Finished “You Can Kill” and I Reached my Reading Goal

I just realized that finishing the last book reached my reading goal of 30 books! Last year it took me until December to reach that same goal. Then again, I don’t think I was on as many cruises, either. Guess that makes a difference.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 30

Dates read: October 13-22, 2026
Title: You Can Kill
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Romantic suspense/thriller
Series: Laurel Snow #4
# of Pages: 408
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: A string of brutal murders is leaving a grisly trail across the Pacific Northwest—and drawing rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow back into a treacherous case and a twisted personal drama she can’t escape…
    The first body is brutally frozen encased in ice next to an unforgiving river. As the victims multiply, a pattern emerges—each is related to past cases investigated by Laurel Snow, with the assist of Huck Rivers, Washington Fish and Wildlife captain. When friends and loved ones are targeted, things become even more chillingly personal.
    As Laurel and Huck team up again to navigate the gruesome and increasingly bizarre killings, they must also keep a safe distance from Laurel’s half-sister, Abigail, a dangerously clever sociopath. Ever since their father reappeared in town, Abigail has been convinced she must protect Laurel from his malignant narcissism—a scourge she’s sure they’ve both inherited. Huck is not spared either as a shocking development in the case touches his own life.
    With the murders, and the suspects, multiplying around them, and the lives of everyone in their orbit at stake, only Laurel’s sharp analytic skills, Huck’s deep gut instincts, and their growing bond, will enable them to face their inner demons and external threats—before they’re next on a elusive killer’s hit list…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I like her romantic suspense series, whether or not there’s some paranormal stuff involved. This one does not have paranormal stuff, though, so if that matters to you… Anyway, lots of suspense in this one. Certainly kept me turning the pages.

I am trying (TRYING) to straighten up this mess that is our house. I got too much stuff all over the place and I think a lot of it can probably be tossed in the trash. But I always manage to find a way NOT to tackle a mess. Hubby helped a little bit, though. He bought a huge stainless-steel magnet holder that is now secured to the wall. My refrigerator was full and all the magnets we bought on the last three trips were just piling up on the dining room table. The table is now clear of magnets and I got them put up now. So I am working on straightening up. Just one little project at a time. Haha!

Why do I pile stuff on top of stuff anyway? I always think I will need something later, but later never happens. Does this happen to you?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Blood is Not Enough” and I’m Home!

After a lonnnnng travel day on Oct 9 (I saw two sunsets that day-one in Japan and the other in Detroit), I crashed onto my own bed and slept. I don’t recommend that anyone stay up for twenty-nine hours. Man, I never felt so tired. But sleep on the plane? Yeah, I can’t seem to do that. Maybe if I were in first class… Like THAT will ever happen.

But I’m home now and will be for almost three months before the next round of lengthy cruises.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 29

Dates read: May 6, 2024 – October 13, 2026
Title: Blood is Not Enough
Year of publication: 1989
Author: Various
Genre: Horror short stories
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 306
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Renowned editor Ellen Datlow has gathered seventeen variations on vampirism ranging from classically Gothic to postmodern satire, from horrific to erotic. These stories reflect the evolution of vampire literature from Bram Stoker to Anne Rice and beyond, resulting in a deeper exploration of their inner lives. Expanding the concept of vampirism to include the draining of a person's will or life force, Datlow's collection transcends the traditional "black capes and teeth marks on the neck" to reinvent an eternally fascinating subgenre of horror.
    In Harlan Ellison's "Try a Dull Knife," an empath stumbles bleeding into a nightclub, on the run from emotional vampires. A Broadway actress steals the emotions of her fellow performers in ". . . To Feel Another's Woe" by Chet Williamson. And in "The Sea Was Wet as Wet Could Be," Gahan Wilson offers his own surreal twist on Lewis Carroll's "The Walrus and the Carpenter," as two strangers on a beach lure intoxicated picnickers to a different kind of picnic . . .
    Blood Is Not Enough includes contributions by Dan Simmons, Gahan Wilson, Garry Kilworth, Harlan Ellison, Scott Baker, Leonid Andreyev, Harvey Jacobs, S. N. Dyer, Edward Bryant, Fritz Leiber, Tanith Lee, Susan Casper, Steve Rasnic Tem, Gardner Dozois and Jack Dann, Chet Williamson, Joe Haldeman, and Pat Cadigan.
Recommend: Maybe
My thoughts: The dates read are correct. I started this in 2024, on a cruise, no less. I don’t know what made me pick it. Probably because it was vampire stories and there wasn’t anything better to pick that month. But they were…WEIRD vampire stories. Which is why I put it down for a couple of years. When I picked it back up, I was determined to finish it, but I only read the story if it interested me. If after a few pages it didn’t, I’d skip it over to the next one. I probably would still be reading it if I had forced myself to read them all. So if you like weird short stories, give it a go. Otherwise, pass on it.

After twenty-eight days of cruising, I have almost reached my reading goal. It helped re-reading my own books, that’s for sure. But I’m glad I did that. I feel confident that I can get back into writing book #7 with a clear picture of where everyone stands (I really couldn’t remember!). Sometimes I really hate what is happening to my memory. I can only assume it’s from my treatments. I only have to take one of the treatment pills for another year, so I will certainly pay attention and see if my memory improves. If it doesn’t, I don’t know what to think. Because I can only think of scary things and those aren’t fun to think about, if you know what I mean.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Finding the Perfect Mate” and Finally Touched Land!

This will probably be the last blog post during this cruise since I don’t have any more of my own books to read. Plus, we have four port days in a row (before we fly home on Oct 9), so that also puts a crimp in my reading. But today we finally touched land. We docked in Kobe, Japan.

And what was it doing there? Raining. Lots and lots of rain. Our excursion was up on Mt Rokko for some scenic views. The only views we got were of the clouds. Just our luck, huh? Tomorrow we’ll be in Kochi. We don’t have an excursion, but it is also expected to be raining, so Hubby and I aren’t sure we’ll even get off the ship. Especially if there isn’t a free shuttle into town.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 28

Dates read: October 2-4, 2026
Title: Finding the Perfect Mate
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Stacy McKitrick
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Bitten by Love #6
# of Pages: 226
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: I wrote it
Blurb from Goodreads: Finding the Perfect Mate just got way more complicated.
    When Perry pledges abstinence until he meets a Perfect Mate—a rare mortal perfect for a vampire—he doesn’t expect to be tested. Especially by another vampire. But Mandy smells like heaven. Has a sexy British accent. And is the smartest person he’s met. She’s just so … perfect. If he holds on to his fantasy, will he lose his chance at love?
    Finding the perfect vampire was never on her radar.
    Mandy hasn’t seen her father in 500 years but when he goes missing she drops everything and heads for the States, only to discover the Russian vampires kidnapped him. She insists on being involved in his rescue and suggests she and Perry—who’s sexy as sin and makes her laugh—infiltrate as lovers. As they pretend, she realizes he’s just so … perfect. But she’s got a secret that will mean her death. Can she trust him not to turn her over to the authorities or does she keep mum and let him go?
Recommend: Yes (duh)
My thoughts: I had forgotten the nickname Perry gave Barnet at the end of this book. So it’s probably a good thing I read it if I do bring Perry back from his honeymoon. And I really do miss the guy. He was so much fun to write. I still cracked myself up with some of the lines I gave him. Mainly because I had forgotten I wrote them! He was the best comic relief I ever wrote.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Biting the Curse” and Lots of Water

I told Hubby that so far I don’t feel like I’ve done much on this cruise (especially compared to the back-to-back-to-back cruise we took in July & August). We’ve seen one port (Ketchikan) and lots of water. Tomorrow is our first stop in Japan. Hopefully I’ll feel differently after that. We’ll see.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 27

Dates read: October 1-2, 2026
Title: Biting the Curse
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Stacy McKitrick
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Bitten by Love #5
# of Pages: 236
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: I wrote it
Blurb from Goodreads: When Janie Robinson says “I do,” she might as well call the morgue.
Two days after her wedding, David died in a car accident.
The day after she accepted his proposal, Justin fell to his death at work.
The day after she agreed to move in, Aaron died in a freakish drone accident.
Now Sam wants to date her because she’s some kind of Perfect Mate.
If she’s perfectly anything, she’s perfectly cursed and she’s not about to risk Sam’s life.

Sam Kincaid is a vampire.
He has been searching for Janie since the day he let her go.
Her so-called curse doesn’t bother him until he becomes the killer’s next target.
He’s never feared for his life before, but if he lets her go again, it wouldn’t be worth living.
Recommend: Yes (duh)
My thoughts: Breezing through another re-read for me. I’m enjoying this process tremendously, too (I really think it’s going to help me in writing book 7). And I love what the defunct InD’tale magazine said in their review: Stacy McKitrick’s “Biting the Curse” is a sexy, romantic, action-packed mystery readers can really sink their teeth into! They always liked my books and I’m sorry they no longer exist.

Sometimes I wonder if I need to go and change all the covers to the Bitten by Love books. Something that doesn’t have people on them. Would that help in sales? And is it an expense I really need? Something to ponder… (especially if it’s done just before book 7 is released). Your opinion is greatly desired.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Blind Temptation” and More Itinerary Changes

So… there are apparently storms to and around Japan. So much so that two of our ports were cancelled, one was moved to another day, and one (maybe another) was added. We were supposed to dock on our first stop on Oct 3, but now we get another sea day and won’t dock until Oct 4. Boy, this cruise is something else, isn’t it? I just hope we don’t experience any of the tropical storm they hope to go around tonight. I can’t imagine that would be fun to cruise through.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 26

Dates read: September 29 - October 1, 2026
Title: Blind Temptation
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Stacy McKitrick
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Bitten by Love #3
# of Pages: 263
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: I wrote it
Blurb from Goodreads: Dreading the prospect of losing her position on the Vampire Committee, Victoria is forced to integrate with the mortal population. She hasn’t stepped outside since her husband died over 40 years ago and the thought of being treated like the 17-year-old she resembles frustrates her. But when she discovers that Ben, her hot & sexy driver’s ed teacher, is blind, she gives into temptation and flirts. She never expects to fall in love.
    Ben knows he shouldn’t get involved with Victoria—she’s his student. But something compels him toward her. She makes him feel young, alive, and more importantly, whole.
    Victoria would love nothing better than to have Ben as a mate, but fears he wouldn’t want to be blind forever. As she struggles to keep her identity hidden from him, an old acquaintance of Victoria’s turns up and is willing to do anything to win her love, including disposing of her boyfriend.
Recommend: Yes (duh)
My thoughts: I’m rereading some of my books to help me write book 7 of this series. I couldn’t remember the small details I need to write Susannah’s and Barnet’s story. And Susannah first appeared in book 3. After reading this, I realized I probably need to reread books 5 & 6, too. Not that it will be a chore. Far from it. I LOVED rereading Blind Temptation. I will LOVE reading those other books too. I almost forgot how much fun I had in writing those. But then, Perry was in them and he always made a scene fun. Should I have him in book 7? Technically, he’s on his honeymoon, but hey… how can I not have him? Especially with it being Susannah’s book. Something for me to think about.

Do you think it’s cheating when I reread my own books and count them toward my reading goal of the year? I mean, I am READING them. I never did count them when I wrote them (and I read them several times!), so why not count them now?

FYI: I know it says I posted this at 1:40am, but it's 3:40pm where I am now, so I'm not up that late!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club” and Crossing the International Date Line

Yesterday or last night we crossed the International Date Line. I was afraid my phone would have a fit, but it turned out that the Carnival App had the fit instead.

I woke up with the time on the app being different than the time on their map channel (which I usually have on all the time) and my phone (which I changed exactly as instructed last night). In fact, the app was indicating it was the wrong day, even. I wasn’t sure what was correct!

But it all worked out around 7am. The app matched my phone and the map channel. Whew! I can’t imagine what mess that would have caused if it wasn’t figured out.

So, we technically missed Sep 29 (went from Sep 28 to Sep 30). But my laptop still shows the time and day from home (EDT), so do I mark the date I finished reading EDT or Vanatu time (which is the time zone we’re in right now)? I think I’ll go with EDT, because that’s what my laptop says. I’m confused enough as it is!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 25

Dates read: September 24-29, 2026
Title: The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Lynn Cahoon
Genre: Mystery
Series: Survivors' Book Club Mystery #1
# of Pages: 203
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Survivors become sleuths to find a missing member of their book club in new-age Sedona, New Mexico . . .
    Two things got Rarity Jones through her breast cancer treatments: friends and books. Now cancer-free, Rarity is devoting her life to helping others find their way through the maze to healing. She’s opened a bookstore focusing on the power of healing—Eastern medicine, Western medicine, the healing power of food, the power of meditation, and the importance of developing a support community. To that end, she’s also started the Tuesday Night Survivors book club. With its openness to new-age communities, Sedona, Arizona, is the perfect fit for Rarity’s bookstore and the tightly knit group.
    But their therapeutic unity is disrupted when one of their members suddenly goes missing. Martha has always kept to herself, never opening up much of her personal life to the group. Now she’s nowhere to be found. With her car abandoned on a trail and her dog left with a friend, Rarity is sure something terrible has happened—but will she be able to uncover Martha’s secrets before it’s too late?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I picked this book (when B&N used to offer me a free book each month from a list of 5-6) because I sort of knew the author (I was with Lyrical Press at one time). But I discovered after a few chapters that cozy mystery is not my jam. The book is cute, but I just like a little more danger for my reading pleasure (also a reason why I don’t always read contemporary romance, too). But if you like cozy mystery then give this a try.

I finished the edits on The Alien’s Change of Heart and it is now back with my editor. Yay! Which means I’m free to work on the seventh vampire book. But to help me with some of the details, I’m re-reading Blind Temptation because that’s where Susannah started (since book 7 is hers and Barnet’s story) and I just couldn’t remember the small details. Hey, I don’t mind getting credit for re-reading a book. One that I enjoy soooooo much, too.

Makes me think I write pretty good books when I can go back and just get lost in the world again.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “By Way of Sorrow” and Port Changes

Well, just as we were afraid, two of our Alaskan stops have been cancelled. Of course, they are two stops we had never been to, but when weather strikes…

Seems there is gale-force winds in our northerly route to Japan. In order to avoid that (and probably keep a majority of the people free from sea sickness), the captain is taking a more southerly route to Japan. But, because the southerly route takes longer, they had to cancel Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier. Maybe someday we’ll be on another Alaskan cruise that will take us there. We did get to stop in Ketchikan and get our grocery store run in. And we also said goodbye to land for about 8 days (I’m not sure if it’s 8 or 9, since we cross the International Date Line and I’m not sure how that counts in everything—I’ll let you know when I do!). Good thing we don’t mind so many sea days.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 24

Dates read: September 21-24, 2026
Title: By Way of Sorrow
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Robyn Gigl
Genre: Mystery thriller
Series: Erin McCabe Mysteries #1
# of Pages: 288
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from book: Erin McCabe has been referred the biggest case of her career. Four months ago, William E. Townsend, Jr., son of a New Jersey State Senator, was found fatally stabbed in a rundown motel near Atlantic City. Sharise Barnes, a nineteen-year-old transgender prostitute, is in custody, and given the evidence against her, there seems little doubt of a guilty verdict.
    Erin knows that defending Sharise will blow her own private life wide open, and doubtless deepen her estrangement from her family. Yet as a trans woman, she feels uniquely qualified to help Sharise, and duty-bound to protect her from the possibility of a death sentence.
    Sharise claims she killed the senator's son in self-defense. As Erin assembles the case with her partner, former FBI agent Duane Swisher, the circumstances hint at a more complex and chilling story with ties to other brutal murders. Senator Townsend is using the full force of his prestige and connections to publicly discredit everyone involved in defending Sharise. Behind the scenes, his tactics are even more dangerous. His son had secrets that could destroy the senator's political aspirations--secrets worth killing for. And as leads begin mysteriously disappearing, it's not just the life of Erin's client at stake, but her own . . .
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I gobbled this one up. Great read! I really enjoyed it. And to think I got it as a freebie at B&N (at least, I’m pretty sure that’s where I got it since I don’t believe I would have found this otherwise). I liked the characters very much and will put the next book in the series on my wishlist.

I finally got through the edits on The Alien’s Change of Heart. Now I just need to do another read-through before sending it back to my editor. It’s almost done!!! Yay!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy 

Finished “Sirens of the Past” and Cruising to Japan

Cruise #1 to Alaska was great. I loved spending time with my son and daughter-in-law. I especially loved playing bingo and trivia with them. We took two excursions with them, the best being the dog sled summer camp in Juneau. We got to hold puppies! I could definitely cruise with them again. Hopefully they feel the same way about us.

Now Hubby and I are on cruise #2 to Japan. It’s the first sea day and the ocean is rough. We were warned that we may not make some of the Alaskan ports due to weather. Fingers crossed that we do since we’ve never been to one of the ports (Icy Strait Point).

There are a lot of sea days on this cruise (only 7 ports in 18 days—you do the math), so I’m hoping to finish the edits on The Alien’s Change of Heart. Yeah, I know. I should have been done by now. But I had so much fun on cruise #1, that I just never got into writing.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 23

Dates read: September 12-20, 2026
Title: Sirens of the Past
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Aimee Robinson
Genre: Time-travel romance
Series: Spirits Through Time #2
# of Pages: 249
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from book: He thought he was falling into hell...until the voice of an angel offered him redemption.
    Corporal Richard “Dick” Stevens, a foul-mouthed retired soldier who fought in the Great War, learned to make his way by playing the villain. But when a near-death skirmish thrusts him sixty-nine years into the future to 1988, he lands on a horse-breeding farm tended to by a beautiful, feisty woman.
    Camilla Foster spends her days training to be an opera singer while her nights are spent mucking out horse stalls in exchange for free room and board on the farm. Frustration gnaws at Cami since her inheritance would cover the training she’s desperate for, but she can only receive it once she’s married.
    When Dick disrupts her check on the horses one evening, the sexy stranger immediately gets under her skin. She’s determined to brush him off—until he’s employed as the new stable hand and cunningly persuades her into marrying him as a means to his own end.
    Dick is everything Cami despises in a person. But with her dreams on the line, a plot surfacing to end Cami’s career, and a growing attraction to this infuriating mystery man, a marriage of convenience may be the only thing to save them both.
Recommend: Maybe
My thoughts: The cover of this book is sooooooooooooo deceiving. Yeah, the book description says what year it’s set in, but that cover definitely does NOT. I got this book free when B&N used to give their members a free ebook a month, and I picked it because it looked interesting. Instead, I was confused for a good portion of it, and then a ghost shows up. In their POV. Supernatural? Paranormal? Not really. The pacing was slow and the beginning read like a contemporary romance in the “I hate you, I love you” trope (a trope I do not enjoy). Which is why I put a “maybe” under “Recommend.”  But a lot of people LOVE that trope, and if you’re one of them, have at it. Then let me know what you think of it.

Hopefully I enjoy the next book I chose to read. The selection in my Nook isn’t all that extensive, since I prefer to read paper books, and sometimes I wonder, “why did I get that book?” That’s usually when I realized I got it free on B&N. Unfortunately, I didn’t always mark them that way in Goodreads.

Have you ever found a freebie that you enjoyed? I have, but it sure isn’t all that often.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Friction” and Cruising to Alaska

Been cruising since September 10 and will dock in Juneau tomorrow afternoon, when our excursion will take us to the dog sledders and…PUPPIES! I’m really looking forward to that. So far the weather has been cool, but dry.

Our time in San Francisco only enhanced my dislike of that city. I can’t believe it now costs $8.50 to cross on a bridge INTO the city. And if you don’t want to pay the toll, you’ll pay it in gas to get around the bay. And it wasn’t the toll so much that bugged us, but that they don’t take cash (or credit) anymore. We had a rental and no way to pay the toll ourselves, so now we’ll probably get hit with fees because we had to rely on the plate reader.

Of course, that’s not the only reason I dislike the city. It’s just too damn crowded. I can’t believe I used to drive to that city to visit my great aunt (all by myself, too!). But that was back in the 70s, before all the freeways were in and around the city. I can’t believe how much traffic is there now. It’s unreal!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 22

Dates read: September 11, 2026
Title: Friction
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Sandra Brown
Genre: Romantic suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 452
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Free from a convention
Blurb from book: Following the death of his wife, Crawford Hunt, a Texas Ranger, fell into a downward spiral that left him relegated to desk work and with his five-year-old daughter in the custody of her grandparents. But Crawford has cleaned up his act and now the fate of his family lies with Judge Holly Spencer. Ambitious and confident, Holly temporarily occupies the bench of her recently deceased mentor. With an election upcoming, she must prove herself worthy of making her judgeship permanent. Every decision is high-stakes. When a masked gunman barges into the courtroom during the guardianship hearing, Crawford reacts instinctually, saving Holly from a bullet. But his heroism soon takes on the taint of recklessness. The cloud over him grows even darker after he uncovers a horrifying truth about the courtroom gunman and realizes that the unknown person behind the shooting remains at large—and a threat.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I’m pretty sure I got this book at a book convention. Which one? I have no idea. But the author is well known, so why not take one of her books. Of course, it has taken me this long to actually read it and surprise! I enjoyed it. I could probably read any of her books because I do love romantic suspense. Even if it doesn’t have any “woo-woo” in it. Haha!

Have you ever been to San Francisco? Saw my first Waymo there. Even followed one as I was driving around while Hubby went to get his stamp and our magnet at two of the sites in SF (I wasn’t about to use my phone to pay for street parking—even if I could find a spot to park in). But those cars scare me. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to get in one. Would you?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Chance Hotel” and Getting Ready for the Next Trip!

I am tired of getting ready for the next trip. Remind me to NEVER schedule a book signing between two cruises.

Oh wait, that was Hubby who scheduled the second cruise after I had already committed to the book signing.

Oh well… Maybe if the book signing had gone better than it did, I wouldn’t care. But it didn’t and I’m just tired.

Anyway, we fly out to San Francisco tomorrow and plan to visit some National Parks before heading on our next cruise on the 10^th. So today is laundry and packing day.

Yes, I wait until the last minute. Always have. Always will.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 21

Dates read: August 16-31, 2026
Title: Chance Hotel
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Christopher Gorham Calvin
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Chance Hotel #1
# of Pages: 364
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Welcome to the Chance Hotel. Checkout time is… never.
    Jason Chance is running from a toxic marriage and his failures as a father, clutching a bag full of cash he claims isn’t his own. With a storm bearing down, he thought a free room at an isolated hotel was the lucky break he desperately needed. He was wrong.
    Stripped of his car and trapped by an impossible ransom, Jason becomes a prisoner in a building that defies logic. The staff are suspiciously friendly. The elevators seem to have a mind of their own. And somewhere on a hidden thirteenth floor, a monstrous entity waits in the mist. As his exhaustion mounts, Jason’s reality begins to fracture, leaving him to wonder if the horrors around him are real, or just manifestations of his own crumbling mind.
    But his fraying sanity is the least of his worries.
    Caught in a supernatural labyrinth where his every moral failing is being judged, Jason must make an impossible choice: face the shattered life he left behind, or sacrifice his freedom to become a permanent fixture of the Chance Hotel.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I only recommend it because it is not badly written and it did keep my interest, but the genre? I thought at first maybe horror, but it’s not really that. So paranormal it is. It was an okay book, but I didn’t like it enough to bother getting the rest of the series. I really didn’t care for Jason.

So all this traveling has bogged me down where I haven’t been able to get back to the edits on The Alien’s Change of Heart. Was kind of hoping I would be done with it before we left. Looks like I’ll be working on it during our trip. I really want this ready for my NEXT book signing. Having a new book out really helps with sales. At least, that’s what I’m finding out.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Book of the Month” and The Eclipse Was Awesome!

The event that caused us to book three cruises (back-to-back-to-back) happened on August 12 and wow! It was awesome! A total solar eclipse.

It happened at 7:24pm GMT, so the sun was at a pretty decent level to watch (without straining your neck!). And seeing it out over the ocean was pretty magical. The sun was shining on the water until…it wasn’t! I’m so glad we were able to witness this event and that the weather cooperated fully, too. Seas were calm and the sky was clear. Perfect!

Would I do it again? Most definitely. It really was something else to experience. Heck, the girl behind me cried. It affects everyone differently. I just think it’s super cool!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 20

Dates read: August 8-16, 2026
Title: Book of the Month
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Jennifer Probst
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: The Outer Banks #1
# of Pages: 341
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Once the literary world’s golden girl, Aspen Lourde can’t seem to produce another successful book, and the pressure’s on to prove she’s not just a one-hit-wonder. But there’s a catch: her bestseller was a heartbreak hit, straight from her own love life disaster. Without any fresh romantic turmoil to fuel her pen, Aspen needs inspiration quick enough to create a book her agent can sell to her publisher. So she escapes for the summer to the Outer Banks with a plan to live a story worth writing.
    Brick Babel is a romance novelist’s dream: a local heartthrob with a reputation as wild as the horses running free in the town. He’s everything Aspen needs for a muse kickstart—gorgeous, moody, and notoriously unattainable. His affairs are legendary in the small town, and every woman warns her off, including her sister.
    Too bad a good heartbreak is exactly what she needs to meet her deadline.
    But Brick refuses to play the game, rejecting all of her advances. When Aspen hears his tour company is on the verge of bankruptcy, she offers him a deal: fake a whirlwind summer romance, then ditch her, drama guaranteed.
    Desperate to save his grandfather’s business, Brick agrees to the ridiculous deal. What starts as a contractual fling spirals out of control as lines blur and real feelings emerge. Brick’s falling hard, and Aspen’s rethinking her plot twist. The novel might be her ticket back to the top, but at what cost?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I got this book free back when B&N gave their membership a free ebook once a month. I had read some of Probst’s blogs (but not her books), so got this. The cruise seemed to be the perfect time to read it. I enjoyed it okay, but why I picked a contemporary romance when they aren’t my “cup of tea,” I don’t know. But it was cute. And it passed the time nicely. Easy to put down, though.

This batch of cruises is finally coming to an end. Was it too long? Naaah. I’m still enjoying myself. Don’t exactly look forward to that long flight home and then getting all acclimated to Eastern Time again. Ahhh, but we start it all over on Sep 4 when we fly out to San Francisco and prepare for those cruises to Alaska and Japan.

Are we crazy? Probably. But we’re sure enjoying it!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Burying the Dead” and Being Disgusted With It

Why can’t authors end their damn book! I mean, sure, they’re writing a series. But why can’t they just end it positively and start the next book negatively? Especially when it appears they won’t write the next book in the series? It’s evil, I tell you. Pure evil.

And I refuse to do that kind of crap.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 19

Dates read: August 1-8, 2026
Title: Burying the Dead
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Kerry Blaisdell
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Dead Series #4
# of Pages: 268
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Sometimes the only way to stop the world from going to Hell is by working with Demons. Hyacinth Finch has one goal: Save her nephew Geordi from this Hell Demon who kidnapped him. But to succeed, she’ll have to work with his demon Mafia relatives, which she swore she’d never do. Worse, she’ll have to make another deal with the High Demons who murdered her. But Geordi’s life is worth it, even if she loses her own humanity in the process. Meanwhile, hyacinth’s ghost boyfriend Eric is wasting away, after being ejected from his “borrowed” body. While digging in his past for something to make him fight for survival, she uncovers secrets that could destroy their relationship. Moreover, her feelings for Geordi’s demon cousin Jason are stronger than ever, though every morally impossible choice she makes drives him farther away. Can she save Eric and Geordi, without losing herself—and Jason—forever?
Recommend: No
My thoughts: I didn’t realize that I “wrote” a review in Goodreads for book 3 before purchasing book 4. Wish I had. I hated the way that book ended and this one ends on a CLIFFHANGER. Four years later there isn’t a book 5. I’m done. I don’t recommend this series to ANYONE.

Cruise #2 is coming to an end. We dock in Dover tomorrow and start cruise #3. Then on Monday we are in France, visiting Normandy. The eclipse will be here before we know it, too! Whoo hoo!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The Night We Met” and Cruise #2

Started the second leg of our back-to-back-to-back cruises. This one will be traveling around the UK. Unfortunately, the weather has not improved. Amsterdam from the first cruise was the best weather-wise so far. It was sunny and 80. So glad I didn’t need to wear my sweatshirt jacket. I don’t foresee putting it away anytime soon on this cruise, though.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 18

Dates read: July 28-31, 2026
Title: The Night We Met
Year of publication: 2026
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romantic comedy
Series: Say You’ll Remember Me #2
# of Pages: 339
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: In everyone’s life, there’s a split-second decision that can change everything...
    For Larissa, it came when choosing which guy to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she’d met the perfect man. She and Chris are great together, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favorite books, and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy.
    But Chris isn't the one who drove Larissa home all those months ago—Chris is her boyfriend's best friend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him, but making a move would destroy someone else. And he’s just not that guy.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I really do love her books. I love the humor. The romance. And the pets. There seems to be at least one in every book.

Seems I caught a cold. And of course it comes with headaches. I HATE headaches. I can live with the sneezing and runny nose. But not the headaches. Ugh…

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Life is Short” and Cold Weather!

It’s been a cold and rainy cruise in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Finland, & Sweden) and I really didn’t bring any “warm” clothes (I had heard about the heat waves, which were long gone by the time we arrived). But at least I remembered my rain coat! Whew!

In two days we arrive in the port of Amsterdam. It’s supposed to be 80 (instead of the 60s). Looking forward to some warmer weather!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 17

Dates read: July 23-27, 2026
Title: Life’s Too Short
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romantic comedy
Series: The Friend Zone #3
# of Pages: 276
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted.
    But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad" (now with bonus baby vomit in hair). The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.
    Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.

Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Another goodie. In fact, I don’t think she writes any bad books! Love the humor (because it’s not forced on you, if you know what I mean). Love the romantic tension. And I loved seeing characters from books 1 & 2.

I’m actually getting some writing done on this cruise. Figured out how to fix the vampire story I started in 2020 (which led me to finishing my alien books) and it seems to be going good…so far. I still haven’t decided if it will be a novel or a novella. Guess I’ll find out when I get there, huh?

The Smashwords July sales is still going on (through July 31). You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click here and start buying!: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/semckitrick

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Criminal Minds” and “The Happy Ever After Playlist” and I’m Cruising…Again

Yes, I’m cruising again. This time in the North and Baltic Seas! We left London (Dover) on July 19 and so far have stopped in Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiel (Germany), and Warnemunde (Germany). Tomorrow we have a day at sea and on Saturday we’ll be in Tallin (Estonia), followed by Helsinki (Finland), Nynashamn (Stockholm, Sweden), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). And that’s just THIS cruise. We have two more following this one.

I’m having so much fun, even if some of our excursions aren’t all that great. It’s just nice cruising and relaxing. Plus, it was fun being in London for two days before the cruise started. We saw “Six, The Musical” at the Vaudeville Theater on my birthday and it was so much fun! I highly recommend it.

Oh, and good news. I was able to send my editor The Alien’s Change of Heart before I left. Yay! She is currently working on it. Which means I can work on my next vampire book. Yeah, I decided to work on that since I figured out how to fix what I had started, so hopefully I can get into that story. But first, I wanted to post what I read.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

Dates read: July 8-19, 2026
Title: Curious Minds
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton
Genre: Mystery
Series: Knight & Moon #1
# of Pages: 307
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Free from a book convention (possibly Romantic Times 2017)
Blurb from Book: Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he’s also brilliant, rich, and handsome. Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with megabank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight. What starts off as an inquiry about missing Knight money leads to a life-and-death race through the streets of Washington, D.C., and into the underground vaults of New York City as an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon could hope to stop it.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This was a silly book. I expected humorous, but not silly. Or maybe I should have expected silly, since she wrote the Stephanie Plum books. This was book 1 of the series and there are only two books (which were written about ten years ago), so I’m guessing the series didn’t make it. I can understand why. But, if you’re looking for a silly mystery, you might enjoy this one. I just wanted something a little more…smarter.

Book 16

Dates read: July 19-23, 2026
Title: The Happy Ever After Playlist
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romantic comedy
Series: The Friend Zone #2
# of Pages: 318
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.
    Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I read book 1 of this series so long ago, I didn’t realize that the couple from that book was the friend in this one. Didn’t matter, though. This book can be read as a standalone without any issues, since, like I said, I didn’t remember the couple (which is all me and not necessarily about the author). This book was great. I laughed. I cried (happy tears, of course) and I just LOVED the dog, Tucker. I really do enjoy her books.

The Smashwords July sales is still going on (through July 31). You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click here and start buying!: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/semckitrick

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The Crown of War and Shadow” and My Books are on Sale

Smashwords is having a sale this July, so I decided to participate. You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click HERE and start buying!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 14

Dates read: June 19 – July 8, 2026
Title: The Crown of War and Shadow
Year of publication: 2026
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Romantasy
Series: Kingdom of the Compass #1
# of Pages: 466
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: The fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.
    No one is safe.
    Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
    Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
    She must cross the Badlands to return a Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome sovereign to save their world from destruction.
    Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
    The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
    But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I was not happy that it is written in first person, present tense (which surprised me since she usually writes in third person past tense), so I’m not so sure I will continue with the series. Plus, the print was tiny in such a large book! But the story kept me going, even though it was all one-sided (I prefer my books to be two-sided). I guess this is what romantasy is all about and I’m not so sure I like it. Not if it’s all written in first person present tense. I have my limits. But the story in this book DOES end, so I’m not left on a cliffhanger. Yay!

Good news! I finally finished the first draft of The Alien’s Change of Heart and am working on cleaning it up before giving it to my editor. I was hoping to give it to her before I left on our trip on the 16^th, but I’m beginning to think that’s not gonna happen. I really need to get my butt in gear!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Escape Clause” and Got My Books in a Local Bookstore

There is a bookstore in Dayton called The Cozy Book Nook (https://thecozybooknook.com) and they sell independently published books (they even have a section for local authors—like me!). They sell them on consignment, which is fine with me, and they took my books to sell. I figure any place my book is for sale is a good place.

I had forgotten to sign the books when I dropped them off last month, so I will go visit them tomorrow and sign them. So yeah, if you’re in Dayton and want a signed copy of one of my books, they’ll be available from The Cozy Book Nook!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 13

Dates read: June 14-19, 2026
Title: Escape Clause
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Series: Cosmic Mates #1
# of Pages: 217
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: After a nano-virus devastates Caradonia, leaving the planet in desperate need of women, leader Krogan launches a last-ditch effort to save their civilization—convince men to accept human brides through Cosmic Mates.
    Krogan himself has no time or desire for a wife. A driven workaholic, he’s focused on solving his planet’s problems and maintaining peace in the world. But his people look to him to set an example. If he doesn’t take a wife through Cosmic Mates no one else will either. Thankfully, there’s an escape clause, and at the end of the trial period, he intends to use it.
    Fleeing a horrid and powerful man, Hope Bennett reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with an alien. The last thing she desires is to be locked into an unwanted union. Been there, almost did that. Fortunately, the escape clause in the contract gives her an out, and when it’s safe, she can go home to Terra Nova.
    Hope and Krogan promise each other a marriage in name only and vow to separate when the contract provisions are satisfied. But as they let down their guard, they recognize a kindred spirit in each other. Love and passion blossom, and each begins to long for a deeper, permanent union.
    Just as their secret wishes are about to be fulfilled, violent tensions erupt out of the pandemic, forcing Krogan into a dilemma—to save Hope he must invoke the escape clause of their marriage contract.
    If he sends her away, will she ever come back?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This was a so-so story. It was just way too short for my pleasure (large print in a 5x8 size book). Especially for a sci-fi romance (which was practically insta-love). Not a lot of world building. In fact, I don’t even know what year it is on Terra Nova, which used to be called Earth. So… way in the future, I suppose. I liked the premise of this story, just wish it were more involved. But if you’re looking for a quick read, here’s one for you!

FYI: I’m still busy writing. And I’m so close to finishing that first draft! I know, I keep saying that (which is what Hubby says to me). But it’s one thing KNOWING how it will end and another actually getting it WRITTEN on the page! Will it be done next week? I sure hope so!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Say You’ll Remember Me” and Almost Finished with My WIP, so Why am I Procrastinating?

Yes, I am almost finished with the first draft of The Alien’s Change of Heart. I finally figured out how to save them! Yay! So why am I not writing?

Stuff.

I did write on Thursday and Friday, but Saturday was my writers’ group meeting. In Dublin, OH. Left at 10:30 am and returned home around 4:30 pm. I usually don’t write on those days anyway. I should have. Because that’s when I woke up with some solutions. Thank goodness I wrote them down, because right now, I couldn’t tell you what they were.

Then this morning, during breakfast, I read the book I finished below. I was going to put it down after I ate and write, but said “Screw it! I’m reading.” And frankly, I haven’t felt like that about a book in ages! And I finished it just as my daughter texted she was ready to get gas. When we have a dollar off a gallon, we make sure we all benefit from that.

I had completely forgot about those plans! Maybe that’s why I didn’t write first?

Hahaha, yeah, right.

But now that I’m finished with the book, I want to post about it. And once I hit “publish” I will get to writing. I promise!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 12

Dates read: June 10-14, 2026
Title: Say You’ll Remember Me
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: RomCom
Series: Say You’ll Remember Me #1
# of Pages: 352
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: There might be no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…
    …unless, of course he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.
    Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Oh my god! This was sooooo good. I finally gave in and ordered some of her ebooks for my next cruise. Although, I doubt they will last the whole cruise. I sure breezed through this one. Such a good story. I am hooked on Abby Jimenez!

So… when you find an author you just love, do you go out and buy all their books, too? I do it too many times to count. And yes, I read them. They aren’t sitting on the shelf (or Nook), gathering dust. I tend to binge them until I’m all caught up and then I wait with everyone else. For the next one.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The End of the World as We Know It” and “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife” and a Successful Retreat

Ooh this post is a bit lengthy (because I have two books to report).

I was in Delhi, NY June 2-9 for a writers’ retreat. I consider it a GREAT SUCCESS! Not only did I figure out the end of The Alien’s Change of Heart, I’m almost to it. Of course, I’m home now and just finding the time to write while getting caught up in other stuff (like this blog, doing the COFW treasurer report, and sending out my monthly newsletter) is becoming impossible.

But I’m really glad I went. And that the ending finally came to me. Well… sort of. I still have to resolve one teeny-tiny plot point that only encompasses the whole story. Yeah, that’s all. But I will get there. I can see the end of this book!!!

And the best part? I do NOT need a book 3 if I don’t want one. Because I doubt I’ll write another in this series. I want to get back to my vampires (or ghosts). Something that actually sells. Usually.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 10

Dates read: March 19 – June 1, 2026
Title: The End of the World as We Know It
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Various
Genre: Horror short stories
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 757
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from book cover Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—with generations of writers impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization and its stunning array of unforgettable characters.
    Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World as We Know It features remarkable, all-new stories set during and after the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic bestselling novel.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I bought this book because Meg Gardiner has a story in it, although, I may have gotten it anyway because…The Stand. So I used this book to give me a reason to re-read The Stand first. There were a lot of good short stories in this and I really enjoyed seeing what others interpreted would happen after (or what also happened during). So if you love The Stand, you’ll enjoy this companion to it, too. But beware, it IS lengthy!!

Book 11

Dates read: June 2-9, 2026
Title: In My Dreams I Hold a Knife
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Ashley Winstead
Genre: Thriller? Mystery?
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 305
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Possibly free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads Six friends. One college reunion. One unsolved murder.
    A college reunion turns dark and deadly in this chilling and propulsive suspense novel about six friends, one unsolved murder, and the dark secrets they’ve been hiding from each other—and themselves—for a decade.
    Ten years after graduation, Jessica Miller has planned her triumphant return to southern, elite Duquette University, down to the envious whispers that are sure to follow in her wake. Everyone is going to see the girl she wants them to see—confident, beautiful, indifferent—not the girl she was when she left campus, back when Heather’s murder fractured everything, including the tight bond linking the six friends she’d been closest to since freshman year. Ten years ago, everything fell apart, including the dreams she worked for her whole life—and her relationship with the one person she wasn’t supposed to love.
    But not everyone is ready to move on. Not everyone left Duquette ten years ago, and not everyone can let Heather’s murder go unsolved. Someone is determined to trap the real killer, to make the guilty pay. When the six friends are reunited, they will be forced to confront what happened that night—and the years’ worth of secrets each of them would do anything to keep hidden.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I think I got this book free from B&N when they were offering monthly free reads to members because otherwise, I don’t know how I would have come across this title. Right off, I didn’t like the narrator (it’s in first person for most of it), which made it hard to stick with it, but I did stick with it. Still didn’t like her at the end, either, but it’s not my generation, so what do I know? But the mystery is what kept me reading. So if you’re not into a character who makes decisions for all the wrong reasons, you might not like this book so much, either. But if you are, have at it.

I’m really behind in my reading this year, but surprisingly I’m okay with it. Got some lengthy cruises coming up, I’m sure I’ll get caught up in my reading then. But I am so happy to be back into writing almost daily. And once I finish the first draft, my present to me is to watch the mini-series The Stand (the one with Gary Sinese). I mean, why not??

Happy Reading!

Stacy