It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - June 30

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.

Happy Monday from the Outer Banks! How are we already at the last day of June? We arrived safely and are looking forward to spending time together. The ride was long but uneventful. Happy to take a break from long drives for a bit. Discovered today that I like kiwi. Who knew? Here are a few photos:

Theo relaxed on the drive.

Boat decor at Silver Line: Jewelry, Art, and Unique Finds

at Jockey's Ridge Crossing. We shop here every year.

Had lunch Sunday at Thai Room.

We walked the beach on Sunday evening. Theo loves it!

Thankfully, I am getting more reading done. My first chapter review of this Regency time travel romantic suspense mystery appeared on Friday. You can read it here. 

I am almost done with this book. So, so good!

On the drive down, I read these Netgalley downloads. Look for my reviews at TC&TBC coming soon. 

Right before I left, I read this book that was a giveaway from NetGalley's new venture, Booktrovert. My review is here.

These two are next. I have them with me.

I also brought this book on vacation.

This one is next. It is also a NetGalley download.

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. 

In addition to all the NetGalley downloads, this book arrived.

Pamela Smith Hill delves into Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House novels, examining their texts, characters, settings, and themes to reveal how the books forever changed the literary landscape of children’s and young adult literature in ways that remain meaningful today.

Upcoming Events

• My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift by Harold Phifer Jul 8 (Book Spotlight)
• Shooting Stars Above by Patricia Leavy, PhD - Jul 24 (Author Interview)
• Arabesque by M G da Mota - Jul 31 (Book Spotlight)
• Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Aug 12 (Author Interview)
• Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Sep 15 (Review)

Christmas Year Round has a new Christmas... in the news shared lots of fun and heartwarming Christmas news. You can read it here.

The Children's and Teens' Book Connection will get busier in July since I am reviewing children's books. 

Laura's Little Houses has nothing new, but I will feature my new Laura Ingalls Wilder title there this week. 

Hope you have a wonderful day and get lots of reading time this week!

First Chapter Review: To Murder a Marquis by Arabella Sheraton

 

This Regency time-travel romantic suspense mystery from Arabella Sheraton is on tour with Pump Up Your Book. 

BLURB: Escape into the drama and romance of the Regency era with To Murder a Marquis, an immersive time travel adventure full of mystery and passion. When modern-day Jane Carstairs awakens in nineteenth-century England, she's thrust into a captivating world of lords and ladies, grand estates, and old-fashioned courtship. But Jane soon realizes there's a sinister murder plot afoot. As Jane works to discover the truth, she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue. Will she solve the mystery in time or fall victim to the assassin? And can Jane resist the magnetic pull of attraction in this unfamiliar era? Transport yourself back to the richly detailed Regency world and join Jane on her unforgettable quest for justice and love. With vivid descriptions, gripping suspense, and passionate romantic encounters, To Murder a Marquis is a time travel adventure you won't want to miss. Embark on the journey today and discover why readers are raving about this unique, spellbinding tale of courage, connection, and timeless romance.

COVER: One of the reasons I've been drawn to Regency romance is that the cover art is always stunning. The cover for To Murder a Marquis clearly displays the genre with its elegant font and gold accents. I like how the marquis' face is partially hidden. The background of dark, mysterious woods ties into the meeting of the main characters in the opening chapter. This cover designer knows how to attract readers.

FIRST CHAPTER: Jane Amelia Carstairs is awoken from her nap under a tree by the furious barking of an unknown dog wanting her attention. Suddenly dressed in period costume, Jane wonders who carried out this odd prank. She decides to follow the distressed dog through the trees, where she discovers an even bigger surprise. 

KEEP READING: Most definitely! Sheraton has chosen a first-person point of view for the opening book in her Regency Time Slip Mystery series, which is pleasantly unique. Jane quickly engages the reader as she ponders what the heck happened to her while she slept. I love when authors drop you right into the action, which Sheraton did so well. It appears Jane carries a bit of personal baggage into this story with her, so it will be interesting to see how much of an impact that has on her along the way. I loved this chapter so much that I ordered a Kindle version so I can read the rest at my leisure. 

Book Excerpt:

Furious barking woke me from a very nice dream in which my ex-fiancé Allan Hunter was on his knees, begging me to stay, and I had just flung his ring back in his face in a most satisfying manner. The fact he’d dumped me for a full-breasted bistro waitress called Tawnee—that’s right, with a double “e”—who clearly said all the right adoring things, had the intelligence of a single-celled organism, and was a tigress in the bedroom was something I chose to ignore.

The dog wouldn’t stop barking. I opened my eyes, and there he was, a beautiful russet-coloured retriever, barking like mad, but with his tail wagging. Still slightly dazed, I shook my head. What the hell was I doing lying under a tree? I was supposed to be in the library at Chelston Hall, helping Dad, who was in hospital in London with bronchitis, collate the archives of the Hadley family. I could almost hear him say, “Jane Carstairs, what on earth are you doing there when you should be working?”

The dog was still barking. I’m not afraid of dogs so I raised myself on one elbow. “Here, boy. What’s the matter?”

I held out one hand for him to come over and have a sniff as an introduction. The dog took a few steps forward, then ran back to his original spot, and barked once. Clearly, a clever canine. He was telling me something. But what? I struggled to sit up. For some reason, my clothes were constricting; something like a straitjacket encircled my chest. Instead of my casual T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, I wore an ankle-length flowing dress, and short lace-up boots, along with a tight, short, long-sleeved jacket. I was in period costume straight out of Pride and Prejudice. Not funny! Someone had obviously pranked me but managing to undress and get me into this suffocating costume was beyond a joke. Plus, how did I get from sitting in a chair in the library to lying under a tree? 

Back to the dog again, which now seemed very agitated. He ran back and forth a bit and whined. By pulling my dress and copious amounts of petticoat up to my knees, tearing something at the jacket shoulder in the process, I managed to stand. The dog ran off through the trees as if on a mission. Maybe someone was hurt, and the mutt was looking for help? Dogs can be so clever that way. Running in the narrow skirt was impossible so I hitched the skirt as high as I could and chased after the dog. Ten minutes later I arrived, panting, at the scene of a bloody accident. Bloody is no exaggeration. A man, also dressed in period costume—riding gear—lay on his back, his arms flung out. He was either asleep, or unconscious, or ... I didn’t even want to consider the last option. The dog stood next to him, its tail wagging. It looked at me, whining as if to say, “Help him.” I knelt and took a closer look. Robert William Edward Hadley, the Marquis of Coleston, lay before me. An arrow protruded from the top of his left shoulder, a massive amount of blood soaked the front of his fawn-coloured coat, and he looked very dead.

– Excerpted from To Murder a Marquis by Arabella Sheraton, Bublish, Inc., 2020. Reprinted with permission.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bublish, Incorporated
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 8, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1647048966
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1647048969

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

Series Spotlight & Book Excerpt: Soul Stirrings by Anita Hackley Lambert

 

Title: Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages Through Revelation (Book 1)

Author: Anita Hackley Lambert

Publisher: HLE Publishing Co.

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Pages: 317

Genre: Religious/Spiritual/Faith-Based/Christian

BOOK BLURB:

Soul Stirrings invites you on a transformative journey, offering devotions rooted in God’s timeless Word. This heartfelt series is designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, embrace His boundless love, renew your spirit, and walk boldly in His light. Whether seeking clarity, hope, encouragement, or a deeper connection with God, this book will stir your soul and renew your spirit.

What’s Inside:

●      Uplifting Inspiration: Thought-provoking devotions to uplift your heart and nurture your faith.

●      Practical Wisdom: Encouraging insights to overcome trials, find clarity, and deepen your walk with God.

●      Spiritual Renewal: Messages of hope to align your life with God’s divine plan and empower you to live with grace and purpose.

Why You’ll Love Soul Stirrings

●      Rooted in Scripture: Every devotional message is guided by the truths of God’s Word.

●      Life-Changing Perspective: Encourages growth, resilience, and spiritual healing.

●      For Every Season of Life: Soul Stirrings provides wisdom and encouragement tailored to your journey, whether in a storm or on the mountaintop.

Perfect For:

●      Daily personal devotions.

●      Gifts for friends and loved ones seeking hope and inspiration.

●      Small group or Bible study reflections.

Begin Your Faith Journey Today!

Let Soul Stirrings be your companion as you discover the life God has designed for you. Every page brings renewed strength, peace, and a deeper connection to His promises.

Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages Through Revelation is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Have you ever stood in the silence of your soul, staring into the abyss of unanswered questions? Have you ever whispered into the darkness, Why, Lord? —only to be met with silence? Life often presents us with trials that shake our foundation, moments that leave us bewildered and searching for meaning. We grapple with the weight of adversity, the sting of suffering, and the seemingly relentless storm clouds that overshadow our joy.

The human heart longs for understanding. It seeks reasons, explanations, and clarity. Yet, there are moments in life when the answers we crave remain just beyond our grasp. In these moments, we are left with a choice: Will we succumb to the gnawing doubts that seek to unravel our faith, or will we surrender to the wisdom of the Almighty, trusting that His unseen hand is guiding us through even the darkest valleys? 

Faith calls us to trust in a God whose perspective far exceeds our own. Instead of demanding explanations, we are invited to rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). In the face of trials, our posture should be one of surrender—choosing trust over comprehension, faith over fear, and confidence in divine wisdom over reliance on our own limited understanding. 

When we wonder why, we do not necessarily require answers but rather an unwavering faith in the divine wisdom that guides our journey. We are prompted to shift our focus from pursuing answers to pursuing wisdom. Unlike mere answers, wisdom offers us greater insight into life's complexities. It equips us to navigate the storms with grace and resilience, aware that even within the darkest nights, a glimmer of light beckons us homeward.

– Excerpted from Soul STIRRINGS: INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES THROUGH REVELATION by Anita Hackley Lambert, HLE Publishing Co., 2025. Reprinted with permission.

 

Title: Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages with Grace to Restore

Author: Anita Hackley Lambert

Publisher: HLE Publishing Co.

Publication Date: February 22, 2025

Pages: 320

Genre: Religious/Spiritual/Faith-Based/Christian

 

BOOK BLURB:

 

FIND HEALING, STRENGTH, AND RENEWAL THROUGH GOD’S GRACE. Life’s challenges can leave us weary and searching for hope, but God’s grace is a refuge, a healer, and a restorer—lifting us from brokenness into wholeness.

Soul STIRRINGS: Inspirational Messages With Grace to Restore is an uplifting collection of faith-filled reflections, biblical wisdom, and transformative messages designed to strengthen your spirit and renew your faith. Through deep scriptural insights and real-life encouragement, you’ll discover:

✔ Strength in hardship as faith is tested and refined
✔ Healing from past wounds through God’s unfailing love
✔ Clarity and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges
✔ The life-changing power of grace to transform and restore

Each chapter serves as a spiritual awakening, reminding you that God’s grace is abundant, unshakable, and available to you right now. Whether you’re in a season of waiting, healing from past struggles, or seeking a closer walk with God, this book will stir your soul, uplift your heart, and inspire you to embrace His grace with bold faith.

Restoration is always within reach—let His grace renew your life today!

Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Messages with Grace to Restore is available at Amazon.

 

Title: Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Message with God On Your Side

Author: Anita Hackley Lambert

Publisher: HLE Publishing Co.

Publication Date: March 12, 2025

Pages: 243

Genre: Religious/Spiritual/Faith-Based/Christian

 

BOOK BLURB:

 

DISCOVER STRENGTH, PURPOSE, AND VICTORY IN GOD’S PRESENCE. Life is filled with storms and uncertainties, but one truth remains unshakable: God is always on your side. Soul STIRRINGS: Experience the Unshakable Presence of God delivers powerful, faith-filled messages that will strengthen your spirit, ignite your faith, and deepen your trust in God’s promises.

Through compelling real-life testimonies and biblical wisdom, this book will help you:

✔ Overcome life’s challenges by standing on God’s Word
✔ Step boldly into your divine calling with faith and confidence
✔ Embrace gratitude, trust, and hope in every season
✔ Walk in God’s anointing and spiritual purpose
✔ Find renewal and rest in His ever-present love

Each chapter offers scriptural insights, spiritual reflection, and practical guidance to help you align with God’s will and step into your victorious destiny. Whether facing trials, seeking renewal, or desiring a deeper connection with God, this book will equip you with strength, encouragement, and divine assurance. You are never alone, never forgotten. With God on your side, victory is already yours. 

Soul Stirrings: Inspirational Message with God On Your Side is available at Amazon.   

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Do You Follow Celebrity Gossip? Why or Why Not?

 

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. 

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge. This week's topic might spur interesting conversations. Going back decades, pre-Internet, I saw two tabloids around the house: Star and National Enquirer. I recall browsing through them. 

I'm more interested in what authors are doing these days and new books that are coming out. I like to know what television shows are on and what ones are cancelled, but I don't really watch TV. The last show I recall seeing live is Downtown Abbey, and that's been off the air for years, though fans will get a final movie hitting theaters this fall. Before that, it was Mercy Street and Cedar Cove.

As far as big screen stars, what could I possibly have in common with any of them? If anything, I would want to read about celebrity philanthropic efforts, not what they are wearing, what the status of their relationships is, or which co-star they don't get along with. 

How do you feel about celebrity gossip? Why do you enjoy it or not enjoy it? 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? & Mailbox Monday - June 23

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 back to Monday. We are almost to the end of the month. By this time next week, we will be on vacation. I think God took pity on me and my potential burnout. All the listings I thought were coming before we left are waiting until after we return. Though I will have things going on, with any luck, I will squeak out more of a vacation than usual. Maybe I can even catch up on my reading. 

Here are photos from this week:

The Lil' Diva's dance recital. She just finished 21 years. 

Don't let their cuteness fool you. Right after this, they attacked each other.

Theo is hanging out with me as I go through his vacation supplies. Packing makes him very anxious. 

More success with reading this past week. I posted three First Chapter Reviews. Here they are in case you missed them:

Click here to read the review.

Click here to read the review and enter for your chance to win.

Click here to read the review and enter for your chance to win. 

I reviewed this NetGalley download at TC&TBC.

I also read more of this book. Caitlin Rother is one of my favorite true crime authors. She does a spectacular job of in-depth research. 

I have a First Chapter Review of this book coming up on Friday. 

These two are next. 

I'm not sure how many books I am bringing on vacation with me yet, but I have already packed my Kindle, and I have my NetGalley app on my phone. 

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. 

This is a NetGalley download that I will review soon. It is coming out in September.

Before we leave for vacation, this book should arrive. I will likely take it with me to North Carolina. 

Upcoming Events

• Soul Stirrings by Anita Hackley Lambert - June 25 (Book Spotlight) 
• To Murder a Marquis by Arabella Sheraton - June 27 - (First Chapter Review)
• My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift by Harold Phifer Jul 8 (Book Spotlight)
• Shooting Stars Above by Patricia Leavy, PhD - Jul 24 (Author Interview)
• Arabesque by M G da Mota - Jul 31 (Book Spotlight)
• Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Aug 12 (Author Interview)
• Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard Levine - Sep 15 (Review)

Christmas Year Round has a new Christmas... in the news post that talks about a Christmas pop-up in Texas coming in July, an animated special starring Nathan Kress (iCarly), and an article from Travel & Leisure about celebrating in Florida. You can find that all here.

Other than my review of Rosie's Ranch Rescue, I featured 10 Nesting Swallows by Tammar Stein at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. You can check that out here.

Laura's Little Houses has nothing new. Probably won't until we are on vacation. I have ideas, just no time to dedicate to them right now.

I will be catching up on comments from last week and this post today. Hope you have a great week!