It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Oct 13

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! I'm unsure if we will lose power and/or internet thanks to the Nor'easter currently traveling up the East Coast. The storm made quite a mess on the Outer Banks. My heart goes out to everyone there. You can see Facebook videos from Sam Walker here. This news report says a flash flood warning was issued for Myrtle Beach and other areas in South Carolina, too. So far, things are windy and rainy here. Lost a tree branch up the street. 

My news from the week: I finally took a weekend off. We went to Boston on Saturday for the Bruins versus Sabres game. The Bs won! Before we left for Boston, I brought in the rest of the harvest and prepared for the storm. Everything is packed away for the winter. 

The best news from this week is that the Lil' Diva and her husband closed on their new home! They have spent the weekend painting and ripping up old carpets. Not sure how quickly they will move in, but they have time to get work done.

Other photos:

Can you see the little frog that was hanging in my yard on Saturday?

The herbs and tomatoes are done for the season

In my reading world, this one is still on pause as I read October books. What I have read of this poetry collection, Singing the Forge by G. H. Mosson, is wonderful. 

I still need to write my review of Eleanor Roosevelt's Nightly Prayer by Donn Mitchell. 

I continued reading The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright on the way to Boston.

I started The Curiosities by W.H. Eatons, a middle-grade novel that I downloaded from NetGalley. 

The Man Next Door, another romantic comedy by Sheila Roberts, is next.

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

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein is a middle-grade NetGalley download I need to read. 

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 book arrived from the publisher the other day. Look for my review soon.

God is with us--even in the dark.

For Charlie, bedtime is the hardest part of the day. The stillness of the night brings strange sounds, racing thoughts, and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. But as Charlie's mother reminds him of the timeless truth from Psalm 121--that we can rest because God never sleeps--he begins to face the dark with renewed courage and peace.

This beautifully illustrated book not only acknowledges a child's fear but also equips them with a biblical, comforting approach to tackle it. Through tender storytelling and thoughtful illustrations, Charlie Can't Sleep! reassures little ones that even in the quiet, scary moments, God sees them, hears their prayers, and stays by their side.

Caregivers will love Charlie Can't Sleep! for its gentle blend of spiritual encouragement and practical support for children as well as its special note from the author that encourages meaningful conversations with children.

Key Features:

• Relatable Storytelling: Helps children feel understood in their nighttime fears
• Biblical Comfort: Draws on Scriptural truths to remind kids of God's constant presence and care
• Expertly Illustrated: Breezy Brookshire brings Charlie's world to life with playful artwork that will engage and delight young readers
• Encouraging Message: A positive resource that builds faith, trust, and courage in children

Perfect for Christian families, Sunday school classrooms, and children's libraries, Charlie Can't Sleep! will become a bedtime favorite for anyone helping little ones conquer nighttime anxieties. Discover Charlie Can't Sleep! and share with children the comforting truth that God is with us--even in the dark.

Upcoming Events

• The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright - Oct 29 (Review)
• One Foot in the Ether: Whispers of the Pendle Witches by Kayleigh Kavanagh - Oct 30 (Spotlight)
• The Man Next Door by Sheila Roberts - Oct 31 (Review)
• Singing the Forge by G. H. Mosson - Nov 25 (Review)

The latest Christmas... in the news post is up at Christmas Year Round. This week's news features the Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods, the seven best new Christmas decor items at Walmart, and Christmas music playing on a station based in Utah. Check it out here.

At The Children's and Teens' Book Connection, I wrote my 2025 writing goals third-quarter update. It's dismal, folks. Real estate is taking up all my time. You can see what I accomplished here.

The only new post at Laura's Little Houses outlines which countries the readers reside in. Looks like Brazil takes the top spot. You can read more here.

That's it for me. I will check in when and if I am able today. Enjoy you week!