Ho-Ho-Ho RAT Holiday Cookie Recipe Exchange! Share and be entered to win!

 

I'm super excited to be a blog challenge host this year! Have you signed up to be part of the 2025 Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon? If not, here is the link: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html 

I have a stack of Christmas-themed reads I'll be reading during the readathon. 

And when you're taking a little break from your reading, share a cookie recipe you love below, and you will be entered to win a $10 gift card! 

I've got my family's buy-in for a day of cookie baking this December, and I'd love to try some new cookie recipes. Please share a favorite below--and if you don't bake, just search for your favorite cookies to eat and then share that recipe!

Happy reading! I'm going to go make some cocoa now so I'll be ready for some cookies! 

A picture of Christmas past cookies!

The Sunday Post- Almost time for the mountains!

 

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 can stay up late tonight because tomorrow we have weird work hours. It's the parent-teacher conference time of year! I should still get up at the regular time because I need to make sure we are all packed to head down to the mountains for Thanksgiving. My goal is to get at least one book read while we are gone. 

Do you have any special plans this week?

I'm planning to get a Buc-ees Christmas shirt.

Ah sunset in the mountains

All the inclines you could ever want!

I'm taking my stack of reads for the Ho-Ho-Ho RAT! Have you signed up to join in the fun? Click here for the scoop! 

Looking for a Historical Romance set at Christmas? I got you!

Lady Jennet Gordon has led a charmed life until rumors about her father’s finances circulate, followed by a tragic but suspicious accident. Two years later, a distant cousin, knicknamed The Hangman, is set to assume the title. Will he throw them out at Christmastide? Barnabus Gordon is the grandson of a pirate and the son of a privateer. Using the cutthroat lessons learned in his childhood, he buys out shipowners in financial distress and accrues his own fleet. The gruff Gordon plans to settle the issue of his newly acquired English estate and return to the sea. Until one kiss ignites a Yule log of passion and holiday magic that refuses to be extinguished.

Add this one to your Chistmas list or pick it up today! https://books2read.com/merrymazes-magicmistletoe

USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series and historical romances have received multiple awards and nominations as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine. Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her sweet Regency spin-off series Once Upon a Widow, and a steamy Scottish Regency series, A MacNaughton Castle Romance. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, launched in 2025. Love’s Curiosities, her upcoming sweet Regency series with a touch of magic, launches in 2026.

 

The Sunday Post -- Mid November!

 

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.

Yesterday was my son's birthday, and once it's past, I'm ready for full-on holiday mode. I know, wait til after Thanksgiving and all that--but, I like to have the extra preparation time so I don't get so stressed out. And frankly, with this economy, I started shopping at the end of summer. I need to parcel out the cost of gifts over as many paychecks as possible. 

Speaking of the holiday season, this year I'm participating in the Ho-Ho-Ho Read-a-thon! I'm even hosting a challenge. My challenge is a Holiday Cookie (recipe) Exchange! The official post where you can add your recipe for a chance to win a $10 GC will be up on 11/26. 

But first you should join the Ho-Ho-Ho Read-a-thon here so you are eligible to participate and win prizes! Here is the link: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html

I'm currently finished revising my book and it will be ready for ARC readers by next weekend. Would you like an ARC copy of the book?  Fill out my form here: https://forms.gle/jxEp6PEVQ1x4d5Ut7

Last night we watched "A Merry Little Ex-Mas" starring Alicia Silverstone. It was cute. If you like Christmas movies, it's worth the watch! 

My son wanted to carve pumpkins for his birthday!

Have a great week! 

Author Spotlight! Freefalling in the Moonlight

What a beautiful cover! Audrey Lynden books always look so inviting! Read to learn more about it?

A daring love story … facing the past, finding a voice, and falling for the one who never let go. After a high-profile case goes awry, defense attorney Rob Reid escapes Chicago and drives to his easy-going hometown in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Dog sitting for his famous brother and tinkering with his vintage sports car sound like the perfect reprieve…until he crosses paths with his one true love, Maddie Logerquist. Once inseparable, a fateful decision turned to tragedy and tore the two apart.

To safeguard her late mother’s legacy, Maddie has returned home to Baileys Harbor. A New York fashion stylist and influencer for the past decade, Maddie now must brave daddy long-legs, decrepit lighthouses and fundraising fiascos in the tiny lakeside town. Then while reconnecting to her roots, she trips into her first and only love, Rob Reid.

As Rob and Maddie navigate old wounds, fresh sparks fly. But when a high-profile scandal threatens Maddie’s safety and reputation, she must fight back to reclaim her voice. Without a doubt, Rob stands beside her. Except when justice is on the line and gossip battles with truth, a newly mended love might not survive.

Rob and Maddie have another chance… Will they dive in and hang tight or will their love go adrift again?

More about the author:

Tricia Quinnies writes contemporary women’s fiction under the pen name Audrey Lynden. Living in Wisconsin, she’s inspired by her home state’s charming small towns, celebrity residents, the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and quirky traditions. Her modern romances will make you laugh, cry and cheer. With her love of British mysteries, jaunty capers find their way into her stories. She favors writing—second chances, hope, empowerment, and satisfying endings. No cliffhangers. Audrey is a mom to three incredible sons and has a Hollywood crush on her husband. He was once told he looked like George Clooney and he’s never forgotten! As a journalism major, she’s inclined to keep up with news but has an affinity for celebrity gossip and pop culture. Every winter, she binges all seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

You can pick up a copy of Freefalling in the Moonlight: https://www.amazon.com/Freefalling-Moonlight-Brothers-Audrey-Lynden/dp/0997340053/

 

Author Spotlight! Samara Reed! Sheltered Hearts

 Bodie Davis has been unsure of love for a long time. Being a local legend will do that to a man. But when he steps into the middle of a domestic dispute and his neighbor needs somewhere to go, he finds himself falling for both her, and the daughter he never knew he wanted.

Trix Harper doesn't have the best track record with men. So when her neighbor Bodie swoops in to stop her boyfriend's rage, yet again, she is reluctant to believe his motive is simply to help. What she doesn't expect is the way his eyes sparkle when he interacts with her daughter, or the way his gentle touch soothes the ache deep inside her. When Bodie and Trix finally admit to the fire burning between them, will it be enough to allow them each to find the love they've thought they were destined to live without? Sheltered Hearts is a story about the way love blossoms from broken things, and the beautiful family that grows in its wake.

I love how the title fits the story. Their hearts are sheltered. He finds himself giving shelter to her. Ready to read the story of Bodie and Trix? You can get it from Amazon: https://a.co/d/3TmUrHB or from Samara's website at https://authorsamarareed.net/products/sheltered-hearts-epub-digital-download

Samara is a mom of two small humans (one that's taller than her), and 3 dogs (2 little ones that think their big and a big that thinks she's a cat!) and a dedicated wife to the most amazing and supportive man she's ever encountered. She lives in a small town in the mid-west and is reading or creating nail polish strips when she's not writing or taking photos. She loves loose leaf tea, music and cozy blankets and loathes cold weather and snow.

The Sunday Post! November Goes Quickly

 

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.

This is probably the last year my school district will be off on Veteran's Day. The school board wants us to be in line with our local high school and they are in session. This year it falls on a Tuesday, so I have work tomorrow and then go back to work on Wednesday. I'll take it. Next year they'll have some sort of special program to address Veteran's Day. Since our school is preK to first grade, I don't know that they will 'get' what Veteran's day is all about. 

We've beem watching a show called "One Cemetary Road" on Apple and it's very good. It stars Emma Thompson and she's fantastic. I'm also watching Hallmark Christmas Movies as they come out. I got the Hallmark+ for a year. It's $80 and you can watch all the movies the day after they premier plus $5 off each month at Hallmark and other good deals. 

I've been listening to The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. It's facinating, like all of his books. 

What have you been up to? 

View from the Tavern on Woodlake restaurant in Kohler, WI. 

Author Spotlight Rose Adam! Santa and His Magical Mates

I'm Rose Adam and I write sweet with heat, low angst, lots of fluff, out of the box stories!

 If you are in the mood for the Christmas season and sexy Santa stories, Santa and His Magical Mates is now out! 

Santa exists in his magical North Pole home and is racing against time to find his fated mate before the Christmas spirit candle dims. For ages, he focused solely on the naughty list, but his head elf, Bernie, has devised a solution. With a new program for the naughty list, Santa gains free time and realizes his mate is in danger, prompting him to take action. Ella, raised in high society, has become a snobbish socialite, but when a friend leaves for a new life, she yearns for change. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Ella encounters more than she expected, including a cat that leads her into a risky adventure. She unexpectedly meets a legendary figure and seizes the opportunity for a fresh start. Frost, the admittedly handsome Jack Frost, has secretly been attracted to the big guy, Santa, for eons. Thinking he was doomed to his unrequited love until a special someone shows up to the North Pole. Frost is drawn to Ella as much as Santa and it isn't made clear right away that he was meant for both of them. With Christmas approaching and secrets unfolding, an evil force threatens Santa's mission, Frost is called to duty, and Ella is determined to help. Utilizing her resources and the support of North Pole citizens, she fights for the gift of a new life.

Ready to dive in? https://books2read.com/SantasMagicalMates

The audio version of this book is also available! 

#TheSundayPost It's Fall Back Week!

 

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.

The good thing about working school hours is that I always get off work before it's dark outside--even when the days are short. Back when I worked downtown, it would be dark when I left to go to work and dark when I left the office to catch the train. 

I caught a cold this week so I've been drinking lots of tea. My favorite right now is a cinnamon rooibis that I got on my trip to Galena, IL.  Do you drink tea? Do you have a favorite type? I like to add local honey. If it is a mint tea, I like to add a splash of non-dairy milk. 

Exciting author news! I won third place for romance in the Book Fest Fall Awards. for my book It App-ened One Night! Yay! 

Recently, my husband bought a very inexpensive starter kit to make soy candles. Wish us luck as we try our hand at candle-making this week. If the candles work out, I'm going to give some to people for Christmas. We will see! I try to remember to take a picture of the finished result. 

I hope you are having a good weekend. I also hope I get to read, I feel like a good thriller!

The Fireside Book Cafe!

I belong to a reader and author group on Facebook, and we are doing an Advent Calendar game. If you like fun contests and are on Facebook, you can join the "Fireside Book Cafe" and be part of the fun! There are lots of author takeover days where authors in all sorts of genres give away ebooks, audiobooks, and physical books. 

Social media is a dumpster fire most of the time and is getting filled with more and more ads and AI videos. This group is a nice escape from all of that! 

My little bookish ghosty! 

 

Mark Your Calendar! Join me for the Ho-Ho-Ho RAT!

 

Are you ready to do some reading? I'm excited to particpate in the Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon this year. I'm going to host a challenge and give away gift card --I don't know what the challenge will be so stay tuned! 

Since it isn't Halloween yet, I'm still on my morbid reading kick. Currently I'm listening to The Demon of Unrest  and reading Cemetary stories. But I promise by November 26, I'll be in holiday reading mode!

Click here to join the Readathon! https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html

What are you reading or watching this month? 

My hub signed up for BritBox so we are currently watching Beyond Paradise and Back to Paradise. There are a ton of cozy mystery shows to watch! 

A New Release in Nicole Craig's Deadman's Tribe Series~Brave Enough

 

If you like your male lead's on the Alpha side, this is a great series for you! 

It’s difficult to be brave when you’ve been running scared your whole life. She’s woken up with no idea who she is. She may not know who she is or how she got here, but she knows that the man guarding her will do so with his life. The bigger question: why does she feel like she needs protection? It’s always been easier to be what others expect him to be. Studious child, man of the house, responsible brother, thief, computer genius. Why not add bodyguard to his list of roles? He’s had so many over the years, he’s completely lost track of who the “real” Midas is anymore. Two lost souls brought together by Fate. It’s instant attraction for Mouse and Midas—an attraction they’re afraid to give in to. When her memories begin returning, the truth of who she is could be the end of much more than just their relationship.

Are you read dive in? Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPWKBJCZ

This is the fifth book in Nicole's romantic suspense series. 

Nicole Craig writes action packed steamy romance. Strong alpha males, her male main characters will do anything to protect their women. Her female main characters accept their men flaws and all. Her Deadman series is all about bad boys falling for good women. From southeastern Wisconsin, she spends time with her husband and three furry children. If you are on Facebook, you can find her here: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.craig.352527

Darkness is coming #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.

This week is the last week before we fall back, and night shows up before five p.m. I am not a fan of such early nightfall. How about you? 

Yesterday I attended a very fun event--a brunch with authors and readers! How was your weekend? 

We also watched the movie The Substance It was filled with body horror, but had a very affirming message about life. Then we watched A House of Dynamite, which reaffirmed that if there is an apocalypse, I don't want to be part of the post-apocalypse--just take me in the first round of disaster, please. 

A ghost cloche I made. It was a kit from our local library! 

Book Anniversary for April Decton's "For the Love of Weezie"

If you enjoy reading books that include historical events. This might be a good fit for you. 

 On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the

US was attacked. Four aircraft were hijacked. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and one in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many lives were lost aboard the four aircraft and on the ground. Many more lives were lost in rescue and recovery efforts. This is the story of A man who lost his wife. A toddler who lost her mother. A woman who lost her husband. But together they find life, hope, and love beyond the tragedies.

Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGPR75CZ

Ready to learn more about April Decton?

April lives in Indiana and is a mother to two, extraordinary daughters and their husbands. She has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. When not with family, reading, or writing, April enjoys walking, hiking, loves to travel and is most happy with her toes at water’s edge of a beach. April never aspired to be a writer. After fighting her first story for nearly five years, she gave in. April loves attending author events and meeting new readers at her table. https://www.amazon.com/stores/April-Decton/author/B09Z7RY8R3

Author Spotlight --Harper Black!

Harper Black’s love of reading and curiosity about the world was stirred at an early age. That curiosity, a desire to get a college education, and a sense of adventure, led Harper to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Harper’s military career took her to destinations that were both intrepid and romantic, embarking on a journey to achieve her professional goals while navigating the ebbs and flows of international romance.

Her travels included memorable experiences in Scotland, Italy, and England. Her experiences in traveling and dating inspired her to write. In her stories, Harper crafts romantic adventures that reflect diverse cultures and encourages each of us to follow our desire for true love wherever it takes us. Harper is a native of Wisconsin and loves travel, music and romance.

Vanessa Lawrence has never had good luck with men. Her cheating, narcissistic ex-husband was bad enough, but now her boyfriend has suddenly ended their relationship just days before their upcoming trip to Mexico to celebrate her birthday. Buoyed by the support of her family, Vanessa decides to travel solo and unexpectedly meets charming, retired police officer, Bastien Bertrand. A dinner invitation follows, and a romantic dance together changes everything. But back home, trusting their growing feelings is more complicated. Bastien lives miles away in Louisiana running his family’s farming business, while Vanessa is worried about how her college-age son and Bastien’s family will react. When Vanessa’s ex-husband starts making sinister threats, refusing to put the past behind them, it’s not only her hopes for the future that stand to be destroyed, but the reputation of the man she loves. Will their dance of the heart lead to a lasting love… or a bittersweet memory?

If you like a later-in-life story of second chances along with some romantic suspense--pick up A Dance of the Heart here; https://a.co/d/8E4DBUK

The Sunday Post Morbid History

 

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.

Our library has some great programs, and this one was no exception. It was called "Morbid History." And the content lived up to the name. The presenter talked about some of the strange (and gross) history of human burial and cemeteries from around 1830 to the present. 

It was so fascinating, I actually borrowed on of the books on the presenter's recommended books list. I listened to the audiobook Stiff by Mary Roach. It was hard to turn off! The book is all about human cadavers. I actually fell asleep listening to it and had a great night of sleep--don't ask me why! I have no clue--the book is super morbid. I mean, it's literally all about what happens to the body after death. 

In lighter news, I got my manuscript back from my editor and am halfway done revising it. Then it will go to my proofreader, and then I'll revise it some more, and then I'll format it and revise it again! I still need to come up with a cover and the blurb for the back of the book--ugh! So hard!

How was your week? Any fun plans for the upcoming week? 

We are all decorated for Halloween! If it was dark you could see the orange and purple lights as well! 

Author Spotlight! Trail To Trouble By Valerie Clarizio

 He’s never stopped loving her. She’s never stopped running.

Hunter Samuelson has spent a decade longing for the woman who vanished without a trace. Hannah Rice just wants to escape the shadows of a violent past. When a chance encounter ignites old flames, it also awakens a deadly threat. Now, survival means trusting each other, and risking everything for a second chance at love.

Craving more? Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLWMG4DV

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trail-to-trouble-valerie-j-clarizio/1148023780?ean=2940184422688 iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/trail-to-trouble/id6751426005 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trail-to-trouble?sId=4ccd7d7d-f1c2-46eb-8c66-6534746f21e4 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Valerie_J_Clarizio_Trail_to_Trouble?id=jsF4EQAAQBAJ&hl=en_US

This was released on October first and is a fundraising book for suicide and bullying awareness. Please feel free to share this post with your friends.

Valerie Clarizio is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in romantic Door County Wisconsin with her husband. She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She's lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into an outdoors enthusiast, of which her favorite activity is hiking in national parks. While out on the trails, she has plenty of time to conjure up irresistible characters and unique storylines for her next romantic suspense, time travel, or contemporary romance novel.

Giving My Self A Pat On the Back!

 I've actually been doing some of the autumn things on my fall bucket list! Too often, I've let life get in the way of enjoying the season. Not this year! 

Recently, we went to a farm to enjoy the harvest fun. I also attended two presentations at my library. The first was a dramatic reading from an accused witch in Salem, MA. The actor did a forty-minute monologue. I was so impressed at her memorization skills--plus her dramatic acting. 

The next day, I attended "Morbid History," which was done by a local actor and playwright. She had the entire presentation and concept sold to be a streaming show, but then the pandemic happened, and morbid history was not what people wanted to watch. I hope she decided to make a podcast because her morbid history was fascinating and I'd like more! 

Here are some pictures from my adventures:

What activities do you enjoy doing when the leaves change color? 

Author Spotlight! A New Book From Tess Summers! Out Today!

Here is a taste of Sergeant O'   to get you started... 

 I heard the beeping sounds first.

Then came the distinctive smell. I know that smell. How do I know that smell? But opening my eyes was a struggle. I kept willing my lids up, to no avail. And fuck, I was thirsty. Finally, my crusty eyes pried themselves open, and my vision came into focus. And there she was. The woman I’d secretly been crushing on—Lainey’s sister, Jade. Was I dreaming? I looked around and realized I was in a hospital room. Then I looked down and saw I was the patient. Oh hell no. She noticed me moving around and smiled. “Hi. Welcome back.” Where had I been? I tried to ask just that, but my mouth felt like it was full of cotton. Jade immediately stepped closer and offered me an ice chip on a spoon. My pride wanted me to refuse being spoon fed like I was a damn baby, but my dry mouth and throat overruled it. So, I sucked the ice into my mouth. The moisture made me immediately feel better. Then another thought occurred to me: Am I naked under this gown? I tried to casually move my hand to my junk, something that was easier said than done with all the tubes connected to me. Yeah, that’s what I thought. Naked. Which meant my butt was on full display for all of Haven Springs to see every time I got out of bed. “Why am I here?” “You were shot in the thigh while rescuing my sister, and it nicked your femoral artery. You’re waking up from surgery. You’ve got a waiting room full of people anxious to see you.” Ugh. I remembered getting shot, but not much else after that. I could only imagine what I said and did while I was under anesthesia. One thing was certain; I didn’t want her to see me like this: helpless and weak. “You can’t be my nurse,” I blurted out. She cocked her head and furrowed her brows. “That’s not something you really get a choice on.” “No,” I insisted. “You have to recuse yourself. It’s a conflict of interest. I was shot rescuing your sister.” “Nurses don’t ‘recuse’ themselves. This isn’t a court of law, Brian. Those rules don’t apply in the medical field. And if they did, how would providing you with medical care after you saved my sister be a conflict of interest?” I didn’t know, still… “I don’t care.” She put her hand on her hip. “What is your problem?” “You’re my problem. I don’t want you to be my nurse!” “And I’m telling you; you don’t have a choice.” “I just got shot in the line of duty. Chad isn’t going to tell me no.” Chad was the CEO of the hospital. “Brian O’Shaughnessy—you are the most infuriatingly, handsome patient I’ve ever had!” Her eyes got big, and she quickly tried to correct herself. “Annoying! Infuriatingly annoying!” I felt a grin form. “You think I’m handsome?” I can work with this. “No. I told you, I think you’re annoying!” “But you said handsome first.” She turned on the ball of her foot and headed toward the door. “Where are you going?” Looking back, she eyed me up and down in my hospital bed. “To find you a new nurse.” “But I don’t want one, now.” “Too bad. I want a new patient.”

Ready to read more: https://bit.ly/4n4mu0P

Tess Summers is a USA Today and Amazon international bestselling author who has transformed her passion for storytelling into a thriving writing career. A former teacher and businesswoman, Tess always dreamed of writing a novel but struggled to find the time—until life’s challenges led her to embrace her creativity fully. Now, as she navigates the complexities of living with MS, Tess has finally dedicated herself to penning the stories she’s always wanted to tell. Married for nearly 30 years to her real-life hero, she’s the proud mother of three grown children and a devoted dog lover. A former dog foster mom, Tess found joy in adopting her furry friends, and she now shares her home with her "foster failures." Splitting her time between the sunny desert of Arizona and the serene lakes of Michigan, Tess enjoys the perfect climate—never too hot and never too cold.

https://tesssummersauthor.com/wounded-heroes

Spooky Season calls for Paranormal Mystery!

Have you read anything by Terri Reid? 

Start the new month with a new mystery series! 

Loose Ends by Terri Reid

Dying is what changed Mary O'Reilly's life. Well, actually, coming back from the dead and having the ability to communicate with ghosts is really what did it. Now, a private investigator in rural Freeport, Illinois, Mary's trying to learn how to incorporate her experience as a Chicago cop and newfound talent into a real job.

Her challenge is to solve the mysteries, get real evidence (a ghost's word just doesn't hold up in court), and be sure the folks in town, especially the handsome new police chief, don't think she's nuts. Twenty-four years ago, a young woman drowned in the swimming pool of a newly elected State Senator. It was ruled an accident.

But now, as the Senator prepares to move on to higher positions, the ghost of the woman is appearing to the Senator's wife. Mary is hired to discover the truth behind the death. She unearths a connection between the murder and the disappearance of five little girls whose cases, twenty-four years later, are still all unsolved. As she digs further, she becomes the next target for the serial killer's quest to tie up all his loose ends. Add it to your bookshelf here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y5H8IK

And here is a little bit about author Terri Reid.

 Terri Reid is known for relatable, down-to-earth characters and her ability to combine mystery with humor and suspense with romance. The first book in The Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery series was named "One of the Top Five Best Paranormal Books of All Time" by Most Recommended Books and was included in Malevolentlydark.com's "Horror Fiction Top 50" in 2024. Readers find her books compulsively readable with plots that keep them engaged from start to finish. Learn more on her website: https: //www.terrireid.com

The Sunday Post! Life on the Farm

 

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.

If you could allow me to complain for one moment. Yesterday it was like 90 degrees outside (31 Celcius). Come on now! There are only a few days left in September--where is my sweater weather! 

Thanks. Now moving on. This past week, I got to be part of a book signing at a working farm.  https://www.rosewfarm.com/ They have a really nice event space, so you could imagine the fun weddings that are held there. I sold some books and enjoyed the surroundings. The evening weather was very nice, and I think I only got two mosquito bites. 

Caffeinated Reviewer shared a link to the read-ins to protest banned books event that will be held October 5-7th across America. So I'm sharing the link as well! You can find an event near you and get a free audiobook!  Here is the link: https://blog.libro.fm/banned-books-read-in/

How was your week? Did you do anything fun? We watched Art Detectives on Acorn. It's a delight! 

Pictures from the farm:

Did You Know You Can Request Your Library Add a Book? And Christmas Stories

 

If you have an interest in reading any of my books, but it's not in your budget, you can request that your local library gets my book and add it to their collection so you can borrow it!

Should you do this, please let me know! I'd love to imagine my book on the shelf of your local library!

Currently, I'm trying to figure out a short story that takes place in Marley Creek at Christmas. It's a special thank-you story to my newsletter subscribers. Do you read short stories? I have to admit I'm much more likely to read a book than a short story, but I do read them when they are set in a fictional world I enjoy. 

And speaking of Christmas, it's only 89 days away. This whole very long year only has 96 more days left. But I'm not going to get ahead of myself. There is plenty of Halloween fun ahead. 

Under The Endless Sky Historical Romance by Jane Yunker!

It’s 1890, and Hannah Becker does not want to marry her father’s cousin, Gunter. Grandmother suggests she go west to South Dakota and file a claim under the Homestead Act. This would take her far from Gunter’s reach, and allow her to own land of her own. Prairie life would be hard, but the rewards would be hers, not her father’s or husband’s. On her journey, she befriends the Bergen sisters of Rock Creek, experienced girl homesteaders who know of the abandoned neighboring Goldman claim now up for grabs. Frederick “Dutch” Schmidt has had his eyes on the Goldman claim for some time, and now that it’s available, he hopes to file and make it an extension of his own. But when he gets to town, he finds yet another girl homesteader has beat him to it. A confirmed bachelor, he resents all the women filing on land that should rightly go to men. Can they find common ground, and love?

What do you think? Ready to learn more? 

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Endless-Sky-Jane-Yunker/dp/B0F5BLGN2Q

Jane Yunker lives in northwest Wisconsin along the beautiful St Croix River. When she's not writing American historical fiction, you can find her walking the trails, golfing, or visiting her grandson in sunny southwest Florida. She also enjoys reading, x-stitch, and jigsaw puzzles. Check out her blog at: www.janeyunkerauthor.com where you will find many more historical romances!

 

Happy Autumnal Equinox! 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.

After over a week of no rain and lots of heat, yesterday it rained. I hope it rains more on Sunday. And then I would like all rain after 4pm and before 8am. This way I don't have to deal with the dreaded indoor recess! 

What are you reading or streaming?  We are looking forward to the new episodes of Slow Horses on Apple TV. I'm reading a book called Leaving Grayson.  

This week, I am going to be part of a books and booze sunset event at a farm. I'm excited to go and see it. They grow fruits and vegetables, and they have an event space. So it's going to be picturesque, and I'm looking forward to taking some pictures. If I remember, I'm going to take some photos or video. See if I can make a couple of TikToks out of it! 

How about you? Do you have anything coming up this week?

The current state of leaves in my neighborhood!