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...

Hey, it's spring! Here's a little catch-up....

 

Hey there, book friends!  Hope you are doing well in your part of the world and enjoying some good reading and maybe a bit of spring.  I'm going to try to be back posting again.  Thought I would do a short catch-up and then get back to maybe once-a-week what I've been reading or doing.  Also want to begin sharing my 'Waiting on Wednesday' posts beginning next week.

I had said when I took my break that I would try to share some wildflower pictures soon.  Well, there are wildflowers around in our part of the world, but honestly, this year's pollen, both winter and spring, has been pretty awful.  We had temps that seemed very warm for February and so the winter pollen continued.  Spring stuff came right along though and the seasons have overlapped more than usual.  For pollen sufferers, it's not been fun at all.  They are still being able to get cedar pollen counts here in April and those normally end in early March.  So, that means I have been having allergy issues weeks beyond what I usually experience.  No spending much time outside for me yet.

The flowers I am sharing above were from a visit my husband and I took to the Desert Botanical Garden in the Phoenix, Arizona area in March.  We spent at week in Scottdale and enjoyed the Garden, golf, walking, and two events at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore.  It was a really nice trip and we had a great time.  The picture that will be at the end of my post was one I took as I set off to walk each morning around that lake area with plenty of sidewalks, fresh air, and books to listen to.  

I was able to attend two book events at the Poisoned Pen.  I saw Sujata Massey and Naomi Hirahawa and loved hearing about their new books.  Sujata's was The Star From Calcutta, the 5th book in her Perveen Mistry series.  Naomi's book was Crown City, 3rd in her Japantown mysteries.  I really enjoyed hearing both of those authors.  And I was lucky enough to get to see Sandra Brown as well.  Her new book is Bloodlust.  Sandra has been writing for many, many years and it has been a really long time since I read one of her stories.  However, she's from Texas and I took advantage of the opportunity to hear her speak.  No pictures from the events unfortunately.  I kind of forgot to take any - ha!

Otherwise, life has been busy with some family events and volunteering.  Also had some annual doctor check-ups.  Stuff like that.  My reading has been a bit slow all the way around this year, but I'm hoping it will improve.  I've had to miss some book groups because of travelling or other things.  However, I'm hoping to not miss more of them in upcoming days. 

Guess that's all I'll share today.  I've been trying to keep up with reading your blogs and commenting a bit.  As I said, I plan to be back fulltime next week.  Hope you all have a great reading week and will have some beautiful spring flowers in your area.  Take care!!

A short break...spring is coming though and I'm looking forward to that...

Hey book friends!  Hope you are all having a good start to your week.  Wanted to say that I'll be on a short break for a couple of weeks, but I'll be back soon.  Have some family birthday events and other stuff keeping us busy.  My reading time has been a bit limited.  I am happy that spring seems to be coming in our area and I'll try to share some pretty wildflower pictures when I can get some.  

Take care and I'll be around in a bit.  Leaving you with a lovely sunset picture.  Enjoy and happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday - Lost In Yellowstone

'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.

The book I'm sharing this week or rather 'waiting on' is by an author that I have not read as yet.  Nicole Maggi has a new series featuring a special agent in the National Park Service.  There is one other book out right now, A Murder In Zion, so this is #2.  The cover is what drew me in first.  I felt like I recognized the location from our trip to Yellowstone last fall.  Yes, intriguing.  And I know that the description is a little 'grim', but the geysers in that park are interesting to see and also not something you want to get particularly close to.  The park rangers have all kinds of rules for the safety of the visitors and some people pay attention to them and some don't.  Sigh.  Anyway, I hope to read the Zion Park book before this one comes out.  What do you think?  Curious?   

Lost In Yellowstone

by Nicole Maggi

Publication Date: May 5th

A foot in a geyser. A school in the wild. A truth no one saw coming.

When a human foot is ejected from a geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Special Agent Emme Helliwell of the National Park Service is assigned the chilling case.

Tasked with identifying the victim and uncovering what led to such a grisly end, Emme is drawn into the park's vast, unforgiving wilderness—and into the orbit of a private school for at-risk teens where extreme backcountry excursions are part of the curriculum. As disturbing truths begin to surface, Emme must also confront personal fault lines, including the unresolved tension with an ex-boyfriend who's suddenly back in her life and assigned to the same case.

In a place where danger hides behind natural beauty and good intentions can mask darker motives, Emme must navigate both treacherous terrain and emotional landmines to solve a mystery that could cost her everything.

Perfect for readers of C. J. Box and Lisa Gardner

Waiting on Wednesday - Last One Out

 

'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 have enjoyed all the books I've read by Australian author Jane Harper.  She has a new book coming out in April, though it is already available in Australia.  I'm very much looking forward to trying this new one.  I really liked Jane's books that feature Federal Agent Aaron Falk.  She has written a few standalones as well and I haven't quite made my way through all of them.  Not sure if this new book will be part of a series, but I'm on board to try it.  How about you?  Read any Jane Harper books?  What did you think?

Last One Out

by Jane Harper

Publication Date: April 14th

From the New York Times bestselling author of Exiles and The Dry comes a captivating new novel set in a modern ghost town.

Carralon Ridge, a once vibrant village in rural New South Wales, has become a shell of itself, its houses and buildings bought up and left to rot by the mining company operating at its borders. A decade into its slow death, surrounded by industrial noise and swathed in thick layers of dust, the skeletal town is all but abandoned, with just a handful of residents clinging onto what remains.

After years of scorning those who left the Ridge behind as it fell into ruin, Ro never imagined she'd become one of them. But everything changed when she lost her son. Five years ago, Sam vanished while visiting during a break from college, leaving behind a rental car with his belongings inside. Sam had loved Carralon Ridge, and had been working on an oral history of the town to preserve its legacy before it vanished altogether. It wasn't long after his disappearance that the rest of the family began to crumble away too.

But when Ro returns to Carralon Ridge to be with her husband and daughter on the anniversary of Sam's disappearance, she begins to suspect that something important was overlooked in his case. Because while nothing can stop Carralon Ridge from dying, someone seems to want to make sure that its secrets die with it.

Waiting on Wednesday - The Harvey Girl

 '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's 'Waiting on...' book is by an author that I have enjoyed for years.  Dana Stabenow has written over 20 books in her Kate Shugak series, set in Alaska.  She has also written other mystery series and also books in other genres.  Dana is from Alaska, but I believe she has spent part of most years in Arizona lately.  Her new book is the historical time period of the Old West.  I think it sounds like one I definitely want to try.  What do you think?  Interested??

The Harvey Girl

by Dana Stabenow

Publication Date:  March 3rd

From the award-winning author of the Kate Shugak Mysteries, a thrilling new detective series set during America's wild boom time and frontier expansion of the nineteenth century.

WELCOME TO THE GILDED AGE. WHERE NOT EVERYTHING GLITTERS.

1890: the Gilded Age, a period of financial success and political corruption. The United States is growing at a breathless rate, with six new states recently added to the Union.

With expansion comes an influx of crime. Outlaw gangs hold sway on the frontier and heists and robberies are commonplace. A lot of businesses shrug off these depredations as the cost of success. Those who don't hire the Pinkerton Detective Agency to get their money back.

The Pinkertons' newest operative is twenty-two-year-old Clare Wright. Highly educated, skilled with disguises, and handy enough in a fight, Clare's future in the agency seems bright. But when she's introduced to Fred Harvey, she finds herself thrown right into the heady mix of frontier life.

Harvey's Arizona hotel has been robbed and Clare is the perfect recruit to solve this mystery. Clare must infiltrate high society and win the confidence of killers like Butch Cassidy as she seeks the truth.