tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27550013687131748312024-03-19T04:11:05.492-05:00kay's reading life"She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live." Annie Dillard Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.comBlogger769125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-72384039039830634172024-03-13T00:00:00.049-05:002024-03-13T00:00:00.136-05:00Waiting on Wednesday - The Museum Of Lost Quilts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjkVMbGGMMuax_QgdevR01j8JjCQ1x5dDNSUS2ZK1P6_aYVJjJpaXbahiVqh0PUHeGDmbSAsVK1faNki4I1-XiKNwyBSf2OGXmLp3zg8n0x4RXzDEH0IQUnPVD1sefP2H6NfdjgonM6kydB1WdEYvsSV8i4RTidDIqCaU9fknQpu8qOgXCMe4uyNXn0JI/s1280/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1280" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjkVMbGGMMuax_QgdevR01j8JjCQ1x5dDNSUS2ZK1P6_aYVJjJpaXbahiVqh0PUHeGDmbSAsVK1faNki4I1-XiKNwyBSf2OGXmLp3zg8n0x4RXzDEH0IQUnPVD1sefP2H6NfdjgonM6kydB1WdEYvsSV8i4RTidDIqCaU9fknQpu8qOgXCMe4uyNXn0JI/s320/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>'Waiting on Wednesday'</b> 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. </p><p>This week's highlight is by an author that has been writing for a long time. Jennifer Chiaverini started her 'Elm Creek Quilt' series back in 1999 and her latest book in the series, featured here, is the 22nd. I've read all the previous books, but it has been 5 years since the previous book was published and the one before that one was 7 years before that. She's been writing standalone historical fiction novels that are about women and those have been very successful. I loved the whole 'Elm Creek' series and so I'm delighted to see a new entry. Will it be the last? Perhaps, but a visit with the 'Elm Creek' gang will be so welcome. Have you read any books by this author? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uMaOctKZTMuxpjHv85Hrdh-kGoe-3GmsnOWmfALygrL4Bx7dWNT5sSRa3rTgx0C9zQiecFUDW6cRHvXvfxufpeNwvmTdljtP-bcSvVqKF1JHTRzCTnJfDeS8Xn8DK-Xpm3p4u_DooG7YjU3Kgo8GjXJQWwnnz0NWqu3md3XzzAkTONm9gA_HZXkG8U6/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uMaOctKZTMuxpjHv85Hrdh-kGoe-3GmsnOWmfALygrL4Bx7dWNT5sSRa3rTgx0C9zQiecFUDW6cRHvXvfxufpeNwvmTdljtP-bcSvVqKF1JHTRzCTnJfDeS8Xn8DK-Xpm3p4u_DooG7YjU3Kgo8GjXJQWwnnz0NWqu3md3XzzAkTONm9gA_HZXkG8U6/w134-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Museum-Lost-Quilts-Creek-Novel-ebook/dp/B0CD7QN1C4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QL63HBNNSBR1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oGwJcs6e4jaU1ZCo8kWXYaQYqzsUDVgdls-CLKhWbF-6t2yQIYECFyDt--vkHlOzqa01gmtZdbtfiy2lQsnSeA.3I7sxpUQPSOKyfkPQmNZ96ATpoYMVwH0AbMNENn-szM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+museum+of+lost+quilts&qid=1710157804&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+museum+of+lost+quilts%2Cdigital-text%2C103&sr=1-1">The Museum of Lost Quilts</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">by <a href="https://jenniferchiaverini.com/">Jennifer Chiaverini</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: April 30th</p><p>Jennifer Chiaverini’s beloved and bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series returns with the first Elm Creek Quilts novel since 2019’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKYV764/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=xnJFC&content-id=amzn1.sym.07f68587-1ea8-46cf-8c0c-8374d8d96b4a&pf_rd_p=07f68587-1ea8-46cf-8c0c-8374d8d96b4a&pf_rd_r=MZERF2GM9NZ06W2N0K9K&pd_rd_wg=pyNI5&pd_rd_r=c139f196-135a-4465-8447-2b5dfef7e030">The Christmas Boutique</a>.</p><p>Summer Sullivan, the youngest founding member of Elm Creek Quilts, has spent the last two years pursuing a master’s degree in history at the University of Chicago. Her unexpected return home to the celebrated quilter’s retreat is met with delight but also concern from her mother, Gwen; her best friend, Sarah; master quilter Sylvia; and her other colleagues—and rightly so. Stymied by writer’s block, Summer hasn’t finished her thesis, and she can’t graduate until she does.</p><p>Elm Creek Manor offers respite while Summer struggles to meet her extended deadline. She finds welcome distraction in organizing an exhibit of antique quilts as a fundraiser to renovate Union Hall, the 1863 Greek Revival headquarters of the Waterford Historical Society. But Summer’s research uncovers startling facts about Waterford’s past, prompting unsettling questions about racism, economic injustice, and political corruption within their community, past and present.</p><p>As Summer’s work progresses, quilt lovers and history buffs praise the growing collection, but affronted local leaders demand that she remove all references to Waterford’s troubled history. As controversy threatens the exhibit’s success, Summer fears that her pursuit of the truth might cost the Waterford Historical Society their last chance to save Union Hall. Her only hope is to rally the quilting community to her cause.</p><p>The Museum of Lost Quilts is a warm and deeply moving story about the power of collective memory. With every fascinating quilt she studies, Summer finds her passion for history renewed—and discovers a promising new future for herself.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-31706007442965600942024-03-06T00:00:00.045-06:002024-03-06T05:40:28.143-06:00Waiting on Wednesday - The Briar Club<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4EGd2xYIqh3AzmZys748l6MP7otiYjCABGaSVCRmewQFFaVOZ5tNifG7IZ7-KNv1PsKjODHL9en-5nAcT0KYhuh1l-m1tNvbOcf-uB-EaHLDDvYf5rJDN3tgX2vuw78E2pRRdYMRH99HeRzveNFve8UmgUJcaPjX9tz7Za-wqxK5XMMSSzysYPNYSZVx/s1280/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1280" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4EGd2xYIqh3AzmZys748l6MP7otiYjCABGaSVCRmewQFFaVOZ5tNifG7IZ7-KNv1PsKjODHL9en-5nAcT0KYhuh1l-m1tNvbOcf-uB-EaHLDDvYf5rJDN3tgX2vuw78E2pRRdYMRH99HeRzveNFve8UmgUJcaPjX9tz7Za-wqxK5XMMSSzysYPNYSZVx/s320/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>'Waiting on Wednesday'</b> 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. </p><p>This week's highlight is by an author who has written some books that I really have liked - Kate Quinn. She writes historical fiction and her latest books are standalones. Let me know if this one sounds as good to you as it does to me. This week I'm waiting on:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPkH8BhUfjH86N-3QNh5sntyYlGasLZwPijaXX8xWzwr_2r3IfjvaM8f7O1ykToOSKIpSVwyAdMWm224U74qVqusejADPu_oJaF3e30Bsen9ccMu4nWMjN_tqBwcNIT_RtM9qBW5oC_gv9lwUlTxrm9kXH6eeVcw4FIEFDQlLaGiKQLNDh70a07b5JDI0/s445/Blog%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPkH8BhUfjH86N-3QNh5sntyYlGasLZwPijaXX8xWzwr_2r3IfjvaM8f7O1ykToOSKIpSVwyAdMWm224U74qVqusejADPu_oJaF3e30Bsen9ccMu4nWMjN_tqBwcNIT_RtM9qBW5oC_gv9lwUlTxrm9kXH6eeVcw4FIEFDQlLaGiKQLNDh70a07b5JDI0/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Briar-Club-Novel-Kate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B0CKT8V7QD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2M25IVFVKZANP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KSLsJTgBfhw4nCXjyh_5hiThfturPFQxCsQ2cRCZndfS6mcY7LglStgkgLEBYp8Rt2y0wbjcZML2vhytRBOy5cUQY8aF7jAl1lkUZXwyO-EgI5dUEGGG7r5Y7bN2pIKLtAbd9MjwHod-p1lAgFuzP8fKaxhyB6rmoRDUcoH9jjwJ9WsSI-vaBKxdum8_JcUPv4-nGXpoxmF0uO6_FWl0JUnrdCjrUfpWar_hba3I-BA.-CF-PkMQJdD8DImgHcXWuA-eLNF-QqQMc2O8ECe_Dns&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+briar+club&qid=1709581229&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+briar+club%2Cdigital-text%2C113&sr=1-1">The Briar Club</a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">by <a href="https://www.katequinnauthor.com/">Kate Quinn</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: July 9th</p><p>The New York Times bestselling author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Eye-Novel-Kate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B0983KXF42/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NK3VZ9MDEKVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.V7j3Vsxj6yp5KQs5h83jv4F58ognfv80idaRWp-4G-tBdLmROXZPCPMNlN0hgjsmP1lRwoZkYb41oA4TgkCcIGVjD_dDEcowhjOJuy8uJQqres-9vZost6Q1lxMabPs8U6ZbYmg9zJ5k5mQ_jlKo82QfQkxQssGiIXcOY9gYnRCC8KoDTHG1R6HP8-oZtvX3AS9d2MlNPTvp8euRUCO3Q_ZNR5_uZecd_CHSx7IqPFE.J7fULz8rHUtBTK5erU9MG8UdvqLJYoQzMXN9DdY9AMg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+diamond+eye&qid=1709581799&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+diamond+ey%2Cdigital-text%2C128&sr=1-1">The Diamond Eye</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Code-Novel-Kate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B089SZJF11/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DPKCH7Y2NIC8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z3PQ4qwoOGZrVBDZgemFE3avnuOZzwHvSictzkb4ZpygEWs_l-kbUxi9EcHQyctTudE1U6NLxxRy2jJRXr8VZiUsKWzEDG0kyqsg53kEJKKcVaAqlqFix8BiZFuduZmTPKfe9k_YAeVKtMeg4fz5h_4qa6LWfZd3pn2uLqDW3Q-kh2JaJoI8lXgRcb_BZBrFUqs2hAJG3VVHiNdYrCjgZwS6NCSG5ryaZzjciHuXsu8.8XMkpeHO_kyCY0NvPjyTHvP0DikzRvee2ZnNDEWO9Bo&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+rose+code&qid=1709581830&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+rose+cod%2Cdigital-text%2C115&sr=1-1">The Rose Code</a> returns with a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, DC, boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.</p><p>Washington, DC, 1950. Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, a down-at-the-heels all-female boardinghouse in the heart of the nation’s capital where secrets hide behind white picket fences. But when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic room, she draws her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship: poised English beauty Fliss, whose facade of perfect wife and mother covers gaping inner wounds; policeman’s daughter Nora, who finds herself entangled with a shadowy gangster; frustrated baseball star Beatrice, whose career has come to an end along with the women’s baseball league of WWII; and poisonous, gung-ho Arlene, who has thrown herself into McCarthy’s Red Scare.</p><p>Grace’s weekly attic-room dinner parties and window-brewed sun tea become a healing balm on all their lives, but she hides a terrible secret of her own. When a shocking act of violence tears the house apart, the Briar Club women must decide once and for all: who is the true enemy in their midst?</p><p>Capturing the paranoia of the McCarthy era and evoking the changing roles for women in postwar America, The Briar Club is an intimate and thrilling novel of secrets and loyalty put to the test.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-72851195820247598952024-02-28T00:00:00.031-06:002024-02-28T00:00:00.153-06:00Waiting on Wednesday - The Burning<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIzEkPWYxw-xSVvkJojAew7C0hS39AbWOUg9LrXtZJpI_eS849nCL_VkTug69bBywBzsGHUaajgBTHFRtS7ozQ0GWGNJtiNoE2OYu_37TuM8qKQoH5B-QLyjO3_rcU8nFAZdQrdS3BHuX8t5g4xJw4b_NzYduNvPB_jdJDrHeavfPdUjD5nyJe8SCyKvs/s1280/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1280" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIzEkPWYxw-xSVvkJojAew7C0hS39AbWOUg9LrXtZJpI_eS849nCL_VkTug69bBywBzsGHUaajgBTHFRtS7ozQ0GWGNJtiNoE2OYu_37TuM8qKQoH5B-QLyjO3_rcU8nFAZdQrdS3BHuX8t5g4xJw4b_NzYduNvPB_jdJDrHeavfPdUjD5nyJe8SCyKvs/s320/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>'Waiting on Wednesday'</b> is an event that I used to take part in weekly. I'm going to try to do this again in upcoming days and will highlight books that I'm extra excited about. I was highlighting four books at a time monthly, but I think a weekly event will work better for me. </p><p>This week's highlight is the 16th in one of my favorite series. Set in Amish country, it features Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. I have managed to keep up with this series and am delighted that usually each July bring a new book. This week I'm waiting on:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX-FaGfVd_GmbhL-Bq-X4SPxF3YsqHDORAqU08BSlRhTrqKBw1MhC2aHKMRsn7ZYPkfDU-FJcQbPDzYGuH_AcdmlZ-_gEJQKmj7G-Y2gPlbEY_JDsyrdDWITwVKdMDyKz0hw3_6m1cMaNw9Q5sH2-GvVHmI-i5S6RfL3-l6A1Qff6fsZNeuxTrqJwuK5P/s445/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="293" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX-FaGfVd_GmbhL-Bq-X4SPxF3YsqHDORAqU08BSlRhTrqKBw1MhC2aHKMRsn7ZYPkfDU-FJcQbPDzYGuH_AcdmlZ-_gEJQKmj7G-Y2gPlbEY_JDsyrdDWITwVKdMDyKz0hw3_6m1cMaNw9Q5sH2-GvVHmI-i5S6RfL3-l6A1Qff6fsZNeuxTrqJwuK5P/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Novel-Kate-Burkholder-Book-ebook/dp/B0CGRWFCY3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KDLXIX8MUL4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UrW73XMfnRXxA0aSOSOrAMzDJo_8AFg8wJYF2R1K2N6v6a_fAgEqAy6SOzuTQEBX72B7yAybfM0ojZFv5qLam0v9y6qK1QPDZVrQ7iLuBbhecyWbh9JQsFi8RPuOQZqAL3qVwxPC28vaXbeUqiBwupTFQKJsE8JF898-Ui9QdB_IXbYBG3xzqrWnqOlroqs0fdeUOF0nnquaA6b64l0MQUz3tVjAm6FGCWt2f19P5ww.yGNzX0JbBr4pjlKIkdBRRwm8cwdndPNTYfZcqwyp5ng&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+burning&qid=1708790286&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+burning%2Cdigital-text%2C122&sr=1-1">The Burning</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">by <a href="https://www.lindacastillo.com/">Linda Castillo</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: July 9th</p><p>Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a gruesome murder that reveals a little-known chapter of early Amish history in this next riveting installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.</p><p>Newlywed Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is awakened by an urgent midnight call summoning her to a suspicious fire in the woods. When she arrives at the scene, she discovers a charred body. According to the coroner, the deceased, an Amish man named Milan Swanz, was chained to a stake and burned alive. It is an appalling and eerily symbolic crime against an upstanding husband and father.</p><p>Kate knows all too well that the Amish prefer to handle their problems without interference from the outside world, and no one will speak about the murdered man. From what she’s able to piece together, Swanz led a deeply troubled life and had recently been excommunicated. But if that’s the case, why are the Amish so reluctant to talk about him? Are they protecting the memory of one of their own? Or are they afraid of something they dare not share?</p><p>When her own brother is implicated in the case, Kate finds herself not only at odds with the Amish, the world of which she was once a part, but also the English community and her counterparts in law enforcement. The investigation takes a violent turn when Kate’s life is threatened by a mysterious stranger.</p><p>To uncover the truth about the death of Milan Swanz, Kate must dive deep into the Anabaptist culture, peering into all the dark corners of its history, only to uncover a secret legacy that shatters everything she thought she knew about the Amish themselves—and her own roots.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-78130268443890703902024-02-24T10:38:00.000-06:002024-02-24T10:38:26.999-06:00The bluebonnets are coming...not quite yet, but...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlrgzze6vHAQodJBZaITa82QUGUr4Yfsbu10DAwO0XMSaK6KymAI_cmO0izw5KahrhkbxgoNSW_qczymYLNXIG8AM55KmAV2jZigxlX-p96Px2DSqKcWP_LlfJUHZBbjOF9AVFUb-3lgAU-tNSQ6n6d9kQRSy7ohoKy1RVVtMzlKABly0A-o0YHtum3ad/s2746/pre-bluebonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="2746" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlrgzze6vHAQodJBZaITa82QUGUr4Yfsbu10DAwO0XMSaK6KymAI_cmO0izw5KahrhkbxgoNSW_qczymYLNXIG8AM55KmAV2jZigxlX-p96Px2DSqKcWP_LlfJUHZBbjOF9AVFUb-3lgAU-tNSQ6n6d9kQRSy7ohoKy1RVVtMzlKABly0A-o0YHtum3ad/s320/pre-bluebonnet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hello book friends! I know I wrote a few weeks ago how ready I was for spring and wildflowers to come in our area. And, yes, I still am so ready! The shot above is from a section of our front yard and the greenery around the rock is mostly bluebonnet plants. One of the things that drew us to this house when we were house-hunting was a shot of the front and a 'sea of bluebonnets'. I'm really, really hoping that they will appear again this year. We shall see. When (and if) they do, I'll share another shot. It probably won't be for a few more weeks.</p><p>This week was busy, but had some fun things. I was able to attend what I used to call the 'Afternoon Book Group' at the library where I worked years ago. It was a group that I attended off and on in past years and the very nice lady that took it over as a volunteer is still leading that group. They had read Kate Quinn's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Network-Novel-Kate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B01LZFL63S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11W9LK2AH5FCJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.u20R8JJaE0akWkiRX1oCDidXs-UF73Q12IpYpRWNx9pTEHJBMjczhbg8Hxgzg6GWkE0tAGak7JrmR3n99niLUhf8cpSajIjCNGH9zFIUndh1w2MyaKfcHXEwEOTukhXt_Y0iTGsu_d-c--71DHawwpv2_Mwkchruyv5zfzUOIlYFQl76BBGtrU95eKP-ww485eohl4hb1KW48xFIq11BKGUsOD6urDt_ynvl9VMEH_Y.Vyj_7ncHlxwUgK09qW_NfZ7PfIKwSkkDOkSjWOjdzmM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+alice+network&qid=1708792177&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+alice+network%2Cdigital-text%2C129&sr=1-1">The Alice Network</a>, and I had read that one and discussed it with the 'Mystery Group' a few years ago. I had also talked about it with the 'Historical Fiction' Book Group I attended in Kerrville. Anyway, it was nice to see old friends in the group and talk about Kate Quinn's writing with them. I also recommended Quinn's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Code-Novel-Kate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B089SZJF11/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TDYEQ51YJELF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YbqAjjf1-IrlOK0c9KDwcLmgfLrTPQYSFNvnWI67ktsAx4oDNZAO4EzX7d1BzbjYQQofVNmsCSL6L4ARv2gukkXht5XFS_F8kMlSP-oa59w55-NnglzVMTJ8ePRLJdv4-8pf5o6HTqW37-AFM08199QHKjkPCBaOabXerohIQAWhR8dpltfCzazsRQaYIUugF4_E3osXjBR3MOk_GI4DshArC7BHZX-G_ZqT-HdVqXI.8iybLonQYdqLfwa3rTCPmMVwtWWOAEXOcQZ93uWRH9c&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+rose+code&qid=1708792290&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+rose+code%2Cdigital-text%2C125&sr=1-1">The Rose Code</a>, to the group and others recommended additional books by her. Have you read any of this author's works? She has a new one coming out in the summer that I will highlight soon on a 'Waiting on..' post. </p><p>I also went to the eye doctor for a check-up and got a thumbs-up report there. My prescription has changed very little, so I think I'll wait a bit before thinking about replacing my glasses. I like all the 'bells and whistles' on them (progressive lens, anti-glare, etc.) and so they tend to be a little pricey. I have some other annual checks coming in upcoming weeks and I'm finally going to get to visit my new primary care doctor. Changing doctors is just a major pain in my book. Sigh. </p><p>Reading is going well, but I've been doing some re-reading and so don't really have a lot to share at this point. Hope all have a good weekend and a nice end to February next week. Talk soon. </p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-19233949645019730232024-02-21T00:00:00.006-06:002024-02-21T00:00:00.255-06:00Waiting on Wednesday - The Grey Wolf<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOkapMR4IMRBH4URuDJOKlQgxryqDMVQ_lU4Vm6YD8O6SOpY-QJDikcMRQusRzHy0zoRGb8n_UywXBuzUuSg5zmwegLf-amxs45tb35mbeq2wWoRwCflxnwDJEVbNIo8nalW4Qghj1cV77wcpzcEjLAszi8yX3rdpd8WKAXjcfZauwNjNozB4azG_2guF/s1280/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1280" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOkapMR4IMRBH4URuDJOKlQgxryqDMVQ_lU4Vm6YD8O6SOpY-QJDikcMRQusRzHy0zoRGb8n_UywXBuzUuSg5zmwegLf-amxs45tb35mbeq2wWoRwCflxnwDJEVbNIo8nalW4Qghj1cV77wcpzcEjLAszi8yX3rdpd8WKAXjcfZauwNjNozB4azG_2guF/w320-h221/Waiting%20on%20Wednesday%20-%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>'Waiting on Wednesday'</b> is an event that I used to take part in weekly. I'm going to try to do this again in upcoming days and will highlight books that I'm extra excited about. I was highlighting four books at a time monthly, but I think a weekly event will work better for me. The first book I'll mention will not be published until October, but I always get excited for a new Louise Penny book featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. I will say that a couple of the later books in this series have not been my favorites. Here's hoping that this one will hit just the right spot with me because I don't plan to ever stop reading this series. This week I'm waiting on:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrtiozig5nIz3qhOoDt9uTpxifPxgsbNiUJ20Xkt7umOLi7Kkh8wt2MRo33ibcYxlzJwAn8OX8RoushWtBuZ3LFfqIcAxTKU2NVUwMOsb3_za9u6_3TU92Qb1Acys4OHcUWrqyym0PkaYvSX7nCoPjQWeN4xVVKtysdwUvG7ULFKLpNqDZZ6QluPt2Emi/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrtiozig5nIz3qhOoDt9uTpxifPxgsbNiUJ20Xkt7umOLi7Kkh8wt2MRo33ibcYxlzJwAn8OX8RoushWtBuZ3LFfqIcAxTKU2NVUwMOsb3_za9u6_3TU92Qb1Acys4OHcUWrqyym0PkaYvSX7nCoPjQWeN4xVVKtysdwUvG7ULFKLpNqDZZ6QluPt2Emi/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grey-Wolf-Novel-Inspector-Gamache-ebook/dp/B0CQHLDW2T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FS7XOGPIPMGL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ew0nKaLQjiHmF-0KA5YeX6Z9yBKEmMCSJpeqtfhM71PGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.P8-b7OGK7y3tAghm8q4ZCqQvjDDubGSC7LVbHqiBJXA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+gray+wolf+louise+penny&qid=1708181227&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+gray+wolf%2Cdigital-text%2C117&sr=1-1">The Grey Wolf</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">by <a href="https://www.louisepenny.com/">Louise Penny</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: October 29th</p><p>Relentless phone calls interrupt the peace of a warm August morning in Three Pines. Though the tiny Québec village is impossible to find on any map, someone has managed to track down Armand Gamache, head of homicide at the Sûreté, as he sits with his wife in their back garden. Reine-Marie watches with increasing unease as her husband refuses to pick up, though he clearly knows who is on the other end. When he finally answers, his rage shatters the calm of their quiet Sunday morning.</p><p></p><p>That's only the first in a sequence of strange events that begin THE GREY WOLF, the nineteenth novel in Louise Penny's #1 New York Times-bestselling series. A missing coat, an intruder alarm, a note for Gamache reading "this might interest you", a puzzling scrap of paper with a mysterious list—and then a murder. All propel Chief Inspector Gamache and his team toward a terrible realization. Something much more sinister than any one murder or any one case is fast approaching.</p><p>Armand Gamache, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, his son-in-law and second in command, and Inspector Isabelle Lacoste can only trust each other, as old friends begin to act like enemies, and long-time enemies appear to be friends. Determined to track down the threat before it becomes a reality, their pursuit takes them across Québec and across borders. Their hunt grows increasingly desperate, even frantic, as the enormity of the creature they’re chasing becomes clear. If they fail the devastating consequences would reach into the largest of cities and the smallest of villages.</p><p>Including Three Pines.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-79842142948452316742024-02-14T00:00:00.001-06:002024-02-14T00:00:00.173-06:00Midnight by Amy McCulloch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD_Hb7dCJhnaCz1Vnm33pS1_Jfq7Ru67mwBgQEBJXaz63sJguFCt6fioz718jNloLGAKQilpOwpAD5IOXCYMM3PKiyzSccs0FJem_DHohK0VxvvBsdrFccfOYty81qx0RJP5ifoJoBlzhNu9fgwwKFcgBFkJPtT7aPVMkQ6OfGzCG4urP4RMbFFI7ks0i/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD_Hb7dCJhnaCz1Vnm33pS1_Jfq7Ru67mwBgQEBJXaz63sJguFCt6fioz718jNloLGAKQilpOwpAD5IOXCYMM3PKiyzSccs0FJem_DHohK0VxvvBsdrFccfOYty81qx0RJP5ifoJoBlzhNu9fgwwKFcgBFkJPtT7aPVMkQ6OfGzCG4urP4RMbFFI7ks0i/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Thriller-Amy-McCulloch-ebook/dp/B0C1BBH8FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KT95Q66S2DV1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.H5Bg_wo08ntZZfu7g_M9ihVI8DOyVD0LbvvtqXuaESSoV_KhTOImsHQndw7n0U1IjizcMxSAwZGBlK_XlCPUGUKLULKI6gr_QxGJ5SH7EkEWk15YdU5W7qKmj875dn0meSmLkdO45t_wAqYD5zzPVhdVRFVB8I9_TITe81947GoEGu8pCBy9p49KGKsX_3Z03Kb8c3gkGEgg6uI8-O4MbJRzmF3gBKWmU65mzgMsYsw.7B3aXHDgjl-UjYJUj01TKD5uAzdmfCveEmfurR4_ftA&dib_tag=se&keywords=midnight&qid=1707859258&s=digital-text&sprefix=midnight%2Cdigital-text%2C117&sr=1-1">Midnight</a> by <a href="https://amymcculloch.net/">Amy McCulloch</a></p><p><b>First Paragraph(s):</b></p><p>I watch as he scampers down the gangway, his fists clenched by his side. He avoids catching the eye of the distracted officer at the door to the ship, racing past the long line of passengers waiting to check in for their voyage of a lifetime.</p><p>He looks so small through my binoculars. A tiny slip of a man. I wait, but the woman doesn't come after him. No matter. I had planned for that. Besides, this way is easier.</p><p>I've been watching them, waiting, biding my time. Every moment confirms what I already knew: these two deserve everything that's coming at them.</p><p><b>My Thoughts:</b></p><p>I love books set in unusual locations, especially places that I know I'll likely not ever visit. Antarctica is one of these and I've read several books set there. I think this might be the first one I've read that uses a voyage to Antarctica in the storyline though. Wow! I'm not a cruise-taking person and won't ever be. I have bad motion sickness tendencies and, in order to not have that, I would have to be drugged to the point of sleeping all the time. Doesn't sound fun. I do like to read about ocean voyages and, as I said, Antarctica. </p><p>I've read the previous book by Amy McCulloch, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Amy-McCulloch-ebook/dp/B09HBJQYG8?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tq_t8qKyQZLcn7KPL4oLYFY8dtIU8r1pF4w0REFJYtYDvBxCW0lXJH5kXpHQznRmfU7oTI5jJFpkorA2gRrFrdkWvNUPfv3xsoiPZwCZM8NzODXw8eRHqjATxG53kROcDKAwrDSUMUmvWVnn4Xy7mXFuxzAPZ9_i6bmIklkItX6ClD4-Uy5bTS4GnVKloOcmMtOGzvkP_YPy864lwqpLtA.e5A2gXUsrgV8fesBvKEDmoffv-eVmGj8fl_ndHd6g9E&dib_tag=AUTHOR">Breathless</a>, and it was set in the Himalayas and dealt with mountain climbing and murder. Same goes here. The murder part. Olivia was raised by a father who was a gifted sailor and learned how to take care of herself on the water. Her father died accidentally when she was in her teens and now Olivia is an almost-actuary who gets a chance to accompany her boyfriend, an art dealer, on a trip to Antarctica. The setting will be key to showing and selling the art of a man who used this continent for inspiration in creating his pieces. They get on the ship and then things start happening - bad things. Olivia feels like she's being watched. And she is. There are a lot of descriptions of the environment and what is happening to the icebergs. Very interesting indeed. The thrills were many, though I did get a little irritated with some of Olivia's decisions (or non-decisions). An enjoyable book. I'll be watching for Amy McCulloch's next book and curious about where she will take us. </p><p><b>Blurb:</b></p><p><b>THE SUN NEVER SETS AND THIS KILLER NEVER SLEEPS</b></p><p>Olivia Campbell has always dreamed of spending a sunlit night on the frigid Antarctic continent. But as an actuary who assesses risk for a living, she never imagined she would have the chance. So when her career takes an unexpected detour, and her boyfriend—a high-powered art dealer with a taste for the finer things in life—decides to stage an ostentatious, career-making auction on a luxury liner to Antarctica, Olivia is thrilled. That is, until things start to feel a bit strange. In addition to the scores of wealthy patrons and potential buyers, they'll also be traveling alongside a small group of beleaguered employees of Pioneer Adventures—the company responsible for managing the ship—and their charismatic, divisive CEO.</p><p>When the first bodies are discovered, it's easy enough for Olivia to write it off as a terrible accident. But as the situation heats up and the temperatures continue to plummet, she begins to wonder whether she might have booked a one-way ticket to her own demise.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-82988936632980613702024-02-07T08:12:00.000-06:002024-02-07T08:12:39.535-06:00I'm ready for spring - are you?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQlfo1IJNjEqGFxvJ8g7B_KIZUFhOIEQYCvPgk3J8pfH11iFX-JGqMOySH69eD5u8hL6vKxFY9hNecvcfb_CrBYzWoA5j4TBuHZ5ciV_Q-KX1dH5Lu_NSiZeATMUyfHLZv0bwbRfe-gSIcKGGFtXttPeHfiD0LZa6sDASOaMWe9xAr1XmrNabGsZ8perb/s1472/Bluebonnets%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="1472" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQlfo1IJNjEqGFxvJ8g7B_KIZUFhOIEQYCvPgk3J8pfH11iFX-JGqMOySH69eD5u8hL6vKxFY9hNecvcfb_CrBYzWoA5j4TBuHZ5ciV_Q-KX1dH5Lu_NSiZeATMUyfHLZv0bwbRfe-gSIcKGGFtXttPeHfiD0LZa6sDASOaMWe9xAr1XmrNabGsZ8perb/w200-h176/Bluebonnets%202022.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hey book friends! Thought I would stop by and greet everyone - also saying that I am ready for spring. I know that some really like the winter weather and I appreciate that. However, our area of Central Texas does not have 'great' winter weather. If there is significant weather, it's usually windy, extra cold, or even challenging us with snow or worse, ice! Hate that. We're just not suited for those things. And I have winter allergies (cedar) and the wind will insist on stirring up the pollen and even making it look like trees are 'smoking'. We've had some high winds in the last week and, as I said, ready for spring.</p><p>Sharing a bluebonnet picture above from a few years back. No, the bluebonnets are not here yet, nor are the other wildflowers that we enjoy in the spring months. I'm ready for them though and will be excited to share pictures of them when they arrive. Watch for that in coming weeks or months. </p><p>Life is going well. We've had a couple of things updated at our 'new-to-us' house and have gotten delivery of some chairs and window shades that we ordered. Still a few things on back order, but that seems to be the way these days. They will eventually arrive and we're not desperate for them. I've turned in my paperwork to become a volunteer at my new library and hope to hear from them before long. We'll see what they possibly need help with. </p><p>Reading is going OK enough. I wasn't able to attend our recent mystery book group meeting, but I had not been a big fan of the book selected. That's how it goes though and I decided to put it aside and read something else. Right now, as opposed to my usual 'read cold books in summer', I'm in the middle of Amy McCulloch's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Thriller-Amy-McCulloch-ebook/dp/B0C1BBH8FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZAE75TIXGCP6&keywords=midnight&qid=1707314849&s=digital-text&sprefix=midnigh%2Cdigital-text%2C129&sr=1-1">Midnight</a>. I enjoyed her first book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Amy-McCulloch-ebook/dp/B09HBJQYG8?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tq_t8qKyQZLcn7KPL4oLYFY8dtIU8r1pF4w0REFJYtY-_V-Fr7vIP96i2McrjDKtNjdmAJ2gal8NrOIqXCkjr8JUnXJ_oqhfk7f8nlP2BjFzODXw8eRHqjATxG53kROcDKAwrDSUMUmvWVnn4Xy7mXFuxzAPZ9_i6bmIklkItX6ClD4-Uy5bTS4GnVKloOcmMtOGzvkP_YPy864lwqpLtA.VQjXPGZMsPBr5453IMB6w_R6Iylftl4dLEr0W_MTC9g&dib_tag=AUTHOR">Breathless</a>, a while back and was eager to try this one. Where is this new one set? <b>Antarctica</b>. Yep, cold indeed. I'll share my thoughts when I finish with it. Some really good books on my upcoming list to read as well. Guess I can keep myself busy while I'm waiting on those spring wildflowers. Hope you have a good week! And what have you been reading or looking forward to? </p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-84963956408000946642024-01-24T00:00:00.003-06:002024-01-24T07:07:11.422-06:00Holmes, Marple & Poe by James Patterson and Brian Sitts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUalO10O7YS5sun6i6ixe1nefqn8GXggHvctNZpuD7l4OU5LE9jlaxdcW_9k-YgCYh2ASHgo1E255R2hG2ad8ykz4SZQeGs7Zcd9b7FWs-OHjuaKzYBrJedGO5NsmsZw1T7guqfliKJvTKuDftXO4m_fiMEi3lAHNJcMVsXZRTKUpXrT8B8CVcN9XbgbMm/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUalO10O7YS5sun6i6ixe1nefqn8GXggHvctNZpuD7l4OU5LE9jlaxdcW_9k-YgCYh2ASHgo1E255R2hG2ad8ykz4SZQeGs7Zcd9b7FWs-OHjuaKzYBrJedGO5NsmsZw1T7guqfliKJvTKuDftXO4m_fiMEi3lAHNJcMVsXZRTKUpXrT8B8CVcN9XbgbMm/w129-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Marple-Poe-Crime-Solving-Twenty-First-ebook/dp/B0C436JH9L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NSOV5E6C23SL&keywords=holmes+marple+and+poe&qid=1706026113&s=digital-text&sprefix=holmes%2Cdigital-text%2C112&sr=1-1">Holmes, Marple & Poe</a> by <a href="https://www.jamespatterson.com/">James Patterson</a> and Brian Sitts<p></p><p><b>First Paragraph(s):</b></p><p><i>Last year</i></p><p>The vacant industrial space that Realtor Gretchen Wik was trying to unload was located in a recently gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood called Bushwick. The area was becoming trendier by the month, but this particular building was cold and dead--and apparently unsellable. </p><p>Gretchen had been sitting at her sales table on the first floor since noon, tapping her nails while she stared out through a grime-coated window. In five hours, she had not been visited by a single prospect.</p><p>The property consisted of nine thousand square feet on two levels. But it was run-down and needed a lot of work. At this point Gretchen felt like the worn wood floors and flaking brick walls were mocking her. She checked her watch. In exactly two minutes, her open house would officially be a bust.</p><p>Then she heard the front door open. </p><p><b>My Thoughts:</b></p><p>I think I mentioned when I included this book in a recent 'waiting on' post that it had been a long time since I've read a Patterson book. And I've not ever read anything by his co-writer, Brian Sitts. Once upon a time, there were several Patterson series that I sort of kept up with, but time passed and other series took their places. I did enjoy reading The Women's Murder Club and Alex Cross and Michael Bennett books. I was curious about this one mostly because of the title, which mentions three of the protagonists - Holmes, Marple, and Poe. So, how did I fare?</p><p>It was a quick read. The story was fast paced. The three, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe are private detectives and work together. The fourth main character is Helene Grey and she's a NYPD detective. She comes across them during an investigation and then our story progresses. Each of the detectives has a bit of their namesake sleuth about them, but we honestly don't find out too much about any of them. There are several cases in the story, but not much character development or not yet maybe. This is the first book in what I imagine might be a series. Don't know.</p><p>I thought the whole book was OK-ish. I wasn't overwhelmed with love though. Short chapters. Quickly moving from place to place. I didn't completely approve of the update to our sleuths. Honestly, I just think I wasn't a good match for the book. I finished it and thought - well, what next? Will I read another book if this is a series? Probably not. If you've tried this one, let me know what you thought. Many others are writing glowing reviews, so this was just my experience. Yours could be completely different. </p><p><b>Blurb:</b></p><p><b>Crime! Murder! Who are you going to call?</b></p><p>In New York City, three intriguing, smart, and stylish private investigators open Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. Who are these detectives with famous names and mysterious, untraceable pasts?</p><p><b>Brendan Holmes</b>—The Brain: Identifies suspects via deduction and logic.</p><p><b>Margaret Marple</b>—The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation too often underestimated.</p><p><b>Auguste Poe</b>—The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark.</p><p>The agency’s daring methodology and headline-making solves attract the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey. Her solo investigation into her three unknowable competitors will delight mystery fans.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-31669251628198580732024-01-22T00:00:00.088-06:002024-01-22T00:00:00.130-06:00The Goddess of Shipwrecked Sailors by Skye Alexander<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Shipwrecked-Sailors-Lizzie-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CHH928KL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=181ZBXEY79LM3&keywords=the+goddess+of+shipwrecked+sailors&qid=1705525311&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+goddess+of+ship%2Cdigital-text%2C114&sr=1-1">The Goddess of Shipwrecked Sailors</a> by <a href="https://skyealexander.com/">Skye Alexander</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bw3kSjAgppXLB4qf7fFGvR4DjgT91F3P8O-Xt2eK4AwOFvK_nvLbhfLQAE62cegBMo3q5fgGnIcksDEL2f1q4UqzMzVVCr1Cy42QyL32E8j8VEHNG3yS0OngBVD2sNkU8q4TryeRcKl0T-nKSj8yalWTUbht2shMvghpwYhsA58scZ6Gz1g2fT54Uniz/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bw3kSjAgppXLB4qf7fFGvR4DjgT91F3P8O-Xt2eK4AwOFvK_nvLbhfLQAE62cegBMo3q5fgGnIcksDEL2f1q4UqzMzVVCr1Cy42QyL32E8j8VEHNG3yS0OngBVD2sNkU8q4TryeRcKl0T-nKSj8yalWTUbht2shMvghpwYhsA58scZ6Gz1g2fT54Uniz/w134-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><b>First Paragraphs:</b><p></p><p>After driving for seven hours, the four musicians arrived at Matthew Gardner's home on the most fashionable street in Salem, Massachusetts, a three-hundred-year-old town known for its seafaring history, Nathanial Hawthorne, and hanging women suspected of witchcraft. Lizzie eyed the grand boulevard and the elegant eighteenth-and nineteenth-century mansions that lined both sides of it.</p><p>'How very pretty,' she said.</p><p>Candles burned in the windows of the Gardners' handsome three-story Georgian house. An electrified Moravian star illuminated the front portico. In the yard, an evergreen tree strung with chains of popcorn and cranberries offered food for the birds. Despite temperatures in the low teens, a group of carolers, bundled up against the cold, strolled from house to house, celebrating the holiday with joyful voices.</p><p><b>My Thoughts:</b></p><p>I loved this 3rd entry into the Lizzie Crane mystery series, written by Skye Alexander. The timeframe is again the mid-1920's and Lizzie and her friends, Melody, Sidney, and Bert (also known as The Troubadours) are hired to provide entertainment during the '12 Days of Christmas' for the Gardner family and their guests. The setting is Salem, Massachusetts in this book and I really enjoyed all the information about this famous Massachusetts area. All begins well, but soon there is a dead body and a cousin that Lizzie didn't know she had who might or might not be someone she'd like to know. The body is found near her 'new' cousin's tavern and you can add theft, a missing goddess, and secret tunnels under the streets of Salem. These were used long ago in Salem's shipping days to smuggle goods. Could they still be in use? Hmmm....it's possible.</p><p>Salem's history has been well researched by the author and she includes lots of things you might have known, but there are likely more that will be new to you. As I said, I loved it and am happy to report that #4 in the series is in the works. The author shared a guest post with me last week <a href="https://kaysreadinglife.blogspot.com/2024/01/why-i-write-what-i-dont-know-guest-post.html">here</a>. My conclusion - try this series, bet you'll like it! </p><p><b>Blurb:</b></p><p>December 1925: Salem, Massachusetts</p><p>When Matthew Gardner, the heir to a shipping fortune, hires New York jazz singer Lizzie Crane and her band to perform during the Christmas holidays, she has high hopes that this prestigious event will foster their career and bring them riches and recognition. She’s also eager to reconnect with a handsome man from one of Boston’s most esteemed families, whom she met at an earlier visit to Massachusetts.</p><p>But the evening the musicians arrive in historic Salem to begin their engagement, police discover the body of a man near a tavern owned by Lizzie’s cousin––a cousin she even didn’t know she had until Christmas Eve. In the dead man’s pocket is a cryptic letter addressed to Gardner. To compound her dismay, she also learns that her host plans to marry his daughter to the man Lizzie wants for herself.</p><p>Soon Lizzie’s caught in the middle of a high-stakes feud between her cousin and her employer over a mysterious lady. When she digs deeper into their conflict, she discovers its roots are deep and bitter: her cousin’s father crewed on one of Gardner’s grandfather’s ships that sunk during a storm in 1868. As she struggles to piece together the puzzle and find the lady at its center, Lizzie becomes a pawn in each man’s deadly game for money and revenge.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-88912037708568089332024-01-19T00:00:00.036-06:002024-01-19T00:00:00.247-06:00Why I Write What I Don't Know - A guest post by Skye Alexander<p>Today I have a guest post by my friend, <a href="https://skyealexander.com/">Skye Alexander</a>. This is the third guest post that Skye has shared here on my blog and I'm always happy to learn more about her writing process and research. I'll have a review of her latest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Shipwrecked-Sailors-Lizzie-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CHH928KL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TM2QMGNBYXUR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nUXeky4esd1zUpdFph5XRN4hV449RZ4nDrfGGPG7nM8NQ01IxHLo5RlLH8RmHCjQ.8NDwQwpmJE98DB7g7CrnCFafE9Fp1RXv-Byvz7Q2SP0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+goddess+of+shipwrecked+sailors&qid=1705421167&s=books&sprefix=the+goddess+of+ship%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1">The Goddess of Shipwrecked Sailors</a>, soon. </p><p>Note: <br />Skye shared this article on another blog recently <a href="https://www.sleuthsandsidekicks.com/articles/skye-alexander?fbclid=IwAR0HUoKvFMiHVh-cRj9uMDu0qcgBkQgBXjFWzf5NOT6E45VzK9snGzGpLAE">here</a>. That blog is <a href="https://www.sleuthsandsidekicks.com/">Sleuths & Sidekicks</a> and I encourage you to take a look at it as well. Always nice to find a new mystery blog.</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo6W5gByZnhx1aydxqV7UYM584OYxe6P3O8OBglr31lvDkaisklEMvrQNyncW0iiUfj_Ltox1w4jFB6ZNUdqssSV7YeniIk6T0uJwn77ANS5t21mMc7aVfK_R3bH_kgCTSw40tGDMLQ3xbN3y-fM_rpZIJT1SmwGSk7AFOBQ81Xeqj3URLbVTmF73RYEm/s2079/Skye%20flapper%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2079" data-original-width="1559" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo6W5gByZnhx1aydxqV7UYM584OYxe6P3O8OBglr31lvDkaisklEMvrQNyncW0iiUfj_Ltox1w4jFB6ZNUdqssSV7YeniIk6T0uJwn77ANS5t21mMc7aVfK_R3bH_kgCTSw40tGDMLQ3xbN3y-fM_rpZIJT1SmwGSk7AFOBQ81Xeqj3URLbVTmF73RYEm/w150-h200/Skye%20flapper%203.jpg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Writers, especially beginners, are often advised to “write what you know.” Everyone has a story to tell––maybe two or ten––and for many people, writing a book isn’t quite so daunting if you can draw on the huge body of knowledge and experience you already possess. Although that’s good advice, I find it much more interesting to write about what I don’t know. In the process of researching my books, I dig up a wealth of unexpected booty that fills my stories with riches I never imagined.</p><p>I write traditional, historical mysteries in the Agatha Christie vein, set in the mid-1920s. I confess, I never liked history when I studied it in school because most of it centered on rulers, wars, and politics rather than the lives of ordinary people. But once I started researching this colorful period for my Lizzie Crane mystery series I got hooked. I realized how much I didn’t know, and I was determined to rectify that deficit.</p><p>For example, while doing research for my second novel What the Walls Know, I discovered that the first automatic gate was invented by an Egyptian guy named Heron about 2,000 years ago. He also invented a coin-operated dispenser for holy water. How cool is that? I also learned that some of the world’s great pipe organs have more than 30,000 pipes and seven keyboards, and this incredibly intricate instrument dates back to ancient Greece. Because the book features a cast of mediums and other occultists, I also delved into the Spiritualist movement at the early part of the 20th century––séances, Ouija boards, tarot cards, etc.–which turned out to be fascinating.</p><p>For my third, recently released book The Goddess of Shipwrecked Sailors set in 1925 in Salem, Massachusetts, I had to bone up on the clipper ship trade between New England and the Orient. In the process, I found out that these beautiful sailing vessels not only brought precious tea, spices, teak, ivory, and silk to the U.S. in the mid-1800s, but also opium (which was legal at the time). The Chinese goddess Quan Yin, sometimes considered the Buddha’s feminine counterpart, is said to have protected seafarers and ferried shipwrecked sailors to shore––hence the title for my book. Many of the ship owners whose clippers made it home safely didn’t want to pay taxes on the valuable goods they’d risked bringing from halfway around the world, so they slipped them past the revenuers via a series of smuggling tunnels built beneath the city of Salem by the country’s first National Guard unit.</p><p>Because my series is set in the Roaring Twenties and my protagonist, Lizzie Crane, is a jazz singer from New York City, I had to familiarize myself with the jazz musicians of the period. Before I began writing this series, I wasn’t a big fan of jazz but that’s changed as a result of hearing the greats such as George and Ira Gershwin, Bix Beiderbecke, and Louis Armstrong play. YouTube is a valuable resource for this. If you’ve never listened to “Davenport Blues” or “Rhapsody in Blue” I urge you to do so. For my fifth book in the series, When the Blues Come Calling (not yet published), I learned about the rapidly developing music recording industry, how records were made in 1926, and even a portable record player called a Mikiphone that could spin a 10-inch disc yet folded up small enough to fit into a good-sized purse.</p><p>For me, every day is an exploration into worlds unknown. During my journey, I’ve learned about jigsaw puzzles, merry-go-rounds, rose windows, ladies’ undergarments, Jell-O, New York’s subways, voodoo veves, and so much more. I never know what tidbits of trivia or historic fact I’ll stumble upon and how they’ll influence the direction of my stories. It’s so much more fun than simply recapping what I already know.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGbdOSbG5t_lgD7-O7o2UbaypjCFF_rFmr_Ht9TQ3AbolkHDF1V4WrKsBGfknMRA7SZdAKQK27TW5dHXt0hZFKZF_xqpGdZOk-O0f2eF93ilq0iPf_uyaZ_2H_XDkA4UujVSu52s853GVibF6K2Jyp5z5YtIEr0GGLhCjaS8NMY0SD9C_LeFmTLvj2AAq/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGbdOSbG5t_lgD7-O7o2UbaypjCFF_rFmr_Ht9TQ3AbolkHDF1V4WrKsBGfknMRA7SZdAKQK27TW5dHXt0hZFKZF_xqpGdZOk-O0f2eF93ilq0iPf_uyaZ_2H_XDkA4UujVSu52s853GVibF6K2Jyp5z5YtIEr0GGLhCjaS8NMY0SD9C_LeFmTLvj2AAq/w134-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-7559029858022292792024-01-16T00:00:00.101-06:002024-01-16T00:00:00.198-06:00Four books coming January-April that I'm excited about trying...<p>I have more upcoming books that I'm wanting to try in the next few months. It's a cold, cold day outside at my house and so this seems like a good thing to do - check out books to be published during this month and the ones to come.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCzJaaoO_60fyHYr4D2sAxM0X9FPtObmexQQmZxWoZHmkUd1UC0efzNlq1fqNgVAAwgBpUc1G_ZvGYGHjkQpm6p3Pnmfe_MKiEFy3Z-eR1Pv_OFdIoSV1i8a0-8c1tWVzeS3g9O0_ECO71r7f1HjeIRftJFDMHGMWSopWoo38inkZcfrqH3ZTsHRLqWq-/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCzJaaoO_60fyHYr4D2sAxM0X9FPtObmexQQmZxWoZHmkUd1UC0efzNlq1fqNgVAAwgBpUc1G_ZvGYGHjkQpm6p3Pnmfe_MKiEFy3Z-eR1Pv_OFdIoSV1i8a0-8c1tWVzeS3g9O0_ECO71r7f1HjeIRftJFDMHGMWSopWoo38inkZcfrqH3ZTsHRLqWq-/w129-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>This first one has actually already come out. It's been a long time since I read a book by James Patterson, but the title caught my eye and why not, right? It includes the last names of three of my favorite mystery-related names. <p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Marple-Poe-Crime-Solving-Twenty-First-ebook/dp/B0C436JH9L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1174HT25QZVYB&keywords=holmes+marple+and+poe&qid=1705346950&s=digital-text&sprefix=holmes+marple+and+poe%2Cdigital-text%2C109&sr=1-1">Holmes, Marple & Poe</a> by James Patterson and Brian Sitts - published last week</p><p><b>Crime! Murder! Who are you going to call?</b></p><p>In New York City, three intriguing, smart, and stylish private investigators open Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. Who are these detectives with famous names and mysterious, untraceable pasts?</p><p><b>Brendan Holmes</b>—The Brain: Identifies suspects via deduction and logic.</p><p><b>Margaret Marple</b>—The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation too often underestimated.</p><p><b>Auguste Poe</b>—The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark.</p><p>The agency’s daring methodology and headline-making solves attract the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey. Her solo investigation into her three unknowable competitors will delight mystery fans.</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLHgLHplgClGgpH7ZggNWPJYMe6MehVbkCp9YpK-Zl-vjg426UT5l7RH6hXu6e5_nhj4Pb55wE_lUfGYYcaEFuWUO7rMp9aEwKQED2Y5i6Lwi9xEnrfTNGog1-jYeiivGyyYZKstA9NukIleg1lF7k0UUR2iXIB9PHaPmhPbHpMjPUd6hHfnYxe28Rlbl/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLHgLHplgClGgpH7ZggNWPJYMe6MehVbkCp9YpK-Zl-vjg426UT5l7RH6hXu6e5_nhj4Pb55wE_lUfGYYcaEFuWUO7rMp9aEwKQED2Y5i6Lwi9xEnrfTNGog1-jYeiivGyyYZKstA9NukIleg1lF7k0UUR2iXIB9PHaPmhPbHpMjPUd6hHfnYxe28Rlbl/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I read Iris Yamashita's debut book, Breathless, last year and her new one comes out in February. Yes, I am interested!<p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Village-Dark-Iris-Yamashita-ebook/dp/B0C56R4Y87/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9DHGPV8MRRRQ&keywords=iris+yamashita&qid=1705347454&s=digital-text&sprefix=iris+yamashita%2Cdigital-text%2C122&sr=1-1">Village In The Dark</a> by Iris Yamashita - publishes February 13th</p><p><b>Detective Cara Kennedy thought she’d lost her husband and son in an accident, but harrowing evidence has emerged that points to murder--and she will stop at nothing to find the truth in this riveting mystery from the author of City Under One Roof.</b></p><p>On a frigid February day, Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy stands by the graves of her husband and son, watching as their caskets are raised from the earth. It feels sacrilegious, but she has no choice. Aaron and Dylan disappeared on a hike a year ago, their bones eventually found and buried. But shocking clues have emerged that foul play was involved, potentially connecting them to a string of other deaths and disappearances. </p><p>Somehow tied to the mystery is Mia Upash, who grew up in an isolated village called Unity, a community of women and children in hiding from abusive men. Mia never imagined the trouble she would find herself in when she left home to live in Man’s World. Although she remains haunted by the tragedy of what happened to the man and the boy in the woods, she has her own reasons for keeping quiet. </p><p>Aided by police officer Joe Barkowski and other residents of Point Mettier, Cara’s investigation will lead them on a dangerous path that puts their lives and the lives of everyone around them in mortal jeopardy.</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL3uKB6qnWYqPsix9iOwH0_j8jRiijCmLqWVwSu-TdC-EjkV7G60mLEucXYZuS8fUwQpSCOqfAqyHjC61wv6tSy874QO-TALtpTr_6Sna9FYZOgwEgos4iznfLEXDV1cVa1RTol3ahG04UJ3SiCMjI8hnaBWp5KyqXqMUwvQVQRK0lvtBSJvtpg0TMyz_/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL3uKB6qnWYqPsix9iOwH0_j8jRiijCmLqWVwSu-TdC-EjkV7G60mLEucXYZuS8fUwQpSCOqfAqyHjC61wv6tSy874QO-TALtpTr_6Sna9FYZOgwEgos4iznfLEXDV1cVa1RTol3ahG04UJ3SiCMjI8hnaBWp5KyqXqMUwvQVQRK0lvtBSJvtpg0TMyz_/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I recently read and discussed a book by Simone St. James with my mystery book group. And she has a new one coming in March! Yes, I'm interested!!<p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Road-Simone-St-James-ebook/dp/B0C76XHYL8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VJGUZU8UF8YC&keywords=murder+road&qid=1705347665&s=digital-text&sprefix=murder+road%2Cdigital-text%2C117&sr=1-1">Murder Road</a> by Simone St. James - publishes March 5th</p><p><b>A young couple find themselves haunted by a string of gruesome murders committed along an old deserted road in this terrifying new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Cold Cases.</b></p><p>July 1995. April and Eddie have taken a wrong turn. They’re looking for the small resort town where they plan to spend their honeymoon. When they spot what appears to a lone hitchhiker along the deserted road, they stop to help. But not long after the hitchhiker gets into their car, they see the blood seeping from her jacket and a truck barreling down Atticus Line after them.</p><p>When the hitchhiker dies at the local hospital, April and Eddie find themselves in the crosshairs of the Coldlake Falls police. Unexplained murders have been happening along Atticus Line for years and the cops finally have two witnesses who easily become their only suspects. As April and Eddie start to dig into the history of the town and that horrible stretch of road to clear their names, they soon learn that there is something supernatural at work, something that could not only tear the town and its dark secrets apart, but take April and Eddie down with it all.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tb9buVWIW5D_3KdeFU-b92PHdarq2x78YRyNMhSBvBOvOQXZd8vytwpLp-GmdlMy6HiKtWVEpUgpcaRvUnu7X0UthIVLM1d-Ug2oUkGT1zRDB0d5sser2VUcKDsgZQbsip-fpxEd0UJNVL5VS8ctkl-NjA3UrgT7aMhIYEcPOIB_qVOmUgrsnsSt-EI3/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="310" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tb9buVWIW5D_3KdeFU-b92PHdarq2x78YRyNMhSBvBOvOQXZd8vytwpLp-GmdlMy6HiKtWVEpUgpcaRvUnu7X0UthIVLM1d-Ug2oUkGT1zRDB0d5sser2VUcKDsgZQbsip-fpxEd0UJNVL5VS8ctkl-NjA3UrgT7aMhIYEcPOIB_qVOmUgrsnsSt-EI3/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I've loved so many of Elly Griffiths' books. This new one will include some of the characters from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Postscript-Murders-Elly-Griffiths-ebook/dp/B08B3MN2D8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BU71J1YPCWTV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RuTWTgu2wARo_bZhlSUX0TANQFjs2Wp5yGp16m7Ad7lm2C2Xc9n-9FEyJHvcIA3ctuRyVHSQ5E-IFAo41gC-1yKrcy0XJPJrPtYsTMesr2Z9XRTJYOKIOiggh9hOe9O9nzJF9Wd88_N6sxiDRTGP1T5fm143pmdjTrJ7LlymczynmxcIBv29cdfBKTh01VnxcjC3q3ByR6BdZsp_nFP79YLwcC97m8AnvEl-rXwybng.BPBnt35tUXnLFR9T2Uy0kInppxdEfgsFQJ3aljmqmAY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+postscript+murders+by+elly+griffiths&qid=1705348059&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+postcrip%2Cdigital-text%2C112&sr=1-1">The Postscript Murders</a>. Sign me up!<p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Word-Novel-Elly-Griffiths-ebook/dp/B0CCP7BYCD/ref=sr_1_5?crid=394RL6ZWW9J1T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kw9ntTffzjgOmmmvD5X8lzxO677Uh6I2ynAgq3_KRiO2gt20X6ce2GdaUAKf5xfMToW3fNpEbu8DjKvOg8qAgUDBG7gVWFNBjoMHQKe131zv9vjhL-Bt3huNpIIfFSB3jScL9Kg8QE1Ov7bS6DGGbILKiGBux3I-TXvUCXK2iiacXB4ERPYVozWYIzq61Jzkb8fDqMzr-w-ittKTvypLJ2G7aV_r7gm3Kg4LvvfNZFo.jEbKIU-0KxI_Y-3q1Ay5fFMPvZ8plhkMzXNflKqw9aY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+last+word&qid=1705347909&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+last+wor%2Cdigital-text%2C118&sr=1-5">The Last Word</a> by Elly Griffiths - publishes April 23rd</p><p><b>Words turn deadly with an unlikely detective duo on the case of a murdered obituary writer in this literary mystery from the internationally bestselling author of the Ruth Galloway series. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz.</b></p><p>Natalka and Edwin are perfect if improbable partners in a detective agency. At eighty-four, Edwin regularly claims that he’s the oldest detective in England. He is a master at surveillance, deploying his age as a cloak of invisibility. Natalka, Ukrainian-born and more than fifty years his junior, is a math whizz, who takes any cases concerning fraud or deception. Despite a steady stream of minor cases, Natalka is frustrated. She loves a murder, as she’s fond of saying, and none have come the agency’s way. That is until local writer Melody Chambers dies.</p><p>Melody’s daughters are convinced that their mother was murdered. Edwin thinks that Melody’s death is linked to that of an obituary writer who predeceased many of his subjects. Edwin and Benedict go undercover to investigate and are on a creative writing weekend at isolated Battle House when another murder occurs. Are the cases linked and what is the role of a distinctly sinister book group attended by many of writers involved? By the time Edwin has infiltrated the group, he is in serious danger…</p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>So, do any of these appeal to you? Hope so! </p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-34755992565075442442024-01-12T00:00:00.002-06:002024-01-12T06:58:07.682-06:00Memorable books that I read in 2023...and a small update<p>Hello book pals! Hope you are all having a good week. Mine has been good, but busy.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoA62_ND0Nh5EqqeLOGB8q5w6Q6U_DKqC2FD0SdRwKOfr9SNjth8u_Gqd9cHXDUEcYejOxclCQkJJ7rtALaj_JBb7qYPSrz4NLbJA3TzhaPs4MsmsgjH3TxKhuJhgPwBlrT0pkraP1SxiL-IgWg6cyAYTt9p00hExKMNTmciR8UppbUJeX1VYeLrlNAhU/s466/cold%20cases.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoA62_ND0Nh5EqqeLOGB8q5w6Q6U_DKqC2FD0SdRwKOfr9SNjth8u_Gqd9cHXDUEcYejOxclCQkJJ7rtALaj_JBb7qYPSrz4NLbJA3TzhaPs4MsmsgjH3TxKhuJhgPwBlrT0pkraP1SxiL-IgWg6cyAYTt9p00hExKMNTmciR8UppbUJeX1VYeLrlNAhU/w133-h200/cold%20cases.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I did get to attend our mystery book group on Tuesday evening and we had a great time discussing and giving opinions about Simone St. James' 'Gothic-type' mystery, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Cold-Cases-Simone-James-ebook/dp/B097B3MDXJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L17MNPQ3MUTT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YWtjkQL_osnc2GLB9YqNAvA8jTfoUep06zd5La6lz1tWIuUNRUnfDo-YvvZcnYKY__ObpCiHjnafNhsPYQwLEg.X4JHhXpkmNoecjMuukycJILGaIZrJE9U0tzQ2yciMiA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+book+of+cold+cases&qid=1705008906&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+book+of+cold+cases%2Cdigital-text%2C115&sr=1-1">The Book of Cold Cases</a>. Most liked it pretty well, though some were not as fond of the 'ghostly' aspects. Don't know if you have read any of Simone St. James' books. The maybe supernatural or maybe not is a theme she uses for all the ones I've read, I think. My favorite up to now is probably <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Girls-Simone-St-James-ebook/dp/B0738KSJ8F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N8RR4ZMBWSE4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rm6h0wnaMB7tPgUzoLtniqSVH17Hy5uftNedx6jv2j2zoXm3L2oJRgCG9zXq4ekwybBbOI812B2Qx7AU9wrDIg.beotPhNK3bY61myRTea8CntdH1cxwLi1tVsyJ5qnuCE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+broken+girls&qid=1705009094&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+broken+girls%2Cdigital-text%2C112&sr=1-1">The Broken Girls</a>, which I read a few years ago and wrote about <a href="https://kaysreadinglife.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-broken-girls-simone-st-james.html">here</a>. In any case, it was a fun discussion. We'll be talking about Lucy Foley's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paris-Apartment-Novel-Lucy-Foley-ebook/dp/B098QS47D3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29MJ3LY25FI47&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pu6y3goOIYbT5oxhYNz1zBpyvejwRih1hLI7onK3qHNHXS_l8gsFgcGFPppesoum_n0QwlfME8LEBimC3x2fTQ.Ww417Vtodba7ouL7wp34oTtBaS__Gqkykr8OWO0tq70&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+paris+apartment&qid=1705009160&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+paris+apartmen%2Cdigital-text%2C109&sr=1-1">The Paris Apartment</a>, next month.<p></p><p>Before time gets away from me, I want to share a few books that I found memorable in 2023. As I've mentioned, I didn't read so many books number-wise this last year. Life took over. Ha! However, looking back at my reading journal, I picked out 5 books that I think I'll remember fondly. Here they are (no reviews) and tell me if you read them and what you thought if you'd like. I'll put a link if I did write about them in a post during this last year.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Code-Novel-Kate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B089SZJF11/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NCPM8PXX8BJA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YbqAjjf1-IrlOK0c9KDwcKxzjZOgOW_orWeYAKgWX5lB_DLaazythS6tOKZM0S95BKosOVClWgm6_0-Rakxlyg.0RT6hrfWK3iGHG89F65YUP_u6kAvjDbd_5Unug-ZRLo&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+rose+code&qid=1705009338&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+rose+code%2Cdigital-text%2C110&sr=1-1">The Rose Code</a> by Kate Quinn - talked a bit about it in <a href="https://kaysreadinglife.blogspot.com/2023/01/first-book-of-year-first-in-person-book.html">this post</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Violin-Conspiracy-Brendan-Slocumb-ebook/dp/B0988Z1VMC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JQ8DY3CZIKDZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5GqJV-sC4ADh5TsI04lK_6xkIeaebuxNG2MapWu4XGdG_WqDIwte4sMeMrpG6Pa_oBsmd1bEVh6_M-BEIR-ygA.GMBUFeQKt8hsRAXeTJ4WmWCA-RCF4-WBQFFykmqqlw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+violin+conspiracy&qid=1705009454&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+violin+conspiracy%2Cdigital-text%2C114&sr=1-1">The Violin Conspiracy</a> by Brendan Slocumb - my thoughts on this book <a href="https://kaysreadinglife.blogspot.com/2023/02/one-book-read-and-ice-storm-sigh.html">here</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Havens-Rock-Kelley-Armstrong-ebook/dp/B09Y47G3BD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36YD06FQW1D2X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8tq4bz90pNcUaF5ol8PVIERu04Ylis0gZR5NHOunGA7Cikwq1HruOdI0VPx1hfKqj42giVQUezAvgxZPGbC4gQ.KTn5bKSC2L5tTFAQ0CjtFX0ufLptRcU6DCJPG_K_-oY&dib_tag=se&keywords=murder+at+haven%27s+rock&qid=1705009573&s=digital-text&sprefix=murder+at+haven%27s+rock%2Cdigital-text%2C111&sr=1-1">Murder At Haven's Roc</a>k by Kelley Armstrong - blog post <a href="https://kaysreadinglife.blogspot.com/2023/02/murder-at-havens-rock-by-kelley.html">here</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Killers-Certain-Age-Deanna-Raybourn-ebook/dp/B09N6VX4K7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WBDFB48GNU2Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Uhmvvu03OdAv9BH3fpvtSWIYTnKP-O4lIoHN4lFG4_NxdqicCfyDe5k6J2-AcyrNFf2Ce9g80pxamzGyOoKI2A.uUuC02LY4WbzzU27w-xgiqY26S9xWCrirJlIxws8_Bk&dib_tag=se&keywords=killers+of+certain+age&qid=1705009658&s=digital-text&sprefix=killers+of+certain+age%2Cdigital-text%2C106&sr=1-1">Killers Of A Certain Age</a> by Deanna Raybourn - have not shared about this book as yet - it's our mystery book group selection for March so more to come.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maid-Novel-Nita-Prose-ebook/dp/B091Y4KGFH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28KOFIYIZ3O9D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uSuqmH_XlE4DObwJNI6tsclcF6St9s4CuXmS8x9FQr-3i_UzsSsf9tFYWZ9awpmubXpRjikNF9xLn5ZliGwI4g.1j3FA6eDmHedboWQ11DTqrohw5ig-mpRqtg3AGn5Ofs&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+maid&qid=1705009691&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+maid%2Cdigital-text%2C114&sr=1-1">The Maid</a> by Nita Prose - have not talked about this one - maybe when I get the next in the series read.</p><p>------------------------------------------------------</p><p>I'll be around early next week to share four more books that I'm anticipating in upcoming months. Plus, at the end of next week, I'll have a guest post by my friend, Skye Alexander, from Kerrville. She has a third book in her Lizzie Crane mystery series out and I'm reading it right now. Hope to have some thoughts on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Shipwrecked-Sailors-Lizzie-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CHH928KL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21YFGRABCZNVG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QpruOPQAWeCiG-q676MKhyN2dVnxvAKKAd4IamplrofGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.0qOboPlVnYw9qHw6clNIdaQ5d4r-NPVwI2uHV9JKZf4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+goddess+of+shipwrecked+sailors&qid=1705009884&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+goddess+of+ship%2Cdigital-text%2C110&sr=1-1">The Goddess Of Shipwrecked Sailors</a> soon. Take care and enjoy your reading!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5rAyQcOeghf5D9W-ihETd5m6jOIvknjNWkgWDY_v6cx1Irino6_ZmXOcDXGIjLpjo8qF-of9U33n3Yyk0Kl5eUC_dLSbbrg-9nQcB4LmL-f5rMHBlg7AdC_T8JwQ5vT_BDru-dWg0BEOyIaGYrrSsMMRuHGn0T29Vx5KL5hAAsBgNH4rn_Oc0GZA1hFM/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5rAyQcOeghf5D9W-ihETd5m6jOIvknjNWkgWDY_v6cx1Irino6_ZmXOcDXGIjLpjo8qF-of9U33n3Yyk0Kl5eUC_dLSbbrg-9nQcB4LmL-f5rMHBlg7AdC_T8JwQ5vT_BDru-dWg0BEOyIaGYrrSsMMRuHGn0T29Vx5KL5hAAsBgNH4rn_Oc0GZA1hFM/w134-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-49926637415347183142024-01-01T00:00:00.058-06:002024-01-01T00:00:00.139-06:00Happy New Year! It's 2024!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86hVZkOo_YkjcgwTDfWiHq621QciEHzYRTXtzzu934tNXW9_GfBko04F2COSk9KcBVdwpSP_0WMECQNG_AeFuZEJDs5Y80I25M2x5Auz59ALMA7LaEg6u7DUZZJZF9Ak8Vwc7rAYNgsw8H0wQjWOUxt_DfOp2UE3i0FdiFEo48gubEAlaP081KrAjIuZK/s225/Blog%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86hVZkOo_YkjcgwTDfWiHq621QciEHzYRTXtzzu934tNXW9_GfBko04F2COSk9KcBVdwpSP_0WMECQNG_AeFuZEJDs5Y80I25M2x5Auz59ALMA7LaEg6u7DUZZJZF9Ak8Vwc7rAYNgsw8H0wQjWOUxt_DfOp2UE3i0FdiFEo48gubEAlaP081KrAjIuZK/w320-h320/Blog%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hello my book friends! And a very Happy New Year - 2024 - to you. My wish is that all will find joy (I love that word), peace, and contentment in this new year. And books, right? I don't think any of us will struggle with that - ha! The books - they will insist on leaping into your hands or cart or onto your e-reader. Do you agree that books are one of our most special 'happy' places? They are certainly mine. However, I have definitely struggled with my reading 'numbers' for the last few years. Lots has happened, many changes, and who knows? I might have not read as much even if changes had not happened. Distraction can occur for lots of reasons. <p></p><div>So, what will 2024 look like? Hmmm...well, I'm not going to have 'official' goals with numbers, etc. That being said, I would like to settle in a little more to reading 'normally' and make my way through a few more books and series. I love series - mystery series especially. And I am behind on several that I would like to play 'catch-up'. </div><div><br /></div><div>There were lots of changes in our lives this last year. We didn't plan on all of them, but we are settled in our new home and I'm hoping that 2024 will see me reaching out to new opportunities for volunteering. Likely at my new library. I've already been talking to some of the staff there about that. I know - you're surprised - ha! I also want to do more on my ongoing health journey. Movement, eating healthy, sleeping well, trying to keep from getting too 'creaky' (and that takes work!) and also doing a little better with my distracted, anxious mind. Thinking of peaceful things (yes, like a 'nice' murder mystery) and not worrying so much about 'stuff'. </div><div><br /></div><div>Again, wishing you all <b>'joy'</b>, <b>'peace'</b>, and <b>'contentment'</b> for 2024! Off to find my first book of 2024!</div>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-45317363091647479192023-12-25T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-25T00:00:00.157-06:00Happy Holidays....and a very Merry Christmas!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeQZj4BTtD4tmIYMnu98n5l-u4Ib5P1K96-1R97qkBrn6ZCVNmvHrFtHpYlY779BWEasEZ975wAHZh-E2Kxksm68UUsFfkL1Uoxe-jlpKvhr4ayEt4nHY9ARf_jGKUzNhNtkapijaZAOC0HHJFT2XIeg1uozTG-zArB9vjASicp6cWTN8SuNTjTqSLDyL/s3489/IMG-0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2849" data-original-width="3489" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeQZj4BTtD4tmIYMnu98n5l-u4Ib5P1K96-1R97qkBrn6ZCVNmvHrFtHpYlY779BWEasEZ975wAHZh-E2Kxksm68UUsFfkL1Uoxe-jlpKvhr4ayEt4nHY9ARf_jGKUzNhNtkapijaZAOC0HHJFT2XIeg1uozTG-zArB9vjASicp6cWTN8SuNTjTqSLDyL/s320/IMG-0254.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas....truly! Wishing each and every one of you much <b>'Peace'</b>, <b>'Love'</b>, and <b>'Joy'</b>. I am very, very blessed to have each of you in my life and I'm hoping your holiday season is filled with good smells, good food, good fellowship, good feelings. And if you're not in that sort of place right now...well...and sometimes we are not, I'm wishing you an extra measure of <b>'Peace'</b>. Happy Holidays - however you celebrate them!<p></p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-90409925019633088072023-12-19T08:13:00.000-06:002023-12-19T08:13:33.110-06:00Bones Under The Ice by Mary Ann Miller<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3tEHjUiZl4Ue_4cNrk2xdlZwikyLqNhWIBo-EuvBNHdAdITolwv4Rk6Eg6lZiGm_fZICAPXcNlUtk9TPGyBjFPQyfGFiRy2ZnTR_w_w06LLkZhECzKqGERuXMzpWF2jjK8SiCmZkuRYoqXwPHj9D0hxba4FKGLN35PgiFgUKu5ZYlVABxxydQH2i1i9F/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3tEHjUiZl4Ue_4cNrk2xdlZwikyLqNhWIBo-EuvBNHdAdITolwv4Rk6Eg6lZiGm_fZICAPXcNlUtk9TPGyBjFPQyfGFiRy2ZnTR_w_w06LLkZhECzKqGERuXMzpWF2jjK8SiCmZkuRYoqXwPHj9D0hxba4FKGLN35PgiFgUKu5ZYlVABxxydQH2i1i9F/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bones-Under-Jhonni-Laurent-Mystery-ebook/dp/B09X61VYY8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OHQIPSWK2XGH&keywords=bones+under+the+ice&qid=1702909739&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C150&sr=1-1">Bones Under The Ice</a> by <a href="https://www.maryannmillerauthor.com/">Mary Ann Miller</a><p></p><p><b>First Paragraph:</b></p><p>Sheriff Jhonni Laurent half-strode, half-slid down the huge pile of snow, her breath streaming out in a white plume. A February blizzard had blown through northern Indiana the night before. The gusting winds had now died, but the late morning temperature was plummeting. She glared at the pesky reporter perched at the bottom of the hill, pelting questions.</p><p><b>My Thoughts:</b></p><p>I'm laughing because I've had a 'read cold books in summer' way of doing things for a long, long time. And yet - this is the second book I've read recently that is definitely 'cold'. Ah well. Bones Under The Ice is a debut mystery by Mary Ann Miller. It's the first in a planned series and features a female sheriff in small town Indiana. Set in the winter, it begins with the discovery of a victim in the snow. The question arises whether the young woman got lost in the blizzard or if more nefarious things are going on. I did like this one and really more so as the story continued. As I mentioned, it's a debut book and we are getting to know the characters and place, etc. The story is a little slow at first, but it ramps up by the end. I've found that the next book in the series will be coming out in October. It's called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cracks-Beneath-Surface-Laurent-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CNTYDDXK/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=YaBa3&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=133-8637542-8753426&pd_rd_wg=CqNrZ&pd_rd_r=251546e1-b341-4cce-b3d0-1502cdfebf03&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk">Cracks Beneath The Surface</a>. I'll be watching for that one. If you try this one, let me know what you think.</p><p><b>Blurb:</b></p><p>Jhonni Laurent is the first female sheriff of Field' s Crossing, Indiana— and now she has her first murder case.</p><p>Two days after a blizzard hits Field's Crossing, Indiana, Sheriff Jhonni Laurent discovers the frozen body of a high school senior under a fifteen-foot pile of snow and ice. Murder is rare in farm country, and this death marks the beginning of Jhonni' s first homicide case.</p><p>Just as the investigation gets underway, Jhonni' s opponent for sheriff from four years ago wages a bitter reelection battle to oust her. Then, Jhonni finds another body, and further complications arise when a century-old feud between two families reaches its breaking point.</p><p>Soon, a slew of newspaper articles causes the Indiana State Election Board to doubt her credibility. Jhonni must fight to maintain her reputation, keep the small farming community together, and find the murderer at large— all while demons from her own past threaten to crush her. Can she find the killer and mend her battered spirit before it' s too late?</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-87243145699084259952023-12-13T00:00:00.005-06:002023-12-13T00:00:00.314-06:00Four more upcoming books that I'm eager to try...one for each month - December through March...<p>I love sharing upcoming books that have caught my eye. It's a reminder to me that I want to watch for them in the 'on order' section of the library or in the bookstore. Here's four that will publish in December, January, February and March. Let me know if they sound good to you. I'm definitely 'waiting' on all four of them. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Woods-Monster-Hunter-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BPX6BGK5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=137D23N3Q7FK5&keywords=death+in+the+dark+woods&qid=1702058537&s=digital-text&sprefix=death+in+the+dark+woods%2Cdigital-text%2C111&sr=1-1"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4PAWM3Q9LxpIRd48ZP4oHwIldy86YmUQgKZZeNDoj09o053GO-3CfMR5mwst3CHGRYchQhZQ0EyWqlmszddPsCufJoCPFJ6a2pZLwkzIFXl9n4BfeoODbYQEDTFfVK2y4aENN8bQUYbYoMuIT6jlTOuwi2XJ-060NpO2iFjn49MqlSAp_wa9nJ_BmPZu/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4PAWM3Q9LxpIRd48ZP4oHwIldy86YmUQgKZZeNDoj09o053GO-3CfMR5mwst3CHGRYchQhZQ0EyWqlmszddPsCufJoCPFJ6a2pZLwkzIFXl9n4BfeoODbYQEDTFfVK2y4aENN8bQUYbYoMuIT6jlTOuwi2XJ-060NpO2iFjn49MqlSAp_wa9nJ_BmPZu/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Woods-Monster-Hunter-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BPX6BGK5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38PSCGK08NYLZ&keywords=death+in+the+dark+woods&qid=1702059780&s=digital-text&sprefix=death+in+the+dark+woods%2Cdigital-text%2C120&sr=1-1">Death In The Dark Woods</a> by <a href="https://anneliseryan.com/">Annelise Ryan</a> - published yesterday, December 12th - this is #2 in the author's 'Monster Hunter' mystery series.<p></p><p>Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter. </p><p>Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate. </p><p>When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Thriller-Amy-McCulloch-ebook/dp/B0C1BBH8FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39UTGYH0D0YOK&keywords=midnight+amy&qid=1702058802&s=digital-text&sprefix=midnight+amy%2Cdigital-text%2C112&sr=1-1"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg272IzXyxltCsNj6LxOAEeSYVhnAkVOqaciKHGFFzH7-ZVem7-YoXR6tnsKrxlDhs8DmhbDOMmw82TchT5cqE2tlmftYHzlQ-nDzUydMLIS89n6CeqJtHDzoiwlo5fL9yotsoV8W4VsYUh1t3zxGDaMJRrqEEedSIuQ-mY4Z_H2P4coWh7Yu60GYblulND/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg272IzXyxltCsNj6LxOAEeSYVhnAkVOqaciKHGFFzH7-ZVem7-YoXR6tnsKrxlDhs8DmhbDOMmw82TchT5cqE2tlmftYHzlQ-nDzUydMLIS89n6CeqJtHDzoiwlo5fL9yotsoV8W4VsYUh1t3zxGDaMJRrqEEedSIuQ-mY4Z_H2P4coWh7Yu60GYblulND/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Thriller-Amy-McCulloch-ebook/dp/B0C1BBH8FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1C8S6C29AH9U6&keywords=midnight+amy&qid=1702059748&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C90&sr=1-1">Midnight</a> by <a href="https://amymcculloch.net/">Amy McCulloch</a> - publishes January 2, 2024<p></p><p>THE SUN NEVER SETS AND THIS KILLER NEVER SLEEPS</p><p>Olivia Campbell has always dreamed of spending a sunlit night on the frigid Antarctic continent. But as an actuary who assesses risk for a living, she never imagined she would have the chance. So when her career takes an unexpected detour, and her boyfriend—a high-powered art dealer with a taste for the finer things in life—decides to stage an ostentatious, career-making auction on a luxury liner to Antarctica, Olivia is thrilled. That is, until things start to feel a bit strange. In addition to the scores of wealthy patrons and potential buyers, they'll also be traveling alongside a small group of beleaguered employees of Pioneer Adventures—the company responsible for managing the ship—and their charismatic, divisive CEO.</p><p>When the first bodies are discovered, it's easy enough for Olivia to write it off as a terrible accident. But as the situation heats up and the temperatures continue to plummet, she begins to wonder whether she might have booked a one-way ticket to her own demise.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Novel-Kristin-Hannah-ebook/dp/B0C1X97LW7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10E3ND8A7Y8CK&keywords=the+women&qid=1702059098&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+women%2Cdigital-text%2C111&sr=1-1"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgpu3H73fpjJdYnp3HjOgZGV7cBh4FA2BYuK0-aXMlaanwPCciS_qApVuPmtv_DSxOi0O6N6h-b7tmTN8ylHnRD2E3LkwlfVNSCy8n3aOwjfZeJEjp1mkafU9fztyw4NkfFQQZhSIG5rMHfNoPL2JTY2bh25bqmr4V_y25nlPCpwOQXkdgDf6R3seyTs4/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgpu3H73fpjJdYnp3HjOgZGV7cBh4FA2BYuK0-aXMlaanwPCciS_qApVuPmtv_DSxOi0O6N6h-b7tmTN8ylHnRD2E3LkwlfVNSCy8n3aOwjfZeJEjp1mkafU9fztyw4NkfFQQZhSIG5rMHfNoPL2JTY2bh25bqmr4V_y25nlPCpwOQXkdgDf6R3seyTs4/w134-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Novel-Kristin-Hannah-ebook/dp/B0C1X97LW7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10E3ND8A7Y8CK&keywords=the+women&qid=1702059098&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+women%2Cdigital-text%2C111&sr=1-1">The Women</a> by <a href="https://kristinhannah.com/">Kristin Hannah</a> - publishes February 6, 2024<p></p><p><i>Women can be heroes</i>. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.</p><p>As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.</p><p>But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.</p><p>The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Writer-Novel-Sulari-Gentill-ebook/dp/B0C5K294D6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SHQVXF6CV1IF&keywords=the+mystery+writer&qid=1702059264&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+mystery+writer%2Cdigital-text%2C118&sr=1-1"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTCyU0TB_4eKmX3XtlyUqt8bcW1LqmK-_Ofr6W-lgNUcVZVoJW8t2adNvVlVcXCuiV_gU-fANeoPyed69WzYkUxUdwu7xd03KJrXrUSVYhgI0aq_YR862Uw0lUtoOZFc6LKCa8f6dvZbbuENx00LLL5-ReXcReX8qmqLMeFuvGtlHYG2uG1QQLdWF828O/s445/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTCyU0TB_4eKmX3XtlyUqt8bcW1LqmK-_Ofr6W-lgNUcVZVoJW8t2adNvVlVcXCuiV_gU-fANeoPyed69WzYkUxUdwu7xd03KJrXrUSVYhgI0aq_YR862Uw0lUtoOZFc6LKCa8f6dvZbbuENx00LLL5-ReXcReX8qmqLMeFuvGtlHYG2uG1QQLdWF828O/w133-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Writer-Novel-Sulari-Gentill-ebook/dp/B0C5K294D6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SHQVXF6CV1IF&keywords=the+mystery+writer&qid=1702059264&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+mystery+writer%2Cdigital-text%2C118&sr=1-1">The Mystery Writer</a> by <a href="http://sularigentill.com/">Sulari Gentill</a> - publishes March 19, 2024<p></p><p>When Theodosia Benton abandons her career path as an attorney and shows up on her brother's doorstep with two suitcases and an unfinished novel, she expects to face a few challenges. Will her brother support her ambition or send her back to finish her degree? What will her parents say when they learn of her decision? Does she even have what it takes to be a successful writer?</p><p>What Theo never expects is to be drawn into a hidden literary world in which identity is something that can be lost and remade for the sake of an audience. When her mentor, a highly successful author, is brutally murdered, Theo wants the killer to be found and justice to be served. Then the police begin looking at her brother, Gus, as their prime suspect, and Theo does the unthinkable in order to protect him. But the writer has left a trail, a thread out of the labyrinth in the form of a story. Gus finds that thread and follows it, and in his attempt to save his sister he inadvertently threatens the foundations of the labyrinth itself. To protect the carefully constructed narrative, Theo Benton, and everyone looking for her, will have to die. </p><p>USA Today bestselling author Sulari Gentill takes readers on a rollercoaster ride in The Mystery Writer, a literary thriller that turns the world of books and authors upside down and where a writer's voice is a thing to be controlled and weaponized, to the peril of everyone who loves a good story.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Please share any good books that you are waiting on. I'd love to hear.</p><p><br /></p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-85396755519563838512023-12-11T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-11T00:00:00.211-06:00The Twelve Days Of Murder by Andreina Cordani<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcSqhBCjc4N5hhyphenhyphenZghF_JAKj1kjCjbf7G35bvST1NNHOAXomCGgMZwwyw7lE5WgeHsmx9Rb5zB03MWcl6UXn_U4A6j_56xg2Vhpf7-iFVU4hVd0giJ5_qTY4ULzflVTo3sYOEfvDtzoyeV4McHkLH0KodChR5M5x5_sgkGmhgdcbY_q2YWyh2po9zjn5l/s466/Blog%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcSqhBCjc4N5hhyphenhyphenZghF_JAKj1kjCjbf7G35bvST1NNHOAXomCGgMZwwyw7lE5WgeHsmx9Rb5zB03MWcl6UXn_U4A6j_56xg2Vhpf7-iFVU4hVd0giJ5_qTY4ULzflVTo3sYOEfvDtzoyeV4McHkLH0KodChR5M5x5_sgkGmhgdcbY_q2YWyh2po9zjn5l/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Days-Murder-Novel-ebook/dp/B0C7RN5YHD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BL549PJ32J9I&keywords=the+twelve+days+of+murder&qid=1702068852&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+twelve+days+of+murder%2Cdigital-text%2C105&sr=1-1">The Twelve Days Of Murder</a> by <a href="https://andreinacordani.com/">Andreina Cordani</a><p></p><p><b>First Paragraph:</b></p><p><b>You Are Invited to a Murder</b></p><p>Charley has been holding the heavy, cream-coloured invitation card for four hours now, running her fingers over the glossy, embossed calligraphy. The details: time and place of killing, dress code, RSVP. The black edges of the invitation are becoming worn away by the constant stroking of her fingertips.</p><p><b>My Thoughts:</b></p><p>I really enjoyed this book! OK, in the last few days many are sharing their 'Christmas' and 'Holiday' reads and I've been loving hearing about them. What does Kay end up enjoying? A 'nice' Christmas murder story. Ha! I've shared that my reading has been distracted and up and down. Well, I did a read/listen of this book, having checked the print copy out from my 'new' library. And I just couldn't put it down. It reminded me a bit of some other holiday mysteries and also of the 'group stranded' theme that is very popular these days. Shades of Agatha Christie, but a bit more gruesome. Twists and turns galore. The audio was narrated by Ella Lynch and I'm not sure I've heard her before, but she was great. Had the various Scottish/British accents down pat. It was cold and snowy and creepy. Lots of fun. This is Andreina Cordani's first adult book - think she has written some YA books in the past. In any case, I'll be watching for what she writes next. Did I guess the outcome? Not exactly. Now, off to find another good read.</p><p><b>Blurb:</b></p><p>Twelve years ago, eight friends ran an exclusive group at university: the Masquerade Murder Society. The mysteries they solved may have been grisly, and brilliantly staged, but they were always fictional—until their final Christmas Masquerade, when one of the group disappeared, never to be seen again.</p><p>Now our privileged young cast of old university friends are summoned to the depths of Scotland for a Christmas-themed masquerade party. But all are hiding something deep below the surface that could make or break their careers.</p><p>When they arrive, each is assigned a new identity themed around the Twelve Days of Christmas—they become Lady Partridge or Mr. Gold, Lord Leapworth or Doctor Swan. The game begins, and it feels just like old times—until the next morning, when Lady Partridge is found hanging, dead, from a pear tree.</p><p>It quickly becomes clear that in this game the murder will be all too real, and the story is bringing long-hidden secrets to the surface. If the group hopes to win the game and survive until Christmas morning, they will need to face the truth about their history together and who they have become—and what really happened on that fateful night twelve years before.</p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-45537546859669306682023-12-08T08:11:00.000-06:002023-12-08T08:11:56.771-06:00A new library to explore, some Christmas shopping and planning, and connecting again with a much-missed Mystery Book Group...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqyfxj4ZqqIzzoTBPNRfg6H22iEE5fK-Du5jBKV4MEzZMjJM5nSsOzYG7SyrijN0_32wwmXdemtJU-TTZnSsod14QFlZ_TyAAp_wSUbEwmA7j8EMw83MLc0HnRaxr0uBzAklQ7mKnQhZ4aFANvH3HlZHxFK8zkwtWOHN5UMdes1fOvT3poXzphAbNCPR8/s3297/Georgetown%20Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2660" data-original-width="3297" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqyfxj4ZqqIzzoTBPNRfg6H22iEE5fK-Du5jBKV4MEzZMjJM5nSsOzYG7SyrijN0_32wwmXdemtJU-TTZnSsod14QFlZ_TyAAp_wSUbEwmA7j8EMw83MLc0HnRaxr0uBzAklQ7mKnQhZ4aFANvH3HlZHxFK8zkwtWOHN5UMdes1fOvT3poXzphAbNCPR8/s320/Georgetown%20Library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Here's a small update on what I've been up to in the last week or two. First of all, I've been exploring and enjoying visiting the 'new-to-me' library in my area. I took a quick picture yesterday after I ran in and picked up a couple of holds that were available. This is a nice library that includes a small cafe (the baked goods look yummy - haven't tried them yet!), a spacious teen area and a separate children's area - all these on the first floor as well as the new book section and a bunch of computers for the public. The second floor has the adult books and several areas to sit. It also includes a 'Friends of the Library' bookstore that is open all the hours that the library is open. I haven't joined the 'Friends' group as yet, nor have I made a decision about volunteering at this library. I'm leaving that until next year. However, I give a nice thumbs-up to the Georgetown Public Library. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAeyBusGCjH4ENjiDHsjNea7EiMB1VKZpfkALMb68S9b1RYMW9g1bz1CN1jfV7dWatuvXlNDSSax2XK5A4-sWpqYJK60fuCyRQOnHujW6-d5Q67pZRoIQU_xd_yGP18BrlW4lHbeqAHJ0X_mwgkaR7EK2vYnch-cacNobVLRgiv1qCLCQmJl8tYxb4CiB/s466/cold%20cases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAeyBusGCjH4ENjiDHsjNea7EiMB1VKZpfkALMb68S9b1RYMW9g1bz1CN1jfV7dWatuvXlNDSSax2XK5A4-sWpqYJK60fuCyRQOnHujW6-d5Q67pZRoIQU_xd_yGP18BrlW4lHbeqAHJ0X_mwgkaR7EK2vYnch-cacNobVLRgiv1qCLCQmJl8tYxb4CiB/w133-h200/cold%20cases.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>We've been doing some shopping and planning for Christmas as well. We will be hosting our local family members on Christmas Day and we'll enjoy a nice meal together and then do some gift exchanging. What's a bit different is how we will do the gifts. Everyone is now 'grown' and so we've decided not to draw names and instead try a 'White Elephant' kind of thing - with whoever decides to participate getting the chance to 'steal' gifts. We'll see how it goes. My husband and I are providing a few extra selections and we've said that gift cards qualify, there will be a limit on how much to spend, and you don't have to join in if you don't wish to. I had fun shopping for some 'random' gifts. Again, we'll see how it plays out. Ha!<p></p><p>Lastly, I was very pleased to be able to attend the December meeting of the Mystery Book Group that I was part of here in the Austin area for so many years. This meeting did not have a specific book to read, but everyone brought their 'best of' lists, a snack to share if they wished, and there was also a table of books that people we ready to let go of. I was so happy to see several that had been long-time members and I also got to meet new people. The group is going well and Gayle, who is now the leader/moderator, is doing a wonderful job of keeping things rolling along. The group will be reading Simone St. James' book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Cold-Cases-Simone-James-ebook/dp/B097B3MDXJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LMF9FNJZL7FL&keywords=the+book+of+cold+cases&qid=1702044286&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+book+of+cold+cases%2Cdigital-text%2C112&sr=1-1">The Book of Cold Cases</a>, for January. I read it a while back, but I am going to read it again to refresh my memory. Have you read that one? <br /></p><p>I'll be back next week with a few more 'I'm anticipating' books to be published in the December-March period. Have a good weekend! </p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-53320653915929751282023-11-30T08:01:00.000-06:002023-11-30T08:01:05.960-06:00Some pictures from our trip to Tucson in late October....taken on my walks<p>I think I mentioned in an earlier post that we had gone to Tucson, Arizona in late October. My husband had a work conference that he was attending and then we also decided to stay a couple of extra days after that for a short vacation - golf included, of course. Ha! </p><p>I didn't do much on this trip except walk around the resort property, stop by the Starbucks in the lobby for a drink and maybe a piece of pumpkin bread, watch people from the little corner of the huge lobby area that I found, and read 3-1/2 books. After all the house selling, buying, moving, etc., it was exactly the time I needed to relax. I'll leave you with a few pictures I took on my walks. As you can see, some hills, lots of cactus, and some pretty blooms. Deep breaths and relax!!</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeBxP4elI7P-gMIwYGDTLaI0DcQic_oJhtojCzzQWGHdZQcwrVARPY3VHYXg1iZ9hB3ZJA76IteOAC7_5zYEtIFhSyVOnr9cAk5JVL3Hcsr-q8FFVTJvfJWdphuIjCgFt2y1jcy5MQeyWalT8hj5dsRyV5QrGFfrkTS09N-BhyphenhyphenH7_10Tow-nGppVGKByj/s4032/IMG_0917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeBxP4elI7P-gMIwYGDTLaI0DcQic_oJhtojCzzQWGHdZQcwrVARPY3VHYXg1iZ9hB3ZJA76IteOAC7_5zYEtIFhSyVOnr9cAk5JVL3Hcsr-q8FFVTJvfJWdphuIjCgFt2y1jcy5MQeyWalT8hj5dsRyV5QrGFfrkTS09N-BhyphenhyphenH7_10Tow-nGppVGKByj/s320/IMG_0917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLnJQ4DU5NhhRQ-owxHG6Z4RAwdA8l94SBzas3z778ecua7hcx0BmhUVbefw6hq4vG2v62rKzEtzmsoZDyjc7EiuOzqomW6HQGXodOsDIGBvYWD9NUSCfdQTg7Tr4ng_UPI85GbqQ4XKZ3lEp53o10G15BCWc6mvUuPRXEzw6AJ2PX9AozvY22pHZvGxh/s4032/IMG_0915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLnJQ4DU5NhhRQ-owxHG6Z4RAwdA8l94SBzas3z778ecua7hcx0BmhUVbefw6hq4vG2v62rKzEtzmsoZDyjc7EiuOzqomW6HQGXodOsDIGBvYWD9NUSCfdQTg7Tr4ng_UPI85GbqQ4XKZ3lEp53o10G15BCWc6mvUuPRXEzw6AJ2PX9AozvY22pHZvGxh/s320/IMG_0915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl4u4biaKcNivdeGR0JuVF8Db4uMQrhqUCpyZ5pyvICxmb-83p28W0uHdkWAbMMCBoXw33D9ZaQ16pv1b1A5Dd9OxPSp7bKeU9N-eXy-cN7KRCGFI6sHDsQmQayV6djki2npfdX7vpaXMwqNlL8XH10jTqUq5nLWGAvxDzpaoBJ2qTutd8XWhGZNwt6Ei/s4032/IMG_0914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl4u4biaKcNivdeGR0JuVF8Db4uMQrhqUCpyZ5pyvICxmb-83p28W0uHdkWAbMMCBoXw33D9ZaQ16pv1b1A5Dd9OxPSp7bKeU9N-eXy-cN7KRCGFI6sHDsQmQayV6djki2npfdX7vpaXMwqNlL8XH10jTqUq5nLWGAvxDzpaoBJ2qTutd8XWhGZNwt6Ei/s320/IMG_0914.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfFQtukWYW7KrFskU7xU2DVo0lSj3ONQr7gruemsTHd_MeBzjzV1Wm76hxiQYsJgvmFPmh3B2FICw1kiKEjS82yDzj5u0vU37BZ9dhyphenhyphenIhCJBAXIkuW2wtQVT7Fd06AgZzdUT-UVUj4ACxOJkSOLe6L4M1t0PqB5WZFEzA1sIbHM64ZgkYVBhhiObZg6YK/s4032/IMG_0913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfFQtukWYW7KrFskU7xU2DVo0lSj3ONQr7gruemsTHd_MeBzjzV1Wm76hxiQYsJgvmFPmh3B2FICw1kiKEjS82yDzj5u0vU37BZ9dhyphenhyphenIhCJBAXIkuW2wtQVT7Fd06AgZzdUT-UVUj4ACxOJkSOLe6L4M1t0PqB5WZFEzA1sIbHM64ZgkYVBhhiObZg6YK/s320/IMG_0913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6C4ZX4e9mThaPL1x68nYbxbvR1nKWSI7Wd4aIzDzfXihifR3B76TNijsA7ZXcobdEwxMKIiivE7-J8Co3cBjXgr0r3QhDm4xzo7KshJabhwBEiJA3i96deCc6jb1Y4dtOHoOqLu_kNnJ1-kFBtS51Jr0ehn20-jLuyvxjPgUN8S0lSaDcflpTMnSqNQsH/s4032/IMG_0912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6C4ZX4e9mThaPL1x68nYbxbvR1nKWSI7Wd4aIzDzfXihifR3B76TNijsA7ZXcobdEwxMKIiivE7-J8Co3cBjXgr0r3QhDm4xzo7KshJabhwBEiJA3i96deCc6jb1Y4dtOHoOqLu_kNnJ1-kFBtS51Jr0ehn20-jLuyvxjPgUN8S0lSaDcflpTMnSqNQsH/s320/IMG_0912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaUDzJYFQG0LA1ARfXE9s9T-NAenmcqzD-TXzp2tgJWlQLuguo9tcIoJrYJpTaqyTiDjH0MyCIqF9HqSsDFpk0Wz_axFiBgVlu6twsi1AjMq15icNW19r8377OAN9gJZKLin30ABJdUzmCZ9FseGP9QqRFkUl5E_0F3Z3yrcxktmnyUFs-V05nc_sQ9qO/s4032/IMG_0911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaUDzJYFQG0LA1ARfXE9s9T-NAenmcqzD-TXzp2tgJWlQLuguo9tcIoJrYJpTaqyTiDjH0MyCIqF9HqSsDFpk0Wz_axFiBgVlu6twsi1AjMq15icNW19r8377OAN9gJZKLin30ABJdUzmCZ9FseGP9QqRFkUl5E_0F3Z3yrcxktmnyUFs-V05nc_sQ9qO/s320/IMG_0911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-1114778097807633092023-11-23T00:00:00.002-06:002023-11-23T06:06:56.131-06:00Happy Thanksgiving, 2023!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFcFD4Jf1kEW-zZTbqi-Zs4-5lxnfWIMWQb9jp_Uy90MAbLHUIRfCZppVLk1TBU69Jjlwcj-grAL9UqL8hu9IP6NGxk_dWS24H8X8UGWVKUt60YPvCcDeA8AfKJslBosK23KtNIZaKXu1wmECMZeGp6m_FbEoR8ZNkNAdlUzDDTtyZsDEjLtlryIqPN2r/s800/happy%20thanksgiving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFcFD4Jf1kEW-zZTbqi-Zs4-5lxnfWIMWQb9jp_Uy90MAbLHUIRfCZppVLk1TBU69Jjlwcj-grAL9UqL8hu9IP6NGxk_dWS24H8X8UGWVKUt60YPvCcDeA8AfKJslBosK23KtNIZaKXu1wmECMZeGp6m_FbEoR8ZNkNAdlUzDDTtyZsDEjLtlryIqPN2r/w400-h266/happy%20thanksgiving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Wishing each person a day of 'peace, love, and joy'! If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving, 2023! </p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-91545802894937790202023-11-20T00:00:00.079-06:002023-11-20T00:00:00.142-06:00Here's how I encourage myself to 'push' my walking goals...rereading a favorite mystery series...hello, Cormoran Strike!<p>Now that we are a bit settled in our new location, I've been working on my 'health' journey again. You know, I think I've finally realized that I'll never get to stop working on those goals and pursuits. Yes, I should know that, but sometimes I feel like I think 'one day I'll reach all my goals and get to stop' - ha! Probably not. Anyway, the last few years have seen me mostly stabilize in the weight department. Not a bad thing, but I had put back on some pounds and really, really want to get back to where I left off at my lowest point with Weight Watchers. I was only about 12 pounds from the goal that my doctor and I set. So, back to in-person meetings (which were not available in Kerrville) and being a little more strict with my food choices. Not crazy restrictive, but more thoughtful. </p><p>Another thing I've continue to do, but not as regularly or for the longer distances is my daily walk. I had really 'fallen off the wagon' in the last few months in that regard. Yes, we've been busy and I was not sitting and doing nothing. However, the heat this summer, the fact that Kerrville did not have an indoor walking track of any kind, and just making too many excuses meant that I am having to 'push' myself to build up my walks to the level they were before we moved. I used to do about 3 miles most days (my goal was actually 3.1 miles or a 5K). And that became my usual walk. I attended yoga class twice a week and enjoyed that very much. No yoga (or hardly any) for the last few years and walking only about a mile or so. I am done with that. Back to an indoor walking track and finding out that my previous yoga class and teacher are available again - yea! Planning on starting back with the yoga in the new year.</p><p>I'm almost up to 2 miles walking and I have given myself the 'treat' of listening to a favorite mystery series for the second time - the Cormoran Strike series by <a href="https://robert-galbraith.com/">Robert Galbraith</a> (aka JK Rowling). There are 7 books in the series now and they are mostly very long. I love the narrator's voice - perfect for this series - Robert Glennister. I've now finished the first book, <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Cuckoos-Calling-Audiobook/B00CS522EW?eac_link=SnmMsgKYjmos&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B00CS522EW&qid=hd8kjkOlc9&eac_id=140-9063301-1817840_hd8kjkOlc9&sr=1-1">The Cuckoo's Calling</a>, and am heading right into #2 - <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Silkworm-Audiobook/B00IMLEZG4?ref_pageloadid=mZ2oAZWXNeSuOdvs&ref=a_series_Co_c5_lProduct_1_2&pf_rd_p=284b47b1-a5db-4711-9667-612f2ac7458e&pf_rd_r=ZXPRHQEJFFXAYEJWE86N&pageLoadId=p89kJoAhsSJbPpOG&ref_plink=not_applicable&creativeId=b570234c-250a-43ff-be6b-ca1b4c5d7caa">The Silkworm</a>. I used this incentive one time before and listened to all the J.D. Robb books. Loved it. I know - I'm a little weird, but whatever works, right? Especially since the holiday season is upon us. I'm not going to be too strict with my eating, I am going to be mindful. So, below you will see my 'happy place'. Take care and have a good week!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJKNPqXeCLgl3yiDWlx7yUAAZeNtx4rgQzKKh8QNlY2h6rwWiVLiE-o2adVQ755-k4W2nvgmyU9UBLsOWs1crH3Aq_u3EoIpgaeBWPPedT7cxqzl7h4Z9HlyuNleNw7H6Hhc0alR8TLLGHSfwb-AQgTfekQI9OOIgHKBQzURHwLtlg8R4qPXcogtjFG1O/s4032/Rec%20Center.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJKNPqXeCLgl3yiDWlx7yUAAZeNtx4rgQzKKh8QNlY2h6rwWiVLiE-o2adVQ755-k4W2nvgmyU9UBLsOWs1crH3Aq_u3EoIpgaeBWPPedT7cxqzl7h4Z9HlyuNleNw7H6Hhc0alR8TLLGHSfwb-AQgTfekQI9OOIgHKBQzURHwLtlg8R4qPXcogtjFG1O/s320/Rec%20Center.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-47338767644766875312023-11-16T00:00:00.001-06:002023-11-16T00:00:00.154-06:00Four upcoming books that I'm eager to read...one for each month including November<p>I want to share four to-be-published books that I'm wishing for in upcoming weeks. One for each month, including this one. I'm hoping to read more books than these, but my reading life has to have goals, right? Ha! I've read the first book by Nita Prose, read the two standalones that Stacy Willingham has written, and read the first book in Kelley Armstrong's Haven Rock series. Jess Armstrong's book is a debut. Fun indeed. Here's the scoop:</p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Guest-Maid-Novel-Molly-ebook/dp/B0C5LRCM2F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NVC9N4ZXQYKN&keywords=the+mystery+guest&qid=1700080714&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C100&sr=1-1"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF0n14s38osRrsjPugUF8Mo2jkaSMlrTWmd-CJR_Yi6-YlVfcq7spnJ9wHKvOPJctS5_SpnbOIvIlT4Snn0OSSS3GzDc-k7mDlHLvGjNrcW8lOYOQwZApsBWFqGCs6C-O9cEC5aKPf-AB_F_szs21zc8x4VU6LRuJrFw371wKkuiJ-EEH0hoaDt41vHOh/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmF0n14s38osRrsjPugUF8Mo2jkaSMlrTWmd-CJR_Yi6-YlVfcq7spnJ9wHKvOPJctS5_SpnbOIvIlT4Snn0OSSS3GzDc-k7mDlHLvGjNrcW8lOYOQwZApsBWFqGCs6C-O9cEC5aKPf-AB_F_szs21zc8x4VU6LRuJrFw371wKkuiJ-EEH0hoaDt41vHOh/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Guest-Maid-Novel-Molly-ebook/dp/B0C5LRCM2F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NVC9N4ZXQYKN&keywords=the+mystery+guest&qid=1700080714&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C100&sr=1-1">The Mystery Guest</a> by <a href="https://www.nitaprose.com/">Nina Prose</a> - publishes November 28th</b><p></p><p>Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J. D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tearoom floor.</p><p> When Detective Stark, Molly’s old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J. D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?</p><p> As the high-profile death threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer’s identity. But that key is buried deep in her past, as long ago, she knew J. D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery posthaste. Because if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that secrets don’t stay buried forever.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Penryth-Hall-Jess-Armstrong-ebook/dp/B0BQGGBCXC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ULORUGB4WZWP&keywords=the+curse+of+penryth+hall&qid=1700081084&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+penryth%2Cdigital-text%2C125&sr=1-1"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsoK8Hf4v0U0iaswttuSKujQWT_02Z8Uawc1xTAN_lBY4tkSYCaagWNQdRqxUeE90ekTMeqJmSD3HdHFt53MajA5DuH7jRlhGU1ta6DVxG6oeYqYzktBKiXWl_HIf3uUbh4Vfh1FC7mWsGyxTBiCQXUSGS_ArhcASU1EO3OrRbmVhT7Ga4HhezLZBZf1x/s445/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="293" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsoK8Hf4v0U0iaswttuSKujQWT_02Z8Uawc1xTAN_lBY4tkSYCaagWNQdRqxUeE90ekTMeqJmSD3HdHFt53MajA5DuH7jRlhGU1ta6DVxG6oeYqYzktBKiXWl_HIf3uUbh4Vfh1FC7mWsGyxTBiCQXUSGS_ArhcASU1EO3OrRbmVhT7Ga4HhezLZBZf1x/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Penryth-Hall-Jess-Armstrong-ebook/dp/B0BQGGBCXC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ULORUGB4WZWP&keywords=the+curse+of+penryth+hall&qid=1700081084&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+penryth%2Cdigital-text%2C125&sr=1-1">The Curse of Penryth Hall</a></b><b> by <a href="https://writingjess.com/">Jess Armstrong</a> - publishes December 5th</b><p></p><p>After the Great War, American heiress Ruby Vaughn made a life for herself running a rare bookstore alongside her octogenarian employer and house mate in Exeter. She’s always avoided dwelling on the past, even before the war, but it always has a way of finding her. When Ruby is forced to deliver a box of books to a folk healer living deep in the Cornish countryside, she is brought back to the one place she swore she’d never return. A more sensible soul would have delivered the package and left without rehashing old wounds. But no one has ever accused Ruby of being sensible. Thus begins her visit to Penryth Hall.</p><p>A foreboding fortress, Penryth Hall is home to Ruby’s once dearest friend, Tamsyn, and her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth. It’s an unsettling place, and after a more unsettling evening, Ruby is eager to depart. But her plans change when Penryth’s bells ring for the first time in thirty years. Edward is dead; he met a gruesome end in the orchard, and with his death brings whispers of a returned curse. It also brings Ruan Kivell, the person whose books brought her to Cornwall, the one the locals call a Pellar, the man they believe can break the curse. Ruby doesn’t believe in curses—or Pellars—but this is Cornwall and to these villagers the curse is anything but lore, and they believe it will soon claim its next victim: Tamsyn.</p><p>To protect her friend, Ruby must work alongside the Pellar to find out what really happened in the orchard that night.</p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Only-If-Youre-Lucky-Novel-ebook/dp/B0C1X6SXKQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6CLQ23AL17NV&keywords=only+if+you%27re+lucky&qid=1700081297&s=digital-text&sprefix=only+if+%2Cdigital-text%2C116&sr=1-1"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3c8v4ODNeTf_96C4RGpokGxvZst2jlrxVws7ZXahgl2izptSR75e1z4XuAvf2inNpVlhfaW5UghB7G4GQFqmXq3MjDDWnPww_5WuMhrbpYGMmE3N3emtgbVi8xnq-JbdWeRr5s4zUHOpN9-WCcrMZE2zzm-xnQfUv8oV7nHEzfOOx1YasWJJ5sB7S6ML/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3c8v4ODNeTf_96C4RGpokGxvZst2jlrxVws7ZXahgl2izptSR75e1z4XuAvf2inNpVlhfaW5UghB7G4GQFqmXq3MjDDWnPww_5WuMhrbpYGMmE3N3emtgbVi8xnq-JbdWeRr5s4zUHOpN9-WCcrMZE2zzm-xnQfUv8oV7nHEzfOOx1YasWJJ5sB7S6ML/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Cried-Bear-Havens-ebook/dp/B0C1X77GLZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DVAIK1LAV02M&keywords=the+boy+who+cried+bear&qid=1700081720&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+boy+who+cried+bear%2Cdigital-text%2C127&sr=1-1">Only If You're Lucky</a></b><b> by <a href="https://www.stacywillingham.com/">Stacy Willingham</a> - publishes January 16th</b><p></p><p>Lucy Sharpe is larger than life. Magnetic, addictive. Bold and dangerous. Especially for Margot, who meets Lucy at the end of their freshman year at a liberal arts college in South Carolina. Margot is the shy one, the careful one, always the sidekick and never the center of attention. But when Lucy singles her out at the end of the year, a year Margot spent studying and playing it safe, and asks her to room together, something in Margot can't say no—something daring, or starved, or maybe even envious.</p><p>And so Margot finds herself living in an off-campus house with three other girls, Lucy, the ringleader; Sloane, the sarcastic one; and Nicole, the nice one, the three of them opposites but also deeply intertwined. It's a year that finds Margot finally coming out of the shell she's been in since the end of high school, when her best friend Eliza died three weeks after graduation. Margot and Lucy have become the closest of friends, but by the middle of their sophomore year, one of the fraternity boys from the house next door has been brutally murdered... and Lucy Sharpe is missing without a trace.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkn_BF3CNgDs7fwZLBy_AQHWbp0ByGPWOINu6PwMd3MNNZBrUiW9X_SCJxcGvKt5WooHR8h0iCfHcbYJgNv2FYv5viaXtlbSunOvHKM_Zh-6s4C_18hZFnOd1qhHWCSUN8ZxhCQcTPbDfRImc7vzRcDulhRquRVYo50KjiOa5MGLfVfOemF-7MY7d9Xk6/s466/Blog%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkn_BF3CNgDs7fwZLBy_AQHWbp0ByGPWOINu6PwMd3MNNZBrUiW9X_SCJxcGvKt5WooHR8h0iCfHcbYJgNv2FYv5viaXtlbSunOvHKM_Zh-6s4C_18hZFnOd1qhHWCSUN8ZxhCQcTPbDfRImc7vzRcDulhRquRVYo50KjiOa5MGLfVfOemF-7MY7d9Xk6/w132-h200/Blog%201.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Cried-Bear-Havens-ebook/dp/B0C1X77GLZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DVAIK1LAV02M&keywords=the+boy+who+cried+bear&qid=1700081720&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+boy+who+cried+bear%2Cdigital-text%2C127&sr=1-1">The Boy Who Cried Bear</a> by <a href="https://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/">Kelley Armstrong</a> - publishes February 20th</b><p></p><p>Haven’s Rock is a well-hidden town surrounded by forest. And it’s supposed to be, being that it’s a refuge for those who need to disappear. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton already feel at home in their new town, which reminds them of where they first met in Rockton. And while they know how to navigate the woods and its various dangers, other residents don’t. Which is why people aren't allowed to wander off alone.</p><p>When Max, the town’s youngest resident—taught to track animals by Eric—fears a bear is stalking a hiking party, alarms are raised. Even stranger, the ten-year-old swears the bear had human eyes. Casey and Eric know the dangers a bear can present, so they’re taking it seriously. But odd occurrences are happening all around them, and when a dead body turns up, they’re not sure what they’re up against.</p><div>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div><br /></div><div>Do any of these appeal to you? Do tell...</div>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-11130799200776561602023-11-13T14:07:00.000-06:002023-11-13T14:07:26.107-06:00Finally, an update...just before the holidays!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2vAsH1HlPASIIHLOkr-BlamZBFPqHW4NmbKI-hzpFMwimWZo1a4Lj3DQPAZJbPB5mTHdI8S2PsvS6M8Eyc8Dj0Wbv5APjsSr8eAmhglUFCUYknJxccqMMHBzS686Ctj1WoL_0mUmJ04eguOPLbNahk1h6jSY9wRhzK53la-voCQm46t-Omb-YT1O6Lcv/s2166/New%20Area.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="2166" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2vAsH1HlPASIIHLOkr-BlamZBFPqHW4NmbKI-hzpFMwimWZo1a4Lj3DQPAZJbPB5mTHdI8S2PsvS6M8Eyc8Dj0Wbv5APjsSr8eAmhglUFCUYknJxccqMMHBzS686Ctj1WoL_0mUmJ04eguOPLbNahk1h6jSY9wRhzK53la-voCQm46t-Omb-YT1O6Lcv/s320/New%20Area.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>Hello my book friends! How are you all and how has your fall been so far? Have those that hadn't had much rain gotten some moisture and visa versa? And how is your reading life progressing? Holiday time is right around the corner. Are you ready? </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I should answer my own questions. Well, I know I've been away for a bunch of this year and haven't posted much. Sorry about that. The last few months have been extremely busy for us. I didn't share this before, but we have been moving back to the Austin area and are finally in our new home and mostly settled. This is a decision that we had been considering and struggling with for a good part of this year. It has mostly been due to some family issues and needs. My husband's mother and stepdad are getting much older and we felt like we were just a little too far away to be helpful when the time comes that they will need more assistance. So, we finished our renovation of our house in Kerrville, sold it, and bought a new-to-us house not far from the area that we moved from 2-1/2 years ago. And we are settling in and are happy with our new place. I share a picture above showing that some things never change when we relocate - there are always deer around. Ha! I took that picture this morning from our back porch. We've laughed about new neighbors here telling us about deer and had we ever seen deer, etc., etc. Yes, we've seen deer. They have been frequent visitors to our last three houses and this makes #4. We are always welcomed by these creatures. </div><div><br /></div><div>OK, next question - my reading life. Well, it has been a bit or more than a bit slow in the last few months. However, I have been very busy. I suspect I will get more relaxed and able to concentrate on reading or listening to audiobooks in days to come. I am back walking at an indoor track and hope to be back to yoga before long. I'm also planning to return to the mystery book group that I loved so much when we lived here before. And then there will be new activities I'm sure. We'll see what the new year will bring. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll also have a post about a recent trip we took to Tucson. Yes, we moved into our new house and left just a few days later for a road trip to Arizona. My husband had a work conference there and it had been scheduled long before we decided to relocate. I tagged along and basically did nothing but walk around the hotel/resort area and read 3-1/2 books while there. I've got some pictures to share of what I saw on my walks. Otherwise, the holidays are coming and we will be hosting family again for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We look forward to that. I'll try to share some upcoming books I'm looking forward to or something like that later in the week. And try to get around to your blogs and do some commenting. Know that you've been missed and not forgotten. I look forward to talking books and life again with all of you! Take care!</div>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-284742514371434592023-08-26T06:20:00.005-05:002023-08-26T06:20:56.943-05:00Taking an 'official' blog break for a few weeks....<p>Hey book friends! Hope you are all doing well and not melting in the summer heat like we have been here in Texas. Wow, it's been hot here for a long, long time. Maybe we'll have a cooler fall. Speaking of fall, wanted to let everyone know that I am fine, but I've decided to take an official break for a few more weeks. I'll try to be back here talking about books in a few weeks - maybe October or so. Take care and I'll be around again before long. Happy reading! </p>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755001368713174831.post-18152138819556906142023-07-19T10:00:00.000-05:002023-07-19T10:00:11.646-05:00It's July and we've been on a lovely vacation to Oregon...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_aLvwAXF8BalFdHdgrZiu9OHcF7ovTvraySGllp-UKLay9knS00Sq3wsw41Nd-k_bck8SBBLTWx_hh0xFQMWp82OJMYTyucTREcMZLoZbpyzMsp2-szBLDwdM97ZoGK6MGWVgYX_gw6-aGMHQHruAgCTLlG75hL0BqRJ68V9_2rDLC7_2nLQaMNQw9De/s4032/IMG-0861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_aLvwAXF8BalFdHdgrZiu9OHcF7ovTvraySGllp-UKLay9knS00Sq3wsw41Nd-k_bck8SBBLTWx_hh0xFQMWp82OJMYTyucTREcMZLoZbpyzMsp2-szBLDwdM97ZoGK6MGWVgYX_gw6-aGMHQHruAgCTLlG75hL0BqRJ68V9_2rDLC7_2nLQaMNQw9De/s320/IMG-0861.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hello book friends! Hope each of you are doing well and enjoying your summer. Has it been hot where you are? It certainly has been in Central Texas. Whew! We had August-type temps in June and they continue for the most part in July. Here's hoping that August might revert back to the June-like temps we missed. Oh, and a little rain would be helpful.<p></p><p>We've been on a lovely vacation to Coastal Oregon and had a great time. We left Texas at 107 degrees and arrived at Bandon, Oregon to a range of low 50's to low 60's. Yes, we took jackets because it did feel a little brisk for a bit. The wind was up as well. My husband loved the golf and I loved the walking trails. The picture above is what was visible behind our room and, yes, I walked that trail you see there.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZGuoYNknZfj0t0D3VmLiYTK0KfqjSgFCUqNHKwjGCnzKxN3UDAIDdYfxOaxWOjn5glhWa-84UuCrq1jJogSmt-eyPbfd24zfhwurCx56ZFmbHWwve1s9vdgvk8B-6Qy9FXbptUre1lfbbPMOcJseB1yeShqZZckAN6qYVLIkICD7EU6Pf3rJkH_Hmt94/s4032/IMG-0858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZGuoYNknZfj0t0D3VmLiYTK0KfqjSgFCUqNHKwjGCnzKxN3UDAIDdYfxOaxWOjn5glhWa-84UuCrq1jJogSmt-eyPbfd24zfhwurCx56ZFmbHWwve1s9vdgvk8B-6Qy9FXbptUre1lfbbPMOcJseB1yeShqZZckAN6qYVLIkICD7EU6Pf3rJkH_Hmt94/s320/IMG-0858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I took this picture on the walking trail in the woods at Bandon Dunes and I thought it was a curious shot. Somehow it caught my eye. Don't know if that tree was struck by lightning or what but it was odd.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYki5Pcy4ifva_HokPYqNOPAe0tcTeEVlRJvMRuhMlW0USrwdURAg3qzJ6OKvn4TYb4kHpLbdQoUallGPaFJotbVRriLcC4zVIzxbgcpPTORpgVEASPKlSapyUisxLUS14OoVfs9lTzcWu7CNJEnkhRFG2tFFJZbgYdkGsC5d2MAWTXIL-dgiLPjVp4F8G/s4032/IMG-0859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYki5Pcy4ifva_HokPYqNOPAe0tcTeEVlRJvMRuhMlW0USrwdURAg3qzJ6OKvn4TYb4kHpLbdQoUallGPaFJotbVRriLcC4zVIzxbgcpPTORpgVEASPKlSapyUisxLUS14OoVfs9lTzcWu7CNJEnkhRFG2tFFJZbgYdkGsC5d2MAWTXIL-dgiLPjVp4F8G/s320/IMG-0859.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is a labyrinth in those woods that I've shown before a few years ago. I did walk that labyrinth and here is a picture I took from the middle. Have you ever walked a labyrinth? What I will tell you is that the paths may not go just as you think. Round and round, but also back and forth. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYCd-mRy2WIZEE1vfZf4QyEUmiQ6A7iuBNka4ixsfJlFu6Dfp47loy3WmM3ziTU0gc3NOEJfJ_OuILw_rNJTrEE-8X1AzPi6NmLhordHbcEltTnxBkpka38dbHI22dxEUfgNtKgtAEzI5YOzn3Nx3edi22AsG-zptW5SxqAKoCNd7m2p5wTkRpf7IUB8Q/s4032/IMG-0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYCd-mRy2WIZEE1vfZf4QyEUmiQ6A7iuBNka4ixsfJlFu6Dfp47loy3WmM3ziTU0gc3NOEJfJ_OuILw_rNJTrEE-8X1AzPi6NmLhordHbcEltTnxBkpka38dbHI22dxEUfgNtKgtAEzI5YOzn3Nx3edi22AsG-zptW5SxqAKoCNd7m2p5wTkRpf7IUB8Q/s320/IMG-0865.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This shot was taken further up the coast of Oregon in Depoe Bay. We stopped for lunch and to see if we could spot a whale (we didn't, but we did see a seal). Les, I bet you recognize this spot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aW1SqljZDSs8J1p-CniYzQwah_7fi-kXoFv7L6MfymLGTvYgu8ZzoSL6VTPGaq_c9OdA8B3_FMAWBNYKPM4Ceqy8J_Gf9Sg1OA7beHO6IgSJ_FqCh_xDNSdrGHj6nmgz-olwjPCxpuiRRVqKNa74YQ-6k81r9eoyinLElBMPNFaZ8FOqKv8MMkewWDig/s4032/IMG-0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aW1SqljZDSs8J1p-CniYzQwah_7fi-kXoFv7L6MfymLGTvYgu8ZzoSL6VTPGaq_c9OdA8B3_FMAWBNYKPM4Ceqy8J_Gf9Sg1OA7beHO6IgSJ_FqCh_xDNSdrGHj6nmgz-olwjPCxpuiRRVqKNa74YQ-6k81r9eoyinLElBMPNFaZ8FOqKv8MMkewWDig/s320/IMG-0874.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One last picture from my walking in Gleneden Beach where Salishan is located. It was a misty, foggy morning and quite beautiful. As I said, cool temps and not quite as windy here. Very peaceful. A great time was had by both of us. And then we came back to the heat. Ah well. It's summer. This is Texas. What I will say is that people are definitely travelling again and the airports and flights were jammed. I don't much like flying anymore. Too many people!<div><br /></div><div>My reading has been going well, but not too many books read. I have picked up and read the first two books in C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series. I also read the first book in Paul Doiron's Mike Bowditch series. Both of these have game warden protagonist's that also solve crimes. We watched the first season of the TV adaptation about Joe Pickett. My husband has read and kept up with both of these series, so I finally got around to trying them. I'll continue with both I think. I've reread a couple of books, but I'm just taking my time and going the way the mood strikes. Oh, I also read the latest Lady Sherlock book by Sherry Thomas and enjoyed that one. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have trip planned to New Mexico in August and will be going to Austin for a few days next week to see family and for a couple of other appointments. Just trying to relax and enjoy the summer of 2023. Hope you do as well. I'll check back around in a few weeks and appreciate those of you who still remember that I'm here! Take care!</div>Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13495669354860191042noreply@blogger.com27