Thursday, September 19, 2024

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 9/20/2024


All things bookish!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I Read:


My review will be posted on 10/9/2024!





My review will be posted on 10/11/2024!

~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm Reading:


Blurb:

She wants a fresh start. He's looking for purpose. Can Christmas at the Lockwood Lodge show them the future is brighter than the past?

When Sonora Jackson searches for a way out of New Orleans—and away from her ex-fiancĂ©—she ends up exchanging beignets for a broom when she accepts a position in housekeeping at the Lockwood Lodge. The picturesque mountains of Vermont, and the luxury of the lodge at Christmastime, is exactly what she needs, but she didn’t bargain for the handsome, bookish man she meets there.

Graham Hastings needs a vacation more than he needs the worry over selling his company, but the two come hand in hand as he arrives in Vermont for an exclusive retreat for others just like billionaires. Focused on relaxing and recovering from yet another failed relationship, he’s not ready for the near-instant attraction he feels for Sonora. At least she’s like him—rich—and not likely to date him for his money.

Set against a snow-drenched backdrop of Vermont mountains and the quaint small town of Middlebrook with its own set of quirky characters, love blooms even as the truth separates. Can Sonora admit her status as a low-income maid and explain why she lied? Will Graham see past her profession to the heart of her feelings for him? And will he be able to keep her safe when her past comes calling?


First Lines:

Gossamer light filtered through overhanging branches weighted with snow.

56%/Page 56

"I've been hearing rumors," Blythe said.

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read Next:


Blurb:

The truth might destroy them both…

The one thing that Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery regrets is never telling fellow solider Caleb Styles her true feelings. But how could she? They were co-workers, and then the guy went and saved her life. And that turned out to be the one thing that cost them their relationship.

So Juliette has moved on, trying to forget Caleb—and her feelings.

Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she now lives in Savannah, Georgia…especially since his life is full as guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.

And then he discovers that his brilliant niece’s computer skills have attracted a notorious hacker group. More, when Ivy tracks the hackers, she endangers Caleb's cyber-security company.

Enter his need for the Elite Guardians.

The last—very last—person Juliette thought she’d see again is Caleb Styles, let alone be assigned to protect him. And now, suddenly, the very last thing she needs is to let her heart take over. She must protect them both—which means ignoring…or trying to ignore—the attraction between them.

Caleb never understood why Juliette walked away from him…but he can’t deny that his feelings for her never died. Except maybe she doesn’t share those feelings because her only goal seems to be protecting Ivy. And, it’s probably for the best.

After all, they need all their wits about them to find the hackers and unravel their plans.

And then they discover the hackers’ true intent—and it becomes a race against time. But it too late to protect their hearts from the truth?

An electrifying blend of suspense, chemistry, and unbreakable bonds, this romantic thriller is a must-read for fans of the Elite Guardian series.

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:






   ~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  September is a busy month for literary events and book awards. Are there any award-winning books or authors you're eager to read, or any forthcoming book events you intend to go to or cover on your blog? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. The short answer is:  not really...  Unless you count readathons which you can read more about directly below :)

~~~~~~~~~~


I'm participating in 3 readathons in October!!!!  Check out these posts:





~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,


Linking up to: 

   


https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/

http://www.fredasvoice.com/  http://www.rosecityreader.com/


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Cozy Cottage Readathon ~ October 2024


The third readathon I'm joining in with during October 2024 is the "Cozy Cottage Readathon" hosted by Chantel @ Chantel Reads All Day.

Here's Chantel's announcement:



This readathon is all about reading in cozy spots or reading cozy books!

The prompts are:

Rainy Day

Next to a Fireplace

With A Blanket

Under the Trees

Fresh Baking

In the Dark

On a Hike

Drinking Tea


That is a total of 8 prompts.  I'll be happy completing at least 5.

So, let me know if you will be joining the Cozy Cottage Readathon 2024!  I think it will be lots of fun :)


Bookishly yours,

Colletta

Anne-tober 2024 Readathon ~ October 2024


I've decided to join another readathon taking place in October (actually 2 more for a total of 3!).

I'm going to try to read books that would count for all three readathons, for the most part.

This post is about the Anne-tober 2024 Readathon hosted by Chautona Havig.

Here's Chautona's announcement:



The prompts are in BINGO format and are quotes from Anne of Green Gables.  I doubt I'll fill all 9 squares but if I get 5/9 completed I'll be happy.

I think I have it planned out that the books I'm reading for the Journey Through the Bible 2024 Readathon will work for Anne-tober as well.  (unless I get super motivated and read more!)  So, these books will look familiar if you've read my post about the Journey Through the Bible 2024.

Here are the 5 prompts I've picked out at this point:

"Call Me Anne With An E" =
an eBook


This could really be any book as I've become an eReader.  I used to be a physical copy only reader but have come to love my Kindle!


"I Suppose It Was a Romantic Way to Perish"=
romantic sensibilities 


I thought this book would work well as "LOVE" is actually in the title :)


"Some Books Are Best Left on the Shelf"=
A book that has been on your TBR a long time


This book has been on my Kindle for a long time.  I'd even say a few years...


"I'm So Glad We Live in a World With Anne-tobers"=
Free Square



"It Is Ever So Much Easier to Be Good If Your Clothes Are Fashionable"=
A Great Cover


I think the cover of Brave is absolutely amazing!


So, let me know if you will be joining in Anne-tober 2024!  I think it will be lots of fun :)


Bookishly yours,

Colletta

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Book Review ~ Rafe by Kathy Ivan ~ 9/18/2024


~~~~~~~~~~~~


Title:   Rafe by Kathy Ivan
Series:  Texas Boudreau Brotherhood Book #1
Pages:  236
Date Published: April 1, 2020
Publisher:  Independently Published
Stars:  ***

 Blurb:

When Sheriff Rafe Boudreau catches Tessa Maxwell climbing through the window of a house where she doesn’t belong, the crime rate isn’t the only thing that spikes. Turns out, trouble has followed the small-town schoolteacher to Shiloh Springs, and Rafe and the rest of the Boudreau clan must step in to keep her safe. Can they decipher the clues and end the danger Tessa faces before time runs out?

My Thoughts:

I teetered between *** and **** for this book because about halfway through, I almost DNF'd it...

The writing was good and the story line was great but it was almost too sappy and perfect.  It was almost a love-at-first-sight deal and it moved rather quickly along to almost mentioning the L word.  All within the first half!

So, when I was about 50% through the book, I debated whether to continue or not because I have so many other books I want to read.  However, since it is a fairly short read, I decided to push through and get another book completed for the year.

I'm glad I finished this book.  I really am.  I'll tell you why :)

Right after the 50% mark, the action started and I almost missed out on it!  The entire second half of the book held conflict.  There was everything from ransacking, to gun brandishing and someone even gets shot (in the leg, don't worry)!

Overall, this was a good start to a new series of ELEVEN brothers Boudreau and each has their own story.  I'd gladly read another if the opportunity arises to revisit Shiloh Springs.

This book is NOT a Christian/Inspirational read although it is CLEAN with very light spice (a few kisses).

I read this as a free Amazon download to my Kindle.

Onto the next book :)

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/16/2024


Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello and HAPPY Monday.

I had a lovely week of reading, crocheting, blogging and homemaking.

Here's to the week ahead!

The weather outside is:

It was a little bit warmer Sunday but it looks like some lovely temperatures are ahead.  It could stay in the 70F's all year long, in my opinion!


On today's to-do list:

I'm hoping for a fairly uneventful day of homemaking.  I got the floors and laundry done Saturday so it should just be the daily tasks such as cooking and dishes, etc., etc., etc.

Happening this week:

Tuesday is our 24th Wedding Anniversary!  I want to make the hubby a Cream Puff Cake since it is his favorite dessert.

Other than that, it should be a fairly normal week with the usual suspects of daily activities.

Currently reading:


I'm currently reading "One Last Shot" by Susan May Warren who is one of my favorite authors.  This book is my 7th read of September 2024.  To see more about my reading week, please go HERE to check out My Weekly Bookishness post!

I'm catching up on my Goodreads Challenge which is exciting.  Are we friends on Goodreads?  You can find my Goodreads profile HERE.

Listening to:

Every day is a beautiful gift from God!  Enjoy :)


Watching:

Laken and Nate went with Nate's mom, Natasha, to the WVU vs Pitt football game on Saturday.  We don't normally watch college football, but knowing that they were there inspired us to put the game on.  Then Sunday was the Steelers game.

Hallmark-esque movies.

Booktubers that I've discovered recently and also some favorite homemaking/sewing youtubers.

In the Kitchen:

Laken requested Beef Stew for dinner so Beef Stew she got.  While the meat was in the pressure cooker getting tender, the time was spent peeling and chopping potatoes, carrots, celery and onions.  I made biscuits to go along with the Stew.


On Tuesday, I made Banana Cupcakes with some bananas that were getting overly ripe.  I doubled the recipe so I ended up taking what was left to Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study to share.


I also baked Chocolate Chunk Brownies this week but I didn't get a picture.  This week, I'm planning on making a Spice Cake with Homemade Fluffy Icing.

In the Craft Basket:

I have 17/35 blocks finished for the Japanese Fields Afghan.  Last week I was at 9/35 blocks completed so I've made some progress.  Just half a block away from being 50% complete.

I made it a point to weave in all the ends of the blocks I had already completed and have been keeping up with it as I finish each square.  For some reason, it is always satisfying to see the little pile of ends :)


It is also satisfying to see a nice, tidy stack of blocks.  


I thought I'd see how the blocks would look laid out.  I'll probably join the squares with Ivory and then crochet the border out of all three colors.  I'm still debating what to do with the finished Afghan...


Picture(s) from the Camera


We got two HUGE mums Saturday and got them planted.  We bought them at a little road-side stand and they were only 2 for $15.  Considering W-Mart wanted over $6 for one half the size, I think we got a deal :)  The hubby planted them and they are beautiful.


We celebrated our Anniversary a few days early with breakfast (my choice) at Coal Miner's Diner in Jennerstown, PA.  The portions were big and the food was great.  It was the first time we had eaten there although I'd been wanting to try it for a few years.  It is a bit of a drive to get there but now I'd like to go back and try something other than the breakfast menu.  Their specials look amazing!


My handsome breakfast date :)


I decorated the bookcase above my desk for Fall.  Nothing fancy, but I got a few leaf garlands and a Pumpkin Spice candle.  I can only have the candle burning while I'm sitting at my desk because I'm afraid one of the cats will try to get at it.  It is currently burning while I type this post and it smells delicious.  I think I'll get and Apple candle next.


Speaking of the cats, look how big Oliver has gotten!  He's almost as big as Flynn who is 2 years older than Ollie.  Laken was dangling a cat toy above him so that we could get a picture of him sitting still.  He is a very busy kitten!

Prayer Requests

~By the time you are reading this post, Kaylee should be in Orlando for her work conference.  I'd appreciate your continued prayers for safety and traveling mercies!

~Laken is now taking 4 college courses.  Please pray that she does well with them and that she stays healthy.  (continued)

~As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all school/college kids.  (continued)

~Our Country, our Leaders and the Election coming in November.  (continued)

~Please pray that I get a start date soon for my new job.  It is a state position and they can sometimes be slow moving.

Bible Verse

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8  ERV

Have a great week!

Colletta

Friday, September 13, 2024

Journey Through the Bible Readathon 3.0 ~ October 2024


I recently discovered a wonderful youtuber, Katie at Paperbacks and Ponytails.  I was so excited when she announced "Journey Through the Bible Readathon 3.0" that will take place during the entire month of October 2024! 

Here's the super fun announcement:


I haven't participated in a readathon in YEARS but I just can't help myself from joining in this one :)  After all, it is a TREASURE HUNT with lots of different prompts!

I spent some time this afternoon, looking at the prompts and looking through my TBR books and here is what I came up with:

Where Are You Going?

Babylon = A book with flowers on the cover


I didn't have to look far on my Kindle to see a book with flowers and what makes it even better for the prompt is that the "Blooms" is in the title :)


What Are You Searching For?

Temple of Jerusalem = Book with a building on the cover


I've had this on my TBR list for a while and have been meaning to read it.  I love the structures that are on this cover.


Who Are You Going To Meet?

Tomb Raiders = Murder/Cozy Mystery


The only "Cozy Mystery" I had on my Kindle was "Apple Pile and Trouble" so no brainer there :)


Booby Traps

Spears = Blind Pick


I wasn't sure how to "Blind Pick" so I just closed my eyes and pointed to a book!  I've never done that before so it should be fun :)


How Do You Escape?

A Book = Ask A Friend to Pick Your Book


We're going to be doing a "Buddy Read" during the readathon and voting is open now.  You can check out the Community tab on Paperbacks and Ponytails.  I asked to make sure this would count as "a friend pick" and Katie said yes.  Right now, "Brave" by Mesu Andrews is winning.  If one of the other books on the poll end up coming out on top, I'll update the post.

So what do you think?  What do you think of my prompt choices and book choices?  Have I enticed you to join in?  Be sure to watch Katie's announcement video and I bet you'll be tempted!

Bookishly yours,

Colletta

Thursday, September 12, 2024

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 9/13/2024


All things bookish!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I Read:


I received this book from JustRead Publicity Tours.  My review will be posted on October 2, 2024.


READ MY REVIEW HERE!

~~~~~~~~~~

What I'm Reading:


Blurb:

What she can’t remember will kill her…

As a teen, Texas Ranger Felicity Capshaw witnessed a murder. The traumatic incident—and the accompanying amnesia—has affected her entire life. She reopens the cold case, but the investigation is cut short when she’s assaulted and nearly killed.

Detective Noah Hodge is no stranger to loss. He’s buried his parents and his wife. All he wants is to raise his daughter and keep his hometown safe. When the killer targets Felicity, Noah commits to protecting her, even though each second in her presence makes him question why he’s locked away his battered heart.

As Felicity's memories return, the threats escalate. Can Noah help her uncover the truth? Or will the killer silence her forever?

First Lines:

A twig snapped.

56%/Page 56

Shocked rippled through Felicity.  She held her tongue, letting Kurtis lead the way for the time being.

~~~~~~~~~~~

What I'll (Probably) Read Next:


Blurb:

Some people have all the luck, but so far, Seren’s has all been bad.

Seren Colburn's had nothing but bad luck her entire life, so she's not surprised when Dave, a possible buyer for her family mansion, mistakes her for a vagrant squatting in the unfurnished home. If she wasn't about to lose her movie-star grandmother’s house to the bank, she wouldn't even be selling it.

But after he realizes Seren’s the owner, Dave has an idea.

He suggests they work together to turn the mansion into an inn, capitalizing on her grandmother's graceful and timeless image. Seren really doesn’t want to, but she's out of options. Dave quickly realizes he wants her as more than just a business partner, but can he convince Seren that her luck’s about to change. . .if only she'll take a chance on him?

~~~~~~~~

Book Haul:




   ~~~~~~~~~~

Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  It's back-to-school time. What book would you recommend to students, whether it's an educational read or an enjoyable diversion from textbooks? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. I can't think of any book in particular.  Just read what gives you joy.

That being said, I would highly recommend finding a devotional for students to go along with Bible reading.  You don't have to read the Bible for hours on end.  Just make sure you are in the Word on a daily basis to keep you grounded.

~~~~~~~~~~



~~~~~~~~~~

Bookishly Yours,


Linking up to: 

   


https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/

http://www.fredasvoice.com/  http://www.rosecityreader.com/