It's Monday! What Are You Reading? & Mailbox Monday - Feb 10

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 and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.    

Happy Monday! Well, technically it's still Sunday, but I have a hectic morning tomorrow. It is a snowy one here. Our latest storm was generous. At this point in the year, I'm planning a garden, so I'm okay with no more white stuff. Of course, the next storm is coming at the end of this week. 

Booked tickets for my sister and me to two local theater productions: On Golden Pond and SpongeBob the Musical. This is part of my self-care routine. 

In my reading world, I've been organizing my spreadsheet, reviewing some books, and starting a pile of books to donate to this year's library book sale. My current TBR spreadsheet sits at 314 books, 689 Kindle freebies, 17 unfinished Audible books, and 1 Chirp book waiting for me. I like Chirp, but I find that if I don't use the app regularly, it won't hold my place and returns to the beginning. 

My review of this Christian historical was posted on Tuesday. You can read it here.

In lieu of our Monday meme posting last week, I shared a review of this paranormal psychological thriller. This is a genre I don't usually read, so it checks off one of my 2025 bookish promises. You can read my review here. The giveaway is over. 

My review of this illustrated Bible storybook appeared at The Children's and Teen's Book Connection over the weekend. You can read it here. 

I finished this historical biography of Lincoln's last full year in office over the weekend. You can read my review here. 

I'm reading this book.

I am also reading this book for Caitlin's February tour. Look for my review on February 24th. She will also be sending me another title to review. 

This book on AI is now available for pre-order. I will be reviewing this one soon. 

Need to review this one soon.

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. 

ThriftBooks had a great sale, so I picked up a few books. This earned me a free book, and I removed them from my Amazon wish list, where I might have paid full price. I also found a cheap hardcover edition of 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History to add to my collection. 

Upcoming events:

• Review of Body Parts by Catlin Rother - Feb 24 (Review)

I had some extra time this past week, so I posted at Christmas Year Round more than usual. 

How Do You Combat Christmas Blues?

Favorite Christmas Ornaments 

Would You Ever Leave Your Christmas Tree Up All Year Long?

At Laura's Little Houses, I profiled Charles Philip Ingalls here. I've also profiled Laura Ingalls Wilder, Mary Ingalls Kendall, Almanzo James Wilder, Caroline Quiner Ingalls, and Nels Oleson. Who do you think should be next?

That's it from my busy little place in the world. I've got two appointments this morning, so I might not visit your blogs until this afternoon. Enjoy your day!

Chirp Book Review: 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History by Charles Bracelen Flood

 

As a lover of early American history and a Civil War buff, I downloaded 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History by Charles Bracelen Flood. This is an account of the last year of Lincoln's presidency as the war dragged on, he faced a re-election campaign challenged by a member of his cabinet seeking the Republican nomination, peace talks appeared to be on the horizon that would leave the Confederacy a separate slave-holding American nation, and threats to his life increased. 

Originally published in 2009, this well-written and thoroughly researched account clocks in at just under 20 hours of audio. Flood dives deep into this last year of Lincoln's presidency, exposing his challenges, exploring his triumphs, sharing thoughts and concerns from Mary Lincoln and members of his cabinet, and accounts from the battlefield. Thanks to Flood's in-depth look into Lincoln as president and person, along with narrator Mel Foster's superb delivery, readers come to know Lincoln during that time on a deeper level. 

I found myself going back to re-listen to certain passages, because I didn't want to miss a minute of what was being said. 1864 is definitely a book I would like to add in hardcover to my collection. 

Lovers of early American history, Civil War and Lincoln buffs, and those who appreciate military and political accounts will want to read 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History. 

Listening Length	19 hours and 56 minutes
Author	Charles Bracelen Flood
Narrator	Mel Foster
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	February 23, 2009
Publisher	Tantor Audio

I downloaded this book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Feb 5

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.   

 

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 and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.   

My, my, my, welcome back to Monday! How did we get back here so quickly? Hope you had a great week.

Lots going on in my world. I announced on social media that I have switched real estate brokerages. I am grateful for the 9.5 years spent with my Real Living/BHHS Realty Pros family. I'm also excited to see what the future holds at HB Real Estate. I've been moving into my new office and making plans. 

Bonus room clean up continues, and I've started meal planning on Sundays so I can be better prepared for the week's meals. This has allowed me to make a dessert once a week, like this flourless chocolate cake. I've gone back to time blocking--which I despise--and have added three days on the Peloton into my schedule. I enjoy being more organized, so hopefully the time blocking sticks. 

In my reading world, you will find my review of this children's picture book today at TC&TBC. 

My review of this book appeared here on Sunday. 

A review of this book appeared here on Friday. 

At Modern Prairie, our first book club choice is Little House in the Big Woods. I'm about halfway through it. I have a similar edition, but my copy was only $1.50 in the States and $1.70 in Canada. Yes, I'm that old. 

On Audible, I am listening to this one and loving it.

I need to read these next. 

Upcoming virtual book tours:

• When the Red Bird Flies by Courtney Reames Haydell - Feb 5 (review at TC&TBC)
• Civil Twilight by Anique Taylor - Feb 19 (guest post)
• Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories by Elizabeth Bruce - Mar 12 (interview)
• It Will Have Been So Beautiful by Amanda Shaw - Apr 25 (review)

At the Christmas Year Round blog last week

• Favorite Kitchen Appliances That Help Me Prep for the Holidays
  

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

The new brokerage has a Little Free Library, and people drop off books all the time. I grabbed these for now:

I enjoy history, even the tough parts. 

That's it from me this week. I hope to be checking in with your blogs early in the day. Hope you enjoy your week. 

Book Review: Moments That Made America by Geoff J. Armstrong

If you enjoy reading about American history, you'll want to grab a copy of Moments That Made America by Geoff J. Armstrong.

In this first book of a planned series, Armstrong takes the reader from the birth of a continent that would one day contain the United States, through to the discovery of gold in California.

With this engaging historical perspective on America, one can learn about bits of history they forgot or didn't know much about. It's also a new way for history lovers to experience the past. It discusses historical figures, shares historical documents, and even mentions events that happened outside of the country that had an impact on America.

Other than the great storytelling, the other thing I enjoyed is that the sections were manageable enough in size for me to read a bit and then put the book down to go back to it another night.

I look forward to future books.



File Size: 1218 KB
Print Length: 236 pages
Publisher: History Publishing Company LLC (October 15, 2018)
Publication Date: October 15, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07JW2S9L6

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

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Jun 3

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 and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

My, oh my. I've been a bit busy. Both girls were out of school as of Friday. Prom and graduation were last week. We ate at Chandlers at the MGM Casino in Springfield to celebrate. Spent some serious dough.

Not much reading going on because of it, but I did finish this novella.

Here is what I am reading right now.

Then these ones are next.

What are you reading right now?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - May 27

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 and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Happy Memorial Day! Hope you're taking some time off while we recognize and honor the sacrifice of those who gave their all to protect freedom around the world. I've spent the last two days in the yard getting things cleaned up and ready for new mulch. It was almost 4 pm before I realized this is our wedding anniversary. Whoops!

Not a ton of reading going on, but I might have some time next week. Here is what I am reading right now.

This new one is for a review I have coming up in June.

I also need to review this one in June.

Some of these might come on vacation with me.

After that, I want to tackle some of the business books I bought recently. Not sure how much I want to drag down south with me. 

How do you decide which books to bring on vacation? Do you use vacation time to catch up on reviews or only read for pleasure?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - May 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 and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Happy Monday! I hope all the moms (in their various ways) had a lovely Mother's Day. Our family got together, so we had three generations spending the day enjoying one another's company. I promised myself that I wouldn't work, so I left the phone on the nightstand except when we went out to dinner--had to take photos.

In my reading world, I reviewed this book last week. 

I started this one last night because there's a review due on May 21. 

Then the rest of my list looks like same.

I treated myself to these two books, so hopefully I can squeeze these in soon.

(Since I pre-ordered this one, I saved a few pennies when the price went down.)

(Found this one on sale at our local Walmart.)

How is your reading going? Have you found something you're really excited about? Did you hit a dud? Hope you'll share some from your list.