It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - July 22

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

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! Hope you had a great week. It was good to get back into my regular schedule. Picked up the rental car on Monday while my Buick is getting fixed. Caught up on local real estate happenings. Read a little. Wanted to garden, but it was too dang hot. Below are some of the lovely flowers that bloomed in our yard while we were away. 

Held an open house with a fellow agent on Saturday.

Not a ton of reading going on, but I did make time for these two. 

Next up are these. 

Upcoming events:

• The Righteous Arrows by Brian J. Morra - July (Review)
• Truth and Dare by Ann M. Trader - August 5 (First Chapter Review)
• Affiliate Marketing for Beginners by Audrey K. Andado - August 12 (First Chapter Review)
• Dishing Love Daily by Susanne Clark - August 14 (First Chapter Review)
• Knowing by Mark Cox - August 22 (Review)
• Death in St. George's by M. A. Monnin - August 23 (Review)
• Hollywood Underworld by Lindy S. Hudis - August 30 (Review)

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. Lots of fun Christmas news lately. You can read about the latest here.

I will be in meetings this morning, but will check in with you later. Eager to see what you're reading. Hope you have a fabulous day!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - July 15

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

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.   

Welcome back to Monday! We arrived home on Saturday to an overgrown garden and a blazing hot house. Good thing the cats had the basement, which is like an icebox year round. 

Celebrated my latest birthday on Friday. Here's to life at 56! If you would like to see more pictures from our vacation, they are on my Facebook page.  

Real estate consumed some of my time. I read less than planned, and still need to finish an editing project and finish reading that friend's manuscript. 

Posted my review of this fabulous historical crime novel last week. You can read the review here. 

I am reading these two.

Next up are these. I am also beta reading a manuscript for a friend. 

After these, maybe something from my huge TBR pile. 

Upcoming events:

• The Righteous Arrows by Brian J. Morra - July (Review)
• Truth and Dare by Ann M. Trader - August 5 (First Chapter Review)
• Affiliate Marketing for Beginners by Audrey K. Andado - August 12 (First Chapter Review)
• Dishing Love Daily by Susanne Clark - August 14 (First Chapter Review)
• Knowing by Mark Cox - August 22 (Review)
• Death in St. George's by M. A. Monnin - August 23 (Review)
• Hollywood Underworld by Lindy S. Hudis - August 30 (Review)

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. Check it out here.

I have a hectic first day back, so I might not visit your blogs until later. Hope you have a nice day!

Book Review: Day of Calamity by H. B. Berlow

 

Day of Calamity by H. B. Berlow is a fascinating and engaging historical crime novel.

Former Wichita policeman Harold Bergman is now a private detective. A World War II veteran, his father had hoped his son would become a rabbi, but Harold has chosen a world where the laws of God and man don't make sense. He finds himself working to locate the spoiled daughter of a wealthy businessman and the husband of a devout colored woman who has gone missing. As the stories of Caroline Whitman and Alonzo Washington converge, Harold must rely on his faith against dark forces in the underworld.

From the moment I first read this as a manuscript acquisition, I knew Berlow's new detective series would be a hit. I truly wish I had a chance to bring it to publication. The Wichita Chronicles opens with Bergman hitching a ride with his buddy Richie Mayer to meet with wealthy businessman Albert Whitman. Little does he know what he's getting into. And as the story unfolds, the stakes for all involved rise to dangerous heights. 

With Day of Calamity, Berlow has created a masterfully told, well-researched, intriguing novel that historical crime fans clamor for. From beginning to end, the reader is drawn into Bergman's world. His trusty feline companions provide the perfect light side to this exceptional story. Can't wait to read the next book in this series!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press (November 29, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509251669
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509251667

I purchased a Kindle version of this novel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Jul 8

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

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! Hope you had a great week. We are still in North Carolina. Except for a bit of rain, it has been nice weather. I'm working, but not as much as I would be at home. Here are a few pictures:

Fireworks in Manteo

Sunrise on the beach in Kill Devil Hills

Do you think Theo is relaxed enough?

As for reading, vacation time is often my time of the year to catch up. I think I overloaded myself with a few too many review requests, but I will hopefully be in a good place when we leave on Friday. 

Reviewed all these. 

Read review here

Read review here

Read review here

Read review here

Read review here

I finished this book on Sunday. Look for my review this week.

Next up are these. I am also beta reading a manuscript for a friend. 

I expect some seasonal fiction for the winter holidays will make it's way onto my list after that. If I don't take on too many reviews, I should be able to polish off a few books from my TBR Pile. 

Upcoming events:

• The Righteous Arrows by Brian J. Morra - July (Review)
• Truth and Dare by Ann M. Trader - August 5 (First Chapter Review)
• Affiliate Marketing for Beginners by Audrey K. Andado - August 12 (First Chapter Review)
• Dishing Love Daily by Susanne Clark - August 14 (First Chapter Review)
• Knowing by Mark Cox - August 22 (Review)
• Death in St. George's by M. A. Monnin - August 23 (Review)
• Hollywood Underworld by Lindy S. Hudis - August 30 (Review)

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. Check it out here!

Hope you have a fabulous week!

Audible Book Review: Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa Terkeurst

If hurtful memories keep you from living your best life; if you're seeking a way to forgive others the way God forgives you; if you yearn for the peace that comes from removing the power that triggers hold over you, then Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa Terkeurst is a good choice.

Using examples from her own life, Terkeurst teaches you how to move on, free yourself from past hurts, discover what the Bible says about forgiveness, and bring you to a place where you can create the beautiful life you seek.

While I almost abandoned this audiobook because the author's imploring voice bothered me, I'm glad I stuck with it because Terkeurst shared so many relatable moments and such good advice that I would have missed otherwise. When an author relays a story and you can nod your head in agreement, knowing you have felt the same way too, then you know they understand your pain. Maybe the best part is hearing that the author isn't saying everything will be perfect after you understand the true meaning of forgiveness as discussed in the Bible, because she still missteps, too. It's called being human. What this book helps the reader to understand is that they are more in control when they embrace this level of forgiveness.

Forgiving What You Can't Forget is the kind of book I will need to purchase in print and go through more slowly to take advantage of all it offers. Highly recommended!

Listening Length	8 hours and 20 minutes
Author	Lysa TerKeurst
Narrator	Lysa TerKeurst
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	November 17, 2020
Publisher	Thomas Nelson
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B08669BBQ3

I purchased this book with an Audible credit. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Book Review: Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ní Chríodáin

 

What is the value of blending reason and emotion in business? Susan Ní Chríodáin believes that if we reintroduce humanity into the workplace, it will have a positive impact on people, performance, and profit. And in her well-researched book, Leading Beyond the Numbers, you'll find out how.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it is that our humanity connects us. So, why have we for generations tried to keep emotions out of the workplace? Aren't passionate, emotional people responsible for some of the greatest discoveries in the world? 

Chríodáin put together an amazing book that is a must read for leaders and would-be leaders everywhere. Leading Beyond the Numbers explores how our bodies and brains work and the link between emotional intelligence and organizational performance. 

The author used an easy to follow format, bolding sentences of importance, adding helpful charts, and asking thought-provoking questions. She speaks of a personal balance sheet and asks what would make up your assets and liabilities and how would you calculate your equity. She explores how the brain works and how it constantly changes throughout our lives. She talks about body budgeting and how we can't expend energy if that energy is depleted. Chríodáin talks about HeartMath, gut instinct, how your mood impacts your day, and what makes conversations difficult. Then she explores RULER, the acronym for five key emotional skills. And as she winds down her book, Chríodáin reminds readers that numbers can't do anything without people. 

A helpful appendix includes key questions chapter by chapter, followed by a notes section also broken down by chapter. Further resources conclude the book. 

Leading Beyond the Numbers is a fascinating read. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Practical Inspiration Publishing (May 14, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1788605861
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788605861

I downloaded a digital copy from NetGalley. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Love's Unending Legacy by Janette Oke

 

The Davis family saga continues with Love's Unending Legacy. The fifth book of the Love Comes Softly series brings Marty and Clark back home to their family. This is the first time their children in Anderson Corner have seen their Pa, and many are relieved that Clark is still the same man they knew before the accident that took his leg. All except Nandry, who is withdrawn and quiet. Marty wonders why, but her adopted daughter seems unapproachable. 

A lot has gone on in the year Marty and Clark stayed on Missie and Willie's ranch. Arnie is courting. Luke is heading off to medical school. Clare and Kate are expecting their first child. Clae and her husband Joe are likely taking a church out east. Meanwhile, Ellie has taken care of all the homemaking and housekeeping chores in Marty's absence. 

Marty and Clark are thrilled to be home, but she doesn't seem to be getting her energy back the way she expected to after the trip, and the family silently worries about what might be wrong. Their days are filled with happy preparations for Arnie's wedding and Clare and Kate's baby, and the pain of temporarily saying goodbye to Luke. With unexpected sorrows along the way, the Davis family will need to lean on their faith to get them through. 

Love's Unending Legacy is the fifth book in Oke's Christian historical series. As time goes on, we see that Marty's faith has deepened in the years since meeting Clark. Now, in her forties, Marty enjoys surrounding herself with her family and friends. This family saga updates fans of the series on where the members of the Davis family are in their lives. Told mostly from Marty's perspective, her mother's heart unfolds as she worries about a future with her children and grandchildren spread across the country, experiences joy at the thought of another grandchild, and wonders how long it will take Nandry to accept the loss of Clark's leg. 

If you enjoy faith-based family sagas, Love's Unending Legacy is a good choice. This dramatic novel brings readers through the ups and downs of a family in a small town with some side plots involving other known characters. Like Marty, the faith in this series deepens as it continues. Great story!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (February 1, 2004)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228528
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228520

I bought this series on e-Bay. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.