It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 8/12/19

 

 

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  It is a place to share what you've read, what you are reading and what you are about to read.

 

~~~~~

 

This is officially the last week of Summer Break.  My oldest daughter starts College next Monday and my youngest daughter starts 7th grade next Wednesday!  I'm not the type of parent who counts down the days until the kids go back to school.  I enjoy having them home with me.  We've been slowly working on getting back into a "school-time" schedule.  Earlier to bed and earlier to rise and all that jazz.

 

What about you?  How do you feel now that Summer is winding down?

 

 

What I Read Last Week:

 

 

 

 

What I'm Reading Now:

 

Digging in to "A Lady Unrivaled" and loving it!

 

 

 

 

What's Up Next?:



 

"Shadows of the Past" is the first book in the Logan Point Series.  I love me a good romantic suspense :)

 

 

 

Last Week's Posts:

~Weekly Weigh In - Week 1
~Review:  Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren
~Weekly Weigh In - Week 2
~Books from the Backlog
~First Lines Friday and 56




Colletta
 Also linking up to the following:

 

 

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 8/9/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:
 

First Lines

 

The Cotswolds, Ralin Castle

March 1913

 

Lady Ella Myerston knew more than everyone thought she did--and more than they thought she should.

 Page 56

 

 
Ella chuckled.  She would NOT be bothered by Lord Cayton--neither by his nearness nor his life of heartless infractions.

 

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Books from the Backlog ~ 8/8/19

Books from the Backlog hosted by Carole's Rand Life in Books is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

 

This week's neglected book is:

 

 

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

Series: N/A
Publication Date:    May 31, 2014   
Publisher: Bethany House
 

Blurb:

 

 When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: "God, if you're real, I want to know you."

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to fall in love with one of the locals.

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow: no dating for a year. And it's a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby...

 

 

Why did I add Until I Found You to my bookshelf:

 

I really can't remember specifically why I added this book to my shelf other than I liked the premise and wanted to try this new-to-me author.

 

 

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

 

Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 2 ~ WW Freestyle

My goal for August is to lose 3% of my starting weight which is 8.8 lbs.

I currently get 32 Daily Points and 42 Weekly Points on the WW Freestyle Plan.  If you'd like to know more about how the Point system works, let me know in the comments and I'll elaborate in a future post.

My Fit Point goal is set to 52 points.  I'll post more about my activity points in a future post also.

I worked really hard.  I tracked all my food and activity.  I met my activity point goal (barely = 53) and the results were well worth all the work !


On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

Current Weight ~ 8/3/19 ~ 285.6 lbs

Total:  -5.2lbs

 
Grand Total: -5.2 lbs

-5.2 pounds!   That is so exciting!  I "only" need to lose 3.6 lbs more to reach my August goal!  AND...I got my 5lb Charm!


I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

Book Review ~ Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

 

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Title:  Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

Series:  The Sugar Baron's Daughters Book 1

Pages:  352

Date Published: February 6, 2018 

Publisher:  Bethany House

 

 Blurb:

 

    In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of
what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's once-great plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?  

My Thoughts:

 

 This was an epic story!

 

From a mansion in England, to a ship on the high seas, to the Caribbean island of Nevis!

 

I was captivated by the details of the sea voyage and by the captain of the ship (hope to see more of him in later books!)

 

I was not prepared for the imagery of the island of Nevis herself!  The author did an AMAZING job with the description and narrative.

 

Keturah (love that name) was strong and stood up for "me and mine" throughout the entire book.  There was one scene which especially showed her vulnerabilities, though.  She had much to work through from her past which at times led her to seem very harsh.

 

Gray (don't you just love that name for a hero) was everything you would want in a best friend.  Sometimes Keturah treated him abominably but (spoiler!) it all works out in the end :)  I really liked Gray's character, flaws and all.

 

I loved getting to know the Banning Sisters.  All three were equally interesting.  I'm already eyeing up "Verity"; "Selah" actually won't be published until Spring 2020.

 

I'm looking forward to both! 

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Weekly Weigh In ~ Week 1 ~ WW Freestyle

My last Weekly Weigh In was in January.  Since then I've gained weight instead of losing.

After some self-evaluation, I decided that I do best when I'm following the WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) plan and using the WW tools (trackers, points, Connect, etc.).

So on July 27, 2019 I decided to rejoin WW and attended my first workshop (formerly known as meeting).  I'm counting it as Week 1 because I feel that with a new start, I need a clean slate.

I'm going to be brave and put my actual weight out there.  It took me a long time to be comfortable doing so.  I now believe that I'm much more than a number on the scale  :)


On to the weigh in:

Starting Weight ~ 7/27/19 ~ 290.8 lbs

 
Total: 0

I'll be weighing in on Saturdays and posting my results on Wednesday.  If you'd like to join in on the journey from the beginning, I'd love to have some weight loss friends! 

 
Colletta

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? ~ 8/5/19

 

 

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  It is a place to share what you've read, what you are reading and what you are about to read.

 

~~~~~

 

I haven't gotten much reading done this week.  I've just been in a funk for a few days.  My Uncle John is still in the hospital in Sacramento and is unresponsive.  My Aunt and cousins have some tough decision to make this week.  Please keep them in your prayers!

 

 

 

What I Read Last Week:

 

 

 

The review for "Keturah" will be posted tomorrow :)

 

 

What I'm Reading Now:

 

 

I'm still reading "A Confident Heart".  I'm enjoying it but my mind has been preoccupied lately.

 

 

What's Up Next?:

 



 

I've read the first two books of this series and can't wait to dig in to this one!

 

Last Week's Post:

~Review:  "Fatal Mistake" by Susan Sleeman


Colletta

Book Review ~ Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman

 

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

 

 Blurb:

 

 An FBI agent must protect the woman who can identify a terrorist bomber in bestselling author Susan Sleeman's riveting romantic suspense novel. 

 Each day could be her last...but not if he can help it.

Tara Parrish is the only person ever to survive an attack by the Lone Wolf bomber. Scared and emotionally scarred by her near death, she goes into hiding with only one plan--to stay alive for another day. She knows he's coming after her, and if he finds her, he will finish what he started.

Agent Cal Riggins has had only one goal for the past six months--to save lives by ending the Lone Wolf's bombing spree. To succeed, he needs the help of Tara Parrish, the one person who can lead them to the bomber. Cal puts his all into finding Tara, but once he locates her, he realizes if he can find her, the Lone Wolf can, too. He must protect Tara at all costs, and they'll both need to resist the mutual attraction growing between them to focus on hunting down the bomber, because one wrong move could be fatal.    

My Thoughts:

 

 Wow!

 

I absolutely loved this book!

 

Susan Sleeman is another new-to-me author that has fast become a favorite.  One book and I'm a major fan!

 

From the very first line of the book I was gripping the edge of my seat (or bed...wherever I happened to be reading :)  When they called it a "romantic suspense" it was an understatement in my opinion!  The suspense was there full-time with hardly any lulls in action.  I was hanging on for dear life! :)

 

I loved that Tara was pro-active and didn't sit around waiting for a man to save her.  (Except that one time...)  She had a plan for survival and she was above prepared.  She made an excellent romantic suspense heroine.

 

Super Agent Man, Cal, was an amazing hero.  He was methodical and strong and very capable.  He was the not-so-perfect hero who worked through his own life struggles.

 

Even though the book took place in such a short period of time, the story...and the romance...didn't feel rushed at all.  It felt very "organic".  (Isn't that the new word for natural??)

 

I loved getting introduced to the "White Knights" and am oh-so looking forward to reading more about them and anything else written by this author!

 

A must read Inspirational Romantic Suspense!

 

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 7/29/19

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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

We're still at a loss as to what is going on with my Uncle John.  He is still unresponsive and stuck in CA.  He has a team of neurologists working on him but so far, they've not figured out what is causing him to be unresponsive.  My Aunt Tina is distraught!  I can't even imagine being so far from home and having to deal with something so terrible.  Please keep praying and thank you for those of you who have been praying!  Prayers are so appreciated!

 

The weather outside is::::

It has been a bit cooler if you can call 89F cool!  We've had a few storms that brought the cooler air through so that was nice.  I'm going to enjoy these last few weeks of summer.
 



 

On my breakfast plate:

Smart Ones Ham Egg and Cheese Muffin

As I look around the house::::

I have a basket of laundry to fold and a whole pile of folded clothes to hang up in my closet.  For some reason, this is something I procrastinate about.

As always, the floors could be swept.  With 2 Labradors I always sweep up enough hair to make a small dog!

On today's to do list::::

Devotions
Exercise
Groceries


 

Happening this week::::

 

Devotions:  I want to start a new Bible Study this week.  I have a few studies on my shelf to pick from but haven't decided which one to do next.

WW:  I rejoined WW (aka weight watchers) last Monday.  I had my first "workshop" and weigh-in on Saturday morning.  I had weighed in on my scale the day I started and it appears that I lost 4lbs between Monday and Saturday!

Exercise:  WW has set my goal to get 52 FitPoints this week.  My plan is to exercise/workout 5 days a week (taking Sunday and Wednesday off).  I missed Saturday's workout after the workshop because we had a family reunion and I had to pick up the chicken and the cake all before 10am.  Otherwise, on Saturdays I'm going to go to my weekly workshop and then to Planet Fitness for a good workout.

Housework:  I made a menu and grocery list yesterday and have to get groceries today after my workout.  My bedroom still is a mess as I didn't take the time to really declutter it last week.  I'll roll that over to this week's list of to-do's.

Bills:  Not a pay week.

Doug:  A normal work week.

Kaylee:  Kaylee can go buy her college class books this Thursday.  She has been anxiously waiting to be able to go purchase them.  I think it will all seem so much more real once she does.  She has been practicing her driving.  She drove to the mall by herself (with a friend) for the firs time Saturday.  I was nervous but she did fine! 

Laken:  Laken is starting 7th grade this coming school year and can play Jr. High Sports.  She is so excited to be playing Volleyball and Open Gym for Jr. High starts Tuesday evening.  I hope she enjoys it!

Currently reading::::

 

 

Last week I posted my review for "Fatal Mistake" by Susan Sleeman.  You can read my review HERE!

 

 

 

I finished "Fatal Mistake" by Susan Sleeman and loved it!  The review will be posted tomorrow.

  

 

 

 

I also finished "Keturah" by Lisa T. Bergren and it was AMAZING!!!  The review will be coming soon.

 

 

 Up next is "A Flight of Fancy" by Laurie Alice Eakes :)

 

 

 

 

 On the TV::::

Reef Break

Hallmark Movies

AGT

Listening to:

Sirius XM The Message
Sirius XM The Highway
KLOVE
 
On the menu this week::::

 

I haven't made our menu for the week yet.  I will be working out that this morning.

Monday -  Kielbasa, Corn on the Cob, Strawberries
Tuesday - Chicken, Cheesy Pots
Wednesday -  Fish, Mac-n-Cheese
Thursday - Chili, Toasted Cheese
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday -  Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday - Potluck at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

 

I've made progress on Layna Bee's Blanket!!!!  I now only have about 3 more rounds to go.  Again, really hoping to get it done this week ;)

 

 

 

Picture From the Camera

 

She got her license!

Devotion/Inspiration

 

 

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 7/28/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Colletta

Books from the Backlog ~ 7/27/19

Books from the Backlog hosted by Carole's Rand Life in Books is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

 

This week's neglected book is:

 

Remember Me When  by Ginny Aiken

Series: Women of Hope #2
Publication Date:    June 18, 2013     
Publisher: Faithwords
 

Blurb:

 

 Inspired by the biblical story of Abigail in 1 Samuel, a Christian woman stands up for what is right, despite life-threatening consequences.

When Faith married her husband Roger Nolan he seemed to be an upstanding businessman, owner of a remote mercantile outside the town of Bountiful, Oregon. But Faith quickly learned the truth-that her husband is dishonest in his business practices and likes his liquor, turning mean when he indulges.

When Faith discovers that Roger has yet again failed to deliver critical winter supplies to Nathan Bartlett, owner of the nearby logging camp, she takes the order up the mountain herself. Furious, Roger confronts Faith when she returns, and she is knocked unconscious. When Faith wakes, she finds Roger dead in a pool of his own blood, and she soon stands accused of murder.

Having fought in the War Between the States, Nathan has seen enough violence to last a lifetime. He has always admired Faith's quiet strength and integrity and finds it hard to believe such a gentle woman capable of harming anyone. However, Nathan begins to struggle with his instinct to protect Faith when evidence mounts against her.

As more and more people begin to think Faith is guilty, only her trust in God can give her the hope she needs to survive this trial.

 

 

Why did I add Truth Stained Lies to my bookshelf:

 

I mean, common!  Did you read that blurb?  It sounds amazing!

 

 

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it to others?

 

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 7/26/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:
 

First Lines

August 1812

 

Crowds swarmed around and jostled against the Whittaker carriage, slowing its progress from a trot to a crawl.

 

 Page 56

 
Whitaker's breath snagged in his throat.  His hands balled into fists on his thighs.

 

Colletta 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 7/25/19

 

~Dan made it home safely!  My brother's trip to Italy went well and he is now safely home :)

~Brunch with the Bride!  My cousin is getting married on September 7th.  Saturday morning we celebrated his bride, Rachel, with a "Brunch with the Bride".  I thought it was a super-cute idea.  The Maid of Honor did a wonderful job putting it together and we had a great time showering Rachel with love and gifts :)

~Kaylee Passed Her Driver's Test!  Kaylee is now a licensed driver.  I was so nervous while we were waiting her turn and she was worse than me!  When her turn came, she didn't even know which door to open she was so flustered.  hehe  She did a wonderful job and she passed on the very first try.  So proud of her!  Now she'll be able to drive to college come August 19th :)

~8/10!  I've read 8/10 of my goal for my "10 Books of Summer" challenge.  Only 2 more to go and I'll have completed the challenge!  This is big for me as I have a hard time actually completing challenges that I sign up for.

~  WW - Third times a Charm!  I decided to give WW (weight watchers) one more try and signed up for a promotion that gives me 2 free months if I commit to 6 months on the program.  I need the commitment to stay the course.  Stay tuned for updates :)

What are you thankful for today?
Colletta

Wednesday Medley ~ 7/24/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.  She comes up with the questions and we answer them ;)

 

Terri chose two subjects from this week's National Day Calendar for this week's Medley.

Family is important to all of us, I believe, so let's talk about

cousins and aunts and uncles today.  If you don't happen to have

cousins, aunts or uncles, tell us about those close to you who are like family.

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

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NATIONAL COUSINS DAY – July 24

NATIONAL COUSINS DAY

National Cousins Day on July 24th recognizes the lifelong relationships that grow among cousins. Our first friendships often form with cousins as young as infants and endure a lifetime. 

Whether cousins grow up together in close-knit families or only see each other occasionally, they share shared memories through grandparents, aunts, and uncles. At family gatherings, cousins entertain each other and get into trouble together, too.  They celebrate birthdays and might even blow out the other’s candles to their cousin’s annoyance. When their siblings irritate them, cousins become an ally. Sometimes cousins seem more like siblings, especially if they’re only children.

As cousins grow up, watching their children grow reminds them of their youth. The cycle starts over.

The day celebrates every age of cousins – new baby cousins and cousins whose babies are all grown up!

HOW TO OBSERVE

Gather up your cousins and take a photo. Send a text to your cousins who are too far away. If you need to hear their voices, give them a call. Reminisce over the good times. Be sure to laugh about those things that didn’t seem so funny at the time.  Post photos on social media using #NationalCousinsDay.

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NATIONAL AUNT AND UNCLE’S DAY – July 26

NATIONAL AUNT AND UNCLE’S DAY

Aunt and Uncle’s Day is observed annually on July 26th. Through holidays, special family events and sometimes sleepovers, aunts, and uncles often hold a special place in our hearts. They fill our lives with fun, laughter, love and incredible memories.  

National Aunt and Uncle’s Day provides an opportunity to spend time with those relatives we trusted and leaned on growing up.  It would be an excellent time to get out the old photo albums. Look through the pictures, and relive the memories of earlier days around the Christmas tree or at the 4th of July picnic or maybe at the beach vacation that included those special aunts and uncles in your life. Get together with your relatives and create new memories. Remind them of all the reasons you enjoy having them in your life. Celebrate the lessons they’ve taught you and share them with the next generation. 

HOW TO OBSERVE

On National Aunt and Uncle’s Day contact your aunts and uncles. Remember all the value they’ve added to your life and tell them about it. Share a meal, write them a note, help them the way they once supported you.  Take photos with them and post them on social media using #AuntAndUnclesDay

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Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar website,

1.  What can you tell us about your cousins, please, or someone who is close like a cousin?

 

Growing up, my cousins were more like brothers and sisters to me than cousin.  As we've reached adulthood and have our own families, we are still close and our children are very close to each other acting more like siblings :)

2.  Do you still see your cousins and will you contact them on National Cousins Day?  

 

I see my closest cousins every Sunday at Church.  We are having a big family reunion on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to seeing more of my distant cousins then.

 

3.  Terri had a favorite aunt and uncle she will tell us about.  How about you?

 

I don't think I have a favorite aunt or uncle but there are some that I see more often than others.

4.  Did/does your family have reunions and can you tell us about them?

 

As I mentioned above, we are having a reunion on my Mom's side of the family Saturday.  My family is full of people with a sweet tooth, so I can't wait for some of the desserts that await us!

5.  If you have children, are they enjoying relationships with their cousins, aunts, uncles?

 

Yes, they are.  My girls are very close to my brother, his wife and their son.  We have a weekly family dinner to get together.  I've mentioned my cousin Steph and her littles, Dex and Damon.  They are technically my cousins but I think of them more as my nephews and the girls love them to death!  Sometimes they even fight like brothers/sisters do :)

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far.

 

I mentioned on my Monday post that my Uncle John is far away from home (PA) in California fighting for his life.  He and my aunt were on vacation out west and he collapsed.  The doctors still have no idea what is going on and he's now basically in a coma.  Please pray that the doctors can figure out what is wrong and that he can recover from whatever is going on!

Colletta

Book Review ~ The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport

 

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

 

 Blurb:

 

While the rest of Chicago focuses on the enormous spectacle of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, Charlotte Farrow's attentions are entirely on one small boy--her boy--whom she has kept a secret from her wealthy employers for nearly a year.

When the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him to the opulent Banning home, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's struggles determine her path?

This compelling story of courage, strength, and tender romance captures the tension between the glittering wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable.      

My Thoughts:

 

 

 After reading The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, the first book in the "Avenue of Dreams"series, I was anxious to read more of Charlotte Farrow's story.

 

While "Lucy Banning" had an upstairs/downstairs feel, this book revolved around more of the downstairs aspect of a huge house on Prairie Avenue.

 

While at times I got so frustrated with Charlotte's fears and timidity, I could understand her desire for her son to have the very best life possible.  I could have shouted in triumph when Charlotte FINALLY told the truth!

 

Archie was a very fine hero although the novel didn't tell much about him.  I would have liked more backstory.  Something more than "he had friends among the Irish".

 

I was very pleased with the ending of the story.  I don't know if I'm going to read Sarah Cummings' story or not.  I don't like her AT ALL and don't know if I want to take the time to get to know her better.  I'll have to think about it.

 

 

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!