Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Reading Update

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 6

Dates read: February 3-22, 2022
Title: Glory in Death
Year of publication: 1995
Author: J. D. Robb
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: In Death #2
# of Pages: 296
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Library
Blurb from the book: The first victim was found lying on the sidewalk in the rain. The second was murdered in her own apartment building. Police Lieutenant Eve Dallas had no problem finding connections between two crimes. Both victims were beautiful and highly successful women. Their glamorous lives and loves were the talk of the city. And their intimate relations with men of great power and wealth provided Eve with a long list of suspects including her own lover, Roarke. As a woman, Eve was compelled to trust the man who shared her bed. But as a cop, it was her job to follow every lead…to investigate every scandalous rumor…to explore every secret passion, no matter how dark. Or how dangerous…
My thoughts: I kind of figured out whodunit early on, but I still enjoyed the story. I can see me continue reading this series, but I think I’ll start working on my TBR pile before I get the next book from the library.

Getting ready for our cruise…sort of. I always wait until the last minute to pack because I have to do laundry first! But I have a list, so that’s a start. Looking forward to getting away to somewhere warmer. And it all starts this Friday!!! Got my books on my Nook, so I should have lots to report next time.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Reading and Surgery Update

I had planned on posting last week before I left for the hospital Tuesday morning, but went and forgot. Can I blame it on the Olympics? I’ve been obsessed with them (men’s figure skating and women’s hockey were on) and other things just aren’t getting done. Except for my crocheting. I’m still crocheting. But I can do that and watch the Olympics.

Anyway, surgery was a success, if not a little longer than planned. Seemed my organs were a bit “sticky” on the left side of my body (as told to me by my doctor), where they had no issues on the right side back in May. I asked if the radiation I had on that side (breast cancer treatment in 2017/18) could have been the reason. She’d forgotten about that, I guess, and said it was most likely the reason. So something that should have taken two hours took closer to five. And… they nicked my spleen. Had to get the bleeding stopped before they could continue, too. But no lasting damage was done (thank goodness). I ended up staying in the hospital a day longer than planned since I was feeling nauseous at times (from the anesthesia, I’m sure).

You know, I really hate those beds in the hospitals. They are NOT comfortable. Especially when you’ve had your abdomen cut on. I was so happy to finally sleep in my own bed on Thursday.

FYI: They're pretty sure they got all the cancer, but we won't know for sure until my next MRI. I'm hopeful!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 5

Dates read: January 26 - February 3, 2022
Title: The Other Emily
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 352
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from the book: A decade ago, Emily Carlino vanished after her car broke down on a California highway. She was presumed to be one of serial killer Ronny Lee Jessups’s victims whose remains were never found.
    Writer David Thorne still hasn’t recovered from losing the love of his life, or from the guilt of not being there to save her. Since then, he’s sought closure any way he can. He even visits regularly with Jessup in prison, desperate for answers about Emily’s final hours so he may finally lay her body to rest. Then David meets Madison Sutton, beguiling, playful, and keenly aware of all David has lost. But what really takes his breath away is that everything about Maddison, down to her kisses, is just like Emily. As the fantastic become credible, David’s obsession grows, Maddison’s mysterious past deepens—and terror escalates.
    Is she Emily? Or an irresistible dead ringer? Either way, the ultimate question is the same: What game is she playing? Whatever the risk in finding out, David’s willing to take it for this precious second chance. It’s been ten years since he’s felt this inspired, this hopeful, this much in love…and he’s afraid.
My thoughts: I can always count on Dean Koontz to entertain me regardless of what turn his books take. I guess I can always count on him to surprise me, too. And yes, the ending did surprise me.  

Today would have been my father’s 97th birthday. He had hoped to make it to 100, but alas, only made it to 92. I still miss him.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Reading Update and Happy Groundhog’s Day

Today the groundhog is supposed to tell us whether we have six more weeks of winter or spring is just around the corner. Since it’s supposed to be raining pretty much all day today, I’m guessing he won’t see his shadow. But spring right around the corner? Ha! We have the biggest winter storm of the season heading our way. I’m not looking forward to that. I may grumble when we get an inch or two, but an inch or two I can handle. Six to ten inches? I’ll more than grumble. I’ll have to actually SHOVEL the crap. I’m sure I’ll be cursing a lot tomorrow.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 4

Dates read: January 17-26, 2022
Title: Negligence
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Robert Gregory Browne
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Trial Junkies #2
# of Pages: 377
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from the book: She was found with a bullet in her head, and the kid she was last seen with woke up drugged and disoriented in a neighbor’s back yard. Now the kid is awaiting trial for her murder, and reporter Matt Isaacs is convinced that there’s more here than meets the eye.
    Matt’s old college pal, Ethan “Hutch” Hutchinson—washed up actor and newly-minted trial junkie—isn’t so sure…until a violent attack propels Hutch and his friends into the middle of a conspiracy that takes them all the way from the courthouse gallery to the not so hallowed halls of an exclusive Chicago prep school… straight into the hands of a killer.
My thoughts: I read the first book quite a while ago and can honestly say I didn’t remember ANY of it (still don’t), even with some hints in this book. So you really don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. And I did enjoy it. I’m sure I enjoyed the first one, too (or I wouldn’t have bought this one), I just wish I remembered it (and I can only fault my brain for that, not the book itself). Of course, I probably don’t remember the stories in half the books in my bookcase. I pretty much don’t need to buy new books (not that I would stop). I could just keep reading what I own!

My surgery is still scheduled for Tuesday, February 8th. I’m supposed to go get a COVID test beforehand. First they asked if I could come in on Friday. I asked if I could come in on Monday, since roads could be tricky Friday. They were okay with that. Whew!

If you’re in the path of this storm, I hope nothing bad happens to you. Ice is the worst and it’s predicted our area will get anywhere from .1” to .5” of ice. I expect a lot of people will lose power. I just hope I’m not one of them! Or you! But yeah, it gives you a GREAT reason to stay indoors. And maybe read a book or two. Right?

Happy Reading!

Stacy