Saturday, January 31, 2026

Sunday Post 126

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

So here we are at the end of January. I've been keeping up with NetGalley Reading Journal to log everything I read. These are not so much challenges for me. They're more of a way to track everything after I finish books, simply because I enjoy doing so. Although it's from NetGalley, I use it for all books I finish. Here is my January Check-In:


All of the books I finished were cozy mysteries, so I didn't read any new-to-me genres. I thought In Farms Way, by Amanda Flower, was set in January, but it's actually set in February. Since there were other books I wanted to read in January, I decided to move In Farms Way to my late February TBR. My favorite book was Public Anchovy #1, by Mindy Quigley. Honestly, it's going to be hard to top that one for the entire year. But we'll see.

My NetGalley ratio dropped because I requested and was surprisingly approved for another book - Moonlight Murder, by Uzma Jalaluddin. I'm really going to put more of an effort into reading NetGalley books soon after I receive them, while also reading ones already on my shelf. So hopefully in due time my NetGalley ratio will rise. I was hoping to finish at least one more book by the end of January, but it was not to be. However, I did enjoy all of the ones I finished. Here are the ones I finished:


And here are the U.S. states I visited through cozies:


It's probably impossible to see the titles of the books, but I'm tracking which books took me to each state. Again, not a challenge. I'm not intentionally trying to visit all the states. I just like seeing which ones I do visit. If I visited a state more than once, like Pennsylvania, then I note all the cozies that took me there.

Overall, I'm pleased with how my reading went in January. And I posted reviews for all books I finished.

IN THE BOOKS

RECENTLY FINISHED
🍄🍄🍄🍄
I finished listening to Murder with Cinnamon Scones, written by Karen Rose Smith and narrated by C. S. E. Cooney. This is the follow-up to Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes. The mystery was tighter and more prominent in this one, but I still wanted more "bread crumbs". Also, there were a lot of characters to keep track of. I've gotten used to the narration. I liked the book enough to continue the series in the spring.
IN PROGRESS
Week 6 in The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, written by Margaret Renkl and illustrated by Billy Renkl, was about finding comfort in nature when the world seems to be falling apart. She recognizes that bad things happen, but that we can also find truths in nature that give us hope. It helps to turn off the news and tune into nature.
Moonlight Murder (Detective Aunty 2), by Uzma Jalaluddin is still in progress. I'm about 60% into the ARC. I'm enjoying it overall, but I'm turned off by the sprinkling of strong language. There was none of that in the first one, so it surprises me to see it in this one. Fortunately, the rest of the book is strong.
I started working on Trapped in the Bookstore, by Beth Martin. This is basically an Escape Room in a book. The reader is the main character and we have to solve puzzles to move on to each part of the bookstore and eventually (hopefully) escape. It's a concept I've never seen in a book. Beth Martin is a local author and I had the pleasure of meeting her last fall.
UP NEXT
I've had The Tell Fang Heart (Vampire Boutique Mystery 2), by Elle Wren Burke, on my TBR for a while and I was recently reminded that it is set around Valentine's Day. So this one is up next. I bought a signed copy directly from the author a couple years ago, so it's also on my physical book shelf.
My next audiobook listen will be Sleep in Heavenly Pizza (Deep Dish Mystery 4), by Mindy Quigley. This one is set around Christmas. I usually save these for Christmas in July or December, but book 5 is set around Valentine's Day and I want to read that one soon without skipping book 4.
ON THE SCREEN
  • Gilligan's Island - This is random, I know. I've been recording the whole series. I had seen a few episodes before, but never the pilot. I remedied that. But I don't think I'll be watching too many more episodes. It's a little too over-the-top for my taste. Also, why are Ginger and the movie star not in the opening credits in the pilot, but they are in that episode?
  • Let it Snow - This movie, I think, first aired on Hallmark, but it's now on GAF. I've always enjoyed it, so I watched it again. It's fitting for the season even though it's a Christmas movie.
  • Christmas Under Wraps - This is another older Hallmark Christmas movie, but is fitting for the season because of the snowy scenes. I had seen it before and enjoyed it, so I watched it again.
  • Love on the Amazon - This is part of Hallmark's 2026 Winter Escape series. Hmmm...this is not one I'll be watching again. It's okay, I guess. Maybe.
  • Amazing Winter Romance - I love this 2020 Hallmark movie. It has one of my favorite tropes where two childhood friends reunite and fall in love. Their playful banter in this movie is fun to watch. Plus, there's a lot of snow in it.
  • Caught By Love - This is another one in Hallmark's 2026 Winter Escape series and so far it's my favorite. The strong leads, Rachel Leigh Cook and Luke McFarlane, make it great. There's a also a fun mystery element to this one.
ON THE BLOG
Have a great week!
at No comments:
Labels:

Puzzle 126 - Winter Promise

This puzzle came up as a suggestion for me and I loved it! It took me 4:01 using 35 non-rotating pieces.

Your turn!

at No comments:
Labels:

Friday, January 30, 2026

Friday Features 28

Happy Friday!

Today I'm once again participating in six blog hops.  You can click on the host links below to find the blogs of others who are participating in each blog hop. If you're a blogger, feel free to join through the host links.

Question: Do you struggle to start a new read after finishing a truly amazing one?
My response:  No, I don't. I'm always excited to start a new book no matter how good the last one was.



Today's excerpts are from the audiobook format of Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes (Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery 1), by Karen Rose Smith.

Here's the beginning:
The Victorian house with its gray siding and white gingerbread trim loomed in front of Daisy Swanson as she and Tessa Miller approached it.

And here's an excerpt from 56%:
    "Aunt Iris. Are you back home?"

    "Oh, Daisy. I don't know what to do." Her aunt's voice shook and she sounded panicked.

I finished this cozy mystery last week and I really enjoyed it. This week I've been listening to the second one in the series, Murder with Cinnamon Scones. The series is ten books long and I plan to read or listen to all of them.

This past Wednesday was National Daisy Day, so I'm again shining the spotlight on Fiona Daisy. It isn't enough that there's a cat tower in the living room where the blinds are wide open. She's got to have a challenge, otherwise what's the point?

With the storm that affected so many people last weekend, my area ended up with about 11 inches of snow and sleet. We haven't had temps above freezing since before that storm hit and we won't for at least several more days, so it will stick around for a while. It was an unusual storm with such a thick layer of ice on top of the snow. Our schools have been closed all week. I don't mind the cold weather, as long as the electricity stays on. (It's summer that I'm not a fan of.)
at 6 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The Puzzler, by A.J. Jacobs

🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄

Happy National Puzzle Day!

When I saw The Puzzler, by A.J. Jacobs, I knew it was a book I needed to read. I love all kinds of puzzles and this seemed like it was perfect for me. I took my time reading it throughout the year last year. I started it in January and finished it in December. I'm pleased to say, it was everything I thought it would be and more!

This is a very comprehensive deep dive into puzzles. Each chapter covers a different kind of puzzle, some that I've never even heard of. The author takes the time to share the history of each kind of puzzle. He did his research online and by meeting with experts in their respective field of puzzles. For example, for the chapter on jigsaw puzzles he consulted with Karen Puzzles. Before reading this book, I had never heard of her. I quickly learned that she is a popular YouTuber who shares videos on jigsaw puzzles, including time lapses, reviews, speed puzzling competitions, and more. In most, if not all of her videos, she offers useful tips for speed puzzling and for just leisurely puzzling. I've been hooked on her YouTube channel ever since. She's been posting videos since 2018 and continues to do so today, so I happily have plenty of videos to catch up on.

But back to the book. At the end of each chapter there are puzzles for the reader to work on, with solutions. Some of the solutions are right there on the page. There are "warnings" that the solution is coming. However, for most of the puzzles, the answer keys are in the back of the book. Admittedly, I did not do most of the puzzles, but it's nice to know they are there when I want to do them.

Occasionally, there was the use of strong language. It wasn't necessary and I found those rare instances distracting. Thankfully, though, it did not stop me from enjoying and learning from the book overall. In fact, the author writes with light humor, which was quite entertaining at times!

If you love puzzles, then this is a book you'll want to pick up. I recommend owning your own print copy if you want to work on the puzzles. There are also resources you may want to refer to from time to time. 

Do you enjoy working on puzzles? If so, what is your favorite kind? If you've been following my blog, I bet you can figure out which kind is my favorite!
at 2 comments:
Labels:

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sunday Post 125

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

Last week I said I wanted real snow. Well, I got real snow! I hope everyone in the path of the storm is doing okay. Here in Central Maryland at noon on Sunday we are getting a mixed bag of snow and sleet.  I think we have about seven or eight inches of snow so far, with sleet on top of that. It's supposed to end sometime tonight, but not before turning to freezing rain. That's the worst, so hopefully the freezing rain won't last too long.

I have a confession to make. Here is the reason why I didn't publish a Friday Features post last week.


I had started it earlier in the week and I wanted to get it done. Over three sessions, it took me a total of about four hours. The brand is Pomegranate and it's 300 pieces. At least it was a good way to celebrate Feline Friday, right?

I also did this mini puzzle on National Popcorn Day. I bought it years ago at a local gift shop and I've redone it a few times since then. I love popcorn and puzzles, so it was a perfect gift to myself.

I don't think I will start a new puzzle anytime soon because it distracts me too much from getting other things done.


IN THE BOOKS

RECENTLY FINISHED
🍄🍄🍄🍄
I finished listening to Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes (Daisy's Tea Garden 1), written by Karen Rose Smith and narrated by C. S. E. Cooney. I wasn't crazy about the narration and I wish the mystery was more prominent, but overall I did enjoy it. I'm interested in the subplots and will continue the series.


IN PROGRESS
Week 5 in The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, written by Margaret Renkl and illustrated by Billy Renkl, talked about the benefits of an unkempt garden. I've always been a fan of this. I love dandelions and such. I'm thankful that my condo board supports not having pesticides around our building. I wish I could say the same was the case for the other three buildings in my community, but we do what we can.
Moonlight Murder (Detective Aunty 2), by Uzma Jalaluddin is of to a great start. I'm about 20% into the ARC. This is another one where I'm enjoying the subplots, as well as the mystery aspect of it. I think the mystery in this one is even stronger and more prominent than in the previous one, which I also enjoyed.
Murder with Cinnamon Scones, written by Karen Rose Smith and narrated by C. S. E. Cooney, is the follow-up to Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes. This second one is set in January, so being the mostly seasonal reader that I am, I decided to start listening to it now. I'm enjoying it even more than the first one. The subplots are still being addressed, but the mystery is more prominent in this one.
UP NEXT
I have a few ideas, but I'm not sure exactly which one I'll read or listen to next.

ON THE SCREEN
  • That '70s Show - I'm about halfway through season 1. I'm glad I found another comedy show to binge. I've been watching one episode almost every day.
  • Karen Puzzles (YouTube Channel) - I've been meaning to write about this for a while. This is my favorite YouTube Channel. Karen Puzzles has been sharing YouTube videos for years. She used to share them weekly, but nowadays it's more like once every couple of weeks. That's still a lot of videos! I only discovered her channel last year when I was reading The Puzzler, by A.J. Jacobs, and I was instantly hooked. She posts all kinds of videos related to jigsaw puzzles - reviews, puzzle hauls, speed puzzling competitions, time lapse puzzling videos, and more. She does everything from mini puzzles to giant puzzles to 3D puzzle. Her videos are very professional-looking, yet she has a fun and comforting personality. I've learned a few tips from her too. If you enjoy puzzles, this might be a channel on YouTube you would be interested in. I watch all of her new videos and I've also been going back and watching her older videos.
Yikes! I didn't watch any Hallmark movies this past week!! 

ON THE BLOG
Have a great week!
at 14 comments:
Labels:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Public Anchovy #1 (Deep Dish Mystery 3), by Mindy Quigley

🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄

It's been a couple of years since I read Six Feet Deep Dish (Deep Dish Mystery 1), by Mindy Quigley. I really enjoyed it and had always intended on continuing the series. I recently listened to the second one, Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust, and not long after that, I read the third one, Public Anchovy #1. I'm so glad I've continued the series. Public Anchovy #1 is not only my favorite installment in the series so far; it's one of my favorite cozies I've ever read since I got hooked on the genre five years ago.

Delilah O'Leary runs a gourmet deep dish pizzeria in the fictional town of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. In this third installment, Delilah and her staff are hired to cater a Prohibition-themed fundraiser at the host's mansion. Everyone is on site, including Delilah's cat, Butterball, and ready for a festive evening until a dead body is found. At first it looks like Butterball is the culprit, but it isn't long before it's clear that the victim was murdered by one of the humans who was at the party. 

Due to a severe storm, some guests manage to leave the mansion, but several are trapped overnight. Road conditions are unsafe and the authorities are unable to make it there anytime soon, except for Detective Calvin Capone who was already there for the fundraiser. Capone, Delilah, her entire staff, and several guests are forced to wait out the storm in the mansion with the dead body on the premises, knowing that a killer could be among them. Can they leave in time before the killer strikes again?

One thing I do not often mention in my reviews is setting, but it's worth noting in this installment. The setting felt like a character itself. The details of the mansion are described so vividly I could imagine myself being there. I am not a fan of thunderstorms in real life, but I loved how it was a major factor in this book. The mansion combined with the storm at night felt haunting, but in the cozy realm. I am a huge fan of when weather factors into cozies and this was certainly the case here. It played out perfectly.

I loved revisiting all of the main characters who attended the fundraiser. There is a touch of romance, which was just enough for my liking. I enjoyed how one relationship specifically progressed and I'm excited to see what happens next in future installments. There was one main character from previous installments who was not in attendance, but she was still mentioned in this one. The closed setting in the mansion also gave us the opportunity to get to know the suspects and their possible motives. I really enjoyed the cat, Butterball, in this installment as well. He felt like one of the main characters who played an important role. Butterball also provided us with some comic relief at just the right times.

The book takes place primarily over one night, which I loved. Most of the cozies I have read take place over about one week, which is also fine. But I thought the shorter period of time in this one really worked. The entire story moved along at a comfortable pace.

The mystery is well-plotted and solid. There are enough suspects, twists, and turns that kept me guessing until the big reveal, which was epic. There were several times when I thought I knew who the culprit was, only to change my mind because of something else that came up.

Despite the circumstances of the mystery, the author still managed to bring food into the story. I loved reading all the foodie talk, which made me crave pizza so badly that I had to have some while reading the book. At the end of the book there are several unique recipes, including some that contribute to a "free from" pizza. The "free from" pizza is gluten free, dairy free, and nightshade free.

This is a cozy that will stick with me for a long time. I rarely re-read books because my TBR list is so long, but this is one that I can see myself revisiting in the future. I'd love to read it again to see if I can pick up on clues that I didn't notice before. I'd also love to experience the setting again. It was all so masterfully done.

In the meantime, I will certainly be continuing the series. I love knowing there are other books in the series that have already been published. I look forward to reading them! You can certainly dive into the series beginning with Public Anchovy #1 since it is a self-contained mystery, but if you want to follow the characters from the beginning, start with Six Feet Deep Dish and read them in order.
at 2 comments:
Labels:

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Sunday Post 124

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

On the above blogs you will be able to see links to the posts from others who are participating in those blog hops, and if you're a blogger, you can join too. 

We meet again! I had two appointments early last week, then the rest of the week was pretty low-key. I received my new driver's license in the mail and cancelled the appointment I had scheduled at MVA. Very thankful that is done. I'm good for another seven years. I started a new puzzle, which I will share on my blog when it's done. You will see in my blog recap below that I'm now starting to review puzzles I complete. I don't anticipate this one taking me too long, but I won't have time to work on it again until around mid-week.


We had some snow this morning, which was nice, but unfortunately it wasn't much and it didn't stick around too long. I blinked and it had already melted when I opened my eyes. We're expecting a little more on Sunday, so we'll see how much that delivers. It isn't predicted to be much. Where is my snowstorm?? I want real snow!

IN THE BOOKS

RECENTLY FINISHED
🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄
I LOVED  Public Anchovy #1 (Deep Dish Mystery 3), by Mindy Quigley! If you enjoy cozies and you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. This installment in particular was so good! It's one of the best cozies I have ever read. I will review it on my blog, but in the meantime, you can read some excerpts here.


IN PROGRESS
Week 4 in The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, written by Margaret Renkl and illustrated by Billy Renkl, was about observing nature from indoors when you can't get outside. My condo faces only one direction towards a shopping center, but there is still lots of nature to be seen. There are a lot of trees, plus the vultures and crows can often be seen perched or flying overhead.
I'm about halfway through Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes (Daisy's Tea Garden 1), written by Karen Rose Smith and narrated by C. S. E. Cooney. I'm enjoying this enough that I will likely continue the series after this one is done. The main characters have depth and I'm interested in seeing how their lives progress.
UP NEXT
Moonlight Murder (Detective Aunty 2), by Uzma Jalaluddin is still up next. I'm planning to start it on Sunday. This is an ARC I received on NetGalley. It released in a few months.

ON THE SCREEN
  • A Melbourne Match - This was Hallmark's second new movie of the year. It's part of their Winter Escape theme. I'm probably the only one who thought it was just okay. The scenery was nice, but the plot didn't grab me. I think I'm just really missing the non-Christmas winter-themed movies they used to air in January.
  • Winter in Vail - I had seen this 2020 movie before and really enjoyed it, so I watched it again. It's very cozy and perfect for the season.
  • Golden Girls - I really want to finish this season soon. I have about 10 more episodes to watch. I watched a couple more of them this past week. It's on Hulu, as well on The Hallmark Channel.
  • That '70s Show - I don't exactly need another show to watch, but here we are! This is my first go 'round with this show. It's pretty funny. I can see why it lasted as long as it did. I've watched the first few episodes from season 1 so far. The show airs on the Laff television network, which I get on frndly tv.

ON THE BLOG

Have a great week!
at 16 comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)