Good morning! Today’s post will link up to Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post, and Book Journey, for Weekly Updates.
**Mailbox Monday is now hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
Good morning, Bloggers! Grab some coffee (or a mimosa), and let’s talk about our weeks.
What happened to this week? All I know is that I continued my purging and rearranging, even going so far as to add a spit and polish to things…and then I enjoyed catching up on movies and TV shows on my DVR. The reading was very intermittent…and so was the blogging.
On Thursday night, my granddaughter Fiona spent the night, and we rose early on Friday to take her to the train for her trip.
So that’s what happened to my usual activities. But some weeks are like that, aren’t they?
HERE’S WHAT I DID ACCOMPLISH:
Guess What? My Interiors Are In Flux Again!
Tuesday Potpourri: Intros/Teasers – “Ruin Falls”
Hump Day Creativity: Waiting for “A Small Indiscretion”
My Bookish (and Not So Bookish) Thoughts: Savoring the Moments
Thursday Potpourri: The Aftermath of the Purge
Review: The Carrier, by Sophie Hannah (4 ****)
Review: Accidents of Marriage (e-book), by Randy Susan Meyers (5 *****)
***
INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
The mailbox was alive and waiting with goodies this week, albeit only two gorgeous ones from Amazon Vine. And then I downloaded an e-book, as Sparky was complaining about hunger again.
When We Fall, by Emily Liebert (Amazon Vine)
Ready for a fresh start, Allison Parker moves back to her hometown in the suburbs of New York. While she’d once savored the dynamic pace of city life, sadly, it lost its allure after her husband’s untimely death. Now, ready to focus on her art career accompanied by her ten-year-old son, Logan, Allison doesn’t anticipate that her past will resurface. When the wife of her husband’s best friend from summer camp takes her under her wing, things begin to spin out of control.
The Oleander Sisters, by Elaine Hussey (Amazon Vine)
An emotionally riveting tale of the bonds of family and the power of hope in the sultry Deep South
In 1969, the first footsteps on the moon brighten America with possibilities. But along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a category five storm is brewing, and the Blake sisters of Biloxi are restless for change. Beth “Sis” Blake has always been the caretaker, the dutiful one, with the weight of her family’s happiness—and their secrets—on her shoulders. She dreams of taking off to pursue her own destiny, but not before doing whatever it takes to rescue her sister.
Ruth’s Journey (e-book), by Donald McCaig (Purchased)
Authorized by the Margaret Mitchell Estate, here is the first-ever prequel to one of the most beloved and bestselling novels of all time, Gone with the Wind. The critically acclaimed author of Rhett Butler’s People magnificently recounts the life of Mammy, one of literature’s greatest supporting characters, from her days as a slave girl to the outbreak of the Civil War.
“Her story began with a miracle.” On the Caribbean island of Saint Domingue, an island consumed by the flames of revolution, a senseless attack leaves only one survivor—an infant girl. She falls into the hands of two French émigrés, Henri and Solange Fournier, who take the beautiful child they call Ruth to the bustling American city of Savannah.
***
WHAT’S UP NEXT? (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Currently Reading: Dear Daughter (e-book), by Elizabeth Little
Former “It Girl” Janie Jenkins is sly, stunning, and fresh out of prison. Ten years ago, at the height of her fame, she was incarcerated for the murder of her mother, a high-society beauty known for her good works and rich husbands. Now, released on a technicality, Janie makes herself over and goes undercover, determined to chase down the one lead she has on her mother’s killer. The only problem? Janie doesn’t know if she’s the killer she’s looking for.
Ruin Falls, by Jenny Milchman
Liz Daniels has every reason to be happy about setting off on a rare family vacation, leaving behind her remote home in the Adirondack Mountains for a while. Instead, she feels uneasy. Her children, eight-year-old Reid and six-year-old Ally, have met their paternal grandparents only a handful of times. But Liz’s husband, Paul, has decided that, despite a strained relationship with his mother and father, they should visit the farm in western New York where he spent his childhood.
On their way to the farm, the family stops at a hotel for the night. In the morning, when Liz goes to check on her sleeping children, all her anxiety comes roaring back: Ally and Reed are nowhere to be found. Blind panic slides into ice-cold terror as the hours tick by without anyone finding a trace of the kids. Soon, Paul and Liz are being interviewed by police, an Amber Alert is issued, and detectives are called in.
Further Out Than You Thought, by Michaela Carter
Combining the eloquence and raw sensuality of Jeanette Winterson with the romantic, renegade spirit of Patti Smith, Further Out Than You Thought is a taut and erotically charged literary debut, set against the chaos of the 1992 L.A. riots, about three people searching for identity and meaning from award-winning poet and indie bookshop co-founder Michaela Carter.
***
And that’s all for the week, folks. What are you all reading and blogging about? What life moments are you sharing?
***
***
When We Fall looks really good. I have Dear Daughter waiting to be reviewed. I hope you have a great week. My post is here.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne…I am looking forward to When We Fall…and Dear Daughter is interesting so far.
LikeLike
Oh, you’ve got some good-looking books there. I like the cover for The Oleander Sisters and When We Fall sounds good.
I should do some purging and re-organizing too. Hmm….
Have a good week. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Bea, and the purging and re-organizing has taken on a life of its own! I can’t seem to stop. Everywhere I turn, I see something else I should do. LOL
Enjoy the week…I’m looking forward to those new books, too.
LikeLike
Purging and re-organising is something I need to do around my house as well. I’ve managed 3 rooms so far and they were the easiest but at least I feel like I’ve accomplished something. LOL
Have a great week Laurel and happy reading.
Sharon @ Sharon’s Book Nook!
LikeLike
Thanks, Sharon…that’s what I love: the feeling of accomplishment. Sometimes I look around, though, and I don’t notice much of a difference. Most of the purging is going on behind closed doors or inside drawers and closets. Or in the garage in those bins.
I did move a few indoor things out to the garage bins.
I am glad you could stop by, and good luck with the purging…it is addictive and it could keep you going indefinitely!
LikeLike
I haven’t been on track of reading too and I don’t know when I’ll be able to read at least 2 books a day like I used to. Sigh. Anyway, the book covers are lovely! ♥
Here’s mine:
My Week in a Wrapped #4
LikeLike
I am deciding that I am just going to take each day as it comes and enjoy the books I do read, however many there are! Thanks for stopping by, Nyze, and enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes you need a break… and family time and rearranging are good excuses! 🙂 So are movies and catching up on shows. sounds like a good week!
LOL about Sparky!
LikeLike
Yes, it was a good week, in spite of how my schedule went out the window. But then, I do like changes in the routine…and going with the flow.
And, yes, Greg, Sparky is unbelievably demanding! LOL Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I also wonder where the week went. And the year! lol I need to give my kitchen a spit and polish, metaphorically speaking on the spit part. 😀 Have a fantastic week!
LikeLike
Oh, yes, definitely metaphorical about the “spit.” LOL
Here we are, winding down the year again, and I am SO not ready for Christmas! Thanks for visiting, Voracious Reader, and let’s enjoy each day as it comes.
LikeLike
I haven’t read any of these but the word “Oleander” is a favorite. It has a lovely sound. My bathroom was in a flux. I write about it in my Sunday post. http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/2014/10/sunpo-101914.html
Enjoy the week!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Steph, and I love the word Oleander, too! We have many bushes here in our state, and even on the school grounds when I was a child. I’m sure they no longer have them, with the poison factor and all. White Oleander is a book (and movie) I loved…so I am drawn to the word as well, and curious about how the word figures into the book The Oleander Sisters.
LikeLike
Sounds like you had a relaxing week, spending a bit of time with family… love those covers! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Sarah, and I’m glad you could stop by. Enjoy your week, and may all of your issues float away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
As usual, all of your books are appealing to me and I want to know more. Sounds like we had similar experiences this week — not as much reading, but catching up on DVR’d shows, and before you know it, it’s the weekend again.
My recap: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/10/weekly-book-recap-86.html
LikeLike
Isn’t the fall season great? I am also addicted to Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Thanks for stopping by, Catherine, and enjoy your week, whether it’s reading or DVR watching.
LikeLike
Great books this week! You had a seriously productive week for one that didn’t feel that way. Hope your granddaughter has a great trip!
LikeLike
Me, too, Katherine, and I always enjoy spending time with her; it is precious these days, since, at almost eighteen, she is very busy with school and social activities. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Some weeks go like that, I know what you mean by the spit and polish. I had to ‘spring’ clean i autumn after the decorating.
LikeLike
I should have done more in the spring, but somehow I didn’t. Maybe the fall brings out my energy? I do love autumn. Thanks for visiting, Jane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I love autumn.
LikeLike
When We Fall looks good, as do many others. Is that your granddaughter? She is lovely.
LikeLike
Thanks, and yes, that is one of my two granddaughters: Fiona.. I have five grandsons, so the two granddaughters are precious, since they are so rare. LOL
My other granddaughter, Aubrey, lives in LA, a few hours away, so I keep in touch mostly via FB. Thanks for visiting, Kimba.
LikeLike
Glad you got to spend some time with your granddaughter… I’m sure that’s more fun than reading or blogging. My daughter was home until Tuesday, so I didn’t get an awful lot done last week either. We’ll see what happens with the week ahead. You’ve got some interesting new books to choose from!
LikeLike
I agree, JoAnn, and it is always a treat to spend time with Fiona, since, as a teenager, she has quite a heavy schedule. I am looking forward to reading more this week, but today was all about bingeing on Netflix. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I’ve been cleaning out all of my rooms, starting with closets. Now I have to finsih going through all of the piles. LOL
That’s a nice bunch of books and some very pretty covers:)
Here is my Sunday Post – http://fuonlyknew.com/2014/10/19/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-83-and-the-sunday-post/
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Laura, and I can relate to all the cleaning and organizing. I don’t do it often enough, so it’s a big job. My goal now is to keep things in order! Fingers crossed.
I am looking forward to the books.
LikeLike
When we fall looks good, hope you enjoy! Have a wonderful week
LikeLike
I am definitely looking forward to that one, Brandi…thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.
LikeLike
Oh how cool about Ruth’s Journey! I LOVE Gone With the Wind, so I’m very interested in that one. Great haul.
LikeLike
I loved GWTW so much that I must have read it half a dozen times when I was younger. After I read Ruth’s Journey, I plan to reread GWTW…I have a copy.
Thanks for visiting, Christy, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Your two Amazon vine books have great covers, and they sound really good. What a great mailbox!
LikeLike
I love the covers, too, Laura…and I am eager to dive in! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Ruth’s Journey intrigues me
LikeLike
Me, too, Emma…I have a copy of GWTW to reread after reading about Ruth. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Keen to hear what you think about some of the new reads!
PS. Hadn’t heard of When We Fall, but it sounds interesting!
LikeLike
I only recently discovered When We Fall, Deborah, and promptly added it to my list…and to my delight, it was on the Vine list. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I enjoyed Dear Daughter. Janie was a “love to hate” type character for me. Happy reading!
LikeLike
Yes, definitely, Diana…I am going back and forth on her likeability. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Love the cover of When We Fall!
LikeLike
Yes, it seems appropriate for the season, too. Thanks for visiting, Sheila.
LikeLike
I look forward to reading Accidents of Marriage when I can get hold of it. When We Fall looks intriguing and I will be keeping an eye out to see what you have to say about it.
LikeLike
Oh, I hope you love both of them, Kathryn…I couldn’t get enough of Accidents of Marriage, and hope When We Fall will do the same for me. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLike
Hope you love Dear Daughter- that book looks so good to me. When We Fall sounds great too. Enjoy!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lucy, I am very pleased with the books on my stacks now. Dear Daughter is an interesting story with flawed characters. Glad you could stop by.
LikeLike
Naughty sparky, he’s got quite the appetite hasn’t he lol. I love the cover of The Oleander Sisters and When We Fall sounds good. Have a great week and happy reading 🙂
LikeLike
Ha-ha…Yes, Sparky, like his owner, is a bit of a greedy soul. Thanks for stopping by, Teddyree, and I love those covers too. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
When We Fall looks good. It looks like you had a fun and busy week!
LikeLike
Oh, I did, and now I’m energized and ready to go. Thanks for visiting…enjoy your week, Sam.
LikeLike
I think it’s good to have a week to recharge like that! Purging always makes me feel good. Both of your Vine books look terrific to me.
LikeLike
Oh, definitely, Kathy, which makes me wonder why I always put it off! LOL Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
I just got an ARC of Ruth’s Journey and am looking forward to it…I loved GWTW! I also have Dear Daughter on my list…it sounds super creepy!
LikeLike
Yes, it is exciting to finally have Ruth’s Journey….glad you are looking forward to it…and I just finished Dear Daughter. Definitely had some twists and turns. Thanks for visiting, Sarah.
LikeLike
Wowza you have had a busy week! Did you take part in the Read-a-thon? 😀
LikeLike
No, I keep meaning to participate in the Read-a-thons…but always seem to find out after it is underway! Thanks for visiting, Fay.
LikeLike
There is a Holiday Read-a-thon from 6th-11th November check it out at Caffeinated Reviewer blog :D. I love a good read-a-thon! Such a great chance to dust of some bookwebs and ignore the outside world for a bit!
LikeLike
Very true, the weeks just fly by. Ruth’s Journey caught my eye.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Mary Ann…I am excited about Ruth’s Journey.
LikeLike
Awesome week! So many books!
LikeLike
Thanks, Rabbit Ears…glad you could stop by!
LikeLike
I finished Dear Daughter last week. I certainly wasn’t expecting that ending!
LikeLike
Neither was I, Leslie…I don’t quite know what to think of it. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I love that cover of When We Fall!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
LikeLike
Oh, so do I, Missie…thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
Wow, I love the cover of The Oleander Sisters.
LikeLike
Isn’t it great, Nise? So eager to dive into it. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Oh, Ruth’s Journey could be interesting. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jen…I am looking forward to it!
LikeLike
You’ve had an interesting week and a lot of interesting books.
LikeLike
I’m glad you could stop by, Mystica, and thanks for commenting. Enjoy your week, too.
LikeLike
Gorgeous granddaughter…where is she going? I love trains.
I will be curious about what you think about Ruth’s Journey.
Love the cover of The Oleander Sisters.
ENJOY your reading week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
LikeLike
She was going to the coast. I love trains, too, and now that my youngest son (her father) has moved way up north, she and I may go up there on the train to visit.
Thanks for visiting, Elizabeth, and I love the cover of The Oleander Sisters, too.
LikeLike
The cover for The Oleander Sisters is gorgeous, Laurel-Rain! I hope you’ll enjoy it, and the other books you got last week, too.
It’s so nice to purge things, and make the interior more manageable! I need to be in a specific mood to make that really work, though 🙂 Good for you that you’ve been able to keep up with it, and all is nice and uncluttered now.
Happy reading.
LikeLike
Thanks, Lexxie….glad you could stop by, and yes, I am on a roll with the purging, but I think I am about to settle down and just BE for a while. I also love the cover of The Oleander Sisters.
LikeLike
It certainly is very important to just BE every now and then! Enjoy 🙂
LikeLike
It definitely is!
LikeLike