Reading Update and Cruise News

Our next cruise was scheduled for Jan 8. Unfortunately, I have a treatment on Jan 12 that I can’t miss. We thought we were gonna lose out on the cruise. We thought wrong!

Technically, the day for us to cancel without penalties was on Oct 16th. We didn’t know for sure whether or not we could go until Oct 20th (figures, right?). We told the lady who helped book this cruise whether we could just transfer the payments to another cruise. She talked to her boss, explained the circumstances and how we were active cruisers, and they let us do it! So instead of leaving on the 8th, we’re leaving on the 21st. It’s a different cruise from a different port (out of Miami instead of Baltimore) and it’s an 8-day & 6-day cruise back-to-back (vs the 14-day cruise we had), but we didn’t lose any money. Well, we had to pay extra, since these cruises cost more, but it was less than what we would have lost if we had just cancelled.

While I’m bummed I have to have the cancer treatments, I was super happy that I still get to go on the cruise. And I’m sure by then (when I switch over from phase I to phase II) I’ll really need the break!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 35

Dates read: October 14-25, 2022
Title: After The Bite
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Argeneau Vampires #35
# of Pages: 392
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Immortal Enforcer Valerian just wants to relax. His last assignment had been more grueling than he’d care to admit, and golf has always helped him unwind. If golf course owner Natalie thinks it’s a little odd for him to tee off at sunset every evening, she’s keeping it to herself. The single mom is sexy as hell, and her little daughter, Mia, only adds to his delight. He knows Natalie is wary of a relationship of any kind…what will she think when she discovers he’s an immortal? His best course of action is to woo her the old-fashioned way.
    But the course of true love never did run smooth—especially for a vampire and a mortal. And when danger stalks Natalie, Valerian realizes he’s playing a game of life and death and if he loses this round, he risks losing her forever.
My thoughts: I so needed this book after reading The Witcher Chime (the book I finished before this one). I love the Argeneau series! Love the humor. Love the romance. And I love the suspense.

So… my first treatment went well. Lasted a lot longer than I expected, though. I expected one hour. It was THREE! I had an appointment with my cardiologist that I was a little bit late for. And I didn’t get the breakfast I had planned. I’ll know better next time.

So far I haven’t experienced any side effects. I had a headache the first couple of days, but that was it. I was told the effects are delayed with immunotherapy (whereas with chemotherapy, they happen almost right away). So we’ll see how I feel after the next treatment (on Nov 10).

My visit with the cardiologist went well. The mitraclip is working wonderfully. I still get tired climbing stairs or walking fast, but not as bad. On Saturday, we went to see the Penguins play in Columbus (against the Blue Jackets). Pens won, by the way—yay! After the game, in the parking garage, I didn’t have to stop to catch my breath climbing the stairs (and we were parked on the 4th level). Last time I had to stop twice! So I guess I can call that progress.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and an Online Class

The writing organization I belong with is having a month-long online class November 1-30, 2022. It’s only $25 for non-members, too! Here’s the details:

Writing guru Dwight Swain said it’s the author’s job to manipulate the emotions of the reader. There’s no better way for the author to do this than to put his/her/their characters through one roller coaster episode after another, taking the reader along for the ride.

But how much conflict, how much character angst is too much? How can the author keep the action from becoming cartoonish?

Long-time friend of COFW Digital Classes, Linnea Sinclair answers those questions and more in this fun and fast-paced (because torturing students is good, too!) workshop that explores the importance of conflict in today’s commercial fiction novels.

You can sign up on the website Classes - Central Ohio FictionWriters | Official Website (cofwevents.org). Last day to register is Nov 1. I’m taking the class, because I always learn something from Linnea Sinclair. She’s great!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 34

Dates read: October 4-13, 2022
Title: The Witcher Chime
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Amity Green
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: In 1922 and in 1988 a deadly, possessive entity imprints on members of the same family, ancient as Genesis and determined to remain free. Savannah Caleman is the latest object of obsession in this chilling, historical tale of haunted legacy and terror.
    Savannah Caleman’s family has been coming apart since the early 1920’s. After a horrific suicide by their great aunt, the Calemans sell off the family ranch, hoping to leave the stigma of insanity behind and gain a fresh start at a property known by locals as “The Witcher Place.” Days after the move, Savannah’s father isn’t himself and her mother grows increasingly distant. Her little brother, Chaz, is forced out of a second story window by a being that makes Savannah question her sanity for the first time. Her mother takes Chaz and flees the state. Savannah and her younger sister, Molly, are chased home by a mountain lion but when Savannah turns to look back, the cat has transformed into a man. Their father’s behavior takes a more serious twist as horror abounds and Savannah turns to distant relatives for answers, fearing the insanity is real and has spread. Her father is no longer in control. Armed with a shotgun, Savannah is forced to protect herself and her sister.
    The evil plaguing her family dons a suit and tie and introduces himself, giving Savannah an ultimatum. She must decide between her sister’s safety and aiding a monster that can’t be identified as either an angel or a demon. Either way, Savannah is torn, and takes to single-handedly running the family affairs with precision as she takes care of her sister. The Witcher Place is transformed to her liking using family money. Distractions are only that. Releasing a monster to roam at will isn’t a stellar option, no matter the promises it makes. The stain of murder and torment cannot be erased. He has fallen, been shackled, and now has plans to rise once more using Savannah as the key to regain grace.
My thoughts: What the heck did I just read? I don’t think that’s a good thing to think when you finally reach the end. Do you? I really didn’t enjoy this one at all.

Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a $150 gift card to either B&N or Amazon (your choice). See previous post (Friday’s) for more information and the link to enter.

So…. I start immunotherapy treatment tomorrow morning. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get extreme side effects. I expect I’ll get some, but hopefully in the mild range. First phase of treatment is two drugs every three weeks, for four times. Then after that, one drug every four weeks, for however long it works. I’ll get a CT scan after the first phase (late Dec/early Jan) to make sure it’s working. I really hope it works!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Give Card Giveaway Going on Now!

 

Enter now for your chance to win a $150 Amazon or B&N Gift Card, winner’s choice.

The Rules are simple...Follow as many authors as you would like...the more points you get, the better your chances are of winning! Good Luck!

 

Enter Here: https://bit.ly/BookBubOctober2022 before October 19, 2022, 11:59pm.

I'm one of the authors listed. If you already follow me on Book Bub (thank you, by the way), you should still be able to get credit for me.

Have fun and I hope you find some interesting new authors to check out!

~~Stacy

No Books, No Surgery, But Pictures!

I was supposed to have surgery yesterday. That's been cancelled...indefinitely.

On Thursday, the 6th, I had my pre-op appointment and CT scan. Results from the scan showed other spots had grown (whereas only one spot was growing the past year) and a new spot appeared. Apparently, the CT scan at UC Health is more detailed than the one on the base. Or I just had some active growth since July.

In any case, there wasn't any reason to have the surgery to remove one spot when all the others seem active, too. And they aren't all in the same area. Some are in the other lung.

Today I see my oncologist to see when I start immunotherapy. Hubby wants it to start tomorrow. We'll see.

I haven't finished reading the book I started last week, so here are some pictures from my trip out west. See, I DID remember!

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone really surprised me. When I was there back in 1970, I only saw Old Faithful. I never realized how much it resembled another planet! I did see a lot of bison there, but no bears. I really thought I'd see at least one bear!

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon

I've heard of Bryce Canyon before, but never realized how huge that place is. I'm so glad I was able to experience it.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Where you see Bryce from above, you experience Zion from below. Driving through the tunnel was an experience, too. They had to stop the traffic on the other end so our bus could drive down the middle of the road. It was too tall for one side. 

Grand Canyon (donkey excursion--looks like fun!)

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon (if you zoom you might be able to see some people on those trails!)

I've been to the Grand Canyon three times before this trip. We had planned on taking the helicopter through the canyon, but all flights were cancelled due to weather. I was very disappointed and don't know if I'll ever get another chance at it.

Our tour group at Zion.

I had a lot of fun on the coach tour and would do another.

Beach in Santa Barbara (along the Shoreline Park walking path)

Me in Pismo Beach

Sand Dunes at Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach

Me at Morro Bay

While in Santa Barbara, vising my mother, we also took some walks along the beaches. Pismo Beach is about an hour north of SB. Morro Bay another 30 min. I really love Pismo Beach. It's HUGE! 

Hope you enjoy the photos. I should have a book read by next Wednesday.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Vacation is Over

I didn’t post last week not because I didn’t have a book finished (I had two), but because I forgot what day it was. Oh well… That’s what happens when you’re on vacation, right? Now there are lots of books here and by the time you read this, I’ll be almost home. I’ve been gone a long time and I’m kind of looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 30

Dates read: September 17-21, 2022
Title: Rebels and Lovers
Year of publication: 2010/2016
Author: Linnea Sinclair
Genre: Sci-fi romance
Series: Dock Five Universe #4
# of Pages: 311
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Out of options… Techno-billionaire Devin Guthrie can’t forget Captain Makaiden Griggs even though it’s been two years since she was in his family’s employ. A Guthrie does not fall in love with a mere shuttle pilot. Going against his wealthy family’s wishes isn’t an option—not with the Empire in political upheaval, much of it caused by Devin’s renegade older brother, Admiral Philip Guthrie.
    When a Guthrie heir—Devin’s nineteen-year old nephew, Trip— goes missing, Devin’s loyalty to his family’s edicts is put to the test. Suddenly the unthinkable becomes the only option available: Devin must break the rules and ally himself with Kaidee Griggs, the one woman he could never forget, the one woman he was forbidden to love. It’s a desperate move that could change the fate of the Empire—and the Guthrie family forever.
My thoughts: I really liked this book (and the series). I wish there were more, but there isn’t. At least you’re not left hanging. Yay!

Book 31

Dates read: September 22-26, 2022
Title: Presumed Guilty
Year of publication: 1993/2019
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 199
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Miranda Wood thinks she has seen the last of Richard Tremain, her rich and married ex-lover—until she discovers him stabbed to death in her bed. With her knife.
    Miranda is the obvious suspect, and she looks even guiltier when her bail is posted by an anonymous donor. Was this an act of kindness designed to buy her time to clear her name? Or is someone trying to manipulate Miranda and draw her into the dark and secret world of a murdered man, where everybody’s presumed guilty?
    With her world falling around her, Miranda is determined to discover who killed Richard. But proving her innocence may become secondary to staying alive.…
My thoughts: This was an enjoyable quick read. Just what I needed for my vacation.

Book 32

Dates read: September 26-29, 2022
Title: Under the Knife
Year of publication: 1990/2020
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 207
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: For David Ransom, it begins as an open-and-shut case. Malpractice. As attorney for a grieving family, he's determined to hang a negligent doctor. Then Dr. Kate Chesne storms into his office, daring him to seek out the truth -- that she's being framed.
    First, it was Kate's career that was in jeopardy. Then, when another body is discovered, David begins to believe her. Suddenly, it's much more. Somewhere in the Honolulu hospital, a killer walks freely among patients and staff. And now David finds himself asking the same questions Kate is desperate to have answered. Who is next? And why?
My thoughts: Another enjoyable, quick read. This story couldn’t have been written now. It’s amazing how much life has changed (technology-wise) in 30 years. And 1990 doesn’t seem all that long ago. To me, anyway.

Book 33

Dates read: September 30-October 4, 2022
Title: Perilous Trust
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Barbara Freethy
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Off the Grid: FBI Series #1
# of Pages: 228
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: It was one dark night that brought Damon Wolfe and Sophie Parker together. They were two tortured souls, looking for escape, and they weren't supposed to see each other ever again…
    Four years later, Sophie's FBI father, who is also Damon's mentor, is killed in a suspicious car crash after leaving Sophie a cryptic message to trust no one from the agency. When Damon shows up looking for her, she isn't sure if he's friend or enemy, but she knows he could easily rip apart what is left of her heart.
    The last thing Damon wants is to get involved with Sophie again. It was hard enough to walk away the first time. But she's in trouble, her father's reputation is under attack, and the lives of his fellow agents are at stake if there's a traitor in their midst.
    When someone starts shooting at them, they have no choice but to go on the run and off the grid. Everyone in their world becomes a suspect. They want to uncover the truth, but will it turn out to be the last thing they expect? Proving her father's innocence might just cost them their hearts…and their lives…
My thoughts: I enjoyed this well enough. I think I got this book free from B&N (since I’m a member, I’ve been getting my choice of a free e-book each month, which has been kind of nice). Don’t know if I’ll buy the others in the series, though. I just have too many series going on right now. At least this didn’t leave me hanging. It can be read as a stand alone.

The next time I post will most likely be a week after surgery (that happens on Oct 11). So far all my surgeries have gone smoothly (and so has recovery). I’m hoping that trend continues!

If I do post next Wednesday, it’ll be some pictures of our trip. I actually downloaded them to my computer already (shocker!). So if I remember, I’ll get that scheduled once I get home. “Remember” being the KEY word there. Haha!

Happy Reading!

Stacy