My Weekly Bookishness ~ 9/6/2024

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I received this book from JustRead Publicity Tours.  My review will be posted on September 27th.

You can read my review HERE!

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What I'm Reading:

Blurb:

Sophia Shipley will do pretty much anything to keep her secrets secret until she’s ready to reveal them to her family. Coming back to Carolina Cove in disgrace is hard enough, but that doesn’t compare to knowing all of her hard work and career advances were for nothing. Her job in finance, her life in the financial sector, is gone due to the whispers of fraud now attached to her name. She has to start over from scratch and she has no idea where to begin…

Dawson Blackwell can’t believe his luck. He’d finally managed to buy out the awful neighbor next door and renovate the rundown cottage for a rental only to discover his childhood nemesis to be its first guest. From rivals in the classroom to enemies on the debate team and competitors for class president, he and Sophia had butted heads at every turn. But as neighbors and unlikely friends, he finds himself battling a different kind of intensity towards the grown-up version of the spoiled rich girl he’d known.

They say opposites attract but when Dawson finds himself going after the same job as Sophia, will their competitive personalities lead to a show down—or will their forbidden love lead to something else entirely?

First Lines:

Isn't it funny, she mused, how failure opens one's eyes?

56%/Page 56

Allie's nod ended with a near hysterical laugh and a wipe of her runny nose.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz's new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans--signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show.

EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train a celebrity. But she's a rookie to the team, so yes, she'll train Oaken and keep him alive and not for a minute pay attention to his charm.

And then five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone wrong. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills and manpower--including Oaken--to find them before a blizzard settles in. But can they work together before tragedy strikes?

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Book Haul:

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. What role have libraries played in your reading journey? Do you have any recommendations for books or fond recollections involving libraries? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. One of my very first memories is of my Mom taking me and my brother to the library.  I always wanted to check out the same book.  I think it was called "Leo the Lion".

In my early teen years, I can remember reading all Summer long!  I would go to the library on grocery shopping day and pick out around 10 books to last me the week.  I remember one week, I didn't go but I gave a list to my Mom of books to find for me :)

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Book Review ~ Marrying the Beast by Bree Livingston ~ 9/4/2024

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Title:   Marrying the Beast by Bree Livingston

Series:  A Fake Marriage Romance Book #5

Pages:  278

Date Published: December 1, 2023

Publisher:  Independently Published

 Blurb:

A Beauty and the Beast retelling…
A woman with a secret, a recluse, and a marriage of convenience.

For over a year Isabeau Daniels lived in fear of a stalker. Now, with him in jail, she’s ready to start fresh in Dallas as a housekeeper for Rowan Masters—a well known lawyer and recluse.

A car accident left Rowan Masters burned—both physically and emotionally. He’s spent the last twelve years hiding in his family home—and now, to keep his home he’s forced to marry.

Isabeau loves the feeling of safety that Rowan’s mansion offers, and he needs a wife. When a marriage of convenience turns into something more, can they leave behind the nightmare of the past and find the beauty in loving each other?

My Thoughts:

I don't know if I've ever read a Beauty and the Beast Retelling.  If I have, it has been years and I don't even remember what it would have been.  I have watched some retelling movies and always enjoyed them as long as they weren't too overly predictable.

As for this retelling, I really enjoyed the story line.  Of course, we have Isabeau (the Beauty) and Rowan (the Beast) so there were those character aspects from the start.  They both had been deeply hurt both physically and emotionally.

The first half of the book was them just getting to know each other but then something would happen to cause a set-back.  There were a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings to overcome.

The second half of the book is where it got really good...for me, at least.  The book had tons of "charm", romance and even a bit of suspense.  

This was a fun read for me and I would recommend this book if you're looking for a sweet, clean read.  I've always loved "marriage-of-convenience" stories so this whole series is something I want to check out!

I do want to warn, though, that there could be possible triggers for some in this book.

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

Onto the next book :)

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/2/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

It was a busy weekend.  Saturday we were gone all day Homecoming dress shopping.  We made the trip to Greensburg to to a dress shop called MB Prom.  They had tons of dresses...and tons of shoppers!  Homecoming is less than a month away so I shouldn't have been surprised at the busyness of the shop.  There were girls EVERYWHERE!

Laken liked a certain bright orange dress that made her look very tan but the shop had already sold that same dress to someone that goes to her school and they won't duplicate dresses so that one was out.  Finally, after much trying on and searching through racks of dresses, Laken picked my favorite out of the bunch.  Pictures don't do it justice.

Laken also discovered that Greensburg is a hidden treasure of malls, shopping plazas and stores.  I hadn't really ever been there shopping before but the rest of the day was spent hopping from store to store and hitting the mall just before closing time.

Over-all, it was a nice day spent together and the dress shopping is in the books...until Prom...

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

The cooler temperatures are back and it is wonderful!  Looking at the forecast, it is actually supposed to get quite chilly tonight with a low of 44F.  And next Sunday with a high of 68F!  The leaves will really start changing soon.

On today's to-do list:

I actually have a lot on my list for today.  I need to get some house work done such as dishes, laundry and floors.  I'm a bit behind after being gong all day Saturday.

My Mom and I are actually contemplating make some apple pies this afternoon as well.

Happening this week:

This is a fairly full week.  I work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Saturday, I'm helping serve at a dinner for one of our community members who is being appreciated for all his work for our little town.  Plus keeping up with the daily tasks.  I feel like I need to slow things down a bit.  Maybe being off today will help me get some tasks accomplished and I won't feel so overwhelmed.

Currently reading:

I signed up for a JustRead Publicity book review Blog Tour for K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner.  I was so excited to get the email that I was selected to be a part of the Blog Tour!  I've been reading more now than I have in weeks (maybe even months) and am enjoying myself immensely.  My review will be posted on September 27th. 

Listening to:

I can't get this song out of my head!  Enjoy :)

Watching:

Hallmark/Freevee movies.

There wasn't a Steeler game this weekend but I'm looking forward to watching the first regular season game this Sunday!

In the Kitchen:

As I mentioned above, we are probably making apple pies this afternoon.

We're having Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup for supper.  Nate requested it.  He has to leave to go back to college this evening so it was his pick :)

In the Craft Basket:

I think I've decided to switch up the Japanese Fields afghan and make solid Granny squares instead of the flower Granny squares.  So much less weaving in of ends!  I didn't get any pictures so I'll try to get some for next week's post.

Edited to add picture :)

Picture from the Camera

The cooler temperatures and the rain we've been getting are doing wonders for the flowers.  Especially, these geraniums that are in the Church flower bed.

Prayer Requests

~Please keep my work situation in your prayers.  I absolutely do not like having to work on Sunday morning but it seems like they keep scheduling me to work then.  (continued)

~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 those going back to school.  (continued)

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

Bible Verse

"For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD.  ' They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' "  Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Have a great week!

Colletta

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 8/30/2024

All things bookish!

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What I Read:

I've been staying up-to-date on my daily Bible reading and devotion time using "Five Minutes of Grace".

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What I'm Reading:

I received this book from JustRead Publicity Tours.  My review will be posted on September 27th.

Blurb:

A killer on the loose. A K-9 keeping watch. Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows hold the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?

First Lines:

The computer screen flashed white and turned black.

56%/Page 56

Izzy had blamed him.  At first.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:

Blurb:

A Beauty and the Beast retelling…

A woman with a secret, a recluse, and a marriage of convenience.

For over a year Isabeau Daniels lived in fear of a stalker. Now, with him in jail, she’s ready to start fresh in Dallas as a housekeeper for Rowan Masters—a well known lawyer and recluse.

A car accident left Rowan Masters burned—both physically and emotionally. He’s spent the last twelve years hiding in his family home—and now, to keep his home he’s forced to marry.

Isabeau loves the feeling of safety that Rowan’s mansion offers, and he needs a wife. When a marriage of convenience turns into something more, can they leave behind the nightmare of the past and find the beauty in loving each other?

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Book Haul:

 

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q. Are you a member of any book clubs, and if so, what has been your most memorable book to discuss with them? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

A. I just wrote on my Happy Homemaker Monday blog post that I would love to join a book club!  I used to co-host a Facebook book club that we called Kindred Readers Book Club.  Then I went back to work full-time and it was just too much to keep up with.  I now work part-time and would love to get back into all things book club.  Any recommendations?

BTW, my most memorable book we discussed was The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel.  It was amazing!

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Bookishly Yours,

Linking up to: 

   

  

 The Sunday Post, Sunday Salon,  Mailbox Monday

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/26/2024

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 

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Hello and HAPPY Monday.  

The first week of Laken's Senior Year is in the books!  I feel kind of old.

I was looking at all the obligatory first day of school pictures that everyone was posting on Facebook.  There were a lot of Seniors and even College students but I also saw lots of little ones getting on the school bus or outside their school for the first time.

I guess I've just always seen myself as a young mom.  I have to come to the realization that I'm old enough (more than old enough) to be a ,,,  GRANDMOTHER!  Settle down!  No one is pregnant.  (to my knowledge ).  I have to move on or I'm going to get super depressed about my babies being grown!

Let's get on with today's Happy Homemaker :)

The weather outside is:

Summer is back.  That is all.

On today's to-do list:

I'm off work at my job today so I get to be a Happy Homemaker all day!  I got most of my to-do list done on Friday, my last day off as I had to work both Saturday and Sunday.  My list for today will be to wash my work shirts, fold laundry, take Laken to and from school, practice driving with Laken in the afternoon, alter a few dresses I got at the thrift shop and anything else that comes my way.  I might even take a nap.  Wouldn't that be glorious!?!

Happening this week:

I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.  I work the early shift which is good for taking Laken to school in the mornings.

I have hopes of it being a fairly quiet week with just the normal activities.  We don't have any appointments this week which is a good thing.

Currently reading:

Only my devotional and Bible.

I just watched a movie about a Book Club (more about that later) and it really has me missing the Kindred Readers Book Club that I used to co-host on Facebook.  Does anyone belong to a good Book Club that you could point me to?  I need a REALLY good book to get me hooked and back in to reading.

Listening to:

Enjoy!

Watching:

My babies grow up!  Here is the First Day of Kindergarten Picture next to the First Day of Senior Year picture.

  

As I mentioned above, we watched "Blind Date Book Club" and it was so cute!  It was about a bookstore owner who hosted a "mystery" book club by wrapping the books with paper and just putting a blurb on the front to intrigue people into reading the book.  If they liked the book (or not) they could come share their thoughts on the book.  Erin Krakow was the leading lady and I really enjoy her movies.  Let me know if you saw it or if you're going to go watch it now that you've heard about the movie :)

I've also been watching some new YouTube channels featuring "sewists" which have me itching to get my sewing machine out!

In the Kitchen:

Friday I had supper in the oven and decided while the oven was hot to try a second variation of the cinnamon roll "cobbler".  A few week ago I made one with apple pie filling and it was SO very good!

This time I had picked chocolate chips and pecans!

I cut the cinnamon rolls in fours, melted a stick of butter, added brown sugar and cinnamon plus about half a bag of chocolate chips and stirred it all together.

I only put the pecans on half the cobbler because not everyone in the house likes them (Laken).  It turned out so delicious!  I might have over-done it with the stick of butter because there was a lot of oeey gooey goodness.  I was going to wipe it off the plate to make the picture look more professional but decided to leave it as is to show the yumminess!

I haven't decided what to make this week.  Any suggestions?

In the Craft Basket:

I'm e...v...e...r so slowly working on Japanese Fields blocks.

I also want to alter a few dresses I got at the thrift store as I mentioned above.  The first dress is just too big and shapeless.  I think I'll take the sides in and maybe add a belt.  The second dress has straps and peekaboo shoulders that hand WAY too low on my shoulders.  I'm thinking of just cutting off the peekaboo shoulders and wearing a shrug over top of it as I wouldn't feel comfortable without one.  

Picture from the Camera

Prayer Request

Please keep my work situation in your prayers.  I absolutely do not like having to work on Sunday morning but it seems like they keep scheduling me to work then.

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

As always, prayers for the safety and well-being of all those going back to school.

Bible Verse

"First of all then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."  I Timothy 2: 1-2  NASB

Have a great week!

Colletta