The Sunday Post--The End of July, Already?

 

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.

We got to enjoy some cooler weather this week and no smoke, so it was a lovely time to be outside. We finally got our gazebo put up and now have a place to sit outside and enjoy our back yard w/o worrying about sunburn.

This week I finished my rough draft and now it's time to revise, revise, revise. 

I've been trying very hard to cook at home and to avoid carry out--especially since I'm on summer break. But now going back to school looms and I'm looking for recipes that are easy to prepare or can be prepped the night before. Do you have any go to dinner recipes?  Please let me know!

My gazebo and my dog:

My heirloom atomic grape tomatoes are ripening! They will be purple when ripe!

Books and Produce

Produce I've been giving away. I hope my garden continues to produce into the fall. My tomato plants are starting to have tomatoes, the question is how long will it take for them to turn red.

Like my garden, my book reading has also been plentiful. Here are books I've read recently with a super short description!

An allergy related death. A light dusting of magic. I enjoyed the sleuth and her boyfriend. I would read more in this series!

First book in new urban fantasy series. I liked the narration. I think this book is pretty dark. Teenagers dying in the book. Even though it's a first in series, it has a satisfying ending. I found myself more interested in side character than our main character--but more growth will certainly be hand in book two.

I love the cover. This is the 7th book in the series. It was I liked the magic system. I didn't understand something the MC does, like I needed more of a reason. I also didn't like her somewhat estranged boyfriend who thinks she committed a murder. What kind of boyfriend is that? 

I listened to the audio. I like the narrator! This is set up as the first book in a series. I liked that I learned something new about science and paintings. It's worth adding to your TBR. 

Newsflash Arizona in July is Hot! 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 hope you had a nice week. Today we are back under an air quality alert. We have had our air running basically 24/7 this whole summer between the excessive heat and now poor air quality. I'm very glad we got solar a few years ago. Because of that our electric bill was $20. I don't even want to know what it would be if we didn't have the solar offset. 

Speaking of heat. I was in the Phoenix, Arizona area with my husband this week. He had a work trip so I got to go with. It was ridiculously hot. Like the surface of the sun hot. Like it was too hot to walk 10 steps to the pool barefoot. LIke it was too hot in the pool by 2pm hot.

It sure is pretty in Arizona. When you are inside it's hard to believe how hot it is outside. Living in the desert is not for me. 

August is quickly approaching. I got myself a new planner and set up a school year countdown. LOL 

How was your week? I finished a few books on vacation!

I'm ready to start the school year next month.

I Don't Even Want To Think About It! 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 time next month I'll be back to school. YIkes! This week I'm going on a business trip with my husband. I haven't flown in ages. The passport I got earlier this year is going to be put to use.

This past week I read some books, did writing sprints, used my pool, and went on a charity garden walk. How was your week? 

I'm working on this cozy mystery challenge for 2026 

Here are a few pictures from the garden walk!

Head To The Moutains!

 Need a sexy mountain man in your life? I've got a book for that!  Plus our heroine is a barista who loves puns. This book sounds as good as a yummy cinnamon dolce latte!

A shy motel owner, a pun-loving barista, and one wildly funny plan collide in this heartwarming rom-com. Sometimes the best love stories are brewed, not planned.

 

Molly Griffith gave up the spotlight for quiet mornings as the pun-loving barista at Jasper’s Coffee Loft. Life is simple and sweet—until her boyfriend-turned-ex flaunts his big-city dreams and new job. Desperate to save face, Molly crafts a bold plan: a fake boyfriend, brewed with just the right amount of jealousy and a dash of local charm.

Her top choice? Jeremy Wentworth.

 

The shy motel owner who never misses his morning coffee, Jeremy reluctantly agrees, and their staged romance quickly heats up with crossword puzzles, a laugh-out-loud cosplay trivia night, and an unexpected trip to the ER. But as Molly finds herself savoring his quiet humor and tender smiles, she starts to wonder: is this still pretend, or is her heart percolating for real?

 

When an unexpected twist threatens to spill the beans on Molly’s quiet life, she faces a choice: run again or brew a cup of faith in having found what truly perks her up.

 

This just kisses rom-com contains a swoony, cinnamon roll hero who takes care of the heroine. It's set in a small town and contains crossword puzzles, sci-fi trivia, and some LOL coffee puns.

Here is the link if you want to add it to your TBR: https://a.co/d/0a4uaY20

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:

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?

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!

 

The Sunday Post Now It's Really Summer!

 

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.

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? 

 

The Sunday Post-- The Last Week of Summer School 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.

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?

The Sunday Post--We Survived Without Power!

 

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.

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! 

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

The Sunday Post: No Excuses

   

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, 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! 

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!