Happy Thursday! I’ve had a busy week. I hope yours has been just what you wanted, either busy or relaxing.
I finished all four of the books I needed to read over the weekend, and turned in the last review Sunday night. Deadline was Monday, and sometimes I finish up on my lunch hour. Thank heavens I finished early because our computer system at work was down all day, along with other systems that use the same carrier. Today is Library Journal Day of Dialog, and I’m moderating a panel this morning with four debut mystery writers. That means I’ll be here a little later than usual today.
As to what I’m reading for myself, it’s another Simon R. Green novel, Jekyll & Hyde Inc. If you ask whatever happened to all the monsters that existed in the world, Green would tell you they went underground, disappearing by the end of the nineteenth century. In twenty-first century London, no one believes in them, including Daniel Carter, a police officer who became a cop because he wanted to help people. He’s one of the honest ones. But, when he and three other officers head to a chop-shop to break up illegal surgeries on homeless people, they’re attacked and left for dead by monsters. However, Daniel is saved, but he can barely walk, and he’s badly injured. He’s offered Dr. Jekyll’s original elixir, a drink that will turn him into a Hyde monster. Edward Hyde’s intention is to rid London of the other clans, the Frankenstein Clan, the Vampire Clan, etc., and he needs Daniel and other Hydes to do that. Daniel’s problem? While he enjoys his new power, he still cares about people.
As I said when I reviewed the last Ishmael Jones novel, Green isn’t for everyone. The books can be gory and violent. But, there’s always a glimpse of hope in them. Daniel is that glimpse of hope, a good man buried in a monster’s body.
What about you? What are you reading this week?
Happy Autumn, everyone! I have a granddaughter named Autumn, which makes the season even more special to me. Here’s what I’ve been reading:
Michael Robotham’s upcoming standalone thriller, WHEN YOU ARE MINE, is a claustrophobic chiller that kept me reading compulsively to the last page. From the start, it is evident that Philomena (Phil) McCarthy, a young London police officer, has the deck stacked against her. She doesn’t want her coworkers to know that her father is a former crime lord who has never served time in prison. He is now ostensibly running a legal business, but Phil has decidedly mixed feelings about him. When Phil answers a domestic abuse call with her partner, they find a woman who has clearly been beaten but won’t press charges. And when Phil tries to help both the assailant’s wife and his mistress escape from his abuse, she learns that he is a popular police officer himself–hailed as an untouchable hero who courageously saved several potential victims and was wounded in the process. As Phil tries to do the right thing, while at the same time planning her own wedding, she is thwarted at every turn and begins to wonder who can be trusted and whether she can possibly keep her life from being irretrievably turned upside down . . . or worse. Robotham is truly a seasoned master of suspense. I was drawn into Phil’s feelings of helplessness and outrage and suffered along with her, and I needed the release that came at the end of the story. (January)
I finally read Alka Joshi’s THE HENNA ARTIST. Forced to marry as a teenager, Lakshmi left her abusive husband years ago. It is the mid-1950s, and she has a comfortable business as a henna artist, painting the hands and feet of her clients with intricate original designs for special occasions. Lakshmi is also an expert at prescribing and creating treatments for a variety of ailments and, on the side, she sells sachets that allow women to terminate their pregnancy. She has been saving for a house that will give her even more independence when her husband shows up with a 13-year-old sister she never knew she had, born after she left her parents’ home. Reluctantly at first, she commits to raising and supporting her sister, leading to trouble she had never imagined. My favorite aspect of the story was the view into the life of a henna artist and the customs of an Indian community. I also appreciated seeing development in almost every character–from Lakshmi and her sister to the young street boy who assists Lakshmi in so many ways, her female clients, one of her clients’ husband, and even Lakshmi’s ex. And after some harrowing events, I was ultimately satisfied by the ending, which will apparently lead to the next book in this planned trilogy. It’s waiting for me at the library.
BLACK CAKE by Charmaine Wilkerson is a story about identity–what is special about who you are, how to find your authentic self, and why it’s sometimes necessary to be someone else. The author focuses on Byron and Benny, an estranged brother and sister who come together when their mother dies. Byron is a popular author and oceanic expert, and Benny is an artist who dreams of opening her own concept cafe, where she can teach children about culture through cooking. Their mother, Eleanor, was born and raised on an unnamed Caribbean island,, where swimming and surfing were her passion. She had to leave when her father’s financial dilemma forced her to marry a despicable person, and after years of struggle she ultimately found the man she was destined to marry. Through letters conveyed by her attorney after her death, she tells her children what she has endured and hints at a long-lost family member. She also leaves them a black cake to share–an iconic delicacy that symbolizes her Caribbean childhood. There are many fascinating characters, including a prominent long-distance swimmer, a loyal husband of 40+ years, a writer who fancies herself an “ethno-food guru,” an ambitious young nurse, and a ruthless moneylender. The timeline shifts between “now” and “then” and the chapters feature alternating characters. Ultimately, it is about not only identify but family–biological and “found.” It’s an engrossing smorgasbord, and I believe the debut author shows great potential. (February)
I love Katherine Heiny’s writing because both her plots and her characters are exquisitely unique. The story in EARLY MORNING RISER, which I just finished, is a slice of second-grade teacher Jane’s life. We don’t know a lot about her background, other than that her mother talks without any filter, often hilariously, and her father seems to be out of the picture. Jane falls into a romantic relationship with Duncan, a woodworker who has seduced practically every woman for miles around. But there is something about him–he makes Jane feel loved and protected, even though he doesn’t seem the marrying kind. The story is infused with so much dry humor and warmth that it is a pleasure to read. The scenes in Jane’s classroom are priceless. Other characters are truly memorable–the developmentally challenged man who works for Duncan, Duncan’s ever-present ex-wife and her hapless husband, who is confused by everything, Jane’s friend who insists on playing her mandolin and singing at every event, even low-key dinners. I came out of this reading experience refreshed, amused, and uplifted.
Margie, we have a niece who used to be called Autumn (it’s a long story, but she has changed her name a couple of times).
I read a few of Robotham’s early series novels and liked them (though he does tend to write long books), and this sounds good. I’ve read a couple of other British series with young women cops who try to hide their fathers’ criminal past, so maybe it’s a thing over there.
Yes – and wasn’t Vera’s father a poacher or something like that? Not that she can exactly be described as ‘young’!
You’re right, Rosemary. Vera’s father stole birds’ nests and eggs, even if they were endangered or rare.
Things were okay this week. The temperature was a little cooler. The smoke is a little better (although a new fire started today). Fall definitely seems to be coming, but around here, we can still have 100 degree weather in October.
I read:
No Badge Required by WL Ripley; Jake Morgan, former Texas Ranger investigates the murder of a stripper in small town Missouri,and tries to get his girlfriend back. Like all of Ripley’s heroes, Morgan irritates everyone around him until he solves the case.
Putting it Together by James LaPine; The story of creating the play Sundays in the Park With George, from the first ideas, all the way to playing at the theater. Not anywhere near one of my favorite plays, some people really like it. The most interesting person was Bernadette Peters, telling us about the way her mechanical dress didn’t always work.
The Tahitian Pearl by Sean Blaise; John Otter is running a yacht for a Russian oligarch, who claims to be after the Tahitian Pearl, a treasure ship, but is really after something else entirely. Otter is the softest man in the story, which makes things interesting once the knives start coming out.
Taking Paris by Martin Dugard; One of Bill O’Reilly’s co-writers pens the tale of the various battles for Paris during WWII. Definitely not a serious history, but you might learn something.
Beagles Love Cupcake Crimes by CA Phipps; It looks like a cozy, and seems to think it’s a cozy, but it isn’t a cozy, as the supposed amateur sleuth never actually investigates. The motive just about made me spit.
WagerEasy by Tom Farrell; When a racetrack tout is brutally murdered via blowtorch, his wannabe PI friend with a gambling problem investigates, and finds things even darker. Reading this I couldn’t help but think maybe we should give Chicago to Canada, and let them deal with it.
Atlantis Found by Clive Cussler; Apparently one of Cussler’s more popular novels, It just didn’t do much for me. I noted Cussler went with co-writers shortly after this one.
Glen, I’m a big Sondheim fan and have seen many of his shows multiple times, but like you, I am NOT a fan of Sunday in the Park at all, so I’m undecided about reading the book Sondheim’s own two books – FINISHING THE HAT: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) and LOOK, , I MADE A HAT: Collected Lyrics (1981-2011) are fascinating reading. In the first, I remember a chapter about other lyricists and Sondheim’s feelings about them.
Count me in as another huge Sondheim fan! But I agree with both of you about that particular show–not my favorite. I do love reading about all things show business, though, particularly Broadway musicals. Having been fortunate to see In the Heights on Broadway with the original cast, I bought the recent LARGE book about the show and the movie, and it was well worth it.
I can always count on your reviews, Glen, to make me laugh. At least I didn’t “spit” when I read them.
Good morning everyone,
Aberdeenshire feels very autumnal this morning. The current temperature is 57F/14C. We have had some lovely days recently though, and I’m not complaining, autumn is such a beautiful season. Nancy and I had a fabulous walk in the grounds of Crathes Castle (near Banchory) on Tuesday. We are so lucky to have all these places on our doorstep.
Entirely predictably (and I’m so glad it’s not just me Lesa!) I read next to nothing while we were away – I still haven’t even finished THE COFFIN TRAIL. And also entirely predictably I managed to make at least two charity shop visits while we were en route – the first in Tarbert, a very pretty village near the ferry terminal. The second was in Inverary, where we stopped for coffee on our long drive back. It’s a well known tourist spot but wasn’t too busy on Monday, probably due at least partly to the weather; the Red Cross shop was excellent (& deserted) so of course I had to make the most of it. One of the books I bought was Carrie Fisher’s POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE, which had been the starter book for a previous 6 Degrees of Separation challenge. Many people sang its praises so i will give it a try (one day…)
So I’m ashamed to say I have no book news to report. I have, however, now caught up with the latest episode of GRANCHESTER , and it was excellent, though very sad in places. Rebecca Front guest starred, and she is such a versatile actress.
The BAKE OFF also started again on Tuesday night – I have finally got my husband interested, as it is one of those programmes that is far more fun to watch with someone (I used to watch it with my youngest daughter till she inconsiderately went to university 🙂 ) It was a good opener – one of the challenges was to make a ‘gravity-defying’ cake (ie one that looked as though it was suspended in some way), and the things some of the competitors came up with were amazing.
I’m also catching up on BBC Sounds – lisitening to Dorothy Sayers’ CLOUDS OF WITNESS, Simon Brett’s A DEADLY HABIT, and trying to ignore the remaining gazillion chapters of that dreaded Eyre woman.
We are off to Edinburgh tonight and hoping to visit the breeder with the kittens on the way back on Saturday. Before that we have our flu vaccinations this afternoon – I decided in the end just to get them at the local pharmacy, as although the age for the free vaccination has been lowered, we probably wouldn’t be offered it for months, and my attempts to make appointments at the larger chain chemists in town were so frustrating (all has to be done via their apps…) that it seemed easier just to pay slightly more and walk 5 minutes up the road.
Have a good week all,
Rosemary
Rosemary, after finishing all the MORSE and LEWIS episodes, we’ve been watching JOhn Thaw’s KAVANAGH Q.C., which he did aroudn the same time he was doing Morse. A younger Rebecca Front (who, of course, played Lewis’s boss) played a young lawyer who seconded Kavanagh in several trials, following Anna Chancellor. We also saw Chancellor as Stephen Dillane’s mistress in THE CAZALETS series, which only covered about half the books.
I’ve often seen Kavanagh repeats listed Jeff, but I’ve never got round to watching – I must give them a try.
And yes, of course you’re right; I’d completely forgotten about Rebecca Front being Lewis’s boss. We also remember her as Nicola Murray MP in The Thick of It.
Anna Chancellor is another excellent actor. I too remember her in the Cazalets, and also as Lucia in the 2014 adaptation of Mapp & Lucia (Miranda Richardson was Mapp.)I do so wish they had adapted more of the Cazalet books; the bit they did do was so good, I loved every minute of it.
Rosemary, we are a bit behind you in our viewing of (as it’s called in the US), the Great British Baking Show. As you are watching the next season, the past season will be available to us on Friday. Can’t wait!
Rosemary, I always pack a bag of books, and usually don’t even open one when I’m on vacation, especially when I go home to visit Mom. You always have “News from Scotland”, even if you didn’t finish a book. I always enjoy your comments. Oh, I hope you get those kittens! If you do eventually, you’ll have to send me photos on Facebook, and I’ll post them here on a Thursday – Rosemary’s Kittens!
I didn’t get much time to read this week since my mom had oral surgery on Monday. Trying to find things that she could and would eat while making sure she remembered to do the after care wore me out. My boyfriend and I have been eating takeout all week because I haven’t felt up to making two sets of meals. She finally feels up to trying regular food today so that’ll make life easier.
I read DIGGING UP HISTORY by Sheila Connolly. A museum director uses historical research to solve a mystery in Philadelphia.
I’m currently reading STRIKING RANGE by Margaret Mizushima, the latest in her Mattie and Robo K-9 series and I’m enjoying it.
That’s the Sheila Connolly series that I never really got into, Sandy. I’m glad you’re enjoying Striking Range.
We all have those weeks, and yours was because you’re a caretaker. Take care of yourself as well!
Good morning!
We have had a deluge of rain the past few days, which should mean I have been reading a lot, but that has not been the case. My daughter and her family have moved in while they start the long delayed building of a house. There are boxes everywhere and we are all getting used to the new routines. Our two elderly cats are getting used to having their energetic dog cousin here on an everyday basis as well. So, things are a bit chaotic!
I did read The Spirit of Steamboat by Craig Johnson, which has been mentioned on this blog a few times. It is a short, wonderful book. I also read No Fortunate Son by Brad Taylor. I found this one hard to put down as well.
I am currently reading a non fiction book, Race Against Time by Jerry Mitchell. I cannot recommend this one highly enough. Mitchell was a reporter for a Mississippi newspaper and his investigative reporting into Civil Rights era crimes lead not only to new witnesses to the crimes, but increased interest in finally bringing some of the perpetrators to trial. The book focuses on four cases, including the murder of Medgar Evers and the Mississippi Burning case. I think anyone who enjoys history, true crime and even mysteries in general would enjoy this. It is very well written.
Race Against Time does sound interesting, Jennifer. I’ll have to keep that one in mind. I enjoy history, true crime, and mysteries.
LOVE The Spirit of Steamboat. I reread it every year at Christmastime. I know it’s not really a Christmas book, but its spirit is.
Like Sandy, I am reading the Margaret Mizushima book, but let me go in order here. The weather has been pretty good, mostly mid-70s with no rain (though some is predicted). We did eat out a couple of times, and since everyone has to be vaccinated, we ate inside a couple of times (where outdoor dining wasn’t an option).
Jackie had her birthday last Friday. She read the Suzanne Brockmann Navy SEAL book, KING’S RANSOM, and is now reading the latest of Shelly Laurenston’s humorous shifter books, BREAKING BADGER.
I mentioned the Joe Lansdale book, MOON LAKE, which he labelled “An East Texas Gothic. 14 year old Daniel Russell escapes the car when his father drives them into a lake in a murder-suicide attempt. Ten years later Daniel, now a reporter and published author, returns to his home town to try and make sense of what happened, only to find that the past is not done with him. As always, Joe is well worth reading.
Short stories. I read Junot Diaz’s collection, mostly about young Dominican men in New Jersey, THIS IS HOW YOU LOSER HER. He writes very well. Then Sherman Alexie’s TEN LITTLE INDIANS, set in Seattle and near the Spokane Indian Reservation where the author is from. I’ve enjoyed all of his books that I’ve read. John Dickon Carr’s THE ISLAND OF COFFINS and Other Mysteries From the Casebook of Cabin B-13 is a collection of radio scripts from the show that ran in 1948-49. They are quick and atmospheric.
After reading good reviews of Paul Doiron’s latest book about Mainer Game Warden Mike Bowditch, I finally went back and read the first in the series, THE POACHER’S SON, which won a Barry Award and was nominated for an Edgar. It is a very good book about a young (24 at the time) Warden who believes his poacher father has been wrongly accused of killing two men, and who sets out to convince his father to turn himself in while he tries to find the real culprit. There is a twist late in the book that echoed a recent television show we watched (but I won’t spoil it). Recommended, and I will be looking for the next in this (so far) 12 book series.
Currently reading Margaret Mizushima’s latest Mattie Cobb book, STRIKING RANGE, and I raced through the first quarter of it yesterday. Mattie is finally going to get to question the man responsible for the deaths of her father and brother (30 years apart), but things do not always work out as one might hope, especially for her. On a happier note, her K-9 Robo becomes a father for the first time – and her boyfriend Cole delivers the litter of pups. I’m sure I will finish this quickly, good as I have several other library books on hand and in the pipeline.
I’m a Robo fan, Jeff.
I’m happy to know I’m not the only one who waits years to read a book. I haven’t read the Mike Bowditch series, and I don’t know that I will. But, isn’t it great to have an entire series ahead of you?
Thank you, as always, for stepping in while I moderated a panel this morning! I appreciate it!
I read Karin Slaughter’s latest – False Witness – and it was very, very good. Highly recommend. Her books have never disappointed me. I’m actually looking forward to cooler weather and just staying in reading as the threat of break through COVID is always on my mind when I am out. I feel sorry for people who do not read, particularly during this time of social distancing.
OH! I agree with your assessment of FALSE WITNESS. I think it was one of her best.
She’s on Instagram and I left her a comment that I thought it was great!
I know, Donna. I just don’t know what those people do with their time when they don’t read. I’m sure they have a lot to do, but I just can’t comprehend not reading.
Beautiful week here with some chilly mornings. My nephew’s three dogs spent the weekend here to escape the noise of the Reno Air Races. The Border Collie was raring to go as soon as it got light, he loves to run and chase rabbits, imaginary and otherwise.
For my reading this week, I started with Charlotte McConaughey’s Migrations (2020). Fiction using the story of the longest natural migration; the Arctic tern on, what in some future time, might be its final trip. Beautiful language, hope for redemption and meaning. In describing heritage…”to do with music and stories and poetry and roots and family and belonging and curiosity”. Looking forward to reading her new book Once There Were Wolves.
Past Crimes from 2015 is the first in Glen Erik Hamilton’s Van Shaw series. Set in Seattle and features an Army Ranger raised by a criminal grandfather. Well written and nicely paced. I read the second in this series last month, so now starting at the beginning. Good array of characters with optimistic undertones.
The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano (Donna Freitas, 2021) An intimate look into nine potential “other lives” resulting from one decision. The story examines priorities and choices even as those around you question your decision. Interesting concept, but a bit of a difficult read as the stories, all featuring the same cast of characters, are intermingled.
Red Knife, the 8th entry in William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series. After reading the excellent prequel Lightning Strike, it was time to pick up the O’Connor series where I left off. This story has O’Connor as a private investigator dealing with drugs, racial conflict and the question of violence. Not my favorite plot in the series, but still wonderful reading.
Made a trip to the library yesterday and now have a new stack of books waiting to read.
Oh, Past Crimes was one of my favorite books in 2015. I love discovering a new series and author, MM.
And, I agree. Lightning Strike was excellent!
Happy Fall!
My favorite season.
It dropped down into the 40s here last night. Low 40s. Needless to say, we have turned on the heat.
What am I reading . . .
Did I already mention reading an ARC of Sulari Gentill’s THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY? One of my favorite books of the year.
I am new to author Sulari Gentill, but can now be placed firmly in the category of Huge Fan. The Woman in the Library is written in an unusual format which I thoroughly enjoyed; a fan writing the author with manuscript feedback and suggestions. The manuscript mirroring a meeting of four strangers in the Boston Public Library and the resulting friendships. Ms. Gentill writes a smart, story with some surprising twists. I enjoy her voice and her subtle humor. And I loved this book!
Another ARC – Lisa Barr’s WOMAN ON FIRE is another book about the horrors of the Nazis and their pillaging of great works of art. Lisa Barr zeroes in on one particular painting which the searchers involved have deep personal ties to. Loved this book too.
And finally Ellen Crosby’s THE FRENCH PARADOX. “Lucie Montgomery’s discovery of her grandfather’s Parisian romance unlocks a series of shocking secrets in the gripping new Wine Country mystery.
In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery’s French grandfather – until recently, a well-kept secret.
Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie’s neighbor and Jackie’s schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC museum. And Lucie’s grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket’s 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She’s also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a bestseller.
Then on the eve of the party a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie’s vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he’d received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie’s beloved grandfather?” Loved this one too. It’s been a very good week for reading.
Don’t you love those good reading weeks, Kaye? I read Sulari’s standalone, Crossing the Lines, the book that won the Ned Kelly Award. I haven’t read her Rowland Sinclair series, although I think I’d like it. I’m looking forward to this one.
Sulari’s article for the NYTimes when Australia was on fire was wonderful. I follow her on Facebook just because I love her writing. And, I had the chance to meet her at the Dallas Bouchercon when some of the Australian authors had a grant to tour the country. She’s just as wonderful in person.
We’re supposed to have 40s tonight. Last night it was in the 50s. It’s better than winter.
I agree, I loved that Aussie panel in Dallas and Sulari was fun to talk to.
She was fun to talk to, and so were the author Australian authors. I enjoyed their humor on the panel.
Right now the driveway in front of our row of 16 condominiums is being replaced with pavers. The work started Monday and is loud (when they are actually working) and we will have limited access to the driveway (no driving on it) for weeks. Tuesday and Wednesday they did little work, with no explanation (we think one of the machines to dig up the old driveway material was broken). But it has begun again this morning.
Friday and Saturday we went to the Planned Parenthood book sale and I found many, many books. Every year I think I will cut back on the number of books I buy (because I already have a house overflowing with unread books), but it never works. My husband and son both found good books too. They just have more control. We went again yesterday, I found more books of course. It lasts through next Sunday and we will go both days of the weekend, I hope.
I am now reading a book I bought at the book sale, THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths. I have read the first four books in the Ruth Galloway series, and I have the fifth one, but I have a hard time with that series. For one thing, it is written in present tense, but I have other issues with it. This one is the beginning of her newest series and I like it much better.
Tracy, You’re not the only one who has a hard time with Elly Griffiths’ books. Several of us have said that before. I will say my friend, Kathy Boone Reel, is a big fan, and loves all her books.
Good luck with that driveway. It sounds as if it’s a mess.
I saw you at Library Journal’s DOD! It was so nice actually seeing you after reading your newsletters for so long. I loved the mystery panel and all 4 debuts sounded wonderful. Though I am most excited about Department of Rare Books since I work in a public library!
I’m listening to Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney on audio. I am reading Miss Kopp Investigates by Amy Stewart and The Book Artist by Mark Pryor.
Thank you, Katherine! I’m glad the mystery panel went well. Those authors were all so good on the panel! Funny seeing someone you’ve been reading for a long time, isn’t it?
I think I say every week that I need to read Mark Pryor.
Lesa, just the description of your week makes me tired! I hope you are able to have some down time this weekend.
Our weather continues to be beautiful – sunny, highs in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s. We did have a storm come through this week that caused it to be pitch black at 5 pm, but fortunately we only had rain and nothing more severe.
My husband is off of work today and we are in between errands so I will keep it brief.
This week I read:
Fatal Fried Rice by Vivien Chien – the 7th book in the Noodle Shop Mysteries. I enjoy this series that takes place in an Asian section of Cleveland. The main character manages her family’s Chinese restaurant. In this installment, she is taking a Chinese cooking class on the sly because she doesn’t know how to cook Chinese food and is embarrassed about it. The teacher of the class is murdered and Lana is one of the main suspects, so she sets out to figure out who really committed the murder.
At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher – the third book in the Three Sisters Island trilogy. Full of great characters, family drama and takes place on an island off the coast of Maine. A little romance, but it is not the focus of the story.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Oh, this weekend I’m going to work on Treasures in My Closet, Gretchen. I really only do down time when I go on vacation. Now you know why I take advantage of every minute of vacation!
Our weather is supposed to get better again. I can’t really complain. We had rain we needed, a couple days of chillier weather, and then it’s going to get warm again.
I’ve always wondered if Vivient Chien’s books do a good job with Cleveland. That’s what I always liked about Les Roberts’ books. He had Cleveland down pat.
Enjoy your weekend, too!
Cool dry no reading not much sleep got flu shot happy Fall.
Happy fall to you, too, Rick! I’m glad you stopped by.
Hopefully I’ll feel more alert and energetic soon, not that I’ve been ill. I have three library books here that I wanted to read when I put them on hold, but have no energy or enthusiasm for them now.
Good news is it’s sunny, 67 with a lovely breeze just now, and the Finches are mobbing the bird feeder.
I’m glad your panel went so well.
Thank you, Rick! It went great, except for me. Unmute your mike, Lesa!
We all go through those stages when books just don’t appeal. It will come back. In the meantime, enjoy the weather and the birds!