assailant could have managed it. The killer was clearly unnaturally strong—and smart enough to find a way into Chu’s highly secure building. Most of all, whoever did this was very, very angry.

The excessive violence leads Dallas to conclude that this was a deeply personal act, born of a rage that she can’t excuse but can understand thanks to her own traumatic past. And though the motive seems rooted in heated emotion rather than cold hard cash, she can’t ignore the suspicious bank account in the Cayman Islands, or the shadowy, profit-hungry company Chu worked for. The mystery only grows when it turns out Chu isn’t the only victim—and Dallas will need to tear through one layer of secrecy after another to reveal what lies behind this explosion of fury...