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Read and enjoyed May 12, 2022

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These first two books were a fun read. The first impression at the thought of Obituaries would not be fun but when you consider people want the chance to tell the real truth, anything can happen. It has to be said that these people led quite the lives. It’s amazing they were never found out.

These next two were not as light-hearted and fun as the first books but they were definitely good reads.

One last one showed up at the discovery time for the Sisters by Design. It was a nice extension of my time with author Sharon Srock.

My current read is a complete change of pace but it deserves a place here anyway. This author is always enjoyable.

The weekend is coming soon, more reading time.Yes!

Happy Reading y’all

It’s Mother’s Day May 08, 2022

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I’m thinking gratefully about all the women in my life who have been mothers to me over the years. Some by blood, some by marriage, and some evolving out of friendships. All of them hold a special place in my heart and I’m grateful for having had them in my life.

I’m also thinking about the girls/women in my life who are mothers to my grandchildren. I couldn’t be prouder of all three of them, they have done such an awesome job of being moms. We all know, one way or another, that raising kids is a daunting task at times. Kudos to them for allowing their kids to survive. lol I raised a strong willed child and he survived, now it’s his turn. Pay back is so much fun.

God created mothers with a strong love and protective instinct for their children. Think mama bear. Thank goodness he did.

Thank you to women everywhere who have loved their children well.

If your children are young and you are exhausted you are probably having serious doubts about the well part right about now. One day before you know it they will be grown and you will see things in a different light.

Some of you may be brokenhearted over your adult children. We can do everything right and things still turn out wrong. Our grown children can make terrible choices even when we have loved them well.

Think of the moms you love and along with me, take a moment to be grateful for each and every one them.

This and that May 05, 2022

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It has been a record breaking year. Before I get into that I have to say it has been another no book day. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

And I have to say it was a busy day. I work as an administrative contractor and everything is based on work load and billable hours. All of a sudden things are picking up. People are needing things done. And I couldn’t be happier. I’m probably more excited about the jobs coming in than I am about the record breaking.

This week is the 15th anniversary of my job. That’s longer than any other employment I’ve ever had. The last longest was 10 years and I thought that was amazing. It isn’t that I was a job hopper, it was just life getting in the way. Mind you I can’t say I minded moving on, mainly because there were life changes behind all of them and I am always up for an adventure. That was then and this is now though. I am more settled and I am in this job for the long haul.

And for the second record broken; this will be the 10th anniversary in this house. They say we are molded by the circumstances of our childhoods. By the time I was six we had lived in five difference houses. One of them was twice but to a young kid it was still a move and felt different, a strange place. Although my memories of those years are pretty sketchy and maybe my assumptions about all this are off base. However it was, a nomad existence seemes to be in my blood, which made all the adult moves feel like no big deal.

My oldest son does not share my love of adventure (aided by my lack of roots anywhere) and he has his feet firmly planted with no plans to leave, maybe ever. It’s funny how differently we react to things. Mind you, the other circumstances of our childhoods were as different as night and day. That was probably a bigger influence. Of the three he is most like me, which is why I can’t understand his dislike of travel.

I should have started this earlier, now I’ve run out of time.

Until next time, have a good night, or day

A whole lot of nothing April 21, 2022

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That’s what I have today, nothing earth shattering that’s for sure.

I’ve been working more hours lately. The exciting thing about all this is that we have started making progress on older projects that have been on the back burner, forever it seems. All of them for one reason or another. We are finally getting some things done and off the list, which is mood altering in a good way.

Of course, working on these projects means more time spent with clients. It has been awhile since we’ve had reason for more than a brief how-are-things email. I’m blessed with such a great bunch of people to work with. It is a pleasure to hear their voices again and spend time with them sorting things out.

Personal activities have suffered some in the last few weeks, with less attention coming their way. Not that they have been totally forgotten. I’m still reading, although live streamers and podcasts are cutting into book and blog times. Maybe that is partly because the river of life moves on and interests shift. That’s not a bad thing, it’s hard to keep moving and growing if we find ourselves stuck in one spot.

My daughter has branched out into a new area of interest. I’ve been the crafter in the family but it didn’t rub off on her, she’s never showed much interest until now. Some of her friends are crocheting baby outfits and blankets to be given to new mothers and she wants to be involved. It made my heart smile to get the call asking if I had crochet hooks and a ball of yarn she could practice with. Do I have hooks and yarn? Does the sun rise every morning? I am a collector of yarn and hooks. I’ll be excited to share a bunch with my grand daughter too, when she and her family visits soon. I sure haven’t been using it much and since my grand daughter has become quite the little crochet artist she is excited to have new supplies. She’s looking forward to making more memories together too. It all began for her at my house.

Family time over Easter was a special treat, like always. Although toward the end of the evening it was becoming a challenge to stay awake. With everyone bringing something for the meal there is always so much food. The teenagers were fine, it was the rest of us who couldn’t eat like we used to. The upside to all this food is that mom, or dad won’t be cooking for a few days and the teenagers will still be fed. Who is going to complain about that.

Well, for not having much to say this has gone on longer than expected. I don’t know about you but I always enjoy times like this spent with you.

So what kind of nothings are happening in your life? We would like to get to know you too. Leave a comment for us. Looking forward to it.

Night guys.

Current read April 05, 2022

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Today’s new read has a fresh slant to the family-secrets scenario. Besides that, the author is stingy with clues. At nine chapters in the main thing we know is that we don’t know anything. Who was this man? Famous author, awesomely wealthy, loving husband-father-grand father, frustratingly private. Where did he, or his wife, come from? Why is the first picture in the album their wedding picture? What happened to their childhood?

I’m intrigued with the story but admit to unexplained frustration. Sometimes it’s the writing style that leaves me on edge. That could be it.

There is an abundance of scene description and I’m wondering what importance this has to the story. Admittedly, it is a beautiful house and many will appreciate the word pictures. I guess I just don’t want to spend time figuring out what matters and what doesn’t. Especially when it comes to clothes and furniture.

There are a number of threads in the family dynamics that may or may not matter, as well.

Each member of the family (and their spouses by association) has become wealthy overnight. How will this change their lives and will the changes matter to the story.

Or:

Maybe the secrets once uncovered (if uncovered) will affect their lives more than their sudden wealth.

I’ll have to go back and read the blurb to see if I’m on track with my observations and projections.

The Discovery

Gerard Warner was not only a literary giant but a devoted family man. When he dies he leaves his Charleston estate to his grandson, Michael, an aspiring writer. Michael soon discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written, hidden from everyone but clearly intended for Michael to find. Michael reads an exciting tale of Nazi spies and sabotage, but this story is very different from all of Gerard Warner’s other books. It’s a love story.

As Michael delves deeper in, he discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well. Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime.

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Yup. Big changes coming!

Free and bargain books March 25, 2022

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BookBub has a bargain book collection to share with us. Another author I’ve never met but look forward to meeting.

Carsen Brothers of Sweet Rivers Ranch Books 1-3

Carsen Brothers of Sweet Rivers Ranch Books 1-3 (Sweet Clean Marriage of Convenience Western Romance Series). Three inspirational, sweet, clean, marriage of convenience western romances in one edition. This inspiring collection includes: Her Christmas Cowboy, Her Cowboy Hero, and Her Fake Fiancé Cowboy.

This description is short and sweet and doesn’t fulfill our need for detail. It’s a good thing I read the first two chapters in the sample.

Six adopted boys have become tight knit brothers with loving adopted parents. The boys loved and appreciated them enough to do anything for them. That is until the reading of the will. All six of them have been unlucky in love and now the will insists all of them must be married before any of them can inherit the family ranch. Oh, and they have one year to make it happen. Between the short time frame and thick protective walls around their hearts life is looking bleak.

We know all six have to be married but at the moment we’ve only met one possible woman. Her story is a dying grandfather with a desperate wish to see her married before he dies. The trouble is, that is probably only a month away with his cancer in the final stages.

That’s all I have out of the first two chapters. We will have to read on for the bigger picture.

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion for us. One more author new to me.

Broken Trails: A second chance sweet western romance (The Montana Trails Series Book 1)

A lonely cowboy finds a second chance at love. But her time is running out. Can they find love before it’s too late?

Nathan Rourke lost almost everything he holds dear. What he still has, he’ll do anything to keep.

His Montana ranch is not just a place, it’s his home and what’s left of his family. He’s holding his own, making it work.

But then high-school sweetheart Emma reappears … and suddenly this cowboy’s life is as rough as a ride on an untamed bronc.

Emma Benson left high school without a word to Nate, rather than admit she was too ill to go on. Now she’s desperate to prove she’s more than the disease that keeps her dependent on her family and friends.

And she craves just one more chance at love. Nate embodies the promise of a life free from the confines of her small world. But will loving her mean he must give up his own freedom? 

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My current read is:

Over the Waters

“Dr. Botox” to the bored rich women of Chicago, plastic surgeon Max Jordan is shocked by his son Joshua’s decision to focus his medical degree and talent on Haitian orphans. Embittered by Joshua’s sudden death, Max searches for resolution in the place his son called home—an orphanage outside of Port au Prince.

The selflessness of Joshua’s coworkers stuns Max. He is particularly taken with American volunteer Valerie Austin, whose dream of a tropical honeymoon has been crushed, replaced by a stint working in the impoverished orphanage. But Valerie’s view of Joshua’s sacrifice—and her own—challenges everything Max knows. Have the doors to his gilded cage finally opened to a freedom he’s never known?

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I’m a little more than half-way through and it is a good read. It is nothing like my expectations either which is a pleasant surprise.

This has been a good week for new books and that means we will have many great reading options for the weekend.

Looking forward to it. Hope you are too.

Happy reading y’all

Read and enjoyed March 08, 2022

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I haven’t read much from this author and wasn’t sure how I felt about his writing. This book turned out to be an excellent read and now I’ve added Robert Whitlow to my favorites list of authors.

I’m also happy to have stayed with my decision to read to the end. My initial reluctance was due to the genre. Sometimes I feel like I’ve read more WWII novels than I can handle. I was back to experiencing a spark of interest and it paid off.

This one had unique elements to draw the reader in and that was a game changer. His story treatment was a mixture of old and new with a twist. I loved his characters too, except for the ones he wanted us to hate.

I loved this read.

The whole book was a surprise and I gave it five stars.

The Witnesses 

Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.

Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.

While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.

Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.

Read and enjoyed. March 05, 2022

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This book is right up there on my favorites list. There are aspects of the story that I know will stay with me for a long time. It was well written, well thought out and I would love to read the other five books in this series. This one is still free, grab it quick before that changes.

His Pledge to Honor: a Sweet Marriage of Convenience Romance (The Silver Star Ranch Book 1)

Scout Silver can rehabilitate the most wounded of horses. But when an injured soldier shows up at her ranch, will she follow his lead down a trail of love?


Though she’s the daughter of a general, Scout Silver is used to giving orders, not taking them. That’s why horses thrive on the rehabilitation ranch she runs with her half-sisters. Over the years, her absentee father’s many divorces created a patchwork family, held together by their love of the ranch. But his last will is an order that threatens to rip their lives apart.

As the leader of an elite group of soldiers run by the brilliant tactician General Abraham Silver, Lincoln Rawlings has set out on his final mission—to fulfill the dying wish of his commander by ensuring that the general’s six daughters are taken care of. When Linc arrives on the Silver Star Ranch, he learns that what the Silver sisters need are husbands, else they’ll lose their beloved business. Instead of doing an immediate about-face, Linc’s heart stands at attention under the assessing gaze of Scout, the eldest Silver.

Unwilling to let her father once again interfere in her life, even from the grave, Scout has no plans to give in to the general’s demands. But when she meets the handsome and accommodating Linc, she has a hard time reigning in her heart.

Letting down the general is not an option, but Linc is hiding a secret from Scout. And if she learns of the deep wounds he bears, he might lose everything—the ranch, his honor, and the woman he’s falling for.

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Here is my next read, just started. This is a favorite author and I’m looking forward to another one of her books.

Bookshop by the Sea

Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.

After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.

Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.

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Happy Reading y’all.

Free and bargain books part three … March 03, 2022

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This has been an excellent day for free books.

BookRunes has another FREE suggestion for us.

Bayou Liberty

An emotional story about the importance of family, the secrets of the past, and the healing power of love.

Growing up, sisters Maggie and Sawyer were close and carefree. Following their parents’ death when they were teens, Maggie was forced into a caretaker role for her younger sister, changing the nature of their relationship forever.

Years later, Sawyer’s turbulent marriage finally ends, and she returns home to live with her sister. But the reunion is bittersweet. Maggie, now running their parents’ old bed and breakfast, reveals a diagnosis of cancer. As the sisters reconnect and support each other through tragedies, a friend from the past reemerges, and with him, secrets about their parents that could change everything.

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1531 Entertainment has a bargain suggestion for us, from a favorite author.

Bookshop by the Sea

Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.

After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.

Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.

When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper’s Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?

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This has been a good day and I’m thrilled with all the new books we are seeing.

I would have saved some of them for tomorrow but you can never tell whether the good price will last that long. Often it is only set for a day or two so we have to move quickly

We will find something else to talk about tomorrow if necessary. I’ll tell you all about my current read. I’m loving it.

I promise this is it for today.

Happy Reading

More this and that January 05, 2022

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They have arrived. Yesterday I mentioned one of my sons and his family had lifted off from Asia on their way home after too long (restrictions and all that.) They have landed! We are excited, I’m sure you can’t tell! Since I’m in the middle of Canada and they landed on the west coast, we need picture proof once they are finished with customs. They will be exhausted after weeks of preparation and then the long flight, but joy at being home safely with family will overrule all that, at least until they see their beds. Those of us here in middle Canada are content with having them back in the country even if it will be a number of weeks before we get to hug them in person.

Meanwhile, back here in my reality, I will have to fetch one of my local grandsons from his friend’s birthday party soon. He wants to spend the night at my house and I couldn’t be happier. The promised snow storm is underway and I need to grocery shop for today and tomorrow. It’s cold and snowy but at least I will have help packing and carrying. He doesn’t know the plan just yet. He may groan a little but he’ll help. Especially if I promise pie and ice cream.

He doesn’t know I’m hoping to take him out for supper, weather permitting. I have a Christmas gift of dinner for two and this is my first chance to find an available “someone”. He is good company and we will have a good time.

Tomorrow his brothers and parents will be here to install my new kitchen tap. The old one developed a leak and I am excited to have a working tap and hot water in that sink once again.

Today has turned out to be a good day, even if it is grey. No brilliant sunshine in sight.

The snow is so dry and fine, it’s difficult to see it falling but trust me, it is.

I haven’t noticed much of interest in book suggestions this morning but I will double check again later just to be sure.

The beauty of dry, fine snow is the small accumulation. No deep drifts to drive through when I’m out and about. What a blessing.

Enjoy your day.