Quixotic Magpie

My New Blog Home

2018-09-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hi all!!

I have moved! Please check me out for all my book reviews and whatnot over at

https://crackercrumblife.com/

Thanks!!

We Need a Holiday...

2018-07-31T14:58:00.003-07:00

And I hate to be rude..

We are heading to the wilds of Michigan, and I can't wait! I was hoping to get a post in before we left, but that didn't happen. Not enough time in day some days.

Also, this is my last true post here on QM. When I get back, I will be posting all my book content over on Cracker Crumbs. It just seems like a good time to make the move!

I'll see you all when I get back! I have lots of posts planned, which is just crazy for me!

Book Review: Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde

2018-07-24T12:57:00.001-07:00

Title/Author: Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Source: Little Bird Publicity in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Roseanna Chaldecott spent her life as a high-powered lawyer in Manhattan. But when her best friend and law partner dies suddenly, something snaps. Unsure of her future, Roseanna heads upstate on one tank of gas and with no plans to return.

In the foothills of the Adirondacks, Roseanna discovers the perfect hideout in a ramshackle farm. Its seventy-six acres are rich with possibilities and full of surprises, including a mother and daughter squatting on the property. Although company is the last thing Roseanna wants, she reluctantly lets them stay.

Roseanna and the young girl begin sculpting junk found around the farm into zoo animals, drawing more newcomers—including her estranged son, Lance. He pleads with Roseanna to return to the city, but she’s finally discovered where she belongs. It may not provide the solitude she originally sought, but her heart has found room for much more.

My Thoughts:

We all have dreams that we put away until later. That vacation, that car, that house in the country or on the beach or in Paris. Those things we talk about when we talk about someday. And in the meantime, we are going about our everyday business of working, working, working, and tucked in between what we have to do are the things we want to do. But what if someday never comes?

In Heaven Adjacent, Roseanna Chaldecott had a good life. A great life, by some standards. A fancy car, financial security, an apartment in a topnotch neighborhood. But she lacked things she didn't even know she lacked, like meaningful relationships with her own family. Or friends. It took a tragedy to show her that while she can buy anything she wanted, that she wasn't living her life to the fullest. Or even really at all. And then on a backroad in the middle of nowhere, she started to find the things she really needed most. Little by little, she lets some things go, while letting other things in.

I loved this book. I found it to be wonderfully inspiring, to lead me to examine my own life, to see where I could make changes. Some things don't have to wait for someday. Some things we can do, right the heck now. I really enjoyed this book, and its message to readers. A quick read, but one that packs a big message.

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-07-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

It was a good week! We took a slow down and it was lovely. Billy and I had a date day, which was awesome, and then today (Sunday) we took the boy to the country to pick peaches, which he loved! :)

After much deliberation and hemming and hawing, I have decided to move this blog's content to my other blog. I paid for that domain, which is why I am moving there instead of everything here, and for some reason it seems harder to keep up two blogs instead of one. :( I really hope that if you follow me now, that you will choose to follow me there. :) I have not done this before, so I am not going to make the big move and stop blogging here until the end of August. I will miss old Quixotic Magpie, but I hope that you will enjoy me just as well over at Still Life, with Cracker Crumbs. You will get the same book content, probably even more book content, but also some personal lifestyle posts as well. :) Here is the link to that blog if you want to check it out!

Still Life, with Cracker Crumbs.

Read Last Week:

Dreams of Falling by Karen White - I waited months to read this book, and it didn't disappoint!! I loved this book. Karen White is probably at the tops of my lists of go-to authors right now. :)

I also started Picnic at Hanging Rock and also a book called The Obituary Society I got for free from Amazon.

Reading this Week:

When We Found Home by Susan Mallery: Doesn't this cover just grab you? I love it. I am so drawn to the water, even on book covers.

Watching:

the Tour de France - this year has been nuts! Big names have fallen, been injured, or been dropped due to not meeting the time requirements! This year they made some new rules, making the time requirements per stage shorter, and also dropping a team member from each team. It has made for a crazy race!

A Series of Unfortunate Events - wow, this is amazing! I love Neal Patrick Harris as Count Olaf, and it is a visual feast. Plus I love all the direct to the audience commentary, and the humor. Perfectly well done.

Red Oaks (Amazon Prime) - Another new addiction. A coming of age type story set in the 80s. Love it.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-07-15T18:22:00.001-07:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Whew!! I am pretty sure we had our busiest week ever last week!! I am ready for a slowdown this week, for sure. My poor husband worked over 60 hours last week, I had more work at the office than normal (I even did some of it at home!), and of course normal family life stuff. Lol. And of course I had a million things planned on little man's calendar as well, doctors appointments, therapy- it all worked out so that all three of us were super busy! And in the mix we had a funeral and a graduation party. Wyatt and I did some cool stuff together though - we went to a Dinosaur play group and lesson, we went to the art fair, and today we all went to the Belle Isle Kite Festival. We are all exhausted, and in between work, we had fun.

Read Last Week:

I also managed to read during someone's naptime.

I loved both of these books. All the Little Lights kept me guessing! I absolutely loved the secrets in this book. So good.

Reading this Week:

Oh my gosh I am so excited for both of these books!! Dreams of Falling I have been waiting for like forever; Picnic at Hanging Rock, I learned of it from Jennifer at Book Den, and wanted to read it. Then I watched the Amazon mini-series, and now I want to read it more than ever!

Watching:

Series of Unfortunate Events, the Tour de France

How about you all? How is your world?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-07-09T05:21:00.003-07:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

The weather got so much nicer midweek!! We have had some quality pool time and outside time, it has been lovely. This week I have lots of fun things planned for our family - Wyatt and I are going to a Jurassic Wonders event for toddlers Monday morning, then the two of us are hitting our hometown art fair Wednesday morning. Then Thursday, Billy and I are having date night at the art fair - we are looking forward to a night out together! We have the myriad not fun stuff to do too, but ugh, let's not even think about that stuff. Lol.

** I had to stop midpost because my friend posted that a Snowy Owl is hanging out at our police station. I had to go see, because it's July! Snowy's don't come down this far until midwinter usually. We found the owl on top of the station, and yep, it is definitely a snowy! I am worried about it - I did let a park ranger friend know about it, in case it needs help. It's in the wrong place and we are having such hot days. It was the first one I ever saw!

Read Last Week:

Return to Tradd Street - I love Karen White's work. She is definitely a go-to for me

Anne of Green Gables - So, this was my first time reading Anne. And I think I am just too old maybe to appreciate this book, or I have missed my opportunity for it, because I just didn't really like it. :( Although, I do want to visit PEI now. I was more intrigued by the setting.

Reading This Week:

I've got a few things going on..

I am reading Upstream as part of an online nature book club I am a part of. I just picked up, and I am looking forward to reading it. :)

Watching:

Series of Unfortunate Events, Churchill's Recruits (this was excellent!), and since it is July, the Tour de France! We are such big fans of the tour!

How about you all? What is going on in your world?

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-07-01T16:49:00.003-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for my aunt last week. She has come through a lot in the past two weeks and she still has her struggles but she is hanging tough.

Read Last Week:

I am still reading Anne of Green Gables, but I finished Season of Wonder and Flight Patterns. I loved them both! I really needed a Christmas romance, there is nothing happier I don't think. And Flight Patterns was really well done; I could not stop reading it. So good!

Reading This Week:

This book sounds interesting - I am intrigued by the blurb calling the bed and breakfast "mysterious". Looking forward to reading it this week! I am also going to keep reading Anne. :)

Watching:

Glow, Series of Unfortunate Events, 13 Reasons Why. We have been holed up a little bit this weekend, due to the horrific heatwave! We did go swimming yesterday but for the most part, we have been hanging out inside, crafting, reading, watching tv, listening to music. It is much harder to hunker down these days, with a three year old who just wants to outside all the time! It is just too hot right now, especially for my guy who has a hard time regulating to high temperatures.

How about all of you? How is it going?

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-06-24T16:16:00.002-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Last week was a rough one for our family. My aunt, who is very special to me, recently completed a year of surgeries and chemo for pancreatic cancer. She came through strong and well. And then, last week, we had a setback. They found that an infection that may have started in her chemo port spread to her aortic valve. And then found that it was also in her spine. The heart valve was shooting off infection and plaque to all parts of her body for weeks, causing symptoms no one could find the cause of until finally, it affected her heart and also her brain. It has been a scary 6 weeks, and while this news was terrifying, and my poor aunt has been though so very much, at least now we know the cause and can treat it. Which they have started to, addressing the infection in the spine first and now, tomorrow, Monday morning, she will get a valve replacement. She is such a tough woman.

I did do some reading. The perfect distraction right?

I loved both of these!!! The Cruel Prince though, I couldn't stop reading and was so mad when it was over because I wanted more of this story and world. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the next installment! Lol.

Reading This Week:

I am definitely starting this book this week. I want to read some children's classics this summer, and I am starting with this one - which I never read! I will probably also pick up a Jenny Colgan or Karen White at the library, and I have some review books I am reading from here and there as well.

So I guess my reading week looks a bit scattered!

Watching:

The Ranch, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and we just started Safe. We are all over Netflix right now I guess. Lol.

What about you all? What is happening in your world?

Book Review: The Cottages on Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne

2018-06-13T16:28:00.002-07:00

Title/Author: The Cottages on Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne
Source: Little Bird Publicity, in return for an honest review
Publication date: June 19th, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

Megan Hamilton never really liked Elliot Bailey. He turned his back on her family when they needed him the most and it almost tore them all apart. So she’s shocked when Elliot arrives at her family’s inn, needing a place to stay and asking questions that dredge up the past. Megan will rent him a cottage, but that’s where it ends—no matter how gorgeous Elliot has become.

Coming back home to Haven Point was the last thing bestselling writer Elliot Bailey thought he’d ever do. But the book he’s writing now is his most personal one yet and it’s drawn him back to the woman he can’t get out of his mind. Seeing Megan again is harder than he expected and it brings up feelings he’d thought were long buried. Could this be his chance to win over his first love?

My thoughts:

For me a RaeAnne Thayne book is like the perfect little pick-me-up, and this one was no different. As a Michigander, I am partial to a little cabin on the lake setting. I can hear the birds, feel the breezes, imagine dipping my feet into the water. It is one of my favorite things ever, a cabin on the lake. So I was really excited to read a book by a favorite author, in one of my favorite settings.

I really loved this book. Megan is such a cool character, running the family business but still finding time for her art, burning the candle at both ends as both a businesswoman and photographer. She is also a woman who is fiercely loyal and devoted to her brother and his children, an admirable quality. Protective, unwilling to let her faith in her brother slip for a second, believing in him always, even when his best childhood friend turns his back on him. She self-sacrifices for the love of her family, but is happy, and engulfed by the goodness of the people in her community.

Then Elliot arrives, staying right next door to her, renting one of her cottages. Her heart wants to give him the boot, but her professionalism allows him to stay. But despite her best efforts to ignore him, it doesn't seem to be possible. There is a lot of history and a lot of misgivings between them however, as well as the situation with her brother, one that is not going to just go away.

This book was one of those books you don't want to put down. And it ended on a cliffhanger!!! I absolutely can not wait for the next in this series!

A great summer read, one that I plan on reading again this summer when we go on vacation at the lake!

Thanks to Little Bird Publicity for the chance to read and review this book!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-06-10T16:38:00.003-07:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

It has been a great week, full of family and fun and friends. Last Friday we went out for my friend's bachelorette dinner, and had a blast! It was really the first time I had done something like that since Wyatt was born, and I was actually kind of anxious! Lol. We had a great time though. We ended the night at The Whitney, which is a grand old mansion from the late 1800s in Detroit. We had fancy dessert in the dessert parlor and drinks, including tableside Spanish Coffee. And now that I have one of these nights down again, I will have to make sure there are others in the future!

Read Last Week:

I was hoping that my hold of Legendary would have come in, but it didn't. None of my holds did! So I picked up a book I hadn't read yet by one of my faves, Jenny Colgan. And I loved it. Of course.

When I finished, I started this Karen White book. A long, long time ago I read the first in this series. Now, I am reading the fifth, without having read the ones in between. Lol. It hasn't really slowed me down though. Although, this main character is hard to warm up to!

Reading This Week:

I did get word that this came in and is waiting for me! Yay! So this week for sure. I loved Caraval so I am very excited.

Watching:

Godless! It is so good. We are almost done with it, as it is only 7 episodes or so. It is really so well done!

How about you all? What is going on with you?

Book Review: High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews

2018-06-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

Title/Author: The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
Source: St. Martin's Press, in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000 acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her. Josephine’s cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter with Brooke, who is an attorney, but Brooke knows that Mrs. Warrick has long been a client of a prestigious Atlanta law firm.

Over a few meetings, the ailing Josephine spins a tale of old friendships, secrets, betrayal and a long-unsolved murder. She tells Brooke she is hiring her for two reasons: to protect her island and legacy from those who would despoil her land, and secondly, to help her make amends with the heirs of the long dead women who were her closest friends, the girls of The High Tide Club—so named because of their youthful skinny dipping escapades—Millie, Ruth and Varina. When Josephine dies with her secrets intact, Brooke is charged with contacting Josephine’s friends’ descendants and bringing them together on Talisa for a reunion of women who’ve actually never met.

The High Tide Club is Mary Kay Andrews at her Queen of the Beach Reads best, a compelling and witty tale of romance thwarted, friendships renewed, justice delivered, and true love found.

My thoughts:

For some, summer kicks off with the first barbecue, the first 90 degree day, breaking out the flip-flops and shorts and sunblock. For me, the unofficial start of summer is reading a Mary Kay Andrews book. It is how I change seasons, by my reading choices. I switch from heavier, intense books or cozy mysteries or scary thrillers to books that are set by the sea, sand, and have some romance in there too. This one was a bit different. Despite the beachy cover, it is not a beach book, with sand and flip-flops and fruity drinks. However, Mary Kay Andrews always writes an entertaining tale, and this one was just plain riveting.

Is there anything more carefree and joyous than skinny dipping by the light of a full moon? And nowadays, not even scandalous, unlike when friends Josephine, Ruth, Millie, and Varinia first traded in their swimsuits for their birthday suits in the 40s. Who knew then where there lives would take them - what young person does?

By the time attorney Brooke Trapnell meets Josephine Warrick, Josephine is 99 years old, eccentric, and loaded. And living on her family island, in a home that is crumbling around her. To add to it, she is battling cancer while trying to hang on to the family land. That is where Brooke comes in. Josephine wants Brooke to help her keep her island and also to create a legacy for her old friends, The High Tide Club, or at least their descendants.

This seemingly simple task soon unravels a lifetime of secrets and mysteries, that seem to slowly spill out of Shellhaven, Jospehine's tumbledown mansion. One secret leads to another and another, until finally, all secrets are brought to light. There is mystery and intrigue and glamour - unfortunately, there is also classicism and racism, which I guess would be historically accurate for some people for that time and location, although ugly (the deep south in the 1940s). This book kept me on my toes, and kept me guessing, and I did not want to stop reading until I found out all the answers!

Another great book by Andrews!

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-06-03T16:25:00.001-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day out! We spent a majority of it outside, then realized we had to do some adult grown up things like work and clean and had to stop playing. Lol. It was a great day!

Wyatt also has his end of the year preschool concert today (Monday). I am so excited to see him with the rest of his class! I am pretty sure I am going to see him playing some sort of loud instrument, he loves music so much.

Read Last Week:

The High Tide Club - I love MKA! It took me a minute or two to get into this book; then I couldn't stop reading it!! Review this week.

Red Queen - I picked this up from the library and devoured it. I really enjoyed this one as well!

Reading This Week:

Legendary by Stephanie Garber (if it comes in! I am first in line though on the library holds list so I am assuming I will get it)

Beautiful Exiles - I started this and I am really enjoying taking my time with it. There is a lot to take in, the Spanish War, writing, Hemingway himself. I always wish I was in the Keys or drinking while reading it though. LOL.

Watching:

Godless - so good so far! Jeff Daniels is almost unrecognizable from his previous roles. I love him, and he is a fellow Michigander!

Schitt's Creek for comic relief ( I love the Levys), and iZombie, which was really good this season. I am so bummed it was such a short season! I think we are going to start Jessica Jones season 2 this week, and I am going to watch The Chalet (my husband is not interested so its all me!)

I've also been enjoying listening to Podcasts on Stitcher. Anyone listen to any good podcasts? I am always looking for new ones.

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading: Memorial Day Edition

2018-05-27T05:59:00.004-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Hey all! Enjoy your Memorial Day festivities, but do take a moment to remember why this is weekend is special.

Billy my husband had a four day weekend this weekend, which has been great! He almost never has time off, so we have been making the most of it. We went to the zoo on Friday, then to A&W for root beer in a frosty mug. Later we went for a ride and then sat outside for a bit, enjoying the beautiful evening. Yesterday, Billy actually worked most of the day, cleaning up the yard and readying it for some new garden features we want to add, and then afterwards we visited a Metropark and got ice cream. Today we have a retirement party and then tomorrow a grill out with my brother and his family.

I also plan on getting some of my book reviews done. I am woefully behind. So that is my plan, to work on them while Wyatt is at school this week.

Question - have any of you ordered books from Amazon.uk? There a few books that I want that are not available in America, only in England. I would love to know if I can order them! I am assuming I can?

Read Last Week:

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter - So, I have no idea why I why I finished this book. I really didn't like it. Lol. I think I just kept reading on to see if the book got better, but it didn't. :(

Beautiful Exiles - I am still working on this one but I am enjoying it.

Reading This Week:

Getting cracking on my review books! I am slacking - I am not sure what my deal is. I have started these, I just need to finish them.

Watching:

Riverdale- holy crap!!!! The end was crazy! Well worth getting through some of the weird episodes for. Still a very dark story line but I am getting used to it and am beginning to like it for it.

We are also watching The Rain (one more episode left for us!), and Chuck and Danny's Road Trip - we loved this so much. Lol. Surprisingly so. We binged the whole series. It is about two Canadian chefs who go on a road trip in an RV, staying at Provinical Parks, to different Canandian provinces, gathering up the best local ingredients and then at the end of the episode having a big feast incorporating them all, with the people who grew, caught, or raised the food. It was like a beautiful travel infomercial for Canada. Lol. Billy and I felt inspired to really cook the way we used to more as a result. However, we haven't yet. Lol.

How about you all? What's going on in your world?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-05-20T17:35:00.002-07:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

I took a week off of all blogging last week - I just had so much to do and no time. Summer is definitely in the wind, and we have been gravitating slowly more and more outdoors. It's nice - we sure waited long enough!

Lots of porch sitting and wine drinking happening here.

We did get a new car, so that was fun! Another Jeep, we traded in the Patriot for a Compass. We also celebrated my dad's birthday today, which was nice, relaxed family time.

Read Last Two Weeks:

The Cottages on Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne: Ooo I loved this one for the mystery! Now I can't wait for the next book!!!

The French Girl: I enjoyed this book but I didn't care for most of the characters. I think though, that this actually worked well with the mystery.

The Year of Living Danishly: This was fascinating!!

Reading This Week:

I am starting this book, but I will probably read something else at the same time. :)

Watching:

The Durrells, Back in Time for Tea (YouTube rocks), Supernatural, and Riverdale. We are pretty behind on Riverdale though.

How are you guys all doing?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-05-06T15:29:00.001-07:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Last week, I was so darn busy my head was spinning! First, my cousin and his wife had their new baby - on May 4th, Star Wars day! A beautiful, healthy boy.

I am deep into working on gardening projects right now; I think that it took so long for spring to really arrive in Michigan that now we never want to be inside. It was just this past week that we finally had consistently nice weather, and we are having fun with it. Although, we did have a weird ten minute squall that did serious damage to our little city. Gigantic trees were knocked down onto houses, electric towers were blown in half - it was awful! Our city makes its own power, so we usually don't have to wait to long for power to be restored but this time we were out of power for twelve hours! I know that a lot of people have to wait days, so I won't complain, but it just shows the force of this ten minute storm. The forecast didn't portend such crazy weather, and when a giant patio umbrella struck our house I took Wyatt into an interior hallway away from windows. I didn't hear of any serious injuries at least, so that is good. Unfortunately there was a lot of property damage though.

Read Last Week:

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe: Loved it. I love this author, I am so glad I saw her over on The Book Date!

The Year of Living Danishly: I am almost done with this book! It is definitely interesting, and has given me so much to think about.

Reading This Week:

I think this is my last Colgan book for a bit! I have enjoyed my run of reading her immensely. I am not sure what direction I am going to go in next!

I am also finishing up Living Danishly.

Watching:

The Durrells, Victoria, iZombie, Supernatural, and The Let Down on and The Rain on Netflix, which are both pretty good!!

How are things with you all?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-04-29T17:22:00.004-07:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

So, this week I didn't have a phone for like four days. It was really weird at first, but then I slowly but surely started to like it. The weather was a bit of a bummer most of the week, but right now is absolutely gorgeous, at 8pm. The forecast for the week ahead is going to be beautiful and I am so excited! Today we we went to a vintage bike sale and market; there were hundreds of old bikes - I kept expecting to spot the kids from Stranger Things lurking about somewhere, or some kids from an 80s buddy movie. I saw some pretty cool ones, and I loved the names of them the best. I saw a Grey Ghost, and all the Schwinn names were awesome, Stingray and Meteor and Panther and many more.

Read Last Week:

So I am going through the entire backlist of Jenny Colgan apparently. But I also read a completely different book too! See, not having a phone...

The Nature Fix by Florence Williams - I absolutely loved this book. It was a bit of a slower read, as it had some medical terminology and sciencey type stuff, but it was fascinating. Seriously, a great read.

The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan - I'll probably read her for a bit, until I get tired of her. This one was really good too - the setting was really unique and I loved the main character!

Reading This Week:

The Year of Living Danishly - That house even looks adorably happy!

Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe

Posted Last Week:

No new book reviews

Phoneless and Free (on my other blog - also talks about the Nature Fix)

Watching:

Victoria, Supernatural, Riverdale, iZombie

How about you guys? What is going on in your corner of the world?

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-04-21T11:40:00.001-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Hey all! Hope you are all doing well! It was a pretty good week around here - I had book club, and there was even an earthquake! Very rare for Michigan. We also had some nice weather and got to get outside for a bit. We wandered our downtown area last night - they had some food trucks out and about and Wyatt ate his way through a bag full of mini-doughnuts with great joy. Lol.

This week the boy and I have a field trip coming up, to a petting farm. It should be fun! Although when they brought animals to his school Wyatt was not too excited about getting near them. So we might not actually be doing any petting. I also have an eye appt, ew. Getting old stinks. I get horrible headaches when I read on my phone too much, so I try not to do it, but I wonder if it is the phone and its horrid light or if I am squinting, so, eye exam it is.

Read Last Week:

I am stuck on Jenny Colgan. I love her. Lol.

Little Beach Street Bakery - I loved it. I can't decide which I love more, this one or The Bookshop on the Corner! I think I need her particular brand of book right now -these quaint little worlds, creative and brave characters, lovely settings, and a bit of a love story too. It's just the mood I am in I guess!

Reading This Week:

Sorry guys - I'm going through a thing here.

The Cafe by the Sea

Watching:

We devoured Lost in Space - it was so so good and I love Parker Posey

We are also watching Supernatural, iZombie, and Victoria, which is excellent!

How about you guys? What is the happening in your world?

Book Review: The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

2018-04-17T13:54:00.001-07:00

Title: The Family Gathering
Author: Robyn Carr
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads Summary:

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

My Thoughts:

I have been loving this series! I love these characters, the setting, their world. Their names, their backstory, their trials and triumphs. I find them to be very real, have real world problems and issues that are relatable - and of course I enjoy the love stories as well, the "main attraction" if you will.

In this book we are introduced to Dakota Jones, a former soldier who is now looking for the next step in his life now that he has left the military. And like any returning soldier, he seeks out his family for a visit that turns into more than a visit. Dakota had not intended to stay, but after seeing the town, meeting its residents, one resident in particular, he finds that Sullivan's Crossing in Timberlake, Colorado has worked its magic on him and he begins to set down roots. He finds a job, a house, and begins to get to know his siblings, Cal and Sierra again, and to bond with their families. Strengthening these roots.

He catches the eye of a few of the women in town right away, but there is only one that interests him, and she is the one who is going to make him work for it. Sid(ney), another , transplant to Sullivan's Crossing, had no intention of getting into a relationship after the one she has just gotten out of. But that was before she met Dakota, who shakes up her plans. Sid is dealing with her own issues and past, and Dakota is respectful of that in his pursuit of her. I really liked how his character interacted with Sid, playful yet patient.

There are a few other storylines at play in this book, dealing with Sierra, and his other sister, Sedona who makes her appearance partway through the book. Both of their storylines deal with pretty big topics, which I thought Carr handled brilliantly and sensitively. A few scenes even made me a little teary for these women.

Overall, I really loved this book. It is the third in the series, and while you can read it without having read the previous two, I would still recommend reading the others first. These are good characters, a good town. You won't regret your reading foray into this small town in Colorado!

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You reading?

2018-04-15T13:16:00.001-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Ugh today is the nastiest weather - we woke up to freezing rain this morning, and while it has warmed up, it is still raining. At least it is no longer frozen! We had lakeshore flooding warnings overnight as well, due to the amount of precipitation that was falling. We are looking at more rain throughout the week as well, but water levels are receding back down.

We also celebrated my niece's first birthday this weekend! And. we got a special announcement as well - not only is she turning one, but she is also going to be a big sister!

Read Last Week:

My book club book finally came in, so I read that instead of my planned book!

The Hideaway - I really liked this book. I liked the characters, the setting, the story. It made me a little bit sad though - I teared up a few times! It was a perfect book for a rainy weekend.

Reading This Week:

One of these (or maybe both!)

Watching:

iZombie, Supernatural, The Gifted, The Path (we finished it up, so good!), Lost in Space (loving it!!)

We also watched Jumanji (the new one) today since we were stuck inside. It was great for a much needed laugh, the perfect Sunday rainy afternoon movie.

Posted:

Book Review: The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl

on my other blog

Still Waiting on Spring

What Wyatt's Reading/Book Haul

Saturday Snapshot

How about you all? What's up in your world?

Book Review: The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl

2018-04-11T06:42:00.001-07:00

Title: The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl
Author: Paige McKenzie
Source: review copy from Little Bird Publicity in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Sunshine Griffith can communicate with ghosts. Even more amazing—to herself; her boyfriend, Nolan; and her adoptive mom, Kat—she’s recently learned she’s a luiseach, one of an ancient race of creatures who have lived among humans for centuries, protecting them from dark spirits and helping them move on to the afterlife.

Having survived an abyss full of demons, Sunshine Griffith must figure out who—or what—has been organizing the forces of darkness against her. Do they want to destroy her and the rest of the endangered luiseach? Do they want to take over the world? Nolan has figured out that Sunshine’s death would trigger a calamitous event, so not only does she have to stay alive for herself, but for the fate of civilization. It’s not just the demons who want Sunshine dead, though. Her biological mother, Helena, is back. And what is Helena’s history with the mysterious man in black?

Fortunately for Sunshine, she has a lot of people (and ghosts) to help her stop the darkness: Nolan, her father and mentor Aidan, her mom Kat, Victoria, Lucio, Anna, and Ashley—whose handsome new crush, Sebastian, seems hauntingly familiar. But time may be running out as an unexpected event unleashes a fierce war between the luiseach and the demon army. In the midst of the fiery battle, Sunshine will learn a shocking truth about herself and what sort of sacrifice is required to save the world.

My thoughts:

Reminiscent in style to Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the vampire books by Mary Janice Davidson, this YA book was a lot of fun. Based on the YouTube series The Haunting of Sunshine Girl, it is part of a trilogy of books. This is the third installment, and I actually read it without having read the previous books or having watched the series, although I do plan on both.

Although I missed all the backstory and went straight for the ending, it was still a good read. It was not hard to figure out what was going on once I got into the book a little. It starts off in the middle of the action, right off the bat, and I was appropriately confused. But it soon all became clear. Sunshine is a high school girl who can see ghosts. She is a luiseach, whose job is to help ghosts move on from this plane, and also to protect humans from dark and evil creatures. By this book, Sunshine has fully come into her powers and there is a battle brewing. Sunshine is not alone in this war though - she has the support of her biological father Aidan, and biological mother, Helena, both powerful luiseachs. However, Helena did try to kill Sunshine, so who knows if she is really there to help, especially with her mysterious behavior and alliances, including to the lurking man in black. In addition to her bio parents, Sunshine has her whole group of friends and family to help her along the way - Nolan, Lucio, Anna, Ashley, Victoria, and her human mom Kat. And Sunshine not only has to figure out who is plotting against them and committing evil acts upon the citizens of her town, she also has to deal with her very real human social life, including boys. And boyfriends. And boys who are friends who might want to be boyfriends.

This is a fun book, enjoyable, fast paced, and I loved how it involved books and media - what a great way to get young people to read! Definitely a must read for those readers who like fantasy and supernatural tales. I know that I am going to seek out the first two books so that I can see what I missed!

The Sunday Post/It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-04-08T07:07:00.005-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

The sun is out and shining! It feels like it has been so long. I understand now why ancient cultures celebrated the return of the sun - all we have had lately, for months it seems, are gray, overcast days. So depressing. Today however, is beautiful. Yesterday was beautiful. Hallelujah!

We went out yesterday to Belle Isle and reveled in it at the conservatory - so it was a double happy spot. Not only did we get the sun, but it was so toasty warm in there. And green!! Pretty sure we all left smiling.

Read Last Week:

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan: I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down, right from the very beginning. It was pretty perfect in my opinion. I'll be reading another Colgan book as soon as I can get my hands on one!

Reading This Week:

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews: I am so excited to read this! A review book from St. Martin's Press.

Watching:

We are still watching Riverdale - which might be getting better, although, Archie still.

We also watched all of the episodes of Big Dreams Small Spaces on Netflix and are obsessed. We need more Monty Don! And, we are watching The Gifted (still unsure on this show) and The Path, which has gotten excellent!

How about you guys?

Book Review: Here We Lie by Paula Treick DeBoard

2018-04-05T16:48:00.001-07:00

Title: Here We Lie by Paula Treick DeBoard
Source: Paula Treick DeBoard, in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Megan Mazeros and Lauren Mabrey are complete opposites on paper. Megan is a girl from a modest Midwest background, and Lauren is the daughter of a senator from an esteemed New England family. But in 1999, Megan and Lauren become college roommates and, as two young women struggling to find their place on campus, they forge a strong, albeit unlikely, friendship. The two quickly become inseparable, sharing clothes, advice and their most intimate secrets.

The summer before their senior year, Megan joins Lauren and her family on their private island off the coast of Maine. The weeks go by, filled with fun and relaxation, until late one night at the end of the vacation, something unspeakable happens, searing through the framework of the girls' friendship and tearing them apart. Many years later, in the midst of a political scandal, Megan finally comes forward about what happened that fateful night, revealing a horrible truth about Lauren's family and threatening to expose their long-buried secrets.

In this captivating and moving novel of domestic suspense, Paula Treick DeBoard explores the power of friendship and secrets and shows how betrayal can lead to disastrous, and deadly, consequences.

My Thoughts:

DeBoard is one of my favorites, and has been ever since I devoured her book The Mourning Hours in 2013. Ever since then, I excitedly wait for her next book - like all readers everywhere do, for those authors we particularly enjoy. I was so excited to receive this book, with a handwritten note from Paula Treick DeBoard, in the mail, and to dive right in.

Here We Lie is the story of two unlikely friends - one from a regular old midwestern family, the other, a daughter of privilege and prestige, the daughter of a Senator, and an old family to boot. Like the Kennedys, but of course, not the Kennedys. Through a sad series of events, Megan is able to kick the dust off her proverbial boots and go to college, away from home, and from the memories that it holds, good and bad, and a terrible secret. It is here that she meets Lauren, who has caused her political family some headaches with her wild ways, just avoiding scandal by a razor's edge. She has to prove herself to her family, that she can be something, and do something. Be responsible and good.

These two on paper should not be friends - but inside, they are keeping a secret from others. In true DeBoard fashion, there is a darkness. In most books or movies or tv shows, where opposites attract (Betty and Veronica for instance), at the core is a friendship born out of a true blending and sharing of something good. In Here We Lie, however, we get a friendship that is built on the sharing of dark secrets.

But the story doesn't end with this. Megan slides right into Lauren's family dynamic, Lauren's buddy.Yet something horrible happens on a trip to Lauren's family's private island over the fourth of July holiday the summer before their senior year, that destroys their friendship. And after fourteen years of silence, Megan is about to tell the truth.

I really loved this book, the darkness, these characters, knowing that somewhere something was going to drop. The overall feel that despite seeming like a buddy book, this kind of really wasn't. DeBoard does a great job of putting all the pieces in this book together into a gripping, thought-provoking book.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. It is woefully late - but the book is out there, waiting to be read, and I think you should do it!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-04-01T17:17:00.003-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Happy Easter, to those who celebrate!

We had a great day with family, welcoming springtime and renewal. We went out to my dad's and hung out with Wyatt's grands and aunts and uncle and cousins. It was relaxed and happy and full of chocolate.

Read Last Week:

Last week, I read Meadowland, which I absolutely adore, and part of Watership Down. Meadowland references Watership Down, and also the book that helped inspire Richard Adams, The Secret Lies of Rabbits. The two were similar, talking about the English countryside and the flora and fauna. No wonder I love Meadowland so much!

Reading This Week:

I'm going to be finishing up Watership Down, then moving on to one of these! I am not sure which, but I am leaning toward The Bookshop on the Corner.

Watching:

Superstore, Supernatural - all the supers, I guess. Supernatural's last episode was a cartoon mashup with Scooby Doo and it was awesome!!!!

We also stumbled onto a gardening show on Netflix, Big Dreams, Little Spaces and are strangely addicted to it. I think we are just craving an end to this cold weather, and are so ready to get outside, and see green, growing things.

How about you? What's been going on in your world?

The Sunday Post/It''s Monday! What Are You Reading?

2018-03-25T14:13:00.001-07:00

Check out the The Caffeinated Book Review for the Sunday Post

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date

Last week was all about change. Wyatt started preschool, and we are having to redo our routine. It's a work in progress! I feel like there is more time to blog and read on my horizon, at least on the days he goes to school. Or that is the plan anyway for now!

We had some great family time this Saturday, hanging out at the metropark then going out for lunch. It was a nice time - the weather was sunny but still cold. I am so ready to not have to wear a coat!

Read Last Week:

The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr: I really love reading about this family! This maybe was my favorite in this series so far!

Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave: Another great read for the week. I devoured it. So good. I do have to say I was a little shocked by the end!

Reading This Week:

It's time for my annual reread! My favorite book on earth.

I also have a bunch of books on hold - if one comes in, I will read that one as well.

Watching:

Superstore - this show is hilarious. It surprised us on how funny it is!!

Supernatural - we are trying to catch up but we aren't going to make it before the Scooby Doo episode that airs this week.

I'm also watching Drop Dead Diva on Netflix. I think I am feeling like easy breezy type tv and reads right now. Maybe because I have spring fever?

What about you all? Anything going on?

Book Review: Harry: Life, Loss, and Love

2018-03-20T16:56:00.004-07:00

Source: Received from Little Bird Publicity in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Respected biographer Katie Nicholl details the most insightful book on Prince Harry to date, based on exclusive interviews with former Palace aides, courtiers, friends, and family members, and including stories, clandestine lovers, family feuds, and family secrets never before revealed.

My Thoughts:

Honestly, I am not a big reader of biographies. My mom reads them almost exclusively, but I just never have gotten that into them. However, I was very much looking forward to this one, and it did not disappoint!

Yep, I am one of the Americans who loves the Royals. And Harry is Harry - in and out of trouble, it has seemed over the years. I really wanted to read this story, about the prince who lost his mother at a very young age, and who had to very publicly, grow up in the eye of the whole world really. He seems to have settled down, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does in this next chapter of his life.

It must be hard, to be a member of the royal family, and one who was third in line for the throne for most of his life. It seems a weird thing to say, doesn't it? These are people with just about anything they want at their fingertips. Yet everything they do is scrutinized to the nth degree, every move they make, every word they speak. Unlike celebrities, who choose to put themselves in the public eye, you can't help the family you are born into. You don't necessarily want that attention, yet you are going to have it. We have seen throughout history, struggles - Margaret, Andrew to name a few. And it seems Harry is part of those family members who struggled. The "spare" perhaps, has it maybe even harder, without knowing their exact true role. This is all very weird to, as an American. I don't necessarily understand how it all works - the titles, the language to describe it even at times. I was really thrown by the fact that Harry was called Harry Wales while in the military, and in different situations. I realize he is Prince Henry of Wales, so does that substitute as a last name, even though they are from the family of Windsor?

Anyway - I really felt for Harry in this book. No child should lose a parent when they are so young. How lost he must have felt. According to Nicholl, Harry had a special relationship with his mother, who always made sure her second born was taken care of, and not left behind or pushed aside. Or if he was, she was there for him. As a mother does. And being part of a family that is not really at liberty to be free with their emotions, or speak their feelings, it seems, made it even harder. It is no wonder that he wrestled with who he was and where he was headed, and made missteps - anyone would, losing their mother and then not dealing with it.

Then it appears that he also lost two loves of his life to the very fact that he is a part of the royal family. Too much pressure, not enough privacy, the women he loved could not reconcile themselves to the fact that their lives would have to change dramatically if they were to stay with Harry. It is a tall order, to have your life put under the microscope, and these women couldn't do it. Everyone knows what they can handle, and they knew that ultimately they could not bear it forever.

Not all sadness and loss, Harry seems to be full of hi jinks and mischief, energy and passion for living. Reading about him makes me think of how his grandfather Prince Philip is represented in The Crown. I am unsure about the accuracy of that portrayal, but he does remind me of Prince Philip. Active, love of sports and movement and energy, a desire to be in the military. And Harry was in the military, flying Apache helicopters, no small thing there. No matter who you are, they don't just let you fly one. He had to learn along with everyone else, and pass the same tests. You have to know what you are doing, and he showed his mettle. He even served in Afghanistan, which I didn't know. He is also following in his mother's footsteps, with his charitable works, founding a charity in Africa; working with William and Kate in the Heads Together campaign; working with wounded veterans; and finally, the work that Diana started and didn't get a chance to finish, removing land mines from countries.

One part did make me laugh. Nicholl was talking about William and Harry and their teen years and how Prince Charles allowed them to turn a basement room in one of their homes into their den. LOL. Just like every kid on earth, practically. I am sure their basement room was much larger and filled with many more gadgets and electronics and toys, but the idea is the same. It made me chuckle to even imagine.

Finally, Meghan. Seriously, she is beautiful! And I of course love that she is an American. She seems to be the perfect match for Harry. Confident in herself, confident in the new level of attention she is receiving, and loves him so much that she is willing to give up her career, her citizenship, and move to England to become whatever it is that she will become. The two seem made for each other, and I hope that they have a wonderful life together, full of happiness. And I of course, can't wait to watch the royal wedding!

I found this book to be a quick read, fast paced, interesting, with a natural flow. I really enjoyed it! I recommend it to those who are interested in reading about Harry Wales, and his life, and how he came to where he is now.