Finished Reading “After Death” and the Joy is Back

The other night I barely got three hours of sleep. Why? Because my book wouldn’t shut up! Or rather, my characters! They wanted to let me know what direction they were headed. Yeah, I needed to hear them, but man, I really wanted to sleep, too. But…

The. Joy. Is. Back!

I never thought I would enjoy crafting another novel again. Heck, I wasn’t sure I’d craft another novel! But I am and the story is flowing. Yay!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 12

Dates read: April 4-14, 2024
Title: After Death
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 369
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Michael Mace, head of security at a top-secret research facility, opens his eyes in a makeshift morgue twenty-four hours following an event in which everyone perished—including him and his best friend, Shelby Shrewsberry.
    Having awakened with an extraordinary ability unlike anything he—or anyone else—has ever imagined, Michael is capable of being as elusive as a ghost. He sets out to honor his late friend by helping Nina Dozier and her son, John, whom Shelby greatly admired. Although what Michael does for Nina is life changing, his actions also evoke the wrath of John’s father, a member of one of the most violent street gangs in Los Angeles.
    But an even greater threat is descending: the Internal Security Agency’s most vicious assassin, Durand Calaphas. Calaphas will stop at nothing to get his man. If Michael dies twice, he will not live a third time.
    From the tarnished glamour of Beverly Hills to the streets of South Central to a walled estate in Rancho Santa Fe, only Michael can protect Nina and John—and ensure that light survives in a rapidly darkening world.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Interesting story. Not as horror-ish as some of his other novels, but is quite violent. Not that that has ever stopped me from enjoying a book.

I’ve pretty much finished reading Dean Koontz for awhile. I’m all caught up! Well, except for his latest which I haven’t purchased yet. It can wait. J.R. Ward’s newest should arrive in my mailbox tomorrow. I’m all ready to dive into that one.

I love her books!

Besides writing daily (yes, daily!!), I have started up step aerobics again. Boy, am I out of shape! But Hubby and I are taking a trip in May to visit several National Parks in California and I realized I need to up my stamina a little. It’s slow going, but I’m aiming for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. I did 4 times last week and it about did me in.

Frankly, I hope the weather warms up so I can start walking again. Although, I think step aerobics has a little more cardio involved. I should probably do both, huh?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The House at the End of the World” and MRI is GOOD!

Yep. My chest CT scan and brain MRI scan are both clear. No sign of disease! Don’t know if that means I’m in remission, but it does mean that my immunotherapy treatment doesn’t change. Yay!

Sometimes it seems strange that I could be considered SICK, yet I don’t feel sick. Have never felt sick. It’s scary to think how oblivious I was to it all. Three years ago I posted on Facebook that I had a surgery date to fix my leaky heart valve. That surgery never happened because the chest scan showed a whole bunch of other stuff going on without my knowledge. That’s how NOT SICK I was feeling.

I’m so thankful for that scan, though. Thankful to have removed all the cancer that could be removed and thankful my treatments have destroyed what remained. I’m still here today, enjoying life. Can’t get any better than that, now can you?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 11

Dates read: March 23-April 3, 2024
Title: The House at the End of the World
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 406
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: In retreat from a devastating loss and crushing injustice, Katie lives alone in a fortresslike stone house on Jacob’s Ladder island. Once a rising star in the art world, she finds refuge in her painting.
    The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a secret: a government research facility. And now two agents have arrived on Jacob’s Ladder in search of someone—or something—they refuse to identify. Although an air of menace hangs over these men, an infinitely greater threat has arrived, one so strange even the island animals are in a state of high alarm.
    Katie soon finds herself in an epic and terrifying battle with a mysterious enemy. But Katie’s not alone after all: a brave young girl appears out of the violent squall. As Katie and her companion struggle across a dark and eerie landscape, against them is an omnipresent terror that could bring about the end of the world.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Lots of twists and turns in this one. Some back and forth in time, too—which only added to the suspense because it would occur when I wanted to know what was going to happen next! Very good horror read.

In May we plan on being in California to see my mom and to visit some National Parks. For 24 days. So what do I get in the mail? A jury summons for…May! Really? They could have picked almost any other month and I wouldn’t have had an issue. So I sent them a letter, along with a copy of the flight receipt (made back in July), asking to be excused (and moved to another month). Now I just wait and hope for the best.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Big Dark Sky” and No Change in Treatment!

So… my CT scan came back clean. No presence of disease. Yay! I told my oncologist that I was willing to take the chemo pill, but he said that he was willing to hold off on it. I told him he won. Which means my treatments will remain the same. Well, except I got a Prolia shot for my osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis). I only get the shot once every 6 months, so not too bad. So far.

Of course, that could all change if my brain MRI shows differently. I’m still waiting on the results. Fingers crossed that it comes back clean, too!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 10

Dates read: March 14-22, 2024
Title: The Big Dark Sky
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 381
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: As a girl, Joanna Chase thrived on Rustling Willows Ranch in Montana until tragedy upended her life. Now thirty-four and living in Santa Fe with only misty memories of the past, she begins to receive pleas-by phone, through her TV, in her dreams: I am in a dark place, JoJo, Please come and help me. Heeding the disturbing appeals, Joanna is compelled to return to Montana, and to a strange childhood companion she had long forgotten.
    She isn’t the only one drawn to the Montana farmstead. People from all walks of life have converged at the remote ranch. They are haunted, on the run obsessed, and seeking answers to the same omniscient danger Joanna came to confront. All the while, on the outskirts of Rustling Willows, a madman lurks with a vision to save the future. Mass murder is the only way to see his frightening manifesto come to pass.
    Through a bizarre twist of seemingly coincidental circumstances, a band of strangers now find themselves under Montana’s big dark sky. Their lives entwined, they face an encroaching horror. Unless they can defeat this threat, it will spell the end for humanity.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Kind of reminded me of Strangers (one of my favorite stories). Unfortunately, my medicated brain had trouble remembering the people in this book as they skipped from chapter to chapter (especially when I put the book down for any length of time). Still enjoyed the story, even if I couldn’t keep it straight in my head at the beginning!!

Well, spring is here. According to the calendar. Not so much in the air…yet. At least it hasn’t snowed, so that’s one positive thing. Now watch it snow. Ugh!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Elsewhere” and I’m Writing!

I sent Alien Desires to my editor and decided to write the next book in that series. But what to write? I know who the male main character is, but who would be his love interest? Did the story take place on this Earth or his planet (also called Earth)?

I don’t usually brainstorm with myself when it comes to stories, and I certainly don’t plot (tried that once—not fun), but I wanted to start writing. I just didn’t know what to write about. So I wrote down questions. Basically, “what if” questions.

I don’t have a lot of answers to those questions, but at least I came up with a title: The Alien’s Change of Heart. This Saturday my writing group is having a huge brainstorming event. I got my questions ready and hopefully someone will trigger something in me that says: THAT’S IT! It’s happened in the past (with Ghostly Interlude), so I am confident it will happen this time, too.

But I loved that a great “what if” question came to me and it was from a tiny scene in Alien Desires. I basically had it all set up in that book and didn’t realize it. Don’t you love it when that happens?

In the meantime, I have started writing something. Whether or not I keep any of it doesn’t matter. I’M WRITING!!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 9

Dates read: March 7-13, 2024
Title: Elsewhere
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 353
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Since his wife, Michelle, left seven years ago, Jeffy Coltrane has worked to maintain a normal life for himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Amity, in Suavidad Beach. It’s a quiet life, until a local eccentric known as Spooky Ed shows up on their doorstep.
    Ed entrusts Jeffy with hiding a strange and dangerous object—something he calls “the key to everything”—and tells Jeffy that he must never use the device. But after a visit from a group of ominous men, Jeffy and Amity find themselves accidentally activating the key and discovering an extraordinary truth. The device allows them to jump between parallel planes at once familiar and bizarre, wondrous and terrifying. And Jeffy and Amity can’t help but wonder, could Michelle be just a click away?
    Jeffy and Amity aren’t the only ones interested in the device. A man with a dark purpose is in pursuit, determined to use its grand potential for profound evil. Unless Amity and Jeffy can outwit him, the place they call home may never be safe again.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This book made me so tense at parts that I had to stop reading. A truly horrifying story. Yeah, I loved it.

Today is expected to get up to 70. It’s nice and sunny out, too. I think I’m gonna go for a walk. It’s been awhile and the nerve pain in my chest has been fading. I wish it was gone, but I’ll settle for fading…for now.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Devoted” and my Dental Nightmare

Do you trust your dentist? I had a great dentist for over 30 years. Then he retired in 2022 (didn’t have anyone to take over his practice). While I mourned that, I went to the place he recommended. While they liked to charge me for stuff my other dentist did for free (like a cancer screening test, where they feel around your mouth), I wasn’t having too many issues until this past November. That’s when I was introduced to the third dentist there (I later discovered this practice is owned by a corporation, not a person).

This dentist proceeded to tell me that I have a cavity, all my fillings are failing, and that I’ll need crowns on all my molars! Now, this news did not go over well, since I was told by my oncologist that I needed to make sure my teeth were okay so he could start me on Prolia (a drug for osteoporosis, or in my case osteopenia). My insurance is lucky to cover one crown. Not 7! But Hubby said if we had to pay, we had to pay. My health was more important. Only one tooth was really bothering me, so I went along with getting the root canal on that one (and the subsequent crown), until I could calm down and think about it. However…

The day I went in to get the permanent crown, I met the fourth doctor at this practice. Apparently #3 was away on emergency leave. She did the work, then asked if there was more work that needed to be done. I explained that I needed to go ahead and make appointments for all the work I was told needed to be done because my oncologist wanted to start me on Prolia in June. She looked at my teeth and told me everything looked fine.

What???

Needless to say, I was flabbergasted. I was also ready to quit this practice once and for all. I told my oncologist what was going on. I didn’t know who to believe! My oncologist asked if I wanted to be seen by the dentist on base. I didn’t think I was entitled (they only see active duty personnel), but because of my cancer (lucky me!), he could get me in. I got an appointment for March 4.

Well, I got good news from the dentist on base. My fillings are fine. I don’t need any more work done on them (especially since I’m not having any issues in my mouth). Plus, I don’t have any cavities. I am going to go fire my other dentist, once I get a refund (they overcharged me on the crown work according to my insurance statement—figures!). I do have another dentist in the works, who I will visit for the first time in July (for a cleaning). Keeping my fingers crossed that he works out. I hate deceitful dentists!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 8

Dates read: February 27-March 6, 2024
Title: Devoted
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 369
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Woody Bookman hasn’t spoken a word in his eleven years of life. Not when his father died in a freak accident. Not when his mother, Megan, tells him she loves him. For Megan, keeping her boy safe and happy is what matters. But Woody believes a monstrous evil was behind his father’s death and now threatens him and his mother. And he’s not alone in his thoughts. An ally unknown to him is listening.
    A uniquely gifted dog with a heart as golden as his breed, Kipp is devoted beyond reason to people. When he hears the boy who communicates like he does, without speaking, Kipp knows he needs to find him before it’s too late.
    Woody’s fearful suspicions are taking shape. A man driven by a malicious evil has set a depraved plan into motion. And he’s coming after Woody and his mother. The reasons are primal. His powers are growing. And he’s not alone. Only a force greater than evil can stop what’s coming next.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love his dog stories. Reminded me a little of Watchers, but then it became a different story altogether. Which is probably a good thing. Nice little horror story. I enjoyed it very much.

So… How well do you like your dentist? I really hope I found one I can trust. It’s such a crap shoot out there.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The City” and Roller Coaster Weather

The weather has been a roller coaster lately. Snow and cold on Saturday (high 30). Warm today (mid 60s). Rain is due tomorrow, which might end in some more snowflakes, and the cold weather will return. But then it gets warm again.

Are we in winter or spring? I can’t tell.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 7

Dates read: February 24-26, 2024
Title: The City
Year of publication: 2014
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Paranormal suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 398
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Here is the riveting, soul-stirring story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable “piano man,” a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences. Set in a more innocent time not so long ago, The City encompasses a lifetime but unfolds over three extraordinary, heart-racing years of tribulation and triumph in which Jonah first grasps the electrifying power of music and art, of enduring friendship, of everyday heroes.
    The unforgettable saga of a young man coming of age within a remarkable family, and a shimmering portrait of the world that shaped him, The City is a novel that speaks to everyone, a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, it’s a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Not what I expected. What did I expect? Horror of some sort, of course. Oh, there were some horrific things that took place in this book, but the same kind you would read in a regular suspense. And there was a little bit of “woo-woo” in it, but not the horror kind. Still, it grabbed me and I read with abandon.

So… the weather is really rather nice today. I haven’t taken a walk in what seems like forever ago. I might venture out after I post this. Don’t know how far I’ll make it, but it’s better than not trying. Right?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Mine” and Progressing Slowly

I have my good days and bad days. Today is leaning toward a bad day. Only because it’s laundry day and moving around and lifting stuff aggravates my chest (or rather, the area inside where they shoved in a camera for surgery). My incisions are healing fine. They don’t hurt. Not itching as much, either. But this one spot on my chest… yeah, that can hurt when I overdo it. And apparently it doesn’t take much for me to overdo it. Healing in that one spot is really progressing slowly.

I really hate the after effects of surgery.

But I do have some good news. I’m another step closer to publishing Ghostly Protector. I finally finished with the fixes and it’s back with my editor to re-read, making sure I, 1) fixed it okay and 2) didn’t screw something else up. When I get it back from her, then it’s off to my copy editor (actually, my daughter) to clean it up. I’ve decided not to put it up for a pre-order. Once it’s all finished and formatted and ready to go, I’ll just put it up for sale. I can’t judge when the book will be done, so instead of picking a date way far into the future, I’d rather have it available when it’s actually ready. I think my readers will appreciate that more, anyway.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 6

Dates read: February 11-23, 2024
Title: Mine
Year of publication: 2024
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Suspense
Series: The Lair of the Wolven #3
# of Pages: 478
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Lydia knows time is running out. Daniel’s terminal diagnosis has doomed her to grief, and she just wants to spend as much time as she can with him. When his doctor goes missing, however, their secret lab’s location is compromised and suddenly she is at war with an enemy she doesn’t understand.
    As a former black ops soldier, Daniel is very familiar with the danger they’re in, and he’s determined to keep his beautiful wolven safe. This means he must turn to his former boss—and relying on a sympath for anything is a worst-case scenario on a good day. But what choice does he have?
    With Daniel’s sixth sense telling him there’s more to the kidnapping, he and Lydia must work with their allies to defend the underground facility. Little do they know that the sympath has something even more valuable offer them…but at what cost?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Nice ending to this trilogy. It took me awhile to read it but not because it was bad. I just had a lot of stuff going on. Today just seemed like a good day to finish it, since it’s laundry day and I need to rest between loads.

So… do you pre-order books? I rarely do (only if the book seller is offering some kind of sale or deal to pre-order the book). It’s not like I read the book as soon as I buy it (if only!), but then I guess I’m not the typical reader. In fact, I’m finally getting to my Dean Koontz collection. It’s been awhile since I read one of his books, but it certainly hasn’t stopped me from buying them. I got six of them to read (and I think I still have one in my B&N wish list).

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “When a Dragon Falls” and…Stuff

Apparently when I’m writing, I’m not reading as much. I got the edits back on Ghostly Protector and have been working on that. I can’t believe how close I am to getting that one published. It’ll be my 9th book. Whoo hoo!

But I’ve also had some medical issues…again. I had surgery on Jan 26th to remove the lymph node from my chest. That’s when they found some tissue behind the node (which is what the CT scan saw). The node came back normal, but the tissue came back as kidney cancer. My oncologist wants to put me on another drug, but I saw the side effects on that and need more answers. I see him on Tuesday. In the meantime, I’m a bit sore in the side and chest (also really itchy from the glue!). I’m getting around slowly, but at least I’m getting around. Eventually I’ll get back to some exercise. I really need to get back into that.

So my reading has slowed. So has my crochet. But my writing is continuing, so that’s a good thing. Haven’t started anything new yet, but I’ll get there. Just too much other stuff to do!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 5

Dates read: January 21 – February 9, 2024
Title: When a Dragon Falls
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Series: Embraced by Magic #4/The Embraced #7
# of Pages: 355
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Princess Lenushka of Norveshka prides herself on her courage. She’s faced down the doubters who think a woman dragon shifter is worth less than a man. She will marry to secure the support of her nobles—and ensure she’ll hold the Norveshki throne. A battle-hardened soldier, she’s prepared to destroy the Brotherhood of the Sun, who threaten all Aerthlan. But she can barely look at Bran Morris, the Raven. His dark, brooding beauty is off-limits for a princess who must wed for advantage. And he has far too many secrets of his own for Lennie to trust him with hers.
    Bran’s quest is for vengeance, against the Brotherhood monsters who killed his brother and abused his sisters. He can’t dream about the sharp-eyed woman warrior whose memory haunts him, not even when she appears to rescue him from an unknown dragon shifter. But when Lennie and Bran discover they’re Aerthlan’s last defense against a powerful, murderous mastermind, they can no longer afford to deceive each other—or themselves. And when a dragon’s passion is freed, anything is possible…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Took me a bit to get back into this world. I like the series. Don’t know why it takes me so long to remember past books. I blame it on my medication. Or old age. Or maybe the combination. This is a fun series, though. Highly recommend.

Weather has been really wonderful the last few days. Into the 60s today. I know winter isn’t over yet, but nothing wrong with enjoying the warm sunny weather while we got it!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

A Book I Couldn’t Finish Reading and Some Wonderful News

Made it home safely despite all the snow. Had over 4” of the stuff on our parked car, but I think it was two storms’ worth. Maybe. But it pretty much snowed all the way from Baltimore to Dayton and we made it without incident. Best kind of driving trips, right?

But that’s not my wonderful news. Nope, it has to do with my writing projects.

While on the cruise, I sent Ghostly Protector to my editor (boy, did that lift a weight off my shoulders—I never felt so free!). Which meant I was free to work on something else.

Now, I had a couple of projects that I started years before. One is in the Bitten by Love series. I stopped because I didn’t think what I had would cover a whole book. But a novella? Yeah, that seemed possible. So I opened up my document from four years ago and read the 15 pages I had written. Came upon a character I didn’t even remember writing about. But the bad thing about it is I had written something that contradicted what I had in Blind Temptation (at least, according to my notes). I had no way of checking while on the cruise, so I decided not to work on the novella. Instead, I went to my other project. My alien story. Just to see if I could get inspiration as to what the next book in that series should be.

The last time I had looked at Alien Desires was back in 2018. Didn’t publish it because I thought it was a mess. Well, apparently I had fixed it sometime ago (don’t remember when) and what I read, I LOVED. This book is ready for an editor! Not only that, I got an idea of how to start the next book.

So, the wonderful news is that I’ll have two new books published in 2024 (after a 4-year drought).  Whoo hoo!

Now for the book I couldn’t finish reading…

Here’s what I attempted to read since my last update:

Book 4

Dates read: January 16-21, 2024
Title: Hidden
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Fern Michaels
Genre: No idea
Series: Lost and Found #1
# of Pages: 368
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: At first glance, few would guess that Luna and Cullen Bodman are siblings. Cullen is efficient and serious while his younger sister Luna is a free spirit. When the two launch their furniture restoration shop/café—an offshoot of the family’s longtime antique business—in an up-and-coming arts center, little do they know their unique talents may be their only defense against a dangerous betrayal.
    When Luna gets a strange sense about a piece Cullen just acquired, the two find themselves uniting to solve a mystery that has far-reaching consequences—never knowing there are some who’ll stop at nothing to claim what they believe is theirs. No matter what, Luna and Cullen know they can rely on each other—and this time, their lives may depend on it…
Recommend: No
My thoughts: I got as far as page 47 and had to stop (and I rarely do not finish a book). Not worth my time. If this is a mystery, I couldn’t tell. It certainly isn’t a suspense. All I ever got was back story, and boring back story at that. So glad I didn’t waste any money on this one. I don’t usually mark DNF books as books read, but in this case, I feel like I wasted precious reading time trying to get through this one and said, I’m marking it READ!

This week is one busy week. Tomorrow I get a colonoscopy (which means I gotta prepare for it today—ugh!). Tuesday I have a pre-op appointment and an ultrasound on my thyroid. Wednesday I have my treatment and a dentist appointment to get a crown on my molar. And Friday I have surgery to remove a lymph node from my chest (because the biopsy I had was inconclusive). But hey! I’m excited about my writing. I think that wins!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Valentine Murder” and Sailing Home

Our cruise is almost at an end. Overall I had a good time. Will I go on another Royal Caribbean cruise? Probably. Hubby likes going to new places and RC does go to more places than Carnival. But...we have three upcoming Carnival cruises in our future (Caribbean in October, Greenland in May 2025, and another Caribbean that has a stop in Grenada in February 2026). So while I thought my cruising with Carnival was coming to an end, seems I’ll be doing it for the next few years anyway. But I won’t begrudge Hubby if he finds a RC cruise he wants to take. I just hope it’s not on one of those monster ships. Too many people! This one was small (about 1800 passengers) and that made this cruise better for me. Still don’t like how RC does certain things, but I’ll get over it.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 3

Dates read: January 9-16, 2024
Title: Valentine Murder
Year of publication: 1999
Author: Leslie Meier
Genre: Mystery
Series: Lucy Stone #5
# of Pages: 200
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: It’s Valentine’s Day in Tinker’s Cove. And while the cupcakes Lucy Stone is baking for her children will have pink frosting and candy hearts, Lucy’s thoughts aren’t centered on sugary sentiments. She’s barely arrived at her first board meeting of the newly-renovated library when Bitsy Howell, the new librarian is found dead in the basement, shot only minutes before story hour was to start. The agitated board members assume that Bitsy was killed by an outsider, until Detective Lt. Horowitz arrives on the scene and announces that the killer is among them. Lucy was already aware that Bitsy’s uppity big city ways rubbed some people in Tinker’s Cove the wrong way. But she has a hunch that motives for the librarian’s violent death run a lot deeper. From Hayden Norcross’s elegant antique shop to Corney Clark’s chic kitchen, Lucy relentlessly snoops into the curious lifestyles and shocking secrets of Tinker’s Cove’s most solid citizens—secrets that will plunge her into a terrifying confrontation with a conniving killer...
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I get free e-books from B&N monthly. I don’t always like what’s offered, but sometimes I find something interesting. This one looked interesting, but I didn’t realize how OLD the book was (1999), so as I was reading it, I thought the main character was pretty stupid not knowing how to use a computer! Aside from that blunder (and I did check—Goodreads listed it published in 2013, but that was way incorrect), I still thought this book had a lot of filler that didn’t pertain to the story. But I guess that’s what cozy mysteries do? I don’t know. Not about to read another in this series to find out, either. For a mystery, I kind of figured out whodunnit early, so no surprises for me. I guess people like these kinds of books, though, since this is #5 in the series (I don’t know how many there are total, but more than 5).

So, it looks like we might be driving in some snow on Friday. Hopefully, it’s not a lot. We brought my Xterra anyway, just in case. It has 4-wheel drive. We know better driving during winter. Always be prepared!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Spy Coast”, “Darkness: The Shark” and Other Stuff

So… I’m on a cruise (surprise, huh?) and using a new computer. I bought a smaller one for travel purposes and I’m still getting used to it. Especially since I don’t have Word on it...yet. That will be remedied when I get home. LibreOffice works in a pinch, though. At least I can write!

Big Red (the laptop I usually use) is getting kind of heavy for me, and I don’t like traveling with ALL my files (if you know what I mean). This new one is only about 3 lbs and smaller (making it easier to tote around). I call it my travel laptop. Hey, whatever works, right? And I only have the files I need on this one.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 1

Dates read: December 27, 2023 – January 5, 2024
Title: The Spy Coast
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Thriller
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 347
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Former spy Maggie Bird came to the seaside village of Purity, Maine, eager to put the past behind her after a mission went tragically wrong. These days, she’s living quietly on her chicken farm, still wary of blowback from the events that forced her early retirement.
    But when a body turns up in Maggie’s driveway, she knows it’s a message from former foes who haven’t forgotten her. Maggie turns to her local circle of old friends—all retirees from the CIA—to help uncover the truth about who is trying to kill her, and why. This “Martini Club” of former spies may be retired, but they still have a few useful skills that they’re eager to use again, if only to spice up their rather sedate new lives.
    Complicating their efforts is Purity’s acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau. More accustomed to dealing with rowdy tourists than homicide, Jo is puzzled by Maggie’s reluctance to share information—and by her odd circle of friends, who seem to be a step ahead of her at every turn.
    As Jo’s investigation collides with the Martini Club’s maneuvers, Maggie’s hunt for answers will force her to revisit a clandestine career that spanned the globe, from Bangkok to Istanbul, from London to Malta. The ghosts of her past have returned, but with the help of her friends—and the reluctant Jo Thibodeau—Maggie might just be able to save the life she’s built.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I liked the story, just not the way it was delivered (first person for some points of view, third person for others). Just make it all third and I’m happy.

Book 2

Dates read: January 6-8, 2024
Title: In Darkness: The Shark
Year of publication: 2023
Author: L. Diane Wolfe
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: In Darkness #2
# of Pages: 61
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Souls shrouded in darkness…
    Focused on her studies and duties at the aquarium, Jewels prefers her solitary life. Burned many times and short on trust, she has more in common with her aquatic friends than the people around her. But she never imagined coming face to face with a shark named Clarence…a shark who talks!
    As their friendship grows, Jewels must overcome her deep set mistrust. There are dangers, both in the Australian ocean and on dry land. Can Jewels depend on the great white or will his animal nature betray her?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I got this because I saw it was a paranormal romance. But it read more like a children’s book. The romance kind of showed up at the end, but it was all very...young-like. I don’t know how old the protagonist is, but she was in school and an intern at an aquarium. She just seemed way younger than she was portrayed to be, I think. But if you you like short (VERY SHORT) sweet stories, you might enjoy this. It was written well.

We’re sailing on Royal Caribbean this time around. A first for us. Frankly, I miss Carnival. Not any one specific thing, just a lot of little things. Dinner, for one. This is a smaller ship and even though we were told we’d get the early seating (at 5:15), the day before we’re notified that we have Your Time Dining. Sounds fine, until you realized the earliest you can eat is 6:30. And that’s if you call in early enough to get the reservation (their app won’t let me reserve on line). Not a fan.

First full day on the ship was pretty awful, too. Seas were really rough and I got sea sick. That’s never happened to me before, so I wasn’t prepared. Well, I did bring my anti-nausea medicine (that I take for my treatments), but even they didn’t work. Luckily, we hit calmer seas about two hours before our dinner and I was able to eat. Can’t blame that on RC or the ship. It happens. Just wish it hadn’t happened to me!

FYI: Now that I see how this is posting with LibreOffice, I will DEFINITELY be getting Word on this computer. I don't like what it's doing (I'm very OCD when it comes to my posts, what can I say?).

Happy Reading!

Stacy