"Fall Into Your Sunlight"

It has been an interesting start to the new year. Some good things some bad but still trying to keep going. I trying to keep up with my goals of writing and exercise as well as being more in the moment. I am also trying to continue even if mess up and miss a day or two, I don't want to use that as an excuse to stop. Our family hike was a ton of fun. It was four miles along a river to a dam and the water was rushing by. It was very pretty the sky was overcast so although it was cool it wasn't freezing. We all had a good time. Also before winter break was over we went to City and saw Hamilton! The cast did such a great job. I definitely cried at the end. I loved it. I also learned an important life lesson of checking pricing before order a non-alcoholic mixed drink. It was 23 dollars! and no free refills. lol It was also delicious it was pineapple fruit juice mixed with earl grey tea and elderflower. So good.

I have been having good luck with books so far I've read: 1 sci-fi, 1 fantasy, 1 YA mystery, and 1 historical mystery.

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley

This was a very enjoyable fantasy book. Kenna starts off the story as a poor villager who is basically a pariah. When her friend Anya is chosen to walk through the local deadly swamp as a gift for the fae on the other side, Kenna as someone familiar with the safe paths goes with her. Eventually Kenna finds herself a servant of the House of Earth and must help Lara the daughter of the house to pass the trials every fae must pass in order to gain immortality. This is a very readable book, and I found myself staying up late several times in order to read just a little bit longer. Kenna was fully fleshed out character and I appreciated her tenacity and willingness to play at being the perfect servant in order to find a way to escape. The learning curve for a human in the fae world was handled in this book better than in most fantasy books I have read. The trials were exciting and well thought out. The romances took an interesting turn in the story and so I am intrigued to see where it goes in the next book. Kenna's friendships with Anya and Lara are the true heart to the story and the fact that Kenna's love for them was considered just as important was awesome. All in all, I can't wait for the next book in the series.


The Ides of April by Lindsey Davis

I have been wanting to read this book for a while and finally was able to this week. I didn't realize when I started that the Flavia Albia mystery series is actually an offshoot of an earlier series by the author Marcus Didius Falco. So, I was probably missing some inside information and easter eggs that I would've had had I read that series first. Having said that, I still enjoyed this book for the most part. I loved learning more about everyday life in Ancient Rome. I liked the protagonist Flavia she is an independent woman in a time when it was very much a man's world so her position in society is rare and precarious. I also found her job as investigator to be quite fascinating as well. I thought the mystery was a tad disappointing just because I think the killer was a bit too obvious really early on in the story. But I still quite enjoyed myself and plan to continue on with the series.
( Read more... )How has your 2025 been so far?

I am doing much better since my last post. Apparently, the small cold I had was Covid and was pretty miserable most of the weekend. To cope I ended up bingeing a couple of seasons of Columbo. I ended up really liking the show. Up until that weekend I think I had only watch one or two of the tv movies. I liked how calm Peter Falk plays the rumbled detective; it ended up making a show about murder pretty soothing. lol Plus I liked getting to see all of the seventy's clothing and design. One of the good things that happened in the past two weeks is my eldest graduated high school. I am so proud of them and all the hard work they put into school. House renovations is going well my husband is working on the redoing the porch as it had sprung a leak over the winter and some of the wood needed replacing. In between helping with the repairs I am looking for a job and have put in a couple of applications. One was for my local library. Although technically I qualify, I know it is a long shot, but I wanted to try as I have always wanted to work in a library. I have mostly been looking for data entry and customer service jobs. I can always go back to substitute teaching, but I didn't really like how I never knew from one day to the next where I was going to work or what I would find once I got there. Plus kids can be really rough on a substitute so it can be a long day if you end up with a class of really ornery students. But fingers crossed I can find something else.

This week I read: 2 mysteries, 1 sci-fic, and 1 historical mystery.

Death on Board by Anita Davison
Young governess Flora Maguire is on her way home from America on the maiden voyage of the S.S. Minneapolis with her young charge Eddy, Viscount Trent, when she discovers a dead body.
Unconvinced when the death is pronounced an accident, Flora starts asking questions, but following threats, a near drowning and a second murder, the hunt is on for a killer. Time is running out as the Minneapolis approaches the English coast. ~Goodreads Description
I love a good historical mystery and I LOVE an isolated mystery. So, when I saw this book took place in Edwardian times on a ship crossing the Atlantic, I knew I had to read it. Especially, when I saw that one of the main characters went by the name of Bunny. (One of my all-time favorite characters is Bunny Manders from Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman.) I ended up really enjoying this book. I liked both Flora and Bunny, they had good chemistry together. The mystery was well thought out and the side characters were fairly interesting. The author used the setting, of them all being trapped together on a ship for a whole week, to perfection. I'm glad I tried Davison again and found a book I enjoyed. I will probably continue on in the series.

Glory in Death by J.D. Robb


How are you guys doing?

I can't believe it is the end of April already. Time is flying by but yet some days seem to drag as well so I have never been able to figure that one out. We have been busy trying to fix all of the things that we have been putting off to one day in the future. Right now, we are working on our bedroom, some of the wiring and drywall needed replacing and the whole room needs a new coat of paint. So, my husband and I have been relegated to the living room when it is time to sleep. So needless to say, I haven't been sleeping very well but it is only for a short time and hopefully by next week we will be done. We did have a fun Saturday last weekend. It was Independent Bookstore Day on and every year some of the local bookstores hold a book crawl. Where you are given a brochure with each bookstore's information and then you go to as many as you want and get your paper stamped. At the end you turn it in and are entered in to win all sorts of prizes. Plus, all the bookstores have other activities as well, like musicians, poetry readings, scavenger hunts, and even a farmer's market. It is honestly one of my favorite days of the year. As it gives me an excuse to buy books and not feel guilty.

This week I read: 1 paranormal romance, 2 urban fantasies, and 1 cozy mystery.


Risky Whisky by Lucy Lakestone
This was a great start to a new cozy mystery series for me. I do not drink but I have always had a fascination with cocktails and the way bartenders mix drinks and all the different combinations they come up with. So even though I may not be the best judge of this I do think the drink portion of this book was highly compelling. The mystery was well-plotted and also kept my attention. I did feel bad for one of the characters (who was a total sweetheart) when the murder was unmasked, you could tell they were totally heartbroken. The main character Pepper was a great protagonist to follow around and I liked her interactions with the other characters. One of the things that both worked for me and at the same time didn't was Pepper and Neil's on-again off-again flirting. I liked their chemistry but every time they were starting to get closer something would happen and after a while, it felt a bit overdone. Hopefully, that corrects itself further into the series. I am looking forward to the next one.


Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire
This is the third book in the Incryptid series. I was a bit worried when I saw that this book was a pov shift from Verity, the main character in the first two novels, to her older brother Alex. Thankfully, I enjoyed Alex just as much. In fact, I liked his job as a biologist better as I have always loved biology. I thought the plot was well-written and fairly interesting. One of the things that bothered me though was sometimes the dialogue felt a bit too quippy. Other than that, it was a good time. I am looking forward to reading more.

( Two More Under the Cut... )

How was your April?

I can finally post without having to explain I have been sick. \o/ My whole family has been well for almost two weeks now. I am super pleased by that. Cookie season is in full swing for the Girl Scouts, and we had a couple of booth sales this past weekend. One in front of a pet store and the other in front of a grocery store. They were both fairly busy. Now that GS can take both cash and card (through an app) we get a lot more sales as not everyone carrys cash. We have about a month left and I signed us up for at least a couple of booths every weekend. It is a fun stressful time but usually by the middle of March I am ready to be done. lol I am also on the job hunt again. I had put it aside when my dad got ill as I had to take care of him but now, I am looking around again. The problem is I need either a remote job or one that is local and can work around my schedule. So, I am looking around, but I want to be careful especially with remote jobs as they can be a scam. Other than that, not much has been going on.

This week I read: 1 Historical mystery, 1 Contemporary romance, 1 YA fantasy, and 1 Paranormal mystery.

Poltergeist by Kat Richardson
Harper Blaine was your average small-time PI until she died - for two minutes. Now she's a Greywalker - walking the thin line between the living world and the paranormal realm. And she's discovering that her new abilities are landing her all sorts of "strange" cases.
In the days leading up to Halloween, Harper's been hired by a university research group that is attempting to create an artificial poltergeist. The head researcher suspects someone is faking the phenomena, but Harper's investigation reveals something else entirely - they've succeeded. And when one of the group's members is killed in a brutal and inexplicable fashion, Harper must determine whether the killer is the ghost itself, or someone all too human. ~Goodreads Description

I read the first book in the Greywalker series some time ago, and I remember I had very lukewarm feelings about it overall. I ran across the second book in the series and decided to give it a try. I am glad I did. I greatly enjoyed the second much more. I love a good P.I. mystery story and adding in the paranormal is an intriguing bonus. Plus, Harper is a great pov character. I am still a bit confused about how the otherworldly Grey works but so is Harper so I think the author did that on purpose. I love that Harper is a competent detective and does the best she can for her clients. The mystery in this book was interesting and well thought out. I greatly look forward to the next one.


The Devil's Feast by M. J. Carter
The Devil's Feast is a great addition to the Avery & Blake series. I don't think it is quite as good as the first two, but it is still great. I like how Avery is kind of thrown into the deep end as Blake has been detained. As much as I appreciated the change, thankfully that situation didn't last too long as I like these books best when Avery and Blake work together. The mystery was a good one although I did guess whodunnit early on. I love all the historical details the author puts into these books. (It also cemented for me that I would not like to live in Victorian England.) All in all, a great book and I am bummed the author has never written more in this series.
( Two more under the cut )

How is your week going so far?

My week has been a productive reading week, other than that I feel like I can't get a grip on the housework. Our house is not filthy just messy, and I have been trying to get it in some sort of order, but it feels like every time I turn around there is another mess. I'm tired of it. It is difficult though with us living in such a small house and the kids tend to be less than helpful. Plus, we have been battling various sicknesses since the end of last year. It seems like we just get over something and someone brings home something different. I have heard from a few people there is a lot of viruses going around this year. I am thinking that if I clean in a more organized fashion than I will see visible progress which will help me stay motivated. But enough of that I am hoping to have a date night with my husband this weekend so we can have some one-on-one time together. It seems like both of us is always running from one thing to another. There is a Mexican restaurant in town that opened up recently and they have the best food, so I am hoping we can go there. Also, I have a movie theater gift card that I have been meaning to use and I a hoping to see this:


This week I read: 1 historical romance, 1 mystery/thriller, 1 historical mystery, and 1 Sci-Fi.


Holmes, Marple, & Poe by James Patterson and Brian SittsUnfairly Caught by Bethany Delleman

It has been a while since I have done one of these posts, but I would like to get back into the habit as I quite enjoy them. My 2024 hasn't gotten off on a great start as the family was horribly sick for the first week. We never tested positive for Covid, but it sure felt like the Covid I had last year. Thankfully we are all better now. Other than that, I haven't been up to much, just working and keeping the kids on schedule as schools are back in session. I don't know if any of you guys saw the Doctor Who specials, but I quite enjoyed them and I thought the new Doctor did a great job! And the trailer looks awesome for the new season:


I have been in a mystery mood, so all of these are variations of that: 1 contemporary mystery, 2 historical mysteries, and 1 historical thriller.

They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie

How has the beginning of 2024 been treating you guys?
 

I can't believe it is time to sign up for next year's reading challenges already.  2024 is only three days away and I am so not ready.  I am always so excited to sign up for these challenges and I am so very thankful to the people who run them! Plus, I love getting to talk to others about what we are all are reading.  This post is also so I can keep straight what I have signed up for.  If you guys have any recs for reading challenges, I would love to have them as I am always wanting to have more options.  

1. I am once again signing up for Mount TBR.  Basically, you are trying to read a certain amount from your own selves before you read from other sources.  I have increased my level each year and after counting my physical books and my ebooks I have definitely more than enough for the Mount El Toro which is 75 books from my TBR in a year.  lol Finished!

2. I also have signed up once again for Cloak & Dagger challenge.  It is all about the mystery/thriller genre.  Since it is one of my favorites, I decided to sign up for the Sherlock Holmes level which is 56+. Finished! 

3. Plus I have several challenges ongoing in the Lost Challenge group over on Goodreads.  If you like reading challenges they have a great variety and are constantly starting new ones.  

4. I am also continuing a challenge that I started last year where I try to read down the series, I am still interested in continuing: 

( Lists... )
Are you guys signing up for any new reading challenges in 2024?

This week as been a WEEK for lack of a better description. Lots of worry and needless drama due to family, whom I love, but they can seriously stress me out. Moving on. Other than that, I have had some enjoyable reads this week. A couple of weeks ago there was a stuff your kindle day, which is a day where a bunch of authors will off up a ton of free books all at once so people can try them out and see if they like their writing. I try to not get too many because if I have too many unread e-books hanging out on my reading apps it starts to stress me out but at the same time, I have found some of my favorite independent authors through this promotion. There were some really great sounding books on there, but I managed to keep it to manageable amount. I can't wait to get to them all. I have already started to read some and will hopefully be able to share them with you guys soon.

This time I read: 2 historical mysteries, 1 middle grade fantasy, and 1 YA superhero novel.

Fury of the Dragon Goddess by Sarwat Chadda
Sarwat Chadda is such a great writer. I loved his previous book City of the Plague God and so when I saw the sequel was out, I had to pick it up. I really enjoyed getting to go on another adventure with Aziz and the rest of the gang. This time they are in London and supposed to be on vacation instead they accidentally make a wish on a sacred tablet and end up changing the past and the future. This was a gripping emotionally driven action-packed story. I of course loved all the action and adventure, but I loved the found family feel between all the characters even more. I would recommend this entire series.

The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin
Moscow, May 1876: What would cause a talented young student from a wealthy family to shoot himself in front of a promenading public in the Alexander Gardens? Decadence and boredom, most likely, is what the commander of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Moscow Police thinks, but still he finds it curious enough to send the newest member of the division, Erast Fandorin, a young man of irresistible charm, to the Alexander Gardens precinct for more information.

Fandorin is not satisfied with the conclusion that this is an open-and-shut case, nor with the preliminary detective work the precinct has done—and for good reason: The bizarre and tragic suicide is soon connected to a clear case of murder, witnessed firsthand by Fandorin. There are many unresolved questions. Why, for instance, have both victims left their fortunes to an orphanage run by the English Lady Astair? And who is the beautiful "A.B.," whose signed photograph is found in the apparent suicide's apartment? Relying on his keen intuition, the eager sleuth plunges into an investigation that leads him across Europe, landing him at the deadly center of a terrorist conspiracy of worldwide proportions. ~Goodreads Description

This book is so confusing to review because it was such an up and down reading experience. I had a hard time getting into the beginning of the story but by time I got to the middle, I was really enjoying myself. I also liked the conclusion, and I thought I was going to give this book a four-stars but then I read the epilogue, and the book dropped a full star for me. I REALLY did not like a choice the author made within the last few pages. Since I already own the third book, I may end up reading it, but I am not sure.
( Two more under the cut... )

How was your guy's week?

This week has been a busy one what with the kids going back to school. The district we are in are on a modified traditional schedule, so they always start back earlier than most schools. So, I have been trying to get back into the swing of things and making sure they also remember everything they need to remember. Other than that, my husband received a couple of tickets to our favorite baseball team playing against their rivals. Baseball is more my husband's thing than it is mine. I don't mind it being on the television, but I don't really watch it, I usually find something else to do when it is on. However, I do like to go to an occasional game. I find them much more interesting in person. Plus you have all the really good food that they serve at games nowadays. Although it has gotten really expensive! I paid almost $13 dollars for a coke and a bottled water! If you can believe it. The game was fun although we were sitting in full sun the whole time and even with applying a ton of sunscreen, I still ended up missing the inside of my left arm. It was a bit ouch-y for a day or so but it is all better now.

This week I read: 1 historical mystery, 1 biography, 1 fantasy, and 1 YA historical mystery.

Murder Under a Red Moon by Harini Nagendra

When new bride Kaveri Murthy reluctantly agrees to investigate a minor crime to please her domineering mother-in-law—during the blood moon eclipse, no less—she doesn't expect, once again, to stumble upon a murder.
With anti-British sentiment on the rise, a charismatic religious leader growing in influence, and the fight for women's suffrage gaining steam, Bangalore is turning out to be a far more dangerous and treacherous place than Kaveri ever imagined—and everyone's motives are suspect. ~Goodreads Description
I am loving this series. The Kaveri and Ramu series takes place in 1920's Bangalore, India. I love the main pov character Kaveri, she is smart, kind, and an all-round good person. Kaveri and Ramu have such a lovely relationship. They have only been married for a year and they have such love and respect for each other it is such a delight to read. I also like that Kaveri has gathered other women around her from all castes and religions and how they all end up helping with the mystery and each other when one of them has a problem. The mystery was a good one and I loved getting to learn more about this time in India.

Still Just a Geek by Wil Wheaton
I first became aware of Wil Wheaton from watching the movie Stand By Me, but it was his turn as Wesley Crusher on TNG that really grabbed my attention. Wesley was a character I could relate to and as a kid at the time I loved that I got to see someone my age in outer space having adventures. Still Just a Geek is a really interesting well-written book. I love that the author took their original book Just a Geek and annotated an updated version of it. Annotated books are some of my favorite books. I find all the additional information at the bottom to be very fascinating. That said, this is one of the most annotated books I have ever read, and it got a bit overwhelming every once in a while. Other than that, I really enjoyed the journey the author took us on, you can really see the author's growth as a person and as a writer as you read through the pages. I am glad I ended up reading this autobiography and I wish Mr. Wheaton nothing but the best.
( Two More Under the Cut... )
How is your week going? 

Has it been a week already? Time is flying by, and I have been very busy here lately. Lots of appointments and running to and fro. We didn't really do much for Memorial weekend but maybe just relaxing was just what we needed. We are also prepping to redo the cabinets in the kitchen. They are from the 70's and a medium wood color, and at this point look very dingy and old. We are going to sand them and paint them white and put new pulls on them. We can't really afford to replace them, so we are instead going to redo the ones we have. We have also picked out new tiles for the backsplash. They are very colorful, and I love them. Once done I will have to show you guys pictures. It will be a lot of work but worth it in the end. Also, my daughter's birthday party is coming up. She wants me to make red velvet cake for her. I have never understood her fascination with red velvet cake. I mean it tastes alright, but I have never craved it. She on the other hand loves it and asks for it a lot. Plus it makes her happy and that makes me happy.  Do you guys like it?

This week I read: 1 Classic, 1 Paranormal, 1 Romance, and 1 YA Mystery

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
Soul Taker by William Massa
This was a good sequel for the most part. I especially liked the fact that Vesper, Simon's assistant played a bigger role in the story. Also, I liked that both know they have feelings for each other they just don't think it is wise to act on them. Soul Taker is under 200 pages and I wish it was longer because the ending has a very to-be-continued feel to it. I have two more in the series on my kindle so I will be continuing on.
How's your guys week going?