Saturday Snapshot~ Double Sunset

This photo was taken by my husband last fall as the sun was setting. We loved the effect of the double sunset as the setting sun reflected upon the lake. This was taken at one of our favorite places, a park with a beautiful lake and walking trails around it. It's very peaceful to walk there. We are looking forward to the end of winter so we can spend more time there walking the trails and enjoying the peaceful sounds and sights of nature. 

(Saturday Snapshot is posted by Alyce of At Home With Books)

Tuesday Intros- A Year at 32 September Way

Every Tuesday Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea

posts the opening paragraph (or two) of a book 

she is reading or thinking about reading. 

Feel free to grab the image and participate.

This is my first time participating in Diane's First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros. I thought it sounded fun and interesting to see what others are reading and how that first paragraph can effect a reader. My Tuesday Intro Pick is A Year at 32 September Way by Mary Ylisela. I just started reading this with my online book club this month on my kindle. The beautiful cover art, the characters living in Italy for a year, all drew me in. I've been doing a lot of armchair traveling lately. 

Chapter 1 

Carlisle read the email one last time while nervously nibbling the last bit of nail from her index finger. Her eyes deftly scanned the message for a sign that the decision she was about to make was the right one. As promised, Signor Benedetto had sent her the email two days ago to confirm her apartment lease for one year starting in September. Since then it had sat unopened in her inbox while Carlisle hemmed and hawed about whether or not she should go. That is, until this morning. Moving to Italy for a year was a big step but she’d come to the realization that, at this point in her life, she had nothing left to lose. 

Her eyes glanced over the body of the email once more in between sips of steaming hot coffee. Signor Benedetto outlined the basics of the lease agreement in perfect English, unlike the garbled, hard-to-understand correspondences she’d received from other potential landlords. At the bottom of the email was the address of the apartment she’d live in: 

Via Settembre 32 

Verona, Italia

Would you continue reading this 

based on the opening paragraphs?

Review: Blackberry Winter

I must start by telling you that Sarah Jio is one of my new favorite authors. When I read her books, they sweep me in and I am immersed into the story being told. Blackberry Winter weaves two stories together both set in Seattle, 70 years apart. Two women, Vera and Claire who both suffer losses that are unimaginable, are connected in an amazing way. We walk beside them as a reader and I found myself captivated by their stories. The Seattle setting is beautiful, as we are taken through the streets and the times of both characters. I was not familiar with the term Blackberry Winter although living in the Midwest I can imagine it occurring. As you read, you unravel the connection these two women have and how they help each other in ways that are touching beyond measure as mothers who have suffered losses. Sarah Jio has the ability to tell a story that draws the reader into that world and you care deeply for the characters on the pages. She has done this in every book she has written and I highly recommend them all. I recommend Blackberry Winter for anyone who is a fan of Sarah Jio's writing, as well as for those who enjoy a well written tale of suspense. 

*An egalley copy of Blackberry Winter was kindly provided to me through Edelweiss and Plume Paperback

Mailbox Monday

~Mailbox Monday~

Is a place for readers to share what books came into their house last week and explore great book blogs!

(March Host is Caitlin at Chaotic Compendiums)

I found the first two books The Gilly Salt Sisters and Angel Falls at Half Price Bookstore on their $1 Bargain shelf. I was thrilled to find them both for such a great bargain. Since I am trying to read more from my shelves, I didn't feel too bad about adding two more books at such a great bargain. I also sold a bag of books that I had already read and have more books ready to go to the library for donation. I grabbed Love Water Memory  from Netgalley as I am a fan of Jennie Shortridge's books. 

Catching Up On A Sunday

As I shared yesterday, the blog has been quiet here and I took a blogging break. My plan is to get back into regular blogging. I've missed it and writing about books and other things as well as connections with the wonderful people that I have met through blogging. I have been reading, although not as much and I plan to change that as well and read more. My focus will be  on reading books of my own choosing and not being pressured to review books on a deadline. So, I will be very selective about what I write about in my reviews. I believe I was also struggling with burnout and writers block. I felt pressure to write reviews and my focus now will be on quality reviews/thoughts on books that are short and to the point.  

I have dealt with some health issues that have taken my focus away from many things. I am still dealing with this but realized that I need to focus on things that I enjoy and find that balance. Reading and books have always been my favorite things and they bring me joy and happiness so I plan to focus on that along with my health...it's all about balance! As an Occupational Therapist, I started a new part time job, this past fall and work with preschoolers. Besides being exposed to a lot of germs, I have enjoyed the sweetness of these little ones. Early intervention is so important with special needs children. 

I appreciate those who are still checking my blog and commenting, your support means a lot to me. I've stayed connected to many bloggers through facebook and I've started visiting blogs today and plan to continue that. 

I will share with you what I am reading and I plan to start posting reviews of some of the books that I have been reading. 

Currently Reading:

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

Currently listening to on audio book

Faithful Place by Tana French

*Note: The Catching Up On Sunday banner at the top of this post is my own creation from a photo of my own bookshelves.

Saturday Snapshot~Orchid Blooming

The blog has been quiet for awhile, I am trying to figure out if I want to change this blog and update it or start a new blog. I miss connecting with followers of my blog, blogger friends, authors and publishers. I have been reading and have some thoughts about writing more and will blog about this soon. 

This is my orchid that I have had for almost two years, it was a gift from a special family friend that is inspiring in her spirit and outlook on life as she is in her mid 80's and embracing life. This is the first time it has bloomed in the Winter and it definitely has brightened my spirits. It is in my kitchen and it greets me daily and makes me smile. I am hoping that it will bloom again this summer, and I plan to get another orchid or two this spring or summer. 

(Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books)

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday....What are you reading?

~Mailbox Monday~

Is a place for readers to share what books came into their

 house last week and explore great book blogs!
(October host is Marcia from Mailbox Monday)

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

(Courtesy of Atria Galley Grab)

The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

(E-Galley courtesy of Edelweiss and Delacorte Press)

The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society by Darien Gee

(E-galley courtesy of Edelweiss and Ballantine Books)

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Hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books

We discuss the books we've read and the books 

that we are planning to read this week.

Read Last Week: I didn't post reviews last week. I am a bit of a slow reader lately. I'm reading:

Objects of My Affection by Jill Smolinski (audio book)

The Book Lover by Mary Ann McFadden (Kindle book)

Book Posts/Reviews on the Agenda:

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (audio book)

A Turn In The Road by Debbie Macomber (audio book)

Catching Up On A Sunday

Fall is here, one of my favorite seasons. Time has passed quickly, I can't believe that October is almost here. September was a busy month for my family with school projects and homework for my son, a piano recital, work,  work training,family responsibilities and more.  Add to that my son and I both have terrible ragweed allergies and we both had bronchitis and he is still battling a sinus infection. My husband had some major yard work challenges when he reseeded our backyard, tore down our son's old swing set and planted shrubs for privacy. He's a hard worker! 

I have been listening to more audio books now that I have a farther drive to work. It definitely makes the drive more enjoyable! Although, a narrator can make or break a book for me. I ditched one audio book as the narrators voice grated on me. I am currently listening to and enjoying:

Objects of my affection by Jill Smolinski

I am reading on my Kindle:

The Book Lover by Mary Ann McFadden

Happy Sunday, Enjoy your day!!

Saturday Snapshot~Sunset at the Lake

(click on picture for a larger view)

Double Sunset at the Lake

I've posted a few pictures before from our favorite park nearby that has a beautiful lake and walking trails. My husband took this picture as we were trying to capture the different cloud formations. He captured this beautiful picture as the sun was setting. We loved how this shows a double sunset with the sun reflecting off the lake. We need to go back there soon to capture some of the fall foliage as the leaves change. 

(Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books)

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry ~ Book Talk

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry is a quiet, unhappy retired Englishman who receives a letter in the mail from an old colleague, Queenie.  Harold has not forgotten about Queenie but he has not thought about her in a long while. Suddenly she consumes his thoughts and mind. He has an awakening of sorts. Queenie tells him in her letter that she is dying and wanted to say goodbye.  Harold decides to send her a letter and in walking to the post to mail his letter finds himself on a mission to walk to Queenie and deliver the letter himself. This is the start of Harold's 600 mile pilgrimage to deliver his letter to Queenie himself. As he walks, he begins to remember things from his past, much of which he has repressed. With the choice Harold has made, to walk across the country in the clothes on his back, he has set into motion a series of events that will affect many. As the story unfolds, we uncover the reasons of Harold's actions and events that have caused the estrangement from his wife Maureen and his son.

I understand that Harold's walk...his pilgrimage, is a way to sort out his past, regrets, pain, sorrow and misunderstandings. We all make mistakes and can lose our way and some find themselves deeply entrenched and have trouble pulling themselves out. We need others to help us along the way to force us to see reality and face the truth. This happens to Harold and subsequently effects many others along his pilgrimage to see Queenie. 

In honesty, this book just didn't work for me. I found it depressing and unrealistic. I did not adore Harold, I found him annoying and a bit boring. I did like the ending which was a surprise and redeemed the book for me in many ways.  The book seemed to me a bit of a take off of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand which I adored...in my opinion, this did not have the same humor or strength of the story and characters that the Major had. 

Source: Public Library

Gone Girl ~ Book Talk

About Gone Girl: 

Most likely, you have already heard about Gone Girl or read some buzz about this hit book of the summer. I don't want to spoil the reading experience for you as it really is an experience! Gone Girl can be described as a psychological thriller and it's not my usual genre that I pick up. With the buzz and the bits and pieces that I had heard and read about the story, I knew that I had to read it. What's not to draw you into a novel about a seemingly happily married couple celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary and the lovely wife disappears and suddenly it is obvious that something is very wrong in their marriage...but what is it? The twists and turns that the reader takes through the minds of Amy, the wife, with what she reveals in her diary messages and Nick, her husband, with his twin sister who believes in him but oh my...is he really innocent? This novel is pure manipulation of our minds as readers but it is so engrossing and riveting that you will not want to put the book down!

Recommend: Absolutely! This is the kind of book that makes you love reading. A book that is so engrossing, you don't want to stop reading and for me, I did not figure out the ending which was a bit of a surprise. The ending  leaves some things undone which some readers may not like but it does leave open the possibility for a sequel. Gillian Flynn was on The View this month and I watched a clip online with her interview and she did slightly allude that this was a possibility: 

Source: Public Library, Kindle E-Book Loan

Saturday Snapshot ~ August 18

Gaggle of Geese at the Lake

There is a favorite park near where we live that has a beautiful lake and a two mile walking trail to walk around the lake. On a recent summer evening, my husband and I came across the path of this gaggle of geese. We saw a Blue Heron that night as well on the other side of the lake but we couldn't capture a photo of it hidden in the brush around the lake. It's a very relaxing place to walk, enjoy the beauty of nature and the lake. 

(Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home with Books)

Broken Harbor ~ Book Talk

What Broken Harbor is about:

Broken Harbor is the fourth novel in Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad novels. Mick "Scorcher" Kennedy is the Murder Squad's top detective and plays by the book and gets put in charge of the biggest murder case of his career. He ends up choosing rookie partner, Richie, which ends up to be a challenge in itself. Their case, the violent assault and murder of a family in a half built and abandoned luxury home development in Broken Harbor which also holds past memories for Mick. 

Why did I choose to read this book?

I read Tana French's first book, In the Woods, earlier this year. I liked the writing style, detail and character development. Although, I did find the novel drawn out and felt like the story could have been told with less detail. I didn't read the authors next two books  but this one caught my interest and I decided to give it a try. 

Recommend? I have mixed feelings about this. I did find Broken Harbor more engaging than the first book, and my interest was held throughout most of the book. I found the character development engaging and the characters were complex but not hard to follow. I found a few things near the ending that didn't seem realistic  and I did find myself skimming pages and did not miss the points of the story. The author did a great job in the creepiness factor with the psychological bents as I did find the story invading my dreams at night. I had to put it aside and read it during the day. I've had this happen before so it just may be my own subconscious sensitivity to psychological thrillers. I believe that if you are a fan of  police & psychological thrillers that you will enjoy this book and if you are a fan of Tana French and her writing you will most definitely enjoy Broken Harbor. 

Book Talk: In my back to blogging goals, I am trying to write my reviews in a simpler, quicker manner as if I was sharing my thoughts with a friend. I am patterning my reviews after my blogger friend Staci from Life In The Thumb and her Bookish Thoughts posts. I admire her heartfelt honesty and ability to get to the point and enjoy reading her Bookish Thoughts reviews. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this review style. I may tweak it as I go along but for now it is a great way for me to get reviews written quickly and with less pressure. 

Source: Public Library

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is on tour the month of August with 

host Jennifer D from 5 Minutes for Books

It's been quite awhile since I've participated in Mailbox Monday where we share the books that came into our house the last week. I did receive one new book in the mail:

Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook from Paperbackswap

I can't wait to read this one as Claire Cook is one of my favorite authors, it just may be the perfect book for me to read next! 

Catching up on a Sunday....

Summer is passing quickly and soon it will be back to school time. My son will be in his last year of middle school and I am starting a new job and will be working with preschoolers this school year. It's all good and I am looking forward to a positive change. My goal is to keep up with my blog and make things simpler here and less pressure for myself. As my wise blogger friend Bookfan Mary recently commented... "Take time with the blog. It's your hobby- not your job, right? ;-)" Thanks Mary, your words rang true for me! 

I have been reading and my goal is to blog about the books I've been reading in a mini-review style. I have not been accepting books for review except some Kindle e-galley copies and I plan to write some reviews about these books as well. I have decided not to participate in book tours for now as they are too much pressure for me to stick to deadlines. I also plan to stop and visit my blogger friends blogs. I want to enjoy blogging, for it to be fun and to connect to other readers, bloggers and authors. Truly, the main goal for me is to write about and share my love of reading in a simple and authentic way that is not stressful or full of conflict, pressure and deadlines. I hope that you guys stick around, I am thankful for those who have kept in touch with me.

Some of the books that I've recently read:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Kindle Ebook from library)

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (Audio book from library)

Books I am Currently Reading:

Broken Harbor by Tana French (Hardback from Library)

A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber (Audio Book from Library)

Saturday Snapshot ~ August 11

(click on picture to see an enlarged view)

~Beading Class~

I took a beading class with a friend of mine last month. It has been something that I have always wanted to try and this was a beginner's class and I made the necklace in the top picture and the bracelet below. I now know some basics to beading and learned some techniques and tips. The instructor was helpful and the ladies that sat at the table with us were more experienced and they willingly shared some tips on websites to find tutorials and how to's as well as places to purchase beads and tools at reasonable prices. I already have some requests to make some things and these would also make great gifts. Someone suggested making beaded bookmarks which would be a fun thing to make. Does anyone bead or have any suggestions for a newbie beader? I'd love to hear any advice or tips!

My blog has been quiet again this summer. I am trying to find a balance and a way back to blogging. I will continue to focus on finding my "voice" or my "style" here on my blog. I've had a bit of writer's block and other issues which have kept things quiet here. My goal is to find my way back to regular blogging about books and life. Bear with me as I find the balance and I hope to stop and visit your blogs as well.

Saturday Snapshot

It's been quiet here for awhile and I hope to get back to blogging more regularly. I had a memorable birthday last month, my wonderful husband planned a special weekend getaway to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and an overnight stay at a historic inn and tour of Fallingwater. Fallingwater was a home designed by Frank Llloyd Wright in the 1930's. My son took this picture from the viewing spot across from the home...it's beautiful there and picturesque which this picture shows perfectly. 


On a bookish note, I kept thinking about the book Loving Frank while I was there and the personality of Frank Lloyd Wright that was described by the tour guide seemed connected to the book. 

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home at Books

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is on tour the month of April with host Cindy's Love of Books

I bought one book this week, again I couldn't resist the clearance bargain section at Half Price Books and this book was on my wishlist. I was happy!

Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner

Sunday Blogging

I had a quiet week of Spring Break with my son. It was really nice to just have a break. We attempted to see The Hunger Games movie but the theater sound system was so loud that we had to leave. Personally, I don't understand why they have to blast the sound so loud but this was outrageous. It was so loud, just during the previews, that I had to ask three times to turn down the sound. We even had earplugs and it was ear piercing. We finally decided to leave. Sadly the management did not seem to care very much. They said that they tried turning the volume down but it went up instead, really?! If there were technical difficulties they should have given everyone the option to see the movie at another time. We got a refund and won't be going back to this theater, it was our first time there. We will stick to our local theater. 

I had some issues with leaving comments on blogs but finally figured out that I had to sync my google accounts and that allowed me to comment. It was frustrating  as I couldn't leave comments on any blogger blogs. I also had to figure out some changes at WP blogs so that I could leave comments and got that worked out as well. I thank those who left comments and emailed suggestions to help me out. I've begrudgingly switched over to the new blogger format and don't care for it but will have to adjust and hopefully find new benefits to the change. I plan on visiting blogs and commenting more this week.

I have had a slow reading week but hope that changes soon. I am reading and thoroughly enjoying A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson.