Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Return to Wydler by Maria Imbalzano

 

The untimely death of EJ Hampton’s father kills her dream of practicing law with him in her hometown of Wylder. Heartbroken, she now has two weeks to organize the practice for sale. When she meets her father’s millionaire client Dylan Addison, he is demanding and entitled—yet his charisma captivates her.

Dylan is under pressure to renovate the Wylder Hotel before his father pulls the plug on his project. He needs EJ’s expertise, but she is bent on returning to her life in San Francisco despite the fireworks between them.

EJ walks a tightrope trying to balance Dylan’s needs against her own, but doing so is far more complicated when emotions get in the way.

Read an Excerpt:

What was I doing reaching across the table to touch him? If that was my first thought of the morning immediately after hitting the snooze button on my alarm, I was in big trouble. I squeezed my eyes shut as if to erase the picture implanted in my brain, but I couldn’t dislodge it. Those intense blue eyes had connected with mine as his fingers stroked the palm of my hand. Even now thrills coursed up my arm, and shivers ran through my blood.

I eased out of bed, all the while trying to convince myself it meant nothing. I’d been consoling a client over the difficulties he had with his father, and he’d accepted my sympathy.

But I had never done anything remotely close to comforting a client. Sure, I was reassuring and encouraging in the face of obstacles, but I had never let my professional guard down as I had last night. What was it with Dylan Addison?

I didn’t have time to analyze it, nor did I want to. It was a one-time thing that would never happen again. End of story.





Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels. When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states. Maria lives in central New Jersey with her husband--not far from her two daughters and granddaughters. For more information about her books, please visit her website at http://mariaimbalzano.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter. 


Twitter http://www.twitter.com/mariaimbalzano @mariaimbalzano 









Maria Imbalzano will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 




First Chapter Review & Giveaway: Omniscience by Janine Frances

 


Omniscience by Janine Frances is a dystopian thriller I found through Goddess Fish Promotions. At the end of this First Chapter Review, you will find a giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card.


BLURB: 
A family seek refuge in the Australian outback as tyranny takes hold, but who can they trust?

The world is at war and an authoritarian government has taken control in Australia. A terrorist group known as Day One is attempting to destroy civilisation so humanity can start again.

Shareen Miller gets caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare when she’s detained by an Auto-Enforcer for not having the right travel permit on the way to a job interview. Shareen’s detention sets off a chain of events that lead to her five-year-old twins being taken by the government.

With her husband Daniel, grandmother Alma, and sister Layla, Shareen seizes her children and escapes from the city. On the road, she reveals a secret about her missing mother Veronica that she’s been hiding from her family for five years.

What follows is an intense journey into the harsh Australian outback where nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. As they fight for survival, Veronica’s family finally learn the truth about why she left them.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as the future of humanity hangs in the balance.

COVER: Totally works for the genre and the location. Love everything about it. 

FIRST CHAPTER: Shareen Miller is on her way to a job interview when she is detained by an Auto-Enforcer for not having the proper travel permit. 

KEEP READING: Definitely! Dystopian novels never used to be on my radar, but The Hunger Games changed all that. Since then, I add them into my reading schedule from time to time. 

From the opening paragraph, this novel had me hooked. What Frances has done with Omniscience is create a world where extremes have run amok. Having witnessed the world's evolution and read the news over the last couple of years, some of what Shareen experiences feels like it could happen down the street or in a connecting city. Frances has created a world that is both fascinating and terrifying. Fascinating in the aspect of interesting technology, but terrifying in the loss of everyday freedoms. People being detained only to never be heard from again. No use of cell phones and government run social media. 

Knowing what is in store for our main character, lets the reader know it is going to get worse. Perhaps it won't get better. Therefore, you are drawn into Shareen's story and must continue to see if she and her family can survive. 

Read an Excerpt:

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Miller, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to take your children today.” His tone was perfunctory, as if he was informing her that her favourite brand of toothpaste was out of stock. “Once they’re in the system, they have to be assessed fully. This can take several days or longer based on the complexity of the case. You will be interviewed―” 

“Wait a minute,” she said, leaning forward so that her forehead was pressed against the barrier. This couldn’t be happening. “My grandmother was told we don’t have permission to live at her place, but that’s not true. I have it right here on my iD. I can show you.” She lifted her wrist. 

“That won’t be necessary. Even if it is a mistake, we need to follow protocol. If you’ll just be patient, you should see them again soon.” 

“We don’t need to follow protocol because we’ve done nothing wrong.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m not leaving without my children. Either get them now or get a manager out here.” 

He sighed dramatically. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. The best thing you can do is go home and wait until we notify you. I’m sorry you were called in unnecessarily. We take child protection very seriously, and there’s no special treatment for anyone, not even you.”

Purchase this book from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ot7fwE 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thorpe-Bowker (February 12, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 317 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0645411019
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0645411010

Janine Frances lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia with her partner David and dog Banjo. She loves reading thrillers and decided to have a go at writing her own. 

Janine chose to write a speculative thriller because it’s an exciting genre that asks important questions about the future.

You can find her on:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Omniscience-dystopian-thriller-Janine-Frances-ebook/dp/B09S32YXMG/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22233273.Janine_Frances 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanineFrances5

Janine Frances will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 


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



Monday, July 25, 2022

Book Spotlight: Moral Fibre by Helena P. Schrader

 

The inspiring story of a bomber pilot, his crew and the woman he loved based on historical accounts…




Riding the icy, moonlit sky—

They took the war to Hitler.

Their chances of survival were less than fifty percent.

Their average age was 21.

This is the story of just one Lancaster skipper, his crew,

and the woman he loved.

It is intended as a tribute to them all.

Flying Officer Kit Moran has earned his pilot’s wings, but the greatest challenges still lie ahead: crewing up and returning to operations. Things aren’t made easier by the fact that while still a flight engineer, he was posted LMF (Lacking in Moral Fibre) for refusing to fly after a raid on Berlin that killed his best friend and skipper. Nor does it help that he is in love with his dead friend’s fiancĂ©, who is not yet ready to become romantically involved again.

“[The hero’s] struggles, his life, and the romance he is continuously hoping and striving to have with the woman he loves hits you directly in the soul, but the addition of adventure and excitement makes you want to read cover-to-cover without ever having to put the book down…. The intriguing dialogue, the settings, the clear descriptions of such harsh situations – this author has hit on all cylinders once again, and even provides the most exhilarating history lesson I, personally, have ever had the pleasure of reading." 5-Stars!” Feathered Quill

“[Moral Fibre] takes the reader into the English psyche of [WWII], tapping the depths of human emotions, holding them up to the light, and revealing their concomitant beauty and ugliness in times of fear and crises. … Meticulously researched and skillfully written, Schrader’s Moral Fibre steps off the pages and comes to life. Her nuanced characters and authentic dialogue also provide a glimpse of Britain’s stratified class-conscious culture during the WWII era.
…. A riveting read and highly recommended!” – Chanticleer Reviews 5-Stars

“Helena P. Schrader … is a true master at delving into complex psychological dilemmas and emerging with a tantalizing, completely comprehensible tale of human frailty and strengths that blend into a unique experience for her readers. Moral Fibre is brilliantly crafted in its delicate treatment of an evolving relationship … and the clashes with staid tradition and prejudices. How they each evolve is the meat of Schrader’s magic. The relationship and romance scenarios are poignant and human, contrasted with the battle scenes and flying sequences which are accurate and detailed.” – Tom Gauthier for Readers Favorites

Book Information

Release Date: May 16, 2022

Publisher: Cross Seas Press

Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-1735313924; 436 pages; $19.95; E-Book, $9.49

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3otTh3c

Distributor: https://itascabooks.com/products/moral-fibre-a-bomber-pilots-story







Wing Commander Dr Grace opened the therapy session pleasantly as he usually did. “Pilot Officer Moran, you’ve been with us almost three weeks now, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, sir.”

Grace nodded, drew a deep breath and then parted his elegant hands in a gesture of vague helplessness. “We have a bit of a problem. You see, I can’t find the slightest evidence of mental illness. In fact, I would venture to say that you are one of the sanest young men I’ve talked to in a long time.”

“Well, sir, you are working at a mental institution, so you may not be seeing a representative sample of the population,” Moran pointed out.

Dr Grace laughed shortly but sobered rapidly. “The point, I’m afraid, is that in the absence of a clear mental disorder, you cannot be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.”

“That’s just as well,” Moran nodding his understanding. “I’d probably go mad there.”

Dr Grace leaned back in his chair with an amused smile playing tentatively upon his features. “I have to admit I’m somewhat surprised — but glad — to see you can face the future with this degree of levity.”

“I think it’s called ‘gallows humour’, sir.”

“Hm.” Dr Grace thought a moment and then admitted, “Moran, I can’t make a recommendation about your case unless you are more candid with me about why you refused to fly on November 23. I know you don’t want to talk about it, but unfortunately I must insist on you telling me what happened.”

Moran drew a deep breath and sat up straighter. He’d come to respect and trust Dr Grace and decided that, despite his earlier reticence, it wasn’t that hard to explain after all. “There’s not that much to it.” He ignored Dr Grace’s suddenly raised eyebrows. “On an operational sortie to Berlin on November 22, the bomb aimer was injured by flak and three other crew members, including the pilot, were severely wounded in a night fighter attack. We made an emergency landing at Hawkinge, pancaking at roughly 2:30 am on the morning of November 23. While still on the tarmac, I was informed that the skipper — my best friend — Flight Lieutenant Selkirk was dead. Apparently, he had died immediately after landing. By flying the Lancaster back to England and making a perfect landing he had saved the lives of the rest of us on board.

“The three of us who were not injured were told to take trains back to our operational station at RAF Elsham Wolds in Lincolnshire. We spent the rest of the night and most of the next morning in railway stations, sleeping as best we could on platform benches in our flying gear, or standing up in overcrowded trains. Apparently, no one in this country thinks bombing Berlin is important enough to give up their seats to tired aircrew returning from an op there!”

Dr Grace grimaced and shook his head in sympathy.

Moran continued bleakly, “We reached Elsham Wolds roughly twelve hours after we’d landed. I had only been in bed about two hours, when I was told I was slated to fly as engineer with a sprog crew that same evening. I was not amused, but I didn’t balk until they opened the curtains at the briefing and it was yet another run to Berlin.”

Dr Grace did not have to urge him to explain himself. Moran suddenly wanted someone to understand. “It was as if bloody Butcher Harris was punishing us for not hitting the target in a tight pattern the night before — as if we were to blame for the 100 mph winds, for Met getting the forecast wrong, for being scattered and ravaged by the Luftwaffe’s wild boars! We’re not people to Harris — just tools to prove that bombing alone can force Germany into surrender.

“He could have given us a night off to recover. Or he could have sent us against a different target — something closer and less hotly defended like Bielefeld or Muenster or Brest. Sending us back to Berlin the very next night was too bloody much to ask!”

Dr Grace didn’t answer for several minutes, during which time Kit started to become uncomfortable. All the rumours about what happened to men like him who “lacked moral fibre” crowded his brain — court martial, demotion to aircraftman, assignment to humiliating duties such as cleaning latrines or working in the morgue, or a dishonorable discharge and industrial conscription to the coal mines or a munitions factory. Whatever they did to him, the blot on his record would be forever.

Finally, Dr Grace drew a deep breath. “It is probably immaterial that I agree with you. I make no pretence of understanding the strategy behind our bombing campaign. As for asking you to fly the very next night, my understanding is that many squadron and station commanders feel that airmen who have undergone a traumatic experience need to be sent out again as soon as possible in order to prevent the trauma from taking root. It’s the same principle by which a rider who is thrown from a horse is told to get back on immediately. It’s well known that if they don’t, the fear of riding can become overpowering. Likewise, many pilots who have crashed need to overcome a fear of flying again. That fear increases the longer a man stays on the ground. In short, there would appear to be some justification for the actions of your CO. Would you agree with that?”

Moran nodded reluctantly. He wasn’t entirely sure this made sense. If you went out again immediately and had another terrible sortie, didn’t that just reinforce the trauma? Increase the fear?

Dr Grace was speaking again. “Now, let me ask you this — a purely hypothetical question, you understand. Could you imagine any circumstances under which you would be willing to fly operations again?”

“Of course. With a skipper I know and trust, I’d be happy to fly tomorrow.”

Dr Grace nodded but remarked with a mildly reproving smile. “That may just be a touch over-zealous, Pilot Officer Moran.”

“You did say the question was hypothetical,” Moran reminded him with the hint of a smile.

Dr Grace smiled back in acknowledgement, but then turned serious again.  He leaned forward, his elbows on the desk and his hands clasped. “RAF Psychiatrists such as myself have been looking at the evidence, and we have come to the conclusion that the tours of duty are too long and the breaks between tours too short. The men who volunteer for aircrew are, with very few exceptions, men of superior dedication and character. Nevertheless, as a colleague of mine put it, courage is like money in the bank. If you use it up more rapidly than you can replenish it, you will eventually have nothing left.”

That sounded to Moran as if the wing commander was implying there was nothing fundamentally wrong with him. Indeed, he seemed to suggest that Moran had nothing whatever to be ashamed of. The psychiatrist appeared to be saying that what had happened was perfectly normal and almost inevitable. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying, sir,” Moran admitted.

“Nothing very complicated, Pilot Officer Moran. I’m simply positing that on the afternoon of November 23, 1943 your personal reserves of courage had been wiped out by a severe blow — the loss of your close friend and skipper on an operational sortie the previous night. You needed time to recover your confidence, your equilibrium, and indeed your physical health. You also needed time to grieve. You were a wreck when you arrived here — in case you didn’t notice.”

“Are you saying, sir, that you don’t think I’m lacking in moral fibre?”

“That is a ridiculous term with no medical basis whatsoever,” the psychiatrist retorted with an irritated gesture. “The entire notion of LMF was nothing but an administrative solution to an unexpected problem: the refusal of some volunteers to continue volunteering. Such men had, temporarily at least, lost the confidence of their commanding officers and needed to be removed from active duty, yet they could hardly be charged with desertion or insubordination. Volunteering is, after all, voluntary.”

“That doesn’t entirely answer my question, sir. I understand that for you the term LMF isn’t scientific or medical or however-you-want-to-word it, but it does describe aircrew who have failed to do their job, doesn’t it?”

“Failed? Do you feel you have failed, and if so, in what way?”

Bombarded by emotions and confused by his own thoughts, Moran couldn’t answer.

Dr Grace gently resumed talking. “Isn’t it true that the only way in which you have failed is in not living up to your own expectations? Is it not your high standards — as a member of an elite military force — that trap you into thinking that you have failed?” Grace paused and then continued, “Objectively, you have already done a great deal more to win this war than ninety-nine percent of the British population. Many would say you have indeed ‘done your bit.’”

“What ‘many’ say isn’t really the issue, is it?” Moran shot back. “The question is what does the RAF say? What do you say? It seems to me that my future is very much in your hands, Wing Commander.” Moran realized he was tired of being in limbo. Tired of waiting for the axe to fall. He wanted to know what they were going to do to him.


 






Helena P. Schrader is an established aviation author and expert on the Second World War. She earned a PhD in History (cum Laude) from the University of Hamburg with a ground-breaking dissertation on a leading member of the German Resistance to Hitler. Her non-fiction publications include “Sisters in Arms: The Women who Flew in WWII,” “The Blockade Breakers: The Berlin Airlift,” and “Codename Valkyrie: General Friederich Olbricht and the Plot against Hitler.”

In addition, Helena has published eighteen historical novels and won numerous literary awards. Her novel on the Battle of Britain, “Where Eagles Never Flew,” won the Hemingway Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction and a Maincrest Media Award for Historical Fiction. RAF Battle of Britain ace Wing Commander Bob Doe called it “the best book” he had ever seen about the battle. “Traitors for the Sake of Humanity” is a finalist for the Foreword INDIES awards. “Grounded Eagles” and “Moral Fibre” have both garnered excellent reviews from acclaimed review sites such as Kirkus, Blue Ink, Foreword Clarion, Feathered Quill, and Chantileer Books.

Visit her website at http://helenapschrader.com or connect with her on Facebook. You can also visit her blogs:  

https://schradershistoricalfiction.blogspot.com

https://europeanaviationhistory.blogspot.com








Sponsored By:

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - July 25

 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

Welcome back to Monday! It is so hard to believe that July is almost over. By this time next month, the Lil' Princess will be in North Carolina starting her first year at UNC - Wilmington. But today is a special day because it is Yia-Yia's birthday!


You can often find Yia-Yia sitting in her chair reading her Bible or a devotional.

We won't see her in person today, but we have a visit planned for Thursday. We also have a special party planned in August. I've been able to spend more time with her lately, which is always a blessing, even if the dementia can make it challenging.

I'm struggling to find reading time lately. My work schedule since returning from vacation has been hectic, and my mind really isn't in it. Thankfully, I am ahead of where I need to be for reviews. I am also editing a manuscript for an author that I am so excited to see make its way through its final stages of pre-publication. That is what excites me these days...that and helping people transition to the next stage of home ownership no matter where that might be. 

Today, be on the lookout for a book spotlight of Moral Fibre by Helena O. Sharder. 



My review of this book will appear at my children's book blog this week.




I am hosting a First Chapter Review of this book on July 26.



Look for my review of this writing craft book on August 25.



I have started reading this book. My review will be posted here on September 23.



I would like to read these books next, but it all depends on if I sign up for more book tours. 









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.

Nothing new this week and I tried to avoid looking at all those Kindle freebies.

What is going on in your reading world? Have you been making it through your TBR pile? What was one of your recent favorites?

Monday, July 18, 2022

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Jul 18

 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

Welcome back to Monday. July is moving right along. We made it home from North Carolina Saturday morning. As much as I love spending time away from the regular day to day, it also feels wonderful to be home. I unpacked Saturday morning, slept a few hours, then drove to Marlborough to spend time with my mother-in-law. It is late Sunday night as I type this. I am tired, but glad to get back into my regular routine.

I was also happy to see this little guy and our other cats when we came home. We take our dog with us, but the sitters take care of the cats. 



In my reading world, I finished three books.








I am currently reading this book by Jerome Charyn. My review will be posted September 23. 



I am hosting a First Chapter Review of this book on July 26.



Look for my review of this writing craft book on August 25.



I would like to read these books next, but it all depends on if I sign up for more book tours. 









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.

As typically happens when we are away, I buy books or download free ones. This year was no different. I picked up the first one in a bookstore on Ocracoke Island. The second one was a gift for my birthday.



The rest of these I downloaded to my Kindle. Honestly, there are so many unread books there, I shouldn't download another one until I read 10 of them.






That's it for me this week. Hope you'll share what you're reading and what you have coming up.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Book Review: Stolen by Vivian Gilbert Zabel


Stolen
is a heart-wrenching story of abduction from award-winning author Vivian Gilbert Zabel. 

Torri Adamson put up with her husband's philandering ways for years, but a new indiscretion makes her take their two children and return to her family. 

As the years pass, Torri rebuilds her life, but when Mike abducts her children, she is afraid this tragedy might be too much to handle.

Based on a true story, Zabel weaves an emotional story of one woman pushed to her limits. From the first page, the reader is drawn into Torri's family drama. A tightly-written tale that pulls at the heartstrings, the reader will turn page after page, following Torri as she rebuilds her life, just to have an unspeakable tragedy rip joy away from her. Readers will admire Torri's strength and appreciate the closeness of her family as they move along. 

Though Torri's story is fictional, it is based on a true story; a story that unfolds too often. As a mother, this story truly hit home.

Riveting, intense, and masterfully told, Stolen is a must read.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ 4RV Publishing LLC (November 1, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 098258864X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0982588642

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Book Review: Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 

Welcome back to Morning Star where community, romance, and faith abound.  

In Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard, Jo Fussner has fallen in love with Michael Wengerd. Plans seem to be humming along until the elders forbid any maidel from working after she marries. Will Jo need to choose between her store and the man she loves?

The story of Jo Fussner is the focus of the fourth installment of The Maidels of Morning Star series. Having found love with Michael Wengerd, Jo is looking forward to the future, but she knows it won't be easy to get her mother Drusilla's blessing. Her mamm has been warning her of how trapped she will feel once her husband is the head of the house. Jo can't understand why her mother is so against marriage or why Drusilla is brushing off the advances of Nelson Wengerd. 

Just when she thinks all will work out, the elders decide maidels can't work after they marry. Jo has poured her heart into the Marketplace. She can't imagine not having a hand in its future. Words spoken in haste put everything she holds dear into jeopardy. 

Love Blooms in Morning Star is another fabulous story in The Maidels of Morning Star series. Just like other books in the series, the main story focuses on one or two characters, but that feeling of community is front and center.

Fans of Hubbard's work will enjoy their return to Morning Star. Jo is the primary focus of this novel, but unfolding in the background is Drusilla's story. Many familiar characters appear in this novel. Though this continues the series, you could easily read Love Blooms in Morning Star as a stand alone. I just feel there is so much value in reading from beginning and getting to know all these characters from the start.

Booklist has said that Hubbard writes of "brave new beginnings from a refreshingly feminist perspective." I agree with that assessment, and her thorough research and realistic portrayal of Amish life continues to gain her new fans. If ever there was a faith-based series ready for the small screen, it is this one.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zebra (July 26, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1420151843
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1420151848

I received a NetGalley ARC from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. You can pre-order this novel from Amazon and other online retailers. 

Monday, July 11, 2022

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - July 11

 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.   

Welcome back to Monday. I hope you had a nice week. Our first week on the Outer Banks has been filled making memories, working, and some troubling family news.


The walking trail at the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo


Flag flying in Manteo


Beach in Kill Devil Hills


Manteo coffee shop stickers


The Lil' Diva and the Lil' Princess hold their tree pose (there is a story behind this one)


National Real Estate Ethics Day 2022

Not long after we arrived, we received the news that our daughter-in-law passed away unexpectedly. We considered returning home, but since her memorial service will be delayed, we wanted to try and keep things as normal as possible for the girls, especially with our youngest leaving for college in August. Our son also wanted us to stay here; so though I still feel I would be more helpful to him at home, we are doing our best to have a nice time.

I can't say I've really felt like reading much since then, but I know I have review commitments. 

I finished this book.


I am reading this one now.


Here are other books that I have with me, but doubtful I will finish many of them while we are away. I am spending more time catching up on my daily Bible reading. I allowed myself to fall behind when I got busy with work. 










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.

As is typical when I spend some time browsing, I found a couple of Kindle freebies to grab. 




I hope you share some of your new books in the comments. I will check them out today.