Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2020



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.

Welcome back to Tuesday. I am not sure I am ready for this post. I am really bad about staying on top of new and upcoming releases because I have so many books at home I haven't read yet. I will have to put my thinking cap on.


I've seen this around a lot of places and it sounds superb.


I love books based on true stories--in this case, a woman who helps save hundreds of Jewish children during World War II.


I have always enjoyed Alex Trebek. He seems so sensible and down to earth. 


Because sometimes you need to laugh.


My kids have said this to me once or twice. I'm too young, but it doesn't stop them.


Sounds like another great Karen White book.


I've always liked Patricia Heaton. 


Who doesn't like money hacks?


Reminds me of A Christmas Carol.


This book sounds excellent and very timely. 

So, what's on your list? What are you eager to read in the second half of 2020?

Monday, June 29, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?- June 29



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 from the Outer Banks. I hope you had a nice weekend. I am doing my best not to work too much while we are away, but I know several things will command my attention today.

Here is what my reading world looks like:

I posted my review of this book on Sunday. You can read it here.




I am not sure which book I will start next, but it will be one of these.









My vacation time reading is often all over the place. I am dedicated to reading, but if something doesn't capture my attention, I might shift to something else. 

Does your reading change when you're away? Do you prefer different kinds of books or do you feel freer to abandon something that isn't working for you?

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Book Review: The Guests on South Battery by Karen White

Melanie, Jack, and their family and friends are back in the fifth installment of Karen White's Tradd Street series, The Guests on South Battery.

Realtor Melanie Trenholm reluctantly returns to work after her maternity leave  ends. She is thrilled, however, when a new client wishes to sell a home she recently inherited on South Battery Street.

Melanie's mother is familiar with the house, which belonged to a long-time friend of hers. The new owner, Jayne Smith, has no family of her own, so she is surprised she inherited the place. From the very first meeting at the house, Melanie knows spirits call the house on South Battery home...and not all of them want their secrets revealed.

Wow! I just finished this book and can't wait to read the next one. White proves she can weave a superb story filled with twists and turns, family secrets, and paranormal elements to keep the reader turning page after page until the very end.

In this story, Melanie's relationships are tested in numerous ways. It's great to see her evolving as a wife and mother, but so many of the things she has struggled with remain. Jack is having issues of his own, and both of them continue to keep an eye out for what Marc Longo is up to. Readers will see more of Melanie's mom, Ginette, in this story, and it is their connection that makes coping with the spirits in the house on South Battery possible. The ending of The Guests on South Battery also sets up the next book nicely. Though this is a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

Readers of southern fiction, paranormal mysteries, and stories involving family secrets will want to pick up this one.

Series: Tradd Street (Book 5)
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Reprint edition (August 28, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399584706
ISBN-13: 978-0399584701

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Shelf Control - June 24



Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves sponsored by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. Here's how to jump on board:
  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments!
  • Link back to Bookshelf Fantasies in your own post.
  • Check out other posts, and…

This week I am featuring a Kindle freebie from my TBR pile.




BLURB: In the early months of 1775, war is brewing in the American colonies. Although frightened, eighteen-year-old Betsy Russell of Menotomy Village, Massachusetts, wants to be prepared in case of attack by British troops. Her father, prosperous farmer Jason, is the fourth generation of Russells on this land yet their very rights as British Colonials are being stripped away one by one. Will the King of England take their land as well?

Tensions are growing here in the countryside west of Boston and the outbreak of battle seems a certainty. Jason desperately wants to protect his family his wife, children and grandchildren and their future. Betsy makes every attempt to be prepared for the worst. But not even the American militia could have predicted the bloody massacre that was about to occur right on the Russells' doorstep. If Betsy loses everything she holds dear, are the rights of all the Colonists endangered?

Fields of the Fatherless is based on a true story.

DATE BOUGHT: 5/28/18 (not as long as many on my list)

WHY I BOUGHT IT: Historical fiction is a genre I truly enjoy reading and writing. This is also one of my favorite time periods.

I am concerned for the marketability of this genre in light of current events. Will we need to forgo historical accuracy in order to sell this genre of fiction in the future? Will authors find themselves boycotted for their portrayal of the times in which their characters live?

In 2017, Literary Hub ran an article where 10 writers of historical fiction weighed in on the genre being more important than ever. I wonder if the slant of this article would be the same if released now.

Prejudice, in any form, has no place in the world. It never has. Using history as a way to teach about the mistakes of the past and encourage us not to repeat them remains important. That doesn't seem to be the sentiment these days. Maybe that's an outdated approach.

Do you read historical fiction? What do you like best about it? 

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Happy 10th Anniversary Top Ten Tuesday!!! - Top Ten Popular TV Shows I Have Never Watched or Seen a Full Episode Of



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.

I need to start this week's post by wishing Top Ten Tuesday and its creators a Happy 10th Anniversary! I was so glad when Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl decided to take it over. It's one of my favorite blog memes.

In honor of Top Ten Tuesday's 10th anniversary, we had two options:
  • Option 1: pick a past TTT topic you’ve done and re-do/update it
  • Option 2: pick a past TTT topic you wish you’d done, but didn’t get a chance to do
I opted to revisit a Top Ten Tuesday from September 6, 2016. Though usually posts have a book theme, the bloggers celebrated the fall TV season that year. I have still not seen any of the shows from my original list. Here is what my new list looks like:

Top Ten Popular TV Shows I Have Never Watched or Seen a Full Episode Of




Didn't like Rosanne, so didn't bother watching The Conners when it made its way to the small screen. After the Rosanne Barr controversy, I watch a part of the episode where they dealt with her character's demise. Haven't watched anything since.


Other than the occasional YouTube clip, I have never watched an episode of American Idol


Another reality TV show I never felt the need to watch. The Bachelor sounds like it could be such an embarrassing show, especially for those eliminated. While I don't consider myself an overly private person, I wouldn't want my relationship to be played out in front of millions of people either.


As much as I enjoy police novels, one would think I would watch some version of NCIS. I guess even knowing Mark Harmon stars in this one isn't enough to make me watch it. I really prefer to read.


Young Sheldon actually sounds interesting: For young Sheldon Cooper, it isn't easy growing up in East Texas. Being a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science isn't always helpful in a land where church and football are king. And while the vulnerable, gifted and somewhat naïve Sheldon deals with the world, his very normal family must find a way to deal with him. (From CBS)

I've never watched The Big Bang Theory, where the character of Sheldon, as an adult, is first introduced to the world. Not sure what I would think of this one.


I loved Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum in the 1980's. Maybe that's why I haven't been able to watch the new Magnum P.I. It would be kind of like watching a modernized Little House on the Prairie with all new actors. 


My girls love Keeping Up With the Kardashians. I can't even think of wasting my time watching it.


I've never been a huge Tim Allen fan. I didn't mind him in Home Improvement, but I liked his TV wife's character more. Maybe that's why I haven't bothered to give Last Man Standing a chance. 


Considering how much of a comic book fan I was growing up, it seems hard to imagine I have never watched an episode of Riverdale. Part of the lack of appeal for me is the need for modern TV to provide such intense backstories and currently storylines for characters who were just out having fun as regular teens in the comic book world. My girls are also big fans of this series.


I love Jason Bateman and think the premise of Ozark is intriguing, but I've never watched an episode. The girls talk about this one, but not sure much they like it.

Now that I am done trashing television shows, here are a few remakes I wouldn't mind taking a look at.



The new HBO version of Perry Mason premiered tonight. This character is nothing like the Perry Mason I grew up with played by Raymond Burr. In addition, the new Perry is a struggling private investigator, not an attorney. John Lithgow, one of my favorite actors, plays E.B. Jonathan, a renowned defense attorney and Perry's mentor. Della Street is Jonathan's legal secretary. 



Walker is a remake of Walker, Texas Ranger played by Chuck Norris. While Norris' Walker was single, in The CW's version  Cordell Walker will be a widowed father who returns to Austin to "reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his family, and find common ground with his new partner, while growing increasingly suspicious of his wife's death." I might tune in for an episode or two to see what it is like. Sounds like it premiers in January 2021.


The CW also remade Nancy Drew. A huge fan of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys book series as a kid, I wanted to watch this when it first premiered in 2019. All of the episodes are saved on my DVR, but I haven't watched one yet. I am hoping to catch up, as it has been renewed for a second season that premiers in January 2021.

Finally, one show I think I am giving up on.


In 2018, The CW brought back the charmed ones. The new Charmed gave them different last names and new backstories, but the premise is overall the same: three sisters discover they are powerful witches after their mother's death. Season 1 kept me engaged. I watched every episode within the same week that it aired. Season 2 is okay, but I haven't felt like I missed much when I didn't watch right away. In fact, I had a bunch on the DVR, but I simply watched the last one that aired prior to them breaking up production because of the pandemic. I don't feel the need to go back to watch the others. They are supposed to come back with Season 3 in January 2021. Doubt I will tune in.

So, that's my TV roundup. How many of these shows have you watched? Do you think I'm missing anything? What are your thoughts about the three remakes? What is a show that you lost interest in and why?



Monday, June 22, 2020

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



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. I hope you had a nice weekend. We celebrated Father's Day with all three kids. The weather was beautiful, and we were able to have a nice outdoor dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

I've been trucking along with my reading. It is easier when you are reading what you want instead of sticking to a schedule.


I finished the fourth book in Karen White's Tradd Street series. My review appears here.



I am currently reading the next book and hope to finish it before we leave for vacation.



Here is the updated list of what is traveling with me to the Outer Banks.









I am bringing my Kindle Fire, but not sure how much I'll use it. I cut back on the number of books I am bringing because last year I hauled too many. On the off chance I get through all of these, I can pick one off my device or study for my real estate broker's exam. 

What kinds of books to you put in your beach bag? Are they light reads or intense reads? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you pack a variety?

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Book Review: Return to Tradd Street by Karen White

Readers return to historical Charleston in Return to Tradd Street by Karen White.

Having refused Jack's marriage proposal, Realtor Melanie Middleton is simply going through the motions of life while she ponders raising her child alone and copes with the never-ending renovations on her historical Tradd Street home.

When Melanie is awakened by the sound of a ghostly infant cry, she does what she does best--ignores it. That is, until the remains of a newborn are discovered hidden in the foundation of her home.

As the hauntings at Tradd Street become more violent, Melanie delves into the nature behind the baby's untimely death. When she finds her claim to ownership threatened, she wonders if she can seek Jack's help without risking her heart. But in revealing the secrets of the past, she also awakens the malevolent presence that has tried to keep the truth hidden for decades.

Though I love this series, I approached Return to Tradd Street with trepidation. Several online reviews didn't care for how Melanie was portrayed in this novel. They found her negativity and stubbornness annoying. I saw her character in a different light.

For reasons I won't reveal in case you haven't read previous books, she turned down Jack's proposal. Now, she finds herself forty, single, and pregnant. Considering what she endured in her early life, how could she not be highly anxious about everything that is going on? Plus, her mother, her best friend, the housekeeper, and even Jack's teenage daughter are determined to make sure she eats nothing but healthy food during her pregnancy. While Melanie should appreciate the sentiment, can you imagine having the food police following you around for 9 months? I would be sneaking donuts or something.

Then, there is, of course, the whole dead baby pulled out of her foundation. Melanie is feeling protective over her own baby growing inside, and the ghosts in her house are getting more dangerous by the day. Toss in a threat to her ownership of her historical home, and should we expect her to be more cheerful? Oh, did I mention, pregnancy is not being kind to her body?

For these reasons, and more, I enjoyed Return to Tradd Street. Even though I had mostly figured out the mystery behind the dead baby in the christening gown and how the threat to her ownership would end before I turned the last page, White continues to create engrossing stories filled with family, friends, and ghosts set in historical Charleston. In this book, perhaps more than any other in the series, she pushes Melanie to her limits.

I read in the reviews that some thought this was the end of the Tradd Street series. I don't recall what was going on back in 2014 when Return to Tradd Street came out, so I can't say...unless it had something to do with the epilogue.

Thankfully, the next two books are in my house. I have already started The Guests on South Battery. I hope we will see more adventures for Melanie, Jack, Sophie, Nora, and the rest of their crew.

Series: Tradd Street (Book 4)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451240596
ISBN-13: 978-0451240590

My family bought me a copy of this book as a Christmas gift. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 




Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Shelf Control - June 17



Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves sponsored by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. Here's how to jump on board:
  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments!
  • Link back to Bookshelf Fantasies in your own post.
  • Check out other posts, and…

This week I am featuring a Kindle freebie from my TBR pile.




BLURB: The four MacLeod sisters are no strangers to sisterly rivalry and with one of them about to be married, there are bound to be fireworks. Perfectionist Natalie wants the 'wedding of the year'. Harassed mother, Milly, just wishes her bridesmaid's dress wasn't the size of a tent. Career-obsessed Avril secretly moons over a married man and world traveler. Hazel, the youngest, yearns to be taken seriously. Forced together for the first time in years, and with an unexpected guest stirring up old resentments, squabbles are inevitable. But when tragedy strikes things really fly apart - as some shocking skeletons emerge rattling from the crowded MacLeod closet...

DATE BOUGHT: 8/30/16 (Only a little while ago, right?)

WHY I BOUGHT IT: I like sister stories. I have sisters and we haven't always gotten along. Emotional and intense sister stories are good, but a lighthearted one can fit the bill sometimes.

Have you ever read this book? Do you like sister stories? What is a book from your shelf you want to read soon?

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books on My Summer 2020 TBR



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.

Welcome to Tuesday. This is an annual topic for Top Ten Tuesday, but I still love it. My hope is that compiling a list helps me read more. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. This will include some books I'm taking on vacation and a few others I want to read.


Top Ten Books on My Summer 2020 TBR


For review


Little House on the Prairie cast member 


Laura Ingalls Wilder tie-in



For review


For review


Next Tradd Street book!!!


Arrived a few weeks ago


Have had this since it first came out. Time to read it!


Kindle freebie set in my favorite place.


Kindle freebie that I really want to dive into. 


What are some books on your summer 2020 TBR list? Do we share any of the same books?