The Friday Six 8

Happy Friday!

I guess my blog has been on a bit of a break. I didn't intend for that to happen, but such is life sometimes. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, slowly but surely.

Today I'm 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.

BOOK BLOGGER HOP, hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Question: August is National Romance Awareness Month. Do you have a favorite romantic book to suggest to other readers eager to celebrate love through literature. 

My response: I love romcoms and romance books similar to Hallmark movies, but with more emotional depth. The first book I read this year was a novella, Choosing Love (Mapleton 0.5), by Leah Dobrinska. I loved it and I am continuing the series. I also loved My Phony Valentine (Holiday with Hart 1), by Courtney Walsh. I'm continuing this series as well. I am likely to read any books by these authors and other authors with similar writing styles. I've also enjoyed books by Nicholas Sparks, but I have not read any of his in years.

FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower

FRIDAY 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books

BOOK BEGINNINGS, hosted by Rose City Reader

Today's excerpts are from the e-ARC format of I'll Be Home for Mischief (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery 5), by Jacqueline Frost.

Here is the beginning:

Downtown Mistletoe, Maine, was a merry and bustling place any day of the year, but just ten days before Christmas, my hometown really put on a show.

And here is an excerpt from 56%:

I glared at his outstretched fingers but eventually caved, accepting the shake. "Fine. Let's get this over with." They were unlikely to leave me alone until I talked, so I'd might as well rip off the bandage.

I love this Christmas-themed cozy mystery series, and this installment is no exception. My goal is to publish my review next Tuesday, the last day for Christmas in July.

FELINE FRIDAY, hosted my messymimi's meanderings

Fiona loves shadows, even her own. It probably makes her feel big and strong, kind of like that meme where the kitten paints a self-portrait and it's a lion.

NATURE FRIDAY, hosted by The LLB Life

It's been so hot and humid most of the time, so I was beginning to think I was going to miss seeing the crepe myrtles around my building this year. I was able to get out for a walk recently, though. This picture is from a previous summer, but it's from one of the trees that's still around my building.

A World Record Christmas (2023)

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On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. For decades, people with disabilities fought for a law like this to be passed. ADA protects people with disabilities against discrimination. It's unfortunate that we need a law like this and it's hard to believe it was passed just 34 years ago, but I'm so thankful for it and for all of those who fought for the basic human rights I and others with a disability have today. There is still much room for improvement, but it is progress.

In honor of this historic day, and in celebration of Christmas in July, today I'm sharing with you my review of A World Record Christmas. This movie premiered on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in 2023. I've had it on my DVR since it premiered and I finally watched it last week.

Charlie (Aias Dalman), a boy with autism, sets out to break a Guinness World Record by stacking the most number of Jenga blocks. His mother (Nikki DeLoach) and stepfather (Lucas Bryant) organize a fundraiser so that the community can decorate and donate blocks to help him achieve his goal.

I am always a little reluctant to watch movies with disability representation because I have seen it go so wrong. However, I do love Hallmark movies, especially at Christmas time or during Christmas in July, so I decided to give A World Record Christmas a try.

I was surprised by how much I loved this movie. I rarely give movies a rating of 5 mushrooms, but this one was well-deserving of it. I began to have hope when I looked up Aias Dalman, the actor who plays the boy with autism. I read that he is autistic in real life. There's an idea that says "nothing about us without us". Having a disabled actor play a disabled character is the perfect example of this. It is so much more authentic when someone with the disability being portrayed is included. Of course, there are many non-disabled actors out there who could excel at this role. But why not hire a talented disabled actor? This is how it should be done.

This will be obvious to many, but it is important to recognize that Charlie does not represent every child who has autism. There is a wide range of autistic individuals. Autism affects different people in different ways. However, Charlie and his parents do accurately represent some people with autism and their families. I did my student teaching with autistic children and I have a friend who is autistic, so I know this to be true.

Besides accurately representing autism, this is a great movie in other ways too. It doesn't follow all of the usual Hallmark tropes. The mother and stepfather are already married, so their dynamics are different than a couple who is just starting to date. I also loved that there aren't really any villains, except maybe the ex-husband.  However, even he had some likeable qualities.  

I also really enjoyed the platonic relationship between Charlie and his best friend. Their subplot is handled very well. Their friendship and the way they cared about each other warmed my heart. For the most part, this is a low-angst, feel-good movie. It's encouraging, while not being too inspirational. There were a couple minor plot points that were unnecessary and confusing, but the majority of the movie is so good, I can overlook them. 

This movie could easily take place any time of the year. It just happens to be set at Christmas time, which does help with the spirit of giving theme. There are also Christmas decorations up around the town that create a festive atmosphere. 

If you want to see what disability representation should look like in an overall good Hallmark movie, I highly recommend catching A World Record Christmas when it airs again on the Hallmark channel. I believe it is also on the streaming app, Hallmark Movies Now (which is soon to be renamed Hallmark+). 

Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones (Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery 1), by Heather Weidner

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I have been trying to escape the summer heat and humidity by celebrating Christmas in July. I've been watching Christmas movies and enjoying Christmas-themed books all month long. I even set out some Christmas decorations. When I found out that Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones (Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery 1), by Heather Weidner, is set in July and involves a Christmas Shoppe, I knew I had to listen to this audiobook this month.

The quaint town of Mermaid Bay is getting ready for their annual Christmas in July festivities. Unfortunately, it isn't long before a suitcase containing bones washes up on the shore. And that's just the beginning of a series of unfortunate events. Christmas shoppe owner, Jade Hicks, embarks on a mission to get to the bottom of everything before the town loses too much money due to lack of tourism. 

The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery series is off to a promising start. This first installment dives right into the mystery from the beginning. There are lots of twists and turns, complete with red herrings and enough viable suspects to keep the reader engaged throughout the book. I listened to this book, which is narrated by Carrie Coello, twice to make sure I caught everything that was happening. I did not figure out the whodunnit until it was revealed. It was fun trying to figure it all out and meeting the characters along the way. I can't wait to visit them in Mermaid Bay again soon.

If you enjoy participating in Christmas in July activities and you like clean, fun-filled cozy mysteries, Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones, by Heather Weidner, is a good choice for you. I love that this series is set around a Christmas Shoppe, but doesn't necessarily take place in December. The second installment, Twinkle, Twinkle Au Revoir, is set around Valentine's Day. It is high priority on my list to read in February!

Puzzle 88 - Christmas in July

 Are you ready for a bigger challenge?

I didn't realize at first that this puzzle has rotating pieces. That means if you're on a computer, you have to turn the wheel in the middle of your mouse to rotate the pieces. I think if you're using your phone you tap on the piece you want to rotate. It took me 10:53 to complete using 48 ROTATING pieces!

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.

The Friday Six 7

Happy Friday!

Today I'm 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.

BOOK BLOGGER HOP, hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Question: July is the month for reading by the pool or on the beach. What's your favorite summer beach book, and why is it suitable for a sunny day?

My response: Actually, for me, July is the month for reading Christmas-themed books in the comfort of my own home with the A/C on. But I have a recommendation that covers both summer vibes and Christmas vibes. It's the book from which I shared excerpts last week - Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones (Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery 1), by Heather Weidner. It is set in a beach community in July and the main character owns a Christmas Shoppe. It's a really fun start to a new cozy mystery series.

FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower

FRIDAY 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books

BOOK BEGINNINGS, hosted by Rose City Reader

Today's excerpts are from the e-book format of Christmas, Criminals, and Campers (Camper and Criminals Mystery 4), by Tonya Kappes.

Here is the beginning:

"The way Nadine carefully wove the tapestry of the small town really did make it feel like it's own character," Abby Fawn said with a deep sigh of happiness. She spoke so fondly of the book she had picked for The Laundry Club's monthly book club meeting.

And here is an excerpt from 56%:

"Hi, Hank." Abby climbed over the console. "I guess you're here for me."

I finished this cozy mystery a couple days ago and I loved it. The excerpts are from the e-book, but I listened to the audiobook. I'm definitely going to continue this series.

FELINE FRIDAY, hosted my messymimi's meanderings

Miss Tinker Bell is saying hello to all of her fans out there.

NATURE FRIDAY, hosted by The LLB Life

It's been a while since I've taken an early morning walk, but it is something I enjoy when I can get outside that early and when weather permits. This picture was taken almost exactly two years ago. I love early morning sunlight.

Love at On Deck Café (Mapleton 1), by Leah Dobrinska

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The first book I read this year was the prequel novella to Leah Dobrinska's clean, contemporary romance Mapleton series, Choosing Love. I loved it so much and I knew I wanted to continue the series. Being the mostly seasonal reader and listener that I am, I waited until around the 4th of July to listen to Love at On Deck Café (narrated by Sean Patrick Hopkins and Sarah Naughton).

Julia Derks grew up in the small town of Mapleton, where she also started her business, On Deck Café (Isn't that a clever name for a café?) When a developer, Samson Baker, shows up with plans to make significant changes to the area, Julia makes it clear she is not happy. However, opposites soon attract and the two are faced with a different kind of challenge. Can they work through their differences and come to an understanding?

While this first full-length (but quick read/listen) book in the Mapleton series didn't have the same emotional impact as Choosing Love did, I still really enjoyed it. It felt a lot like a Hallmark movie (which I love) in the form of a book. A developer swooping in typically isn't my favorite trope. There was a bit too much business talk for my taste close to the end, but the majority of Julia's and Samon's story was delightful. Even more, this is the story of the fictional small town of Mapleton, which I enjoyed. There is a strong sense of community. And if you enjoy pets in small town romances, you will enjoy the character of Mr. Waffles.

The book is told from alternating points of view between Julia and Samson. I enjoyed listening to both narrators bring these characters to life. The two different points of view give us deeper insight into each character. 

In Love at On Deck Café, there's a lot of talk about an upcoming Fourth of July Festival. I'm so glad we actually got to spend time at the festival. It wasn't just something that was discussed. I felt like I was at the festival during those scenes. It was one of my favorite aspects of the book.

While this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The town of Mapleton is the common thread, but the characters are different from the prequel novella. I love the idea of getting to know different characters on a deeper level, but still in the same charming small town.

The next one in the Mapleton series is Good to Be Home and I'm definitely planning to read or listen to it. If you enjoy sweet, clean, contemporary romances with a Hallmark vibe, I highly recommend picking up Leah Dobrinska's Mapleton series. It's light reading, not without conflict, but with feel-good vibes. 

Sunday Post 87

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

Reading Reality, who hosts Stacking the Shelves

Readerbuzz, who hosts Sunday Salon

Caffeinated Reviewer, who hosts Sunday Post

The Book Date, who hosts It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

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. 

It looks like Blogger fixed that quirky little thing that was happening with links. I can once again type the text, highlight it, then insert the link. It's easier and faster than the way I was having to do it when things got messed up.

I hope everyone had a great holiday, Canada Day for some and Independence Day for Americans. I had plans to just get some rest and relaxation that day, but at 12 noon the fire alarm in my building went off. Not knowing why, we had to evacuate. My cats don't mind fireworks, but the fire alarm is another story. It took them a while to emerge from under the couch (Fiona) and the bedroom (Bell). 

It turned out to be nothing serious, in that there was no fire. There was a major water leak coming from the unit directly above the electrical room. This caused the alarm to malfunction. This happened with the same unit back in January. That was also a day when most people were home due to all the snow we had then. It was really, really hot and humid on July 4th, so both times it happened in extreme weather conditions! Anyway, a plumber is going to take a look at that unit next week. Hopefully it won't happen again. 

I was president of my condo association from February 22, 2011 (it's always been an honor to share that date with George Washington's birthday) until a couple weeks ago. It was a three year term that I ran for (unopposed) multiple times, but it wasn't a multiple of three because I took over in the middle of someone else's term when he stepped down. I'm still on the board as a member-at-large, but I was tired of being the one in charge. I like being able to help out, but it's a relief to not be president anymore. It was my choice not to run again this year when my term was up. I'd rather pursue amateur sleuthing full time.

In other news, I'll most likely get my permanent crown on Monday. I was supposed to get it three weeks ago, but my dentist had to leave the country due to a family emergency (plus my permanent crown hadn't come in yet). I'll be glad when it's finally done. I've been trying to be so careful with the temporary crown. It will be nice to be able to chew normally on my right side again.

IN THE BOOKS

Click on 2024 Bookish Challenges on the right sidebar to see how I'm doing with this year's goals.

RECENTLY FINISHED

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I read the first novella in the Newfound Lake Mystery series, Catch of the Day, by Virginia K. Bennett. This is a straightforward cozy mystery. I'd like to continue the series when I want something light (even lighter than most cozies I've read). I enjoyed the setting and characters. To read some excerpts from it, click here.

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I also finished Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones (Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery 1), written by Heather Weidner and narrated by Carrie Coello. It takes place over Christmas in July. I listened to this twice because I had a difficult time keeping up with everything. I did enjoy it, though. You can read some excerpts here.

IN PROGRESS

I just started reading the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series, by Jacqueline Frost, I'll Be Home for Mischief. This book releases in October, but I grabbed the ARC from NetGalley. I love this series, so I'm happy to be reading this one during Christmas in July.

UP NEXT

My next audiobook listen will be Christmas, Campers, & Criminals (Camper and Criminals Mystery 4), written by Tonya Kappes and narrated by Johanna Parker. I listened to the first three in this series last month and I really enjoyed them, so I'm looking forward to this one. My Christmas in July celebration continues!

ON THE SCREEN

• The Acolyte - And the snoozefest has returned. I'm pretty sure this series is one of the ingredients in sleepytime tea. Only two more episodes left. I'm ready to move on from this series, but I've come this far and I'll see it through.
• Psych - I only have partial seasons recorded for the first few seasons and I'm almost done watching all of the ones I have in season 2. If I don't have all episodes recorded by the time I get to the series finale, I may subscribe to Peacock so I can watch the rest of them (plus the movies).
• The Santa Clause - This movie was released in the 90s, but I watched it for the first time last week. I really enjoyed it! I love how whimsical and fun it is. All three movies are on Disney+ and I am planning to watch all of them this month. Then I'll move on to the television series. 
• Falling Like Snowflakes - This is Hallmark's first Christmas in July premiere. It got mixed reviews (mostly negative, from what I read), but I really liked it and would definitely watch it again. How fun to go on a road trip in a snow plow!
• Holiday Road - Continuing with the road trip and Christmas themes, I watched this 2023 Hallmark movie for the first time. It wasn't perfect (the romance was forced and completely unnecessary), but it was perfect enough that I'd watch it again. It's a good mix of fun and heart. It really captures the spirit of kindness and togetherness whether you're family or not, while also mixing in humor at just the right moments. It's based on events that really happened. The ensemble cast was great!
• Planes, Trains, and Christmas Trees - This is a 2022 Lifetime movie. Ummm...it was okay. There were no planes or trains, oddly enough. And it was completely different from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The title is very misleading, which lead to disappointment for me.
• Cross Country Christmas - This one premiered on Hallmark in 2020. Again, not perfect, but still a lot of fun. I would watch it again. It's a great road trip movie for the holidays. Rachel Leigh Cook is one of my favorite actresses and she really brought this movie to life.

ON THE BLOG

• Sunday Post - 06/29 - Weekly Recap
• Top Ten (and More) Tuesday - 07/02 - June Caboodle of Movies and Books
• The Friday Six - 07/05 - Bookish Response and Excerpts, Kitty News and Pic, Nature Pic
• Puzzle - 07/06 - July Christmas

Have a great week!