Sunday is For Reading

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Hi Everyone,

For the first time in a long time, I do not have any doctors’ appointments or testing being done this week. Therefore, my purse book, Treasure State by C. J. Box, is now sitting on the table next to me. I was even a little irritated on Friday, when I was called back to the room, just as someone was being pushed down a mineshaft. (Timing, really.) So my plan is to finish this book this week, with fewer interruptions.

I am also making my way through ancient Egypt, courtesy of Tasha Alexander’s Secrets of the Nile. This one started out a bit slow, but the closed-room murder mystery is picking up speed. There are several quips from the main character that will make you chuckle.

So long story short, my bookish passport is taking me to present-day Montana and ancient Egypt. Where are you traveling this week?

Happy Reading!

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The Secret Book of Flora Lea

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Patti Callahan Henry

You all, I love Patti Callahan Henry’s books! Then, when she started writing historical fiction, under the name of Patti Callahan, I was overjoyed! You know historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Today, I am thrilled to share with you all the cover reveal for her latest novel, The Secret Book of Flora Lee. This book will be published May 2, 2023, from Atria Books.

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Literary Critters

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Ariesgrl

William Shakesbear’s Journey for Inspiration

By: Sophie Corrigan

Narrated By: Christopher Ragland, Mike Read & Rachel Louise Miller

William Shakesbear is in need of inspiration. He has no idea what his next play should be about, therefore he decides to visit his fellow author friends in the Literary Critter Guild. He gains deep insight from the likes of Beatrix Trotter, C. S. Shrewis, and so many more. Though some advice doesn’t quite fit, he heads home to ponder. Will there be another great play, or will he need to see more friends?

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Happy National Book Lover’s Day!

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Hello all,

Last month, I asked you all to vote on my next read. There were some issues with comments, but those have been corrected. The most votes were for Treasure State by C. J. Box, which fits nicely in my purse. It has been with me to all my appointments, and I must say, I have gotten to some good parts, when they finally call my name back.

As of yesterday, I have had 9 radiological tests. As of Friday, I will be seeing my 9th doctor. Hoping this is a sign of answers. Really hoping.

Today, August 9th, is celebrated every year, as National Book Lover’s Day. (As if we need another excuse to read all day!)

Tonight, I will be reading The American Roommate Experiment, the book that had the second most votes.

How do you celebrate National Book Lover’s Day?

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Dukes Do It Better

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Bethany Bennett

(Misfits of Mayfair #3)

Lady Emma Hardwick is perfectly content, living by the sea, in her cottage with her son. She has no desire, and way too many secrets, to rub elbows with her peers in London. However, family events require her to return to London, just in time for the season. Her plans are to stay in the shadows, with the hopes that her past will not return to haunt her. When she sees Captain Malachi Harlow, she is shocked, not only by his title, but by his presence in London. Mal, prefers life on the open waters. He does not want the inherited title of dukedom, but with his father’s secrets and his mother’s insistence, his ship is going to have to wait. At least his time on land is brightened by the appearance of Lady Emma. Will these two acquaintances prove to be each other’s savior, or will past secrets doom them all?

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A Movie and a Shark

Posted on July 24, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Good Morning Everyone,

Last night, Mom and I watched The Grey Man movie. Normally, I hold stead-fast to my “Read It, Before You See It” philosophy. However, with whatever illness that I have been battling, viewing seems to be easier on my brain, than reading. (Trust me, I am very annoyed by this statement, but I have accepted it as a symptom. I have been getting more migraines, and concentration is difficult, I have been told it is due to my body fighting for oxygen, although that was 2 months ago, and I am still powering through.)

Mark Greaney’s books have been on my wish list for the past couple of years. (Honestly, I didn’t even know until last month that they had made a movie.) A few years ago, I binge-read 12 of Brad Taylor’s books, so I put a temporary hold on reading stories where one man saves the world. Still have a few more authors on my wish list, and Mark Greaney is near the top.

Let’s get back to the movie… Well, it was good. (Remember, I don’t do spoilers!) The main villain reminded me more of a cartoon villain and the main character seems a bit too pretty for the role, but made it work. (Mom mentioned that they needed a more “pretty” actor, because the true Jack Bauers (her favorite series) wouldn’t work with a young girl.) There are some very cheesy lines, like mentioning a Ken doll… and a very open ending with unanswered questions. Throughout the movie, I was picking up on some Brad Taylor characteristics, but just thought that was how my brain is wired. After the movie, I did research, and realized that it is not really a true adaptation of the first Gray Man book. Still, it was nice to watch something different (I have watched reruns of Elementary and Bones, a LOT) and I look forward to seeing a sequel.

Have you seen The Gray Man or read the books? If you have read the books, tell me which is your favorite? Do you have a series (book or show) recommendation for me?

Now, let’s move on to Sharks!

Read more: A Movie and a Shark

Today is the start of Shark Week. Now, I have been watching Shark Week for decades. Back when it was just a handful of scientists and cameramen wanting to teach the world about sharks and how we should protect them, and not fear them.

Yes, I still try and watch Shark Week every year. Mostly, I watch the day programming, where they go back, and revisit shows from years ago. I am not a fan of all the antics that have been added to the program. I get it, they need viewers, but to me, it should still be about the science.

You might ask, why am I bringing this up? Well, Andy, one of the cameraman/cinematographers from Shark Week, had posted on Instagram a Mako with a malformed jaw, from human torture, the other day. I commented, asking if he could still eat, because I was concerned about his survival.

AND YESTERDAY, YESTERDAY, Andy liked my comment!!! So yes, I had a fan-grl moment!

Are you a fan of Shark Week? Do you watch conservation shows? I have been obsessed with learning about animals, since I was a little girl taking notes on the animals featured on Kratts’ Creatures or reading about dolphins and echolocation during a summer vacation. What nonfiction animal book do you suggest?

Whether you are reading or watching something this weekend, I hope you all have a superb Sunday!

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I’m Feeling Blue…

Posted on July 22, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Hi Everyone,

It has been a rough week. Battling doctors and insurances, and pretty much just being bounced around, so I am feeling pretty blue.

Help me choose my next read. Which of these 4 books that arrived this week, should I read first?

Which would you read first?

Leave a comment below or vote on social media for my next book read. Happy Reading!

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Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Loree Griffin Burns, Photography by: Ellen Harasimowicz

Mr. Connery woke up one morning to discover a colony of bees, had made a home in his run-down barn. Feeling they did not have adequate protection from the weather, he called Mr. Nelson to rescue and move the bees to a safer place. This book tells the story through words and photographs, about all the work that goes into rescuing a colony of bees.

Honeybees are important to everyday life. This book helps teach children the importance of saving bees, and to not be afraid, just because they have stingers. There is a glossary and further reading, for families that are interested in learning more about honeybees.

Recommended for families to read aloud together.

Notes:

Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge Publishing for the opportunity to read an egalley, in exchange for my honest review.

To purchase this book or learn more about it, click here. (This is an affiliate link, if a purchase is made, I would earn a small commission.)

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God and Me at the Sea

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Ariesgrl

By: Shelley Kinder, author & Brigid Malloy, illustrator

A young girl spends the day at the beach with her family, and pet dog. She makes sand art, dances and praises God. She appreciates all that the beach has to offer. The sing song rhythm is perfect for children at any age.

This is a wonderful book. The illustrations are delightful and will make any reader feel as though they are at the beach. This book teaches readers to appreciate nature and the beautiful gifts of life. The dedication page allows for personalization that children will cherish in the years to come.

Recommended for the whole family to read aloud.

Notes:

Thanks to Netgalley and Kregel Publications for providing the egalley of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

To Purchase this book, or learn more about it, click here. (If you make a purchase using this link, I will receive a small commission.)

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Sunday is for Reading

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Ariesgrl

Hello all,

Sundays are meant for reading. Today, I am bouncing between three books. (I always chose variety, but nowadays it seems extra necessary for my brain.)

  1. The Secrets of the Nile by Tasha Alexander. This is an historical mystery that has me chuckling out loud. I just started and I am looking forward to diving in deep into the mystery. So far, I would recommend for fans of Charles Finch. This is the first book by Tasha Alexander that I have read. This book will be released in October 2022.
  2. What’s Your Grief? by Eleanor Haley and Litsa Williams. I do enjoy nonfiction books, but I always have to read them in smaller chunks. I am grateful I get the opportunity to read this book, considering the past several years, let’s just say I hope it will help me heal some wounds. This book will be out in September 2022.
  3. Rise of the Catalyst by Honor Raconteur. I have been taking this one with me to some of my doctor appts. I always enjoy books that use ancient artifacts in unique ways. The main character has a vision disability, but she is able to see the energies (good and bad) that these artifacts emit. So far this has been an entertaining read. This book is out in stores now.

What are you reading on this Sunday? The weather here is overcast and the humidity is oppressive, so I am reading indoors today.

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