Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: What I Read When I'm Not Feeling Well

 


The Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is hosted by Long and Short Reviews. They offer this blog hop as a weekly prompt to help you gain new friends and visitors. You don't have to participate every week, but if you decide to post and join the blog hop for a week, Long and Short Reviews asks that you share your link on their weekly post on their website (it will be the top post on the home page each Wednesday morning). The link list remains open for new links for 48 hours. Visit the other bloggers participating to see what they discuss that week. Comments are appreciated.  

Here we are back on Wednesday. How is your week going? We are enjoying some family time in between appointments. 

This week's topic for the Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is "What I Read When I'm Not Feeling Well." For me, it all depends on why I am not feeling well. 

If I am physically sick, I usually plow through with my normal reading and reviewing schedule. If a headache is involved, I will likely grab something from my personal collection so I don't need to pay as much attention or plan to review it. If, however, I'm down, I'm exhausted, or I'm just done with life, that's a different story. Typically, I reach for Scripture or a devotional. I will sometimes focus on personal or professional development during these times. 

How about you? What do you read when you're not feeling well?

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Interview with Richard I. Levine, Author of Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea

 

Richard I Levine is a native New Yorker raised in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. After dabbling in several occupations and a one-year coast-to-coast wanderlust trip, This one-time auxiliary police officer, volunteer fireman, bartender, and store manager returned to school to become a chiropractor.

A twenty-five-year cancer survivor, he’s a strong advocate for the natural healing arts. In 2006 he wrote, produced, and was on-air personality of The Dr. Rich Levine Show on Seattle’s KKNW 1150AM and after a twenty-five-year chiropractic practice in Bellevue, Washington, he closed up shop at the end of 2016 and moved to Oahu to pursue a dream of acting and being on Hawaii 5-O.

While briefly working as a ghostwriter/community liaison for a Honolulu City Councilmember, a Hawaii State Senator, and volunteering as an advisory board member of USVETS Barbers Point, he appeared as a background actor in over twenty-seven 5-Os, Magnum P.I.s, NCIS-Hawaii, and several Hallmark movies. In 2020, he had a co-star role in the third season episode of Magnum PI called “Easy Money.”

While he no longer lives in Hawaii, he says he will always cherish and be grateful for those seven years and all the wonderful people he’s met. His 5th novel, To Catch the Setting Sun, was inspired by his time in Hawaii.

Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea is Levine’s first foray into the romance genre.

Website & Social Media:

Website http://www.docrichlevine.com  

X https://www.twitter.com/Your_In8_Power 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardLevineAuthor/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rilevinedc

Where did you grow up?


New York City and Yonkers.

 

When did you begin writing?


I’ve been writing on and off for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first novel in 2011.

 

What is this book about? 


Mitch and Jess met in the fourth grade. It was love at first sight for both of them. He was the freckled-face kid who had stood up for her honor when he silenced the class bully who’d been teasing her because of her accent. She was the new kid whose family had moved to San Juan Island, Washington, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and whom Mitch had thought was the most beautiful girl in the world. She was his salvation from a strict upbringing, and he was her knight in shining armor who had always looked out for her. They were inseparable...until 9/11, when the real world interrupted their Rockwell-esque small town life, and Mitch had joined the Marine Corps.


The story is a romance, but it’s really more than that. It’s the story of a wounded warrior finally coming home to search for the love and the world he abandoned twenty years before. It’s also the story of a man who is seeking forgiveness and a way to ease the pain caused by every bad decision he’d ever made. It’s the story of a woman who, with strength and determination, rose up from the ashes of a shattered dream to forge a successful life; but who never gave up hope that her one true love would return to her. 


 

What inspired you to write it?


I definitely didn’t plan this book or these characters in advance. As with my other novels, the idea, the people, and the basic story simply come to me in a vision. When it happens, it’s as real to me as anything anyone sees in front of their eyes. And then there’s this little voice in my head that says something to the effect, “This one, do this one.” 

 

How is it similar to other books in its genre? How is it different?


I’ll admit that I can’t recall the last time I’ve read a romance. So, I can’t say how it is similar or different. However, I can share portions of a few recently posted reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, which should answer your question.

 

 “Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea gives you more than a sweet love story. It touches on how the past can haunt you, how forgiveness isn’t easy, and how some connections don’t fade no matter how much time passes. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and worth the read if you want romance with depth.” ~Ghulam Mustafa


“Richard I. Levine’s Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea is a romance that goes way beyond the usual stuff and really hits you right in the heart. Forget just another small-town love tale—this one dives deep into fate, sacrifice, and how first love sticks with you forever.” ~Piaras Cionnaoith


“It was such a sweet, slow-burn kind of romance that really hit me in the feels. The love story isn’t flashy or overly dramatic—it’s mature, tender, and just real. I loved how the characters weren’t perfect; they’re a little bruised, a little weathered, like actual people trying to figure it all out.” ~Grace Eliot

 

What is the most important thing readers can learn from your book?


Some of our greatest lessons in life hit us right between the eyes when we least expect it. While it’s not for me to preach to anyone, there are many themes, or lessons if you prefer, that are subtly woven into the story, such as faith, family, honesty, integrity, loyalty, the list is almost endless. There’s pretty much something for everyone, and hopefully the right thing will jump out to the right person at the right time.

 

Where can readers purchase a copy?


The book is available in ebook format and in paperback on Amazon.


What is up next for you?


Right now, my little voice that brings those story ideas to me wants me to concentrate on an upcoming interstate move. I am presently putting all the pieces together in preparation for moving day, and in a few weeks, I’ll be embarking on a 1300-mile journey with a packed-to-the-rafters car and my two kitties, Koa and Peanut Butter.


Is there anything you would like to add?


It is said that a good, hearty belch after a meal is like music to the ears of a chef. It is the ultimate compliment. To an author, that belch is a good, but honest, review posted by a satisfied reader. If you’ve been entertained, introduced to new friends that you’d love to hang with, taken on a journey that you didn’t want to end, or if you were transported to world that made you forget the stresses of the day, then write a nice review to compliment the author who made you laugh, cry, imagine, or filled you with even the smallest amount of wonder. 




Look for my review of Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea coming on September 15!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Guaranteed to Put an End to Your Book Slump



Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.    

Happy Tuesday! Hope you're having a great week. This week's topic is made up of recommendations to end a reading slump. I will break mine down into genres so it is more specific.

Top Ten Books Guaranteed to Put an End to
 Your Book Slump

If you enjoy cozy mysteries...


Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown


Iced by Avery Daniels

If you enjoy Amish fiction...


Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard


Anna's Healing by Vannetta Chapman

If you enjoy thrillers...


Strong Darkness by Jon Land


Abuse of Discretion by Pamela Samuels Young

If you enjoy small-town romance...


Her Small-Town Romance by Jill Kemerer


Selling Christmas by Angelina Goode

If you enjoy celebrity memoirs...


Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim 

If you enjoy historical fiction...


The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Have you read any of these books? What is one of your favorite genres? How do you get yourself out of a book slump? 

Sunday, August 10, 2025

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? & Mailbox Monday - Aug 11



It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are, and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit, comment, and add to that ever-growing TBR pile! So welcome, everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and was then taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Welcome to Monday on a Sunday. I am posting this early for a few reasons: I have a hectic day; the Lil' Princess is coming home Monday; and the Lil' Diva is celebrating a birthday. Besides work-related tasks, I am spending my day with the girls and our son-in-law, who may get to come home in the next few weeks. Say a prayer. 

Lots to cover today, so I will get right to it. Here are a few photos from last week. I was blessed to take most of the weekend off, which allowed me to meal plan, grocery shop, and harvest from the garden. 


Took Theo for a ride Saturday evening. Paddy (husband) and I grabbed a quick to-go supper and headed for a place to eat outside and take a walk. 


Dwight is playing guard cat.


I discovered this little treasure on Sunday while gardening. I guess the Lil' Diva wanted to leave her mark on the house while she was growing up. 


Great harvest of potatoes, garlic (that I harvested wrong because you are supposed to keep the necks, cure the garlic, then dry upside down for two weeks), and herbs. I grab berries and tomatoes as they ripen on the vine. 


Slowly transforming my pantry to herbs grown in our yard instead of buying them all. 

In my reading world, I reviewed the first chapter of Gone to the Ground by Morgan Hatch. You can read the review here


I also reviewed Mark Robert's Bolbie's New Adventure by Janice Blanchett. You can read that review at my kid's book blog here


I've been reading Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine for a September review. 


I didn't read Behind the Scenes by Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley on my Kindle this week. 


Still need to review The Bible Simplified by Zach Windahl on NetGalley. Maybe this week.  


I didn't touch The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar J. Mazzeo this week, but I need to finish it soon. 


Need to review Generating Business Referrals Without Asking by Stacey Brown Randall soon. 


These First Chapter Reviews are coming in August and September. 


Father of One by Jani Anttola 


What Lies We Keep by Janet Roberts


Whatever It Takes by Alan Benham 


Ride a Dark Trail by Winter Austin

Need to read Old Flames, New Beginnings by Lea Schizas during the holiday season. 





Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books they added to their shelves the previous week. This weekly meme is now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach

Thanks to Sarah Hamaker's Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza, I received some free books from authors whose newsletters I subscribed to. Here is what is now on my Kindle.


Marrying Abby by Melanie D. Snitker (only available to her subscribers)


A Wish and a Prayer by Robin Lee Hatcher


Escaping with You by Robin Patchen


This I Promise You by Mary A. Felkins


The Honeymoon Express by Susanne Dietze


The Sheriff and the Outlaw by Danielle Grandinetti


Grace for Christmas by Laura Ashwood (only available to her subscribers)


Seaside Christmas by Narelle Atkins

I also grabbed a copy of Diverging Roads by Rose Wilder Lane, which is in the public domain. 




Upcoming Events
  • Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Aug 12 (Author Interview)
  • Father of One by Jani Anttola - Aug 18 (First Chapter Review)
  • What Lies We Keep by Janet Roberts - Aug 20 (First Chapter Review)
  • Whatever it Takes by Alan Brenham - Sep 2 (First Chapter Review)
  • Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Sep 15 (Review)
  • Ride a Dark Trail by Winter Austin - Sep 23 (First Chapter Review)


The latest Christmas... in the news post is up at Christmas Year Round. You can read all the seasonal good stuff here. I am also accepting interviews and guest posts from writers of family-friendly Christmas material at this blog. You can read the details here.


The Children's and Teens' Book Connection has the review I mentioned above. 

Laura's Little Houses has the following posts:



Expecting a busy week with the Lil' Princess home, inspections, and other appointments. Enjoy your day!

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Happy Book Lovers Day


 It's Book Lovers Day! Enjoy a good book this weekend and tell us what you read in the comments. 

Thursday, August 7, 2025

First Chapter Review & Giveaway: Gone to Ground by Morgan Hatch

 


Partners in Crime Tours is touring the urban thriller, Gone to Ground, by Morgan Hatch.

BLURB:  Javier Jimenez is on a glide path to college while his brother, Alex, has done a 180 and is heading for trouble. Neither, however, have any idea what's coming their way when George Jones sets in motion his plan for their neighborhood. It's a cataclysmic vision of urban renewal replete with manmade disasters, civil unrest, and a tsunami of ambitious Zoomers. Meanwhile, Alex and Javier's feud quickly escalates, even as Alex finds himself in way over his head with Denker Street, the local gang. The bodies start falling, and Javier soon realizes Jones has put a target on his back. It's time to go to ground. Can he keep Alex from falling further into the streets? Can he outplay Jones at his own game? All this and his own hopes, once so bright, now fading like a smog-shrouded LA skyline.



COVER: Kudos to this cover designer, as they scored with this one. The colors are perfect. The LA skyline makes a nice background. The young man running speaks not only to the target age for the story but also to the plot. Nicely done!

FIRST CHAPTER: In a post-lunch class, Javier watches as a classmate prods another anecdote from the teacher, but his true focus is on his younger brother, Alex, and who he is hanging with across the yard. 

KEEP READING: That's an emphatic yes! Despite urban fiction not being my genre of choice, Hatch's masterful way of describing people, events, and places is amazing. Have you ever read a book and thought, I wish I could write like that? Gone to the Ground is one of those books. The author quickly sets up Javier and Alex's world, drops in a hint of backstory, and leaves the reader wanting more. What else can you ask for from a first chapter? I'm so intrigued that I need to continue.    

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Rose Writing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 31, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1685136346
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1685136345

I received a copy of this first chapter from the author. This First Chapter Review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

  


ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN --

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Morgan Hatch. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
Gone To Ground by Morgan Hatch; Gift Card

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!