First of all... : 2026

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Oh Hi July! 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.

The heat and humidity continues so I go for a walk in the morning and then I hop into our new pool. It's delightful!

I have been doing writing sprints with Sisters in Crime every morning and it's so fun to get that part of my day done in one compact hour. This leaves me plenty of time to clean the house and do laundry---hahahhaha no. I mean more time to read!

What have you been reading? Here is what I'm in the middle of this week:

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Reading Round Up for June and It's Hot Out Here!

I am excited to say these are only some of the books I read in June. I continued to work on spending more time reading and less time on social media!

Today I'm listening to the audio book The Favorites By Layne Fargo. I signed up for a book club--with the author on 7/19! I heard from another reader that the audio had a full cast and was very good, so I purchased the audio from Libro.FM because then it benefits the bookstore hosting the event.

I am 11% in to the book and it is very engaging. I guess it's a modern retelling of Wuthering Heights. So we will see how toxic this couple becomes. The story is about ice dancers and since I love watching the Olympics, I'm familiar with the sport.

The extreme heat warnings here in Illinois continue. After only a few uses, my blow up pool stopped staying inflated. Thankfully a better pool was only a trip to Menards away and less than fifty bucks.

I'm so glad we got our privacy fence and can better enjoy a little outdoor pool this summer!

RIP cheaply made pool

Hello affordable and better made new pool (still filling with water in this picture!

How is the weather by you?

Monday, June 29, 2026

Suspense Summer! A New Release by Sawyer Bennett! Out Today!

I've been reading more romance suspense this summer and so I'm calling it Suspense Summer! Sawyer Bennett has the first book in a new series out today. Here is a little about the book:

🔥 Some fires destroy everything.

🔥 Some never stop burning.

CODE NAME: EMBER is a gripping romantic suspense about lost love, deadly secrets, and a second chance neither of them expected.

When investigative journalist Tessa Ward uncovers a conspiracy tied to deadly wildfires, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer. Her only chance of survival may be Cole Mercer, the former special forces operative she never truly got over.

But surviving the danger is only part of the battle.

Because the closer they get to the truth, the harder it becomes to ignore the feelings still smoldering between them.

📚 Read now:
https://a.co/d/01wOvmPL

*******

Doesn't it sound good? I can't wait to find out more about those still smoldering feelings!

Sunday, June 28, 2026

The Sunday Post Now It's Really Summer!

Look at the bounty from my garden! And it's not even July. I planted earlier than I usually do, and it worked out.

Here is how it's growing:

I did a book signing at Partners In Crime bookstore in Chicago, this is one of the cozies I picked up.

Now that summer school is over, my plan is to wake up and enjoy a book and coffee in my backyard. We are on the brink of an extremely hot week and I hope my garden doesn't suffer. I am going to water, of course, but there isn't much else I can do.

I got borrowed this audiobook from the Queer Liberation Library and it is so good. I'm halfway done at the moment! How was your week?

Saturday, June 20, 2026

The Sunday Post-- The Last Week of Summer School is Here!

Four more days of summer school! I can do it! I realize I'm being a big baby. I only have summer school Monday through Thursday from 9:15 to 12:45pm. And yet, it's a lot! I have bloodwork to get done on Monday after work. I'm only typing that to hold myself accountable to just go and get it done. Blech. Then I'm going to get acupuncture. So far, the acupuncture seems to help reduce the restless leg syndrome that I have. Restless legs suck. I would only wish it on my very worst enemies. Speaking of appointments and work, I just checked my calendar, and I scheduled a doctor's appointment and a Prolia shot for right after I finish summer school on Thursday. Well, I guess I am getting it out of the way?

Next Saturday, I'm going to a book club for the book Yesteryear. I'm looking forward to hearing what other people think. People have strong feelings about this book. I gave it 5 stars because I really didn't like the main character (which is what the author wanted you to feel) and it stuck with me. It's a memorable book.

Readingwise, I'm finishing up Without Fail, another Jack Reacher book on Kindle. On audio, I'm listening to a thriller called, The Widow's Secret by Theo Baxter. Physically, I'm reading this book!

Rumors and Whiskey is a romantic suspense book by Victoria Wilder.I think it just recently came out since she is on a book tour. Have you read any of her books?

Sunday, June 14, 2026

The Sunday Post--We Survived Without Power!

We had a couple of days of severe storms with high winds that knocked down trees and branches. Our power was out for three hours Thursday evening and Friday evening we lost power and it didn't come back until just before noon on Saturday. Friday afternoon, I went for a walk with a friend. On our walk through a local forest preserve, we ran into new obstacles! Several trees were down on the path!

The sky looking all nice a few hours before more storms wer going to knock out my power.

Boy, did I miss electricity! How was your week? I read some good books!

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Such a Fun Title! Alleged Husband by Tess Summers

It is the last day of school! Finally! Now it's time to relax and enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer. That means a lot of reading and writing for me! Here is a nice twist on arranged marriage.

I hadn’t planned on falling in love with my wife—but I did anyway. I came to Haven Springs to return a truck and left with a wife. I met Jess when she dumped cinnamon rolls down my shirt—and later that afternoon, I met her newborn daughter, Ruthie. After that, I didn’t stand a chance. Then her parents tried to marry her off to some creepy elder from their church. So, I stepped in. My solution? Marry me instead. It wasn’t supposed to be a shortcut or a favor. If we did this, we were doing it for real—giving it an honest shot, building something that could actually last. And somewhere between the vows and late nights with her newborn daughter, my two girls became the best thing that ever happened to me—and everything I stood to lose. There’s just one problem: I’ve been keeping something from her. And when she finds out, it won’t just shake our marriage—it might end it before it ever has a chance to begin.

You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYRJQQ8D

And here is a little about the author: 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 over 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 is a terrible foster failure (adopting them instead!) Splitting her time between the sunny deserts of Arizona and the serene lakes of Michigan, Tess enjoys the perfect climate—never too hot and never too cold. bit.ly/AllegedHusband

Saturday, June 6, 2026

The Sunday Post: No Excuses

Well, well well, now that school is out for summer, I have no excuse to put off writing! It's time to get lots of words written!

Wish me luck!

Let's take a look at my garden...

My first sugar snap peas!

Friday, June 5, 2026

Accidently Started Reading...

I accidently started about five books. It's because they were available from KU and Hoopla. At the moment I'm here:

I'm almost to the halfway poitnt listening to this audiobook and I'm still waiting for the murder to occur. What the heck!

I'm at 12% of Just Beachy this one is a romance and is just over 200 pages so I figured I could read it in a day if it grabs me.

I picked up Sprinkles of Supicion (5%) and Field's Guide to Abduction (5%) for my secret project research. They are both under 300 pages and have quirky FMC.

Lastly I'm 31% of the way through with A Curse of Beasts and Magic by Jeaniene Frost. I am really enjoying it and I should stop deciding to pick it up when it's past my bedtime.

So we will see how many of these books I finish by the end of the weekend!

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Read My First One and a Half Frieda

I've never read a Freida McFadden until now. This was available on audio from the Hoopla app which I have via my library. So I gave it a listen. I like the fast-paced nature and the narrator was very good. I didn't finish it because I didn't like the twist. That's a me thing. I don't want to spoil anyone who might enjoy this book so I'll just leave it there. After stopping my read, I read reviews and more than a few readers said they enjoyed the book Dear Debbie, but they were disappointed with The Divorce.

Guess what I did? Yep, Dear Debbie, was also on Hoopla so I borrowed it. Julia Whelan is the narrator and she is one of my favorites. Dear Debbie was enjoyable, darkly comedic and satisfying. Do you read Freida McFadden? If so, do you have any faves that I must read?

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Happy Pride Month!

Since it is Pride month and I love my first sapphic romance, it's on sale for 99 cents for the ebook this week! If you've read it already and enjoyed it, please give it a rating or a review so other readers can find it. If you haven't read it, my blurb is below. I recently started working on the follow-up book to this one. Would you like to know which side character from Love and the Three of Cups is getting her HEA in book two? I'll give you a hint, she works with animals!

Hannah's crush on Kate was one-sided…until tonight.

Hannah has never been happier. With her ex in the rearview mirror for two years now, she’d settled into life in Marley Creek—home to her long-time crush. She’s ready to make a bold move when she’s invited to a party at the striking blonde’s pet bakery.

Kate’s successful business is on the brink of something huge. Then, the drop-dead gorgeous redheaded Hannah kisses her, and Kate questions her no-relationships rule.

Hannah’s life is on standby waiting for Kate’s texts. So, when Kate doesn’t invite her to a meaningful event, Hannah must decide if she is going to walk away or fight for her. Kate is falling for Hannah, but will fear from a past experience keep her from committing?

When Hannah’s ex threatens to destroy her new life, will this couple let the past tear them apart, or will Hannah and Kate fight for a fresh start together?

You can get a copy here: https://a.co/d/0bX2dFhj

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Reading Wrap UP For May!

Look at all the books I read when I made the effort to read more and scroll less! (also less watching TV).

I read two romances, including Undertaking Hart and Mercy, which was a 5-star book. Then there is two Jack Reacher books. Found two thrillers to listen to; I didn't like the ending of It's Not Her. I enjoyed one novella that isn't easy to categorize and two delightful middle-grade books that I highly recommend. Lastly, I devoured three cozy mysteries.

My first read for June, which I started yesterday, is A Curse of Beasts and Magic. It's grabbed a hold of me and I think I'll finish it before Wednesday.

How about you? Read any good books lately?

Saturday, May 30, 2026

The Sunday Post! The Last Day of May!

Much to my surprise, this summer looks like it will be the summer all three of the kids are back home. This is fine as my husband and I have always believed if they can live here while they find solid employment, then great. Kid #1 has paid off all student loans and is going to work on a master's degree. Kid #2 is moving back home after working 2 years post-college at a job that didn't pay enough to live on, but was in his field, and Kid #3 just graduated.

I don't regret moving out when i did, but in hindsight, I should have lived at home after high school.

This week is our last week of school. Will be sad to see my little nuggets finish the year? No. Will I think of them fondly from time to time over the summer? Yes. Will I run into them over the summer break? Possibly!

Another week of reading and writing for me. This week I read a very good YA book. I think it is also appropriate for 6th grade and above. If you have a young person in your life, pick this book up for them!

Continuing on my young reader reading, I picked up a copy of Tiffany Jackson's book Blood in the Water. It's an excellent middle-grade mystery book.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Her Dragon To Slay by Julia Mills

This book is the first book in a 56-book series (which Julia Mills has been writing over the last 13 years), so if you've been looking for short, sexy shifter books to inhale this summer—here you go!

He's the Commander of the Golden Fire Clan. She's a sassy human with zero patience for destiny. Fate just threw them together—and so did his enemies.

Rayne has spent centuries leading Dragon Guard with unwavering loyalty and unmatched power. One look from this ancient warrior can bring enemies to their knees.
But the pull of his fated mate? That brought HIM to his knees.

Kyndel's survived everything life threw at her with sass, stubbornness, and sheer moxie. Ancient dragons? Sure, she can handle that. A fierce Commander claiming she's his destined mate? That's... complicated.
Too bad his enemies didn't get the memo about giving them time to figure this out.

When the dead start coming back to life with knives aimed at Kyndel's throat, Rayne must choose: follow centuries of tradition or break every rule to save the curvy, strong-willed woman who's stolen his ancient heart.
The chemistry between them could set the world on fire. Good thing he's got experience with flames.

Some destinies whisper. This one roars.

You can pick up Here Dragon To Slay at all the places via this link: https://books2read.com/u/4N5Kom

Saturday, May 23, 2026

The Sunday Post! May has been a long month--but...

We are down to the final days of school. Three days this upcoming week and three the week after. I think the entire staff is surviving on coffee fumes at this point. I know I am. I wound up with an infection this week and had to take an antibiotic. I learned the hard way that one of the side effects of Bactrim is anxiety. Oh my gosh it was awful. I couldn't think! Fortunately, I was able to get a different antibiotic and feel much better.

I had to take a few days off writing my book becasue I didn't have the energy to think. I'm hopeful today I'll be able to get some writing done. This week my reading of books continued. I think I might be on a long streak of reading losts of books and I am excited!

My raised beds as of 5/13. We will see how it grows!

And here are the books I read:

This was a 3 star read for me. I didn't like the ending. Your mileage may vary!

I found this to be a delightful cozy and I enjoyed learning more about sewing!

This book was so good! I loved it!

I enjoyed this one. Reacher made mistakes but it all worked out in the end.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Is This Love Fur Real? Summer Read by Yours Truly!

I thought I'd share my book today since it is on sale for 99 cents. If you are a mood reader and you like a moderately spicy romance how about this one?

She’s scared of heartbreak and tells herself she’s too busy for romance.
Graduate Student Mable Weaverton needs a place away from her wild roommate to finish her summer project. When her boss has to leave town for two weeks and asks her to house sit and take care of his dog, Iggy, she jumps at the chance. But nobody told her how bonkers puppies can be and when disaster after disaster happen, she’s forced to ask a sexy dog trainer for help.

Last time he gave away his heart, it was returned mercilessly crushed.
Ethan Harper is on summer break from his manny job and should be enjoying his time off. Instead, his mind won’t stop rehashing a recent breakup. When a friend recommends his dog training skills, he’s grateful for the distraction. But focusing on reining in cute-but-out-control Iggy proves nearly impossible when sparks fly between him and the luscious Mable.

Can a chaotic puppy teach them to let go of the past and find a future together?
When a tornado approaches town, Mable and Ethan are stuck in a bathroom together with a frightened Iggy. They finally acknowledge there’s more between them than just dog training business. And just as they are about to kindle their sizzling attraction into a full-fledged fire, more chaos threatens to douse the flames. Ethan’s ex has returned, and she wants him back.

Is This Love Fur Real? Is a small-town, forced proximity, steamy romance, featuring a puppy who knows best, a short king who falls first, and a stressed-out grad student too busy for love. Part of the Marley Creek Romance Series, this standalone story has Hallmark movie vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Love-Fur-Real-Romance-ebook/dp/B0D23SRV2M

And speaking of summer, I've been planting! Let's hope all my vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow!

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