Today has been a day for rest

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Hi Everyone,

I have been pushing myself hard. Why, because I have been sick for 6 months and 2 days, and my mind is going insane, and I just felt like I needed to push myself. Well, the problem with constantly pushing myself, when breathing is a bit of an issue, on top of my anemia, is I am DRAINED.

Did you know September is National Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura Month? (You can try to say that 3 times fast, or you can just say ITP.) Wear purple, spread awareness, and learn about the power of platelets. (More in my newsletter.)

So today, I have rested. You will see that I did upload most of my previous reviews and posts on here, so they are no longer missing. I count that as a major win! You can now scroll back through the massive amounts of reviews over the past few years, should you wish, too.

I highly recommend you sign up for my enewsletter. The first one will be sent next week. Remember, if you used to get emails from me, I changed hosting servers, so now you will need to sign up again. My apologies for the inconvenience. You can easily sign up here.

I am finishing The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont. I have been off and on reading this for the past year, and I decided this week that I did want to finally finish it. Remember the Forgotten Book Challenge? Well, I scrolled through all my partially read books, and chose one to finally finish. Any of you obsessed with all the Agatha Christie shows/remakes/movies and the new short story collection? Marple looks really good! I still need to read an Agatha Christie novel. I know it is weird that I still haven’t read one, where should I begin?

I am also gearing up for Banned Book Week, one of my favorite weeks of the year. Let’s be real, I read banned books all year long. However, there was a book on Netgalley that was indeed called Banned Books by DK, so I had to request it. It takes a deeper look at the most popular banned books of all time. I will have my review ready in a few days.

Today, I also received a BUNCH of bookmail. Check out social media pages to see what surprises landed at my doorstep.

How has your Friday been? What are you reading this weekend? Hope you all are staying healthy.

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Phoebe Cakes and Friends: An Alphabet Tail

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Michelle Dumont

Illustrated By: Jennifer Zoe Taylor

Release Date: Sept 27, 2022

This is an adorable picture book, about a real-life special needs dog, who was rescued from a shelter. Join Phoebe, as she introduces readers to 26 of her furry friends. Meanwhile, readers will learn some of Pheobe’s favorite activities. This book will encourage children to love dogs, and inspire their imaginations.

If you know me, you know I love animals! I love dogs, cats, horses, whales, sharks, etc. And I love a book that teaches young readers to love animals. This cute ABC book is a wonderful introduction to the various dog breeds in existence, with a reminder to rescue! I wish my Italian Greyhounds were represented, but fingers crossed for a book two with more breeds!

Notes:

I signed up to honestly review a digital ARC of this book.

To learn more, or to purchase this books, please click here. (This is an affiliate link, meaning I will make a small commission to help pay for this blog, if a purchase is made.)

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A Quote to End the Day…

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Ariesgrl

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

~Garrison Keillor

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Cindy Hedrick

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Today, I bring to you 3 reviews of books written by Cindy Hedrick. This author will be at a Moveable Feast in Pawleys Island on 9/20/2022. For more information on this event, click here. There will be a book signing at My Sister’s Books, after the luncheon. Each of these books reflect on Cindy’s love of animals. I hope you enjoy.

Tails from SC CARES

What is SC CARES? It was the South Carolina Coastal Animal Rescue & Educational Sanctuary. It was founded and run by Cindy Hedrick and her husband for thirteen years. This sanctuary cared for exotic animals in need of help. This book shares the stories of several animals that inspired and lived at SC CARES. Each of the stories provides a moral for young readers to apply to their daily lives. There is a glossary of terms and some facts for the animals that readers will meet, such as opossums and macaws. There is a list of organizations that helped SC CARES, that families could reach out, to learn more on how they can help wildlife.

Love at First Sight

In this sequel to Tails from SC CARES, Cindy Hedrick shares more stories of animals that came to live at her sanctuary. With several uplifting stories, unlikely animals, with tragic pasts, form everlasting bonds. Readers will learn facts about all sorts of animals, from sugar gliders to llamas. Throughout the book there are several pictures showing each of the animals’ characteristics. The author demonstrates the importance each creature plays in the ecosystem and urges humans to let wild animals live in nature where they belong.

No Voice… Our Choice

Cindy Hedrick starts this book out, by explaining to readers her passion and love for animals. She encourages readers to do their own research and make their own choices, however, she wants to inform readers of the events that occur to bring food to our tables. This book is not for the faint of heart. This book is meant to inspire readers to make changes in their daily lives, as even the smallest of change can bring about the biggest impact. From world health to animal health, to human health, Cindy demonstrates that we are all connected, and if we all unite and make a few changes the world will be a better place.

Notes:

To learn more or purchase these books, click on the following links. (Please note, any purchases will be supporting the independent bookstore, My Sister’s Books.)

Tails from SC CARES

Love at First Sight

No Voice… Our Choice (please call your favorite Indie Bookstore, MSB’s #843-235-9618)

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Love on the Brain

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Ali Hazelwood

Dr. Bee Konigswasser lives her life according to her idol Marie Curie. She has been burned by love and is determined science will be her life. When the opportunity of a lifetime comes along, she is excited to make real improvements in astronauts’ lives. However, it means working with a man who has despised her since grad school. Determined to make Marie Curie and all the other women in science proud, she packs her bags and heads to Houston. However, when things keep getting lost or delayed, like her computers, she wonders if the sabotage is because she is a woman, or if it is more personal. Guided by her brain and longing for stability, Bee is determined her project, BLINK will work, no matter the cost.

Ali Hazelwood has written a fresh, new perspective when it comes to romance books. Mixing feminism, science, and romantic comedy, this one long stream of consciousness novel is, for lack of better verbiage, fabulous. Readers will be rooting for the brainiac Bee and her NASA project. Even though the beginning is predictable, readers will want to experience the road to truth between Levi and Bee. Even the secondary characters thrive in this story, with their quirks and passions. The fact that in 2022, women are still considered weaker in most fields, especially scientific ones, is disheartening and this book brings to the forefront a lot of real-life issues underrepresented people face when chasing their dreams. As for the romance, it is a slow burn that ignites a bomb. Once the bomb goes off, so do the curse words and the romance becomes the only focus. The author’s note at the end, reinforces the issues with standardized tests in today’s society. This is a book that I can honestly say, I hope makes it to the big screen, because it is hilarious… and the world could use some laughter right now.

Continue reading →
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Never Forget

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Today is 9/11.

21 years ago, our world forever changed, due to the horrific terrorists’ attacks.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

As we all process our emotions and memories from that fateful day and the events that have occurred in the years that followed, let us all remember how we came together. We set aside our differences checked in on one another, helped neighbors and strangers. We were 1. We were United. Let us remember that. Let us find that again.

Every year, I watch and read 9/11 stories and memorials. I remember my history teacher telling us that with each year, he could see the changes as each new generation was one step further away from that fateful day. How do you remember this day?

For me, I will be reading Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. Today holds a lot of emotion for me… not just for the country and the families around the world that were affected by the events 21 years ago. 14 years ago, I was diagnosed with ITP. I was watching the unveiling of the Pentagon Memorial, when the call from my doc came in, and I had to go to the hospital, not to work, but to be admitted. I remember the details from 21 years ago and from 14 years ago. In 3 days, I will mark 6 months of my body battling something 9 docs have not been able to name. So, this year, as I watch the memorials, as I remember, as I watch The Queen make her final journey, as I listen to the beginning of football season, I will NEVER FORGET. For my sanity though, I will read something light and fun, while my heart and mind remain somber.

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A Quote to End the Day…

Posted on September 10, 2022 by Ariesgrl

“Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”

~C. S. Lewis

There is magic and solace to children’s books and fairy tales. Stories that inspire imagination and bring about comfort. I am a big believer in rereading favorite tales and reading “younger” books as an adult. Not only do you pick up on things you had not recognized before, but you also learn something about yourself along the way.

What are you reading this evening?

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Let’s Talk Mood Reading

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Do you ever switch books based on your mood? I normally have 4-5 books going at once, so it is easy to switch up as needed.

Today, I needed to pull a switcheroo. Between the news of the world mourning the loss of the Queen, the murder mystery book, the fictionalized human trafficking survivor book, and the book about why the world should be vegan…. I desperately needed a switch.

Luckily, my Book of the Month box came in! I chose Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. I have never read this author, but I know this book was chosen as the Indie Next Pick for September. Have you read any of her books?

This book is fabulous! Hilarious and witty. Very easy-to-read, 1st person narrative. Focuses on Marie Curie, the brain, and the importance of women in STEM programs. (The main character is a vegan.) This is a definite Rom-Com that would play out on the screen fabulously. I already have my suspicions about the male lead, but I am looking forward to Bee discovering the truth.

I have the theme song from Dawson’s Creek playing in my head, because I am reminded of Pacey and Joey. Also, can I mention how fabulous the bookmark is… Friends don’t let Friends dog-ear books!

What is the last feel-good book you read?

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RIP Queen Elizabeth II

Posted on September 8, 2022 by Ariesgrl

The world is in mourning. She lived a remarkable life, and survived a tremendous amount.

We all know shows like The Crown and the several documentaries that have been done, but here is a list of 4 books that I have read (or are sitting on my shelf to read.)

1. The Queen: The Life and Times of Elizabeth II by Catherine Ryan

2. Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton

3. The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett

4. The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden

5. The Gown by Jennifer Robson

Please tell me what books I need to add to this list.

RIP.

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Hocus Pocus Spell Book

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Eric Geron

Disney

Step back in time to the 1600s and discover how the Sanderson sisters became so powerful. This book is filled with information from crystals to astrology, to demons, and so much more. There are pictures throughout and a few stains from Mary. Each of the sisters writes notes on some of the pages. Readers will hear their voices as they read each unique tidbit. This is a definite must-read for fans of Hocus Pocus. There is even a spell to bind oneself to a book, so we can all channel Winifred and call out, “Oh boooooooooooook!” Halloween comes around once a year, but with this book on the shelf, one can fill the void during the other 364 days. It will also help satisfy the cravings, while we all wait for Hocus Pocus 2 to be released. Since it is written in a light style of 1600 writings, it may help those who struggle to read classics. Either way, gather the family around the cauldron and enjoy this spooktacular book.

To learn more about this fabulous title, click here. (This is an affiliate link, if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.)

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