The Book Connection...: Musing Monday

Showing posts with label Musing Monday. Show all posts

Monday, July 16, 2018

Musing Monday - July 16

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you ever get teased or looked at oddly for reading?

We are back to Monday and back to life in Massachusetts. We arrived home Saturday. As grateful as I am to spend time on vacation, it is always wonderful to be back to the normalcy of home. My work schedule started yesterday with an open house, but today is the first full day back to the regular grind.

As you can tell by the reviews I posted over the last two weeks, some reading got done while we were away. Thank goodness. If I am good and don't request too many new books to review, I might even make a dent in that TBR pile.

This week's question is an interesting one. I've never really thought about it. I'm probably like most bookworms--it's rare I don't have a book in my bag when I go anywhere. I've even learned to listen to books since I am on the road a lot these days. The one thing that comes to mind, though, is the strange look that comes my way when I say I don't watch television because I prefer to read. From time to time I'll find something I want to watch, but other than Downton Abbey, Cedar Cove, and Mercy Street, which are all off the air now, I don't turn the TV on except for the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas.

Do you watch TV? What are some of your favorite shows? Do you prefer to read or watch TV?

Monday, July 2, 2018

Musing Monday - July 2

Monday, February 5, 2018

Musing Monday - February 5

One hundred years after her mother's family came to the New World on the Mayflower, Maribel Cordova has landed in New Orleans to seek the man who holds the key to finding her father’s lost treasure. Attorney Jean-Luc Valmot has buried his past life so deep that no living person will ever find it—or so he hopes as he accepts a position on the governor’s staff. But the daughter of an infamous pirate threatens all he holds dear. Can Maribel and Jean-Luc compromise so they both can hold onto what they most desire?

I hope to start reading it on school vacation week. Not sure what else I'll read, but I would like to polish off three books. How about you? School vacation coming up? Planning on doing some reading?

As for this week's question, it seemed natural for me to become a reader. Both my parents enjoyed reading and we didn't exactly have a ton of things to do growing up. Most of my days were spent outside after school, but I had a lot of free time to spend reading. Both my sisters grew up to be readers as well. How about you? How did you become a reader?

Think that is all from me this week. Hope you have a great one.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Musing Monday - January 29

Graylin Alexander is a model fourteen-year-old. When his adolescent curiosity gets the best of him, Graylin finds himself embroiled in a sexting scandal that threatens to ruin his life. Jenny Ungerman, the attorney hired to defend Graylin, is smart, confident and committed. She isn’t thrilled, however, when ex-prosecutor Angela Evans joins Graylin’s defense team. The two women instantly butt heads. Can they put aside their differences long enough to ensure Graylin gets justice?

Unbeknownst to Angela, her boyfriend Dre is wrestling with his own drama. Someone from his past wants him dead. For Dre, his response is simple—kill or be killed.

What is happening in your world this week?

Monday, January 22, 2018

Musing Monday - January 22

More info on Goodreads

I'm working on my goal to read at least one writing craft or writing business book a quarter.This one is due back to the library soon, but I'll be done with it this week. I'm enjoying the writing exercises. More information on it can be found on Goodreads.

What a fabulous question Ambrosia has posed this week. I love historical fiction and I love biographies. They both serve their purpose. Often times I am inspired by historical fiction to research the real lives of historical figures; usually that happens with movies more than books because movies can only scratch the surface of fascinating people. I do feel, however, if you are going to call something a biography, what it contains must be factual and able to be proven through research. Biographies can be engaging and true with the right author. If a story is based on true events, like the Little House books and television shows or Melanie Benjamin's novels, then I don't have the expectation that everything happened the way it is portrayed. It's up to the writer to make that clear up front so that credibility doesn't suffer.

That's it from me for now. Hope you have a great week.

Monday, January 15, 2018

Musing Monday - Jan 15

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Have you ever stolen insults from books and used them in real life situations?

We are back to Monday again. I hope you had a great week. My Christmas decorations are finally down and the winter decorations have taken their place. I'm in the middle of deciding what colors to paint the rooms in this house. Some are the original off-white and I'm done with that. I'm thinking maybe a silver gray.

In case you missed it, the blog last week had a review of The Body in the Casket by Katherine Hall Page, the last Top Ten Tuesday at The Broke and the Bookish (will continue at a different blog), and The Friday 56 that shared a part of The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

At An Imperfect Christian Mom I posted a review of Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz and shared some apps I find helpful for Bookish (and not so bookish) Thoughts. At Books Can Be Deadly I featured an interview with author Heather Weidner. Finally, at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection I posted a couple reviews, my STORYSTORM update, and an announcement about Janet Halfmann's upcoming book that ties into Black History Month.

Today, I'll begin reading my First Book of the Year in earnest. Did you post a First Book of the Year? What is it?

As for today's question, I can't believe I've never thought of stealing an insult from a book and using it. Maybe because my evil side is snarky and sarcastic enough not to need any help. (Blushes) How about you? Heard any good insults in a book lately? Would you ever use them?

Here's hoping you have a spectacular week.

Monday, January 8, 2018

Musing Monday - January 8

Monday, December 25, 2017

Musing Monday - Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Musing Monday - Dec 18

The inimitable Faith Fairchild returns in a chilling New England whodunit, inspired by the best Agatha Christie mysteries and with hints of the timeless board game Clue.

For most of her adult life, resourceful caterer Faith Fairchild has called the sleepy Massachusetts village of Aleford home. While the native New Yorker has come to know the region well, she isn’t familiar with Havencrest, a privileged enclave, until the owner of Rowan House, a secluded sprawling Arts and Crafts mansion, calls her about catering a weekend house party.

Producer/director of a string of hit musicals, Max Dane—a Broadway legend—is throwing a lavish party to celebrate his seventieth birthday. At the house as they discuss the event, Faith’s client makes a startling confession. "I didn’t hire you for your cooking skills, fine as they may be, but for your sleuthing ability. You see, one of the guests wants to kill me."

Faith’s only clue is an ominous birthday gift the man received the week before—an empty casket sent anonymously containing a twenty-year-old Playbill from Max’s last, and only failed, production—Heaven or Hell. Consequently, Max has drawn his guest list for the party from the cast and crew. As the guests begin to arrive one by one, and an ice storm brews overhead, Faith must keep one eye on the menu and the other on her host to prevent his birthday bash from becoming his final curtain call.

Full of delectable recipes, brooding atmosphere, and Faith’s signature biting wit, The Body in the Casket is a delightful thriller that echoes the beloved mysteries of Agatha Christie and classic films such as Murder by Death and Deathtrap.

Interesting question this week. Have I ever wanted to be a character in a book? Probably not. I like being me. That said, I have wanted to temporarily be transported to the setting of a book. As a lover of historical fiction, I would love to visit early America or America in the mid-late 1800s. Sure would be a cheap way to travel the world too. :)

That's it from my neck of the woods. Hope you have a great week!

Monday, December 11, 2017

Musing Monday - Dec 11

We ended up with six inches and are due for more tonight. That's okay...Theo is prepared.

As far as books go, I reviewed A Wanted Man by Robert Parker and finished Lethal in Old Lace, the next book in Duffy Brown's Consignment Shop Mystery series. This one is due out in March.

I ordered this on Cyber Monday from Barnes and Noble.

Brilliantly evoking the long-vanished world of masters and servants portrayed in Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs, Margaret Powell's classic memoir of her time in service, Below Stairs, is the remarkable true story of an indomitable woman who, though she served in the great houses of England, never stopped aiming high. Powell first arrived at the servants' entrance of one of those great houses in the 1920s. As a kitchen maid - the lowest of the low - she entered an entirely new world; one of stoves to be blacked, vegetables to be scrubbed, mistresses to be appeased, and bootlaces to be ironed. Work started at 5:30am and went on until after dark. It was a far cry from her childhood on the beaches of Hove, where money and food were scarce, but warmth and laughter never were. Yet from the gentleman with a penchant for stroking the housemaids' curlers, to raucous tea-dances with errand boys, to the heartbreaking story of Agnes the pregnant under-parlormaid, fired for being seduced by her mistress's nephew, Margaret's tales of her time in service are told with wit, warmth, and a sharp eye for the prejudices of her situation. Margaret Powell's true story of a life spent in service is a fascinating "downstairs" portrait of the glittering, long-gone worlds behind the closed doors of Downton Abbey and 165 Eaton Place.

Now, on to this week's question. I consider a book a good read if it draws me in right away. I want to feel that immediate connection to the characters and be encouraged to learn more about them.

How about you? Do you like a slow perk or an instant rush when you read a book?

Enjoy your week!

Monday, December 4, 2017

Musing Monday - Dec 4

I'm currently reading A Wanted Man by Robert Parker, which I'm due to review on Thursday. It's a busy week so I hope I finish it on time. It's definitely a page turner.

I'm also reading the next book in Duffy Brown's Consignment Shop Mystery series, Lethal in Old Lace. Love this series and the publisher sent me a copy via NetGalley. Not my preferred method of reading, but more cost effective for authors and publishers.

There are two social functions in Savannah guaranteed to get people talking: weddings and funerals. And just as consignment shop owner Reagan Summerside agrees to marry the hunky Walker Boone, her neighbors, sisters Annie Fritz and Elsie Abbot, step up their business as professional mourners. They are so successful that the Sleepy Pines Retirement Center has hired them as a part of their retirement package. But the celebration over good business is cut short when the residents at Pines suddenly begin dying at an alarming rate. And the sisters are the first suspects.

Reagan has her doubts, however, and begins to look into the strange phenomenon. But then something even stranger happens: a body winds up in the sisters’ pink Caddy. The evidence begins to pile up and the suspicious case of Willie Fishbine, who swindled the sisters out of a fortune and coincidentally died prior to the Pines case, is reopened.

Not wanting Willie to be buried until they can find the killer responsible for the murders, Reagan must catch the culprit in time to walk down the aisle. Witty, fabulous, and full of charm, Lethal in Old Lace is perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Jenn McKinlay.

As for this week's question, should I even bother answering it? You all know I am a character-driven reader. It's probably why I like mysteries and psychological thrillers so much: I am hyper-focused on the reason characters do what they do.

Hope you all have a great week and read some fabulous books.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Musing Monday - November 27

When Reagan Summerside turned the first floor of her old Victorian home into a consignment shop, she never imagined she’d be harboring a fugitive in her attic. But after a dead man is found in a bathtub and local lawyer Walker Boone is accused of doing the dirty deed, she suddenly has a new houseguest.

Having the lawyer who took her to the cleaners in her divorce settlement—and who has been getting under her skin ever since—in close proximity is enough to drive Reagan to distraction. For the sake of her sanity—and Walker’s freedom—they need to put their heads together to find out who is trying to get the lawyer out of the picture . . .

Love this series and can't wait until the new one comes out this spring.

As far as holiday books turned to movies, usually my limited reading time means I am catching them on film first. Hallmark Channel is my friend this time of year and their Countdown to Christmas is my favorite. I have so many on my DVR that I can't wait to sit and watch. Caught some good ones this weekend.

I love any genre of Christmas fiction, though romantic comedies are my go to genre because they tend to be lighter fare than what I read the rest of the time.

It's hard to believe the end of 2017 is fast approaching. Have you been able to whittle away that TBR pile? Did you participate in any reading challenges? Mine were a bust, but I still plan to sign up for one next year. A girl needs to have goals. What genre do you look for this time of year?

Happy reading!

Monday, November 20, 2017

Musing Monday - November 20

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you like or dislike series books?

Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone! I hope your preparations are going well. Mine are very slow. Trying not to work, but I am working like a dog. House still isn't clean for me to host on Thursday and I can't even think about baking.

Enough of that stress. Let's talk books. If you visited lately you'll see I've been blogging more thanks to a little break in the real estate business. Not much of a break, but I'll take it. Be sure to read my review of When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman. Love, love, love this series.

Speaking of series, I do like them. That said, I hate when life gets hectic and I can't keep up with a series. I've missed books by Karen White, Kathi Macias, Marilyn Meredith, C. W. Gortner and more that write books I absolutely adore. Even harder is when I come into a series in the middle and have to back track. That never seems to work out. That's why I've been so vigilant about Charlotte Hubbard's books. I know if I miss any one in a series I'll regret it and never catch up.

How about you? Do you prefer stand alone novels or series? Is there a series you're still trying to catch up on?

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Musing Monday - Nov 6

Writing for Bliss is most fundamentally about reflection, truth, and freedom. With techniques and prompts for both the seasoned and novice writer, it will lead you to tap into your creativity through storytelling and poetry, examine how life-changing experiences can inspire writing, pursue self-examination and self-discovery through the written word, and, understand how published writers have been transformed by writing.

I am currently reading....

Amish bishop Henry Lapp eagerly awaits the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado. But his visit to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge reveals more than just a miracle of God's creation. Hidden among the bulrushes and cattails is the deceased body of a young woman.

As the local authorities attempt to unravel the mystery, Henry feels God's calling to use his extraordinary talent to aid in the investigation. His ability to draw from memory in photographic detail could help solve this puzzling case.

Henry's closest friend, Emma Fisher, has always urged him to embrace his gift. As their relationship deepens, Henry realizes his involvement could put him and those he loves in the direct path of a killer, one who is willing to do anything to cover up a brutal crime, including framing the bishop.

When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is a compelling story of faith, friendship, and finding courage only God can provide.

As for this week's question, my answer is that I don't mind ghostwriting. I am a ghostwriter. Honestly, some people have great ideas and simply can't get them down on paper in a marketable way. Why shouldn't they hire the services of someone who can? It's the same thing as a musical artist using a songwriter. It's not always easy to remove your personal style when writing for someone else, but after a few drafts you can mold it the right way.

How was your week? Read any good books?

Monday, October 30, 2017

Musing Monday - Oct 30

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Have you ever met someone who really REALLY likes to talk about all the classic books they have read? If so what did you think?

Well, it's still Monday for about 50 more minutes. A powerful storm ripped through here Sunday and most of our town was without power and internet until about 9:15 pm tonight. Guess it is a good thing this didn't happen in the middle of summer or in the dead of winter.

Blog posts should hopefully become more regular as real estate slows down a bit. Since I couldn't accomplish much work today I decided to switch over my wardrobe to the fall and winter stuff and clean our bedroom. The church's annual tag sale is coming up and I find this is a good time to de-clutter.

Finished reading, A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard. Hope you caught my review on Friday. I haven't started anything new yet. I'm thinking next up will be The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride by Jill Kemerer or When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman.

As far as this week's question goes, I haven't run into anyone who likes to talk about all the classic books they have read. I'm glad of that because I haven't read nearly enough. To each his own.

Hope you have a great week.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Musing Monday - October 23

Making rugs for Simple Gifts has taught Loretta Riehl that an unassuming pattern can reveal surprising depth. People, too, have a way of defying first impressions. Drew Detweiler came to Willow Ridge under a cloud, but the handsome craftsman has gained the community's respect for his upholstery skills and commitment to making amends for his mistakes. As her new brother-in-law's twin, he's joining the family for dinners and Sunday visits at the Riehl house, and Loretta can't deny enjoying his attentions.

If only her dat were willing to let a little joy into his life. Cornelius Riehl grows more stern with each passing day, and Drew suspects there's more to his moods than missing Loretta's late mamm. Hoping to fulfill Loretta's wish to live in a peaceful, happy home again, Drew sets out to learn the truth. It's a journey that will bring to light painful realities--but also the chance to forge a new, honest, and loving future together...

As for this week's question: I would actually like to see most of Hubbard's books made into a television series. There is too much reality TV out there. That's why I stick to PBS and the Hallmark Channel if I watch anything at all. Maybe one of her Christmas novels could be made into a movie for Hallmark.

Hope you have a great week.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Musing Monday - Aug 28

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Not sure yet. Not posted.

I looked at both my blogs this weekend and saw I hadn't participated in Musing Monday or Mailbox Monday since July 31. I am a bad little blogger.

I'm just about done with The Competition by Donna Russo Morin, the second book in her Da Vinci's Disciples series. I'll post my review soon. Also coming is my review of Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar--which is horribly overdue.

Here are answers to the Musing Monday questions I missed while off selling houses, playing wife and mom, and moving my father-in-law into assisted living.

From 8/21: Do you steer away from heavy emotional books?

Heck no! I love emotional books. Getting to know characters and watching them thrive against everything life throws their way is awesome. That said, I will occasionally reach for a lighter read to give my emotions a break.

From 8/14: What are your feelings on YA? Do you think it is just for young adults or do you think it’s cool full grown adults like it too.

I've read a fair amount of YA and I am 49. I didn't even like the Little House books until I was in my 20s, so there was no way I was appreciating Harry Potter until after the age of 45. One of the main reasons I enjoy this genre so much is that it keeps me in touch with my children. It lets me know what's popular and what they might be reading.

From 8/7: Do you ever wish you could go back and fall in love with reading all over again?

Not really, because once I discovered my love for reading it never got old. I love reading just as much as when I was younger...if not more.

That's it for me today. Hope you have a great week.

Monday, July 31, 2017

Musing Monday - July 31

Honestly, I wasn't much into it in the beginning but it's picked up and I'm enjoying the character development.

In August I have two books that will need reviewing:

Not sure how I'll swing it, but I'll do my best.

I'm also going to pop this into my car today....

The only way I will get to read it is if it is on audio. Charlotte Stewart's book, Little House in the Hollywood Hills: A Bad Girl’s Guide to Becoming Miss Beadle, Mary X, and Me, would have been read by now if I had ordered it on audio.

As for this week's question, I can't say I anything I've ever read has made me crave a certain kind of food, but the gluttony in The Hunger Games series made me want to go on a diet. Any foods you like or dislike that are mentioned in books?

That's it from me. What are you musing about this week?

Monday, July 24, 2017

Musing Monday - July 24

I read all the above books on vacation and started...

I bought this book in Manteo...

I've actually got no answer for this week's question. I tend to remember endings I like but not endings that leave me bummed out. Hope you have a nice week.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Musing Monday - July 10

Musing Monday is hosted by Ambrosia at The Purple Booker. It is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I’m currently reading…
Up next I think I’ll read…
I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
I can’t wait to get a copy of…
I wish I could read ___, but…
I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK'S RANDOM QUESTION: Are you able to read when you're in pain or do you find it hard to focus?

Well, this morning started off with a violent thunderstorm and a tornado warning about three minutes away from us, so Monday is sure coming in with a bang.

It's our second week of vacation and, as you can see, I've been doing some reading. So glad to get some overdue book reviews out of the way. It's such a blessing that authors are understanding when you fall behind. Supporting other authors is very important to me; having worked in book promotion and needing to promote my own books makes me very sympathetic.

I'm starting While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax today. Then I have two books I need to read for book tours. I also have to finish the cozy mystery I am providing an endorsement for.

As for this week's question: depends on the pain. If I have a migraine there is no way I am reading through it. Thankfully, I don't get them very often these days. Other than that I can read through just about anything. How about you?

Enjoy your week. By next Monday we will be home and I'll be back to work. Blah.....:)