Thursday, July 24, 2025
Regular People Books
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Vacation to the Hospital
My father had his colon surgery on 6/23 and we planned to visit my parents for the beginning of July and then travel for a couple of days to the Outer Banks. However, right before we were going to leave, my dad developed blood clots and was air lifted to a hospital a couple of hours away from my parents' house in the mountains. So our vacation was a vacation to the hospital. I do not recommend.
My dad is home now and doing well. We need a vacation from our vacation. While I was in various waiting rooms, I read physical books. The Trip was the first book I finished. I bought this because I liked the cover, and I took it on 'vacation' because of the tag line: "A perfect vacation. A perfect crime." It's a good take on vacation book, the plot is not difficult to follow. It is a slow-building story, and some of the twists you'll figure out quickly.
Over all I'd say it's a 4 star book.
The pizza at the hospital in Gainesville, GA is decent if you ever find yourself there. After spending about a week there, I'll be happy never to have to go back! I'm sure my dad feels the same way.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Tomorrow Only A Huge Stuff Your EReader Day!
Set your alarm clock and get ready for a bunch of free books to fill up your Kindle! My book "It App-ened One Night" is part of this big promotion done with a huge group of romance writers. In my graphic, you can see some of the other books!
Now, just so you know, my book is actually free right now. I set it up to be free from 7/21 to 7/24. I also put my first two books on sale for 99 cents each! Get em while they're hot!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
More Hot, Hot, HOT Days ahead. #TheSundayPost
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 summer has been a real hot one in Chicagoland. The forecast is calling for temperatures to be nearly 100 degrees (35 Celsius). I don't even want to know what the humidity level will be.
I hope my cucumbers survive! Recently on a cooler day I went on an art and garden tour in Beverly Shores, IN. The community is on the shores of Lake Michigan, so there are dunes and wetlands.
Here are some pictures:
Have you done anything interesting this summer? Tomorrow I have a post about a big free book event that takes place on Tuesday!
Friday, July 18, 2025
Whoa What a Summer!
Ready for some June recapping? If you recall, I had diverticulitis right after Easter and landed in the hospital. I hope you live all your days without having that experience. I do not recommend! So in June, I had to have a follow-up colonoscopy. That was super triggering for me since I have a ton of medical PTSD.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
School's Out For Summer! #TheSundayPost
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 last day of school was on Thursday, and I can say with certainty that the staff was more excited than the students to start summer break! Some of the kids were crying, how sweet! The staff was jumping for joy.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
167 School Days Down, 13 to Go! 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.
I don't know who is more excited for school to be over, the staff or the kids. If I had to pick, I'd say the staff. I am really looking forward to summer break, especially since we had summer weather this week. Now the upcoming week is going to be standard spring weather so maybe I won't have summer fever.
I'm almost done drafting my latest book Your Mr. Brightside. Since I have already shared the cover reveal with my newsletter subscribers, I can now share it here!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Happy Mother's Day 2025 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 year we get a real treat of a Mother's Day. It's going to be sunny and in the 70s (low 20s Celcius). My plan for the day is to go for a run, write 1,000 words in Your Mr. Brightside and enjoy carryout from a favorite local restaurant. Still working on dietary adjustments from having diverticulitis, I probably won't enjoy a nice crisp glass of white wine. I'm also planning to get some reading in. I won't be doing anything with the garden because I need soil and plants and someone needs to put together the new raised bed we got. That someone is not me.
Do you have any plans for this Sunday?
If you need more free books on your TBR here is the link to the small-town romance free book promo I am part of this month:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/freesmalltownromancereads/7iz7fven21
What are you streaming? I am really enjoying "Friends and Neighbors" on Apple TV. Jon Hamm, the main character, does things each week that put him closer and closer to completely imploding his entire life and it's very interesting to watch.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Free Small Town Books to Add to Your E-Reader!
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Talk About Escalating Quickly #TheSundayPost
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 had a craptastic time since I last posted. After Easter, I took myself to the ER because I thought I might have appendicitis. I didn't have that, what they found instead was diverticulitis. I've known I had diverticulosis for years, but I've never had a diverticulitis infection. I was admitted to the hospital and put on antibiotics. The recovery after the hospital has been exhausting. I am feeling a million times better now, and I'm still not at 100 percent. I'm also feeling my way around what foods are OK to have. I'm on a low-fiber diet for now, which turns out to mean I can't eat almost all the fruits and veggies I love.
In mid-June I have to go get a colonoscopy to make sure the infection is gone and that nothing else is wrong. I guess it's good to get the follow-up and have biopsies taken and everything. However, the whole process is anxiety-producing. The weather around here has been more March than May, so at least I'm not stuck recuperating indoors while beautiful weather is outside.
I did learn that if I am stuck in the hospital, it's easy to read a 500-page book. So there is that. In fact, if I ever go to the ER again, I'm bringing at least three books. I had two books at the hospital and I could have read another one. Physical books work best in this context.
Garden update- the peas are growing!!!
Saturday, April 19, 2025
The Sunday Post - Hoppy Easter!
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 Easter to everyone who celebrates! I think I might like Easter dinner better than Thanksgiving--and I love Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday I went to a book fair and picked up more local books to read! Yay! One is a very spicy romance and one is about labor negotiations. I also picked up some candles. Can you ever have enough candles? I say no.
Today I am hoping to be able to find the time to finish reading my latest Amnesia April book. This one is so good! Tracey Livesay writes so well!
Sunday, April 13, 2025
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?
Sunday, April 6, 2025
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:
Monday, March 31, 2025
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
Saturday, March 29, 2025
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?
Saturday, March 15, 2025
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:
Thursday, March 6, 2025
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!
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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?
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
A Hint of Spring, Dare I Dream?
Is there anything you do to help with the winter doldrums?
Monday, February 17, 2025
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?
Saturday, February 15, 2025
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?
Monday, February 10, 2025
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!
Sunday, February 9, 2025
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: