That Funky Time Of Year - The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

It's that time of year when you don't know what the heck to wear. The day can start off mild, and then by the time you are ready to leave work, there can be a snow shower. I'm hoping snow is done for the year. According to my weather forecast, this week should be light jacket weather. It's also time for the "Is it allergies or is it a cold?" game, which I do not like to play. 

How is spring shaping up for you?

This weekend, I finished reading Open Season by Jonathan Kellerman. This is the latest installment in the very long Alex Delaware series. I read the ebook. Usually, I only do the audios. I love the narrator, and I think he enhances my enjoyment of the series. My rating for the book is four stars. A good book in my opinion.

Streamingwise I watched the first three episodes of Black Mirror. The first episode is very sad. We also watched G20 starring Viola Davis, which was fun, and "One of Them Days" starring Keke Palmer and SZA which was wonderfully funny and fun! I would watch that again, and I hope they team up and do another buddy comedy. 

What have you been watching, reading, or listening to? 

Free Books and The Flu -The Sunday Post April is Here!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I started the week enjoying my last few days of Spring Break. On Monday, finished March by getting done with a bunch of author work and housework. Tuesday was municipal election day here in  Illinois and I volunteered at the polls for a great candidate running for a local school board. She didn't win, I hope she decided to run again, as a teacher, she would be a great addition to that school board. Wednesday was my wedding anniversary, we didn't do much, but we had already gone on a short road trip over the weekend.

I told my husband we could extend our anniversary celebration to this weekend and go downtown for the Hand Off protest. I even had a sign idea ready to make. Then on Friday, day three of being back at school, after lunch, every part of my body ached, and I was suddenly tired. When I got home I took my temperature and confirmed I had a fever. I went to bed and slept on and off until Saturday morning. The fever is gone now, but I'm still exhausted and have a headache and congestion. My Google research says I have the flu, and I think that is right. Ugh. I'm glad I had the flu vaccine, as I've had the flu without the vaccine before, and that was awful. This is just crummy. I'm pretty sure I caught this from a kiddo I work with because they were home sick on Wednesday and then came back on Thursday, but they were obviously still sick. That's the downside of working with preK kids, there are always sick kids and there isn't a good way to not catch cooties. 

The other day I shared a free book link. My novella, Surprise Party, is part of the giveaway. There are lots of romances, but also mysteries and thrillers available. 

Here is the link if you are looking for a new author to read or some quick reads: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7rfrm7oowk

What we watched this week: We finished The Residence, two big thumbs up from me. I love the quirky detective, and that it all took place in the White House. 

This month I've decided to read books with amnesia in them. Call it my amnesia April. Do you have any recommendations for me? 

What I'm reading:

And then something completely different. A haunted house story...

No Fooling! Get Some Free Books!

 I'm participating in a free novella/book giveaway for the entire month of April. There are over a hundred different books in the event.  My novella Surprise Party is one of the many books you can pick up. Here is the link so you can browse to your heart's content! I'm adding a bunch to my TBR--they're novellas so quick reads!  THE LINK: https://books.bookfunnel.com/aprilleadmagnetliftoff/izf2tzzz9z

I hope you enjoy any and all books you get. Tomorrow I return to school, but we only have three days of school this week, and then it's time for another weekend! Wahoo! I hope the weather is unseasonably warm on Friday and Saturday.  I will also be happy if it just doesn't snow. I don't like April snow, but April showers are fine!

Don't get fooled today! Happy April Fool's Day! 

Spring Break Wind Down - The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

It's a good thing I have a day job. Over spring break, I spent more than my typical paycheck on nonessentials!  To be fair, I was taking care of replacing things that were falling apart, like my running shoes. The facial I got also fits in the things falling apart territory. And I got the opportunity to spend time with the middle kiddo and his partner. We went out to lunch, and I treated, of course! 

I was part of a boozy book fair last Sunday, and I bought almost as many books as I sold. I've already read two of the books I got. Sugar's Cookies is a quirky, laugh-out-loud spicy novella, and Returning Home is a violence-packed mafia thriller. Two very different books! Next up, I'll be reading a romantasy from the same event. 

On the TV front, we finished "Reacher" season three. Have I mentioned that my plan for the summer is to have a "Reacher" summer where I read all the books?  I started planning for summer by putting the first three books on hold at my library. I'm going to do as many audiobooks in the series as possible. So if you see me out and about with headphones on this Summer, I'm spending time with Reacher. 

Do you have summer reading or viewing plans?

Five More School Days Until Spring Break!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Yes indeed, it's the final stretch before our school district is off until April 2nd! My fingers are crossed that the weather will be free of snow. This week we had some unseasonably warm weather and I wouldn't mind that weather popping back in when I'm on break. I'll be getting some things done during my break including:

For life maintenance: Two doctor appointments (routine follow-ups) 

For self-care: A facial and a massage!

For the writing life: I'm doing two boozy book fairs. One on the 23rd- to kick off my break, and one on the 29,-to wrap up my break. And a podcast recording this week as well!

I'm also looking forward to the show from Shondaland called The Residence and it looks like it is going to be fun. I love a closed-room mystery and the cast is stacked with great actors! 

What are you reading this week? I'm continuing on my Alex Delaware kick. I'm currently listening to this one:

Procrastination Post

 

I should be drafting my book right now, but instead, I'm writing this procrastination post. Writing is hard! 

When I am drafting a book, chores can suddenly become more appealing.  Look how clean my house is, yes I've only written 146 words today. Can you relate?  And this weekend I'm going to lose an hour due to the time change!  I'm being overly dramatic of course. 

Speaking of dramatic. If you have Hulu, you've got to check out the show Paradise starting and produced by Sterling K. Brown. It's really good! A unique story with some good twists. 

We have 11 more days of school until Spring Break and then we are down to the final quarter of school. I recently had the idea to read the Jack Reacher series this summer since I enjoy the TV show. I didn't check to see how many Reacher books there were. Turns out there are 28 books. How nice for me! This is going to be an action-packed summer break!

In Like A Lion, March is Here. The Sunday Post

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Well, we made it through another  February and finished the month. This weekend is a three-day weekend for me. Our school district has off Casimir Pulaski Day. Casimir Pulaski is recognized for his contributions to helping America in the Revolutionary War. This is when everyone in America didn't want to be ruled by a king. Fourteen school days after Pulaski Day, we have our spring break. 

I made a grievous error and scheduled an endoscopy I have to have for my day off. What was I thinking? I really, really should have used a sick day for it! I'm not looking forward to that tomorrow. I scheduled it for super early in the morning, so I will have most of the day afterward. I should spend the day in bed reading, right? Recuperate and all that? 

March also means it's time for me to start drafting my next book!  Your Mr. Brightside, will be out this summer (knock on wood). What plans do you have for March? 

Later this month I'll be at an adult book fair! These are so fun! Will I buy more books than I sell? A distinct possibility!!!

A Hint of Spring, Dare I Dream?

 

It's too early to start seedings but not too early to start garden planning. Yesterday, the hubs and I looked online for another raised garden to add to our front yard. Once it is in place we will officially have more garden than grass, which has been my goal!

I've got some new reusable silicone trays and soil ready for seeds come my spring break at the end of March. Last year I started herbs from seeds and it worked out well. We will see how the vegetable seeds go. 

I also ordered three tomato plants from the Chicago Tomato Man, He has an incredible amount of heirloom tomato varieties. You pick and choose what types you want and then in May, you pick up your plants! 

Below is a June picture of our garden last year.

Is there anything you do to help with the winter doldrums? 

        

Galentine Bonanza!

 There is a group on Facebook that I belong too and for February 13th, there was a big Galentine's Day party were tons of romance authors, including me, did giveaways. I gave away four ebooks and I wound up winning some books from other authors! 

Are you familiar with any of these authors?

and Satin Pleasures!

Now all I need to do is find some time to read. This week should be a pretty good week for finding reading time. How is your reading going? Have you read any new to you authors lately? 

Sunday Post Mid February: The Joy of Doing Nothing

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Today I have a spot at a local brewery vendor market. My goal is to sell some books and to get a tarot card reading. I need to figure out a good question to ask for the reading. I'm feeling out of sorts for several reasons. One, I don't care for a non-elected person who has too much money screwing up our governmental agencies. Two, it's the time of year when I start getting really tired of the cold. Third, I have a medical test coming up--it's totally a surveillance thing, but still, any and all medical stuff up to and including dental appointments give me PTSD.  Call me, Crankypants. 

I'm glad I have a fun event to enjoy today and readers to meet! Monday I have the day off and my plan is to embrace the joy of doing nothing. Maybe I'll even take a long bubble bath?

How are you faring this week?

My orchid bloomed! Joy in the midst of winter!

 

Feeling Crafty?

This month I find my calendar stuffed with activities involving me leaving the house. I don't know how this has happened. I don't like being out in the evening in the winter. I really dislike being in a cold car waiting for it to warm up surrounded by cold dark air. But here we are! Last week I went to a paint and sip night (see painting below), a program about Black music history (at my library), and a bunco fundraiser ( l lost eleven times and won seven). Later this month I have a paint night at my library, a Soul Food cooking class, and I am going to Love's Sweet Arrow for a panel of authors discussing sexy romance!

One reason this is happening is happenstance, and also because I'm not drafting any book right now. After drafting my last book during October and November, I realized I needed to plan my writing around my work schedule instead of writing despite my work schedule.  I also planned a longer drafting period so that I'm not feeling like my brain is fried. Some authors can write 3, 4, or 5 thousand words a day.  I'd rather write more days in a row at a lesser volume of words. I'll be drafting my next book in March and April since we have only 14 days of school in March and 18 in April. Then I'll draft two books this summer. And that will get me all my first drafts for 2025. 

How are you doing? Overall I think February is the gloomiest month of the year! 

Here is my painting. For this paint night, you get an outlined canvas to paint. I showed it to my kiddo who said, so it's like a coloring book but a painting. Yes, that's it exactly.  Looking at it after it dried, you can see that I have made the most 1980s-colored painting humanly possible! 

The Sunday Post. The Big Game, Do You Care?

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I don't pay much attention to football, but my husband enjoys it. I like to watch the awards shows each year, he likes the playoffs and the Super Bowl. He mentioned something about ordering pizza and that works for me. Are you planning to watch the game? Do you have a favorite football food?

I'm currently reading:

On the Brightside, Ten Special Editions of My New Book

Not long after I ordered paperback copies to sell at the Stupid Cupid Art Market, I realized the recipe I had put in the back of my book was missing butternut squash on the list of ingredients. Folks, I put the recipe for butternut squash soup in my book! 

I share this in case it makes anyone feel better about any mistakes they've made. I'm so glad I have an editor and a proof reader. In my next book I'll make sure to add the recipe before the book is proofread. I know both my editor and my proofreader would have caught my error.

Morals of my story:

1. Everyone makes mistakes--thankfully mine was easy to fix! I revised my files and uploaded corrected versions of my ebook and paperback! 

2. It's good to work with others! Teamwork makes my dream work!

This picture of my orchid is ten days old, now the buds are even bigger. Very soon it will bloom in Feburary for the third year. Something to look forward to in these trying times. 

Happy Black History Month! The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Happy Black History Month! I read that the administration is trying to cancel the celebration of Black History. Now IMO, Black History is America's history and it can't be canceled. This week I'm sharing some of my favorite Black authors and their books. 

Wishing you a good week in these trying times.

Wanna Read A Bodyguard Romance? BETRAYED by Eveline Rose

Do you enjoy Bodyguard romances? Enjoy a damsel in distress theme?  If you really crave a nice opposites attract, BETRAYED is one to read! BETRAYED is the fourth book in the Shepperd and Sons Investigations series. Each book features a member of the SSI staff saving someone. 

This is a standalone series. The series features found family--something I love! The romance happens behind closed doors. In this book, there is a big action-filled climax. We end the book with a nice HEA. I give this five stars based on me wanting to pick it back up as soon as possible every time I was interrupted and had to set it down!

Happy weekend reading! As always, if you read a book take a quick second when you are done to rate and/or review! It makes a big difference! Then tell a friend!

Here is a link for more info or to purchase: https://a.co/d/eKNaVgQ

 

Book Birthday Today! It App-ened One Night!

Out into the world, it goes! I hope people like it. I write stories I'd like to read, so hopefully there is a nice bunch of people out there who enjoy reading the same things I do. I also hope that we caught the typos between my editor, my proofreader, and my reviews!

When I was writing this book in October and November, there were days when I didn't think I'd ever finish it! Then I had it finished a week before it was due. 

Sometimes authors talk about their book babies and I didn't understand why until I was revising my first book. Writing a book is like being in labor. Once it's done and the baby has arrived you quickly forget the finer points of how arduous the whole process was to endure! 

So now the drafting process is almost a warm fuzzy memory and the finished version is ready for everyone! 

Here is the link to my website if you'd like to get any of my books or become a subscriber for bonus scenes, ARC opportunities, and other special perks. 

https://victoriahamelauthor.com

 

This Month Has Been Years Long, But We're Finally In The Last Week!

 Time for the January Cozy Mystery Book Club on YouTube!

This is my first time reading a book by author Olivia Blacke. Vinyl Resting Place, like all of the book the club reads, is a first in a series. First in the series books can be tricky, the author has to introduce us to characters and setting plus have a whole murder mystery on top of it! 

This book is about sisters who open up a vinyl record store outside Austin, Texas. When they are having their soft opening night a body is found! Their uncle is suspect, so the sisters have to clear him. Since the youngest sister Juni's only job is to work at the new record store, that is now a crime scene, she is the main character who is trying to solve this mystery. 

If you've read this book, come join us for the live stream on Tuesday. I had a 'wait, what?' moment in the book and I'm looking forward to seeing if I was the only one! 

It's going to be warm enough as this week continues that I won't have to wear my fleece-lined snow boots to work, which will be nice! 

Say There, Would You Like A Bunch of Free Books? The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

On Tuesday, over 1,000 romance ebooks will be free. Some are free on Kindle and some are free on a bunch of different places, so if you don't do Kindle but you do Nook or Apple Books or Kobo, you are in luck! You can go to https://romancebooklovers.com and pick what books you want to grab on Tuesday.

My first book No Gouda Without You is free under the small-town romance section of the website. If you plan to pick up some books let me know!

I have a cold or a sinus infection--to be determined, so I've been laying around hoping to feel better and trying to read. Here is what I've been reading:

Surviorship and a Blue Apron Meal I made my own.

 

I like Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch series. I also loved the idea of this series since it is supposed to be about a cancer survivor starting a book club for survivors of cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer, cancer treatments, and losing friendships and romantic relationships as a result of the cancer experience are talked about early and often in this book. That can be triggering for some people who are looking for a cozy mystery. 

I listened to the audio version of this book. I liked the narrator's voice but I didn't like when she changed her voice for the main character Rarity or the sidekick Sam. Overall I liked characters in the book. I wasn't sold on the killer, I thought I knew the motive, but I was off a bit. This is a book worth reading and I will pick up the second book in the series. I almost always like the second book in a series better than the first!

A couple of years ago, I got an order from Blue Apron and one of the meals was baked eggs and kimchi. It was so good! I make this dish often now, especially in the wintertime. It's good any time of day and it's delicious if you add gochujang sauce on top! 

Preheat oven to 430 degrees F.

Use cooking spray to coat a 9x9 baker or an oven-safe skillet

Then add these ingredients to the pan:

2 tbsps minced ginger ( I use the frozen ginger that is minced already.)

2 tbsps minced garlic (or more if you love garlic)

3 green onions chopped

1 cup of mushrooms chopped

6 oz of baby spinach

2 tbsp sesame seed oil

3/4 cup of kimchi

1 cup of rice 

2 cups of water.

Mix that all up and cover the pan or skillet with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

Take it out of the oven and mix everything up.

Then make 4 wells in the kimchi rice, crack an egg in each well. 

If you want--add rinsed sugar snap peas on top wherever you don't have an egg.

Put back in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until the eggs are set!

Then enjoy! If gochujang sauce is too spicy, try a little drizzled hoisin sauce on top. 

The Sunday Post. I'm Ready For a Day Off, How About You?

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I've been trying something new to better organize my writing/author time. I get up at 4:45am. I started participating in Monday through Friday Zoom that's called the Five a.m. call.  On the call, each person says a win for the previous day and shares three things they will accomplish for the day. Just saying out loud what I plan to achieve makes it about 85% more likely to happen. 

Do you have any tricks to get things done?

Yesterday I was a guest on the podcast Skip to the Good Parts

Here is a bit about the podcast:

We interview your favorite romance authors! Join your co-hosts, Cara Lockwood/Cara Tanamachi, a USA Today bestselling author of more than 35 books whose first novel, I Do (But I Don't) was made into a Lifetime Original movie, and her co-host, husband, and real-life romantic hero, PJ, (co-host of the Braving Business Podcast) as they get to know the writers behind your favorite Happily-Ever-Afters. 

We'll skip to the good parts - of new books, backstories, and inspirations. Join us and add a little more Happily Ever After to your day! 

It was really fun and when the episode comes out, I'll let you know. 

I'm currently reading Cara's book The Second You're Single it's a really fun rom-com that takes place in February, so a perfect mood read! 

Do You Know How To Read Cursive?

 I came across this information in a news story and had to start sharing it with everyone I know!

Cool Thing I Must Share With You!

Do you know how to read cursive? It has become a skill that fewer and fewer people have, and that means you are special! The National Archives needs volunteers to help transcribe documents. All you need to do is go to their website, create an account, and pick your mission! Here are a few missions I saw that looked interesting:

• Report, "American Press on Divergencies Between the Members of the North Atlantic Treaty," Full Text of 27 November Pravda Article Broadcast by Radio Moscow Transcribe this record.
• Winston Churchill to Franklin D. Roosevelt Transcribe this record.
• Journal of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon Transcribe this record.

If you are a history buff or made a resolution to try new things, here is something you can do, and then you can say you are a part of the historical record! This is the link to the website to sign up: https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/get-started-transcribing

What do you think? If I do this, can I add it to my resume? 

I hope you are having a great day! I'm working on my goal to read books I own. Here is this week's read! 

Can You Ever Have Enough Notebooks?

 Meet my new notebook. My husband was very befuddled that I need a notebook to write down recipes when I could just save the links to the online recipes I like. He's not wrong. I don't need this...

In my defense, look at these pages!

There are little boxes you can check and lines for lots of ingredients and there is a big box to make future notes! I can't wait to fill it up with only the best recipes! I recently made a tomato soup from Blue Apron and it was very tasty so now I'm working on making some changes to it and adding a few ingredients. I'm thinking of adding zucchini and maybe orzo pasta to the soup. I will keep you posted! 

How is your week going? Have you gotten any reading in? Here is a quote from On The Edge that I loved. This is from the first book in Anne at Books of My Heart's read along. If you'd like to get in on the read along here is the link: https://booksofmyheart.net/2024/12/01/read-along-giveaway-edge-innkeeper-by-ilona-andrews/

The Sunday Post- First Full Week of January is Complete

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

How did your week go? It was busy here, what with the having to go back to work after break and my mother-in-law's funeral. It was also cold and that makes me being able to run more difficult. Not only is it cold, but you have to try not to slip on ice. I don't know about you but I don't like falling down! 

I'm continuing to work on less scrolling and more reading! How are you doing with your New Year goals? 

I've wanted to read this book for a while and when I saw it on Hoopla I grabbed it. 

I read and reviewed On the Edge for Anne's Blog:

And I also read Vinyl Resting Place by Olivia Blacke. I'll write about that later this month becuase it's the January read for the Cozy Mystery Book Club!