Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
Well….the week brought good and bad things, but it’s all a matter of perspective, I guess. For the good things: I read and reviewed FIVE books (and two were nonfiction!)…and now have 84 books completed for my Read the Books You Buy Challenge.
As for the rest….I will store it all in that place inside where things must go, until I can shift my perspective enough to accept what I cannot change…which could bring a little serenity. Enough said.
Weather has been consistently cooler, but all the Christmas shows on Hallmark are making me silently protest…wait! Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet. But, of course, they had started all of that before Halloween. So…what else is new?
I’m loving seeing the fall TV shows again, and in a week, The Affair (on Showtime) returns. My Netflix viewing this week was…nonexistent. Maybe that will change this weekend.
For now…let’s grab another cup of coffee…and maybe a Mimosa…and chat.
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LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Sunday Potpourri: Falling Back…
Tuesday Sparks: Excerpting “Inheriting Edith”
It’s Hump Day! What Are You Reading?
Thursday Potpourri: Moving On….
Bookish Friday: “Echoes of Family”
Review: American Heiress, by Jeffrey ToobinReview: Stealing Jason Wilde (e-book), by Dee ErnstReview: The Two-Family House (e-book), by Lynda Cohen LoigmanReview: Unsinkable, by Debbie ReynoldsReview: Results May Vary (e-book), by Bethany Chase
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INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Empty mailbox, and no approved e-ARCs this week.
Purchased Downloads: Two!
In a Dark, Dark Wood (e-book), by Ruth Ware
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Hillbilly Elegy (e-book), by J. D. Vance
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WHAT’S NEXT? (Titles/Covers linked to Amazon)
This week, I made a list, hoping to steer myself toward books I need to read soon….Here’s what I came up with:
Currently Reading: Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter, by Kate Clifford Larson
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And then….because I need a light mystery….
Send in the Clowns (e-book), by Julie Mulhern
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How about this one?
Sting (e-book), by Sandra Brown
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That’s all, folks! And, because I’m still dealing with stuff that makes me sad, I think I’ll go to one of my favorite neighborhood places where I can hide in my book…and eat and drink something like this:
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What did your week look like? I hope you’ll come on by and share!
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Ooo, curious about Rosemary. In A Dark Dark Wood is a good thriller. Enjoy.
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I’m enjoying it, vvb, and I love being able to pick up a hardcover book to read. I don’t have a lot of them these days. Thanks for stopping by!
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I understand how you are coming to terms with things – 2016 has been a shocking year!
I’m paying far more attention to your TV watching now – I only found The Affair when I was sick a couple of months ago and watched the first series, I have just watched the first episode of the second series – loving the addition of Helen’s story!
Your books look good too as does that bowl of soup!
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Thanks for visiting, Cleo, and I do love how books and TV/movie watching can help us escape from the harsh realities around us. I am so ready for the drama of The Affair!
And blogging, too…I love how blog writing and visiting can feel like a healing pathway to serenity.
I had more soup earlier, and that helped, too! lol
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Very, very impressive week for you book-wise! I agree with you about American Heiress, good read! I learned a lot of details that weren’t public when it all happened. In a Dark Dark Wood was very good, tense, tightly-written psychological suspense. Have a good week ahead…
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Thanks, Rita, and each book was so different! I love when that happens.
Enjoy your week, and I’m also loving the Rosemary book. A part of the Kennedy family lore that I haven’t read before.
I haven’t read Ruth Ware yet, so I’m eager for In a Dark, Dark Wood.
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Five books- wow! That is awesome. I think it’s funny Hallmark is playing christmas movies already, yeah it seems a little soon. Good grief Thanksgiving isn’t even here yet! Although I gave up cable so I’m not really in the loop on shows. I do miss it. And I didn’t watch ANY Netflix this week… didn’t even log in once!
Ah Send in the Clowns. I’m thinking of reading that one next… can’t wait.
Mmm that food definitely looks like a mood enhancer ha ha!
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Thanks, Greg, and I was stunned when I counted them up and realized…they seemed to just flow, and so quickly!
I am definitely ready for more Country Club Murders and that MC!
I am thinking that I might watch some Netflix tomorrow.
Enjoy your week!
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In a Dark Dark Wood looks good. And creepy!
And I’m with you on the Christmas thing… isn’t it too early yet? (I guess not!)
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Thanks, Deborah, and I guess I wouldn’t mind the Christmas shows so much if they didn’t skip right over Thanksgiving, my favorite! lol
But…to be fair, I think I might have seen one teeny-tiny old movie about Thanksgiving.
I am definitely eager to read In a Dark, Dark Wood…I’ve only read good things about it.
Thanks for visiting, and enjoy your week.
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You are doing really well,on the buy the books you read. I hope you enjoy In a Dark, Dark Wood – mainly because I did and I always want people to like books I do 😉 Have a good week!
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Thanks, Emma, I am enjoying seeing those numbers grow!
I have been eyeing In a Dark, Dark Wood for a while now…just had to get it! I’ve read so many good things about it….so I’m pretty sure I’m going to enjoy it.
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Five books!? FIVE BOOKS! That’s awesome. Well done!
Best of luck with accepting all the things from the week – I think your way of dealing with things is a brilliant one. There’s often things we have to just accept and our reactions truly show our character.
Enjoy that delicious meal and drink! And of course the books.
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Thanks, Di, and I didn’t believe it at first, but I went and counted the books…again. Definitely not my usual number.
I have learned (slowly over the years) that accepting what we cannot change is the only way to find any calmness…or serenity. Doesn’t mean I like what happened, but it doesn’t have to rule my life. Escape works, too. lol.
Enjoy your week!
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I hate the rush for Christmas. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I am so excited for The Affair to be back. I just saw the new promo and it looks great. Enjoy your new books and have a great week!
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Thanks, Grace, I do love that show, The Affair, and it seems like it’s been a really long hiatus…thankfully, there were other shows and Netflix to fill in the void.
I think it should be a wonderful season. Enjoy!
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Rosemary is on my TBR. I love books about political familie. Enjoy!
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Thanks, and so do I, B. B.; the Kennedys almost feel like “our royalty.” I’ve been enjoying all the nonfiction selections I’ve read lately. Have a great week!
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Enjoy your books, and soup. It looks yummy. I know what you mean about the Christmas shows, not to mention the radio has started Christmas music. I told my coworkers the other day that the year was moving way to fast.
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Thanks for visiting, Shandy, and the quick passage of each year feels so surreal. Enjoy your week and your books!
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I do recall watching an excellent documentary about The Kennedys that charted the tragedy surrounding Rosemary – I hope you enjoy the book. Congratulations on reading 5 books this week – that’s an awesome number – hope you find this coming week a LOT easier! Take care. My granddaughter loves the views of your lovely home btw — and told me all about the doll that features:). Here is my Sunday Post – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/sunday-post-13th-november-2016/
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Thanks, Sarah, I loved the eclectic feel of my reading this week, too.
As for that doll, I haven’t bought any in a while, but that one was on the Amazon Vine list, if you can imagine, so I thought: why not?
I still have a few dolls out here and there, but many are packed away to avoid all the hassle of having to dust so many pieces. Enjoy your week!
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I don’t blame you! Take care and have a great week, too, Laurel.
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I’ll take that Sandra Brown book and join you. That looks delicious.
sherry @ fundinmental My Sunday Memes
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Thanks, Sherry, and I agree! Enjoy your week….
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Rosemary is on my wish list — it is such an interesting topic. I hope you are enjoying it and that you have a great week!
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Thanks, Whitney, and I am definitely enjoying Rosemary. My previous “Kennedy reading experiences” have not covered her very much.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
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I enjoy Sandra Brown books! Looks like you have some great reads 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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Thanks, Samantha, I enjoy her books, too! Thanks for stopping by, and may the new week bring better things!
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Hillbilly Elegy is on my radar so I’ll watch for your thoughts on it. At times like these I’m so thankful to be a book lover!
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Thanks, Mary, and I feel that loving books is the thing that saved me as a kid…and now, too.
I’ve just been reading about Rosemary Kennedy’s lobotomy, however…and cringing. Sometimes reading opens us up to the horrors in life, too, but then we can pick up a lighter read.
Enjoy your week!
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I have wanted to read both In a Dark, Dark Wood and Rosemary. I hope to get to them next year some time! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Thanks, La La…I am so looking forward to the horrors of the written page, as opposed to the ones in real life. Enjoy your week!
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I kinda need those Hallmark Christmas movies after this week. I just needed some feel good fluff action lol Hope you have a great week!~Aleen
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I have the Hallmark Channel playing (on mute) today, as I read. A great backdrop. I’ll even watch some of the movies later.
Thanks for visiting, Aleen, and let’s have a great new week!
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This week really has been a strange one. I’m all for escaping into my TV shows and books. I’m looking forward to The Affair returning.
Send in the Clowns is on my Kindle. Now I just need more reading time 🙂 It does look good though. Have a great week!
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Thanks, Yvonne, and I’m all for a very different kind of week! I think I should stay off of FB, as some really annoying posts are still circulating.
Enjoy your week, and I can’t wait to read Send in the Clowns.
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I really want to read “Hillbilly Elegy” – hope you enjoy it. I am excited to read your review!
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Thanks, Katie…hope to enjoy it soon! Glad you could stop by.
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Definitely looks like a great place to go and help with the sadness. I want to get to one of Ruth Ware’s books soon.
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I am eager to read it, Nise…thanks for stopping by, and I plan to totally escape to books and blogging this week.
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I had a very, mad week. I need to go find some food like you have pictured! Comfort food!
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Thanks, Anne, I completely recommend that food! Enjoy!
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Congratulations on a wonderful week of reading!
Have a great week!
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Thanks, Sam, I was grateful for the escape! Enjoy your new week, too.
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I do want to read “Hillbilly Elegy.” I’ve had my eye on it for a while now…
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I have seen it around the blogosphere, and then, on a talk show, someone mentioned it. Thanks for visiting, Melinda, and enjoy your week.
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Enjoy your books and the food looks good. I’m guilty of watching the holiday movies in the Hallmark channel already lol 😊
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I’ve watched a couple, Naida, but I’m trying not to fully engage with the season…yet. lol. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
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I am so sorry to hear you are having a sad time. I hope things turn around for you soon. Getting lost in books is an excellent cure. 🙂 I have just started seeing things about the book Rosemary. I am going to have to check into that one. Anything about the Kennedy family has always fascinated me, especially her story. I’ll be waiting to hear what you think.
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Thanks, Susan, and I also love books about the Kennedys…they’ve always felt like “our royalty” here in the states.
I agree about getting lost in books.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting and for your kind thoughts.
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Five books in one week is impressive, Laurel.
I actually hit a record of reading five books in the last four weeks. 🙂 I never read that many books in that span of time, but they were all so good that must be why. 🙂
Rosemary is getting a lot of buzz.
ENJOY all of your books and your week.
Thanks for coming by my blog earlier.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
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Thanks, Elizabeth, and I rarely read that many. Usually I hit three…or maybe four.
I needed to bury myself in books this week! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your new week.
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Try to find a happy place or at least happy books. I want to try Dark Dark Woods as I expected more from the newest but it was just okay.
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Thanks, Marce, I am definitely searching for that happy place. Enjoy your week!
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Oh now you make me want to read Rosemary. love anything Kennedy related. So different to the ‘elect’. Now I hear he doesn’t want to live in the White House. So crazy.
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OMG, how surreal is that! I am still trying to wrap my mind around the events of this past week, so reading about the Kennedys reminded me of how different things were in the past.
Thanks for visiting, Kathryn.
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You got some great books this past week. I have been curious about Hillbilly Elegy and want to read In a Dark, Dark Wood.
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Thanks, Lola, I am very excited about the new books. Enjoy your week!
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I should check to see if I have the Hallmark Channel. I’ve been hearing about some things that I would enjoy. On the other hand, I don’t need another time sink. This has been an interesting political week, hasn’t it? Come see my week here. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, and we didn’t have the Hallmark Channel, I’d even asked my provider if we could get it…and then, suddenly, there it was, with no hint that it was coming! I love having it.
Enjoy your week!
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I just got back from a 12 day cruise, and trying to get back into reality. Had a good time celebrating our 40th anniversary. That lunch looked really good.
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Thanks, Mary Ann, and that cruise does sound like just the ticket. Enjoy your week.
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It has been a hard, emotional week. I am so disappointed in the hate and negativity. It is especially bad here in Portland. Not matter how one feels about the results, it is time to pull together and respect each other. I am glad that you at least got some reading done. It is nice to escape into a good book.
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Thanks, Heidi, and I, too, am hoping for a better week, immersed in books, movies, etc. Enjoy!
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I’m sorry to hear you are having some sad things going on. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Thanks, Pat, and I’m hoping that events will unfold in a better way than anticipated. Enjoy your week!
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Oh Laurel, it’s going to take us a good long while to recover from the election. We will both need a few (many) martinis and books to help us! I can relate completely. That Rose Kennedy book seems a bit sad — like she was hidden away and treatments were done on her, but it seems the family loved her too? Let’s hope for a better week. Sigh
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Thanks, Susan, here’s to many happy martinis! And books…lol.
Yes, from the book, it seemed as though the parents, especially Rose, worked really hard to find solutions for Rosemary.
The photos showed her as a very beautiful child and young woman, which made it so sad that she couldn’t realize the potential she might have had.
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Sorry last week wasn’t the greatest. I hope things are better for you this week! You certainly had a busy week last week reading. I only managed to read the one book, Send in The Clowns looks like my type of read, I might just have to get that one myself.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today 🙂
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Thanks, Kimberly, and turning to books helped me get through the week. Plus, the books were page-turners, which is always a good thing. Enjoy your week!
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My week was a bit hectic, but the weather has been great. We need to take advantage of it while it lasts. Send in the Clowns has been on a lot of blogs lately. Need to add it to my wish list. Hope you enjoy your books.
http://www.thebusymomsdaily.com/2016/11/mailbox-monday-nov-14.html
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Thanks, Cheryl, and I loved the first three books in the Country Club Murders series…so Send in the Clowns should be fun. Thanks for visiting.
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Way to go rock star!! Five books read is an amazing accomplishment! I find myself eagerly turning to books this week as a way to disconnect and breathe from the chaos surrounding us currently. Books are always a constant that we can count on in tough times. Hope you have a blessed week and thanks for visiting me!
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Thanks, Stacey, I definitely love the fact that books are a comfort zone, a place of respite. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
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You are doing amazing on your challenge. For next year I need to concentrate on the books I’ve purchased. The weather has also started to cool down here in Sacramento and I love this time of year. I hope you have a great week and happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I plan to focus on some of my older books after this challenge is over…it only covers the ones from June 2015 forward.
Enjoy your week!
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I’m sorry you have some sad things in your life right now Laurel. I think it has been a sad year for the world in general. I hope your books, your shows and other things you love will give you some welcome distractions. Send in the Clowns looks interesting.
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Thanks, Trish, and books, movies, etc., are definitely a great way to find some joy. Have a great week!
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