Hello, friends!
On these blogs you will be able to see links to the posts from others who are participating in these blog hops, and if you're a blogger, you can join too.
I know I've mentioned how much I dislike summer because of the heat. The other reason is storms. We had some intense thunder boomers yesterday with fierce winds. I am grateful that my area was not hit too hard, but other areas nearby have so much damage due to the high winds. I don't think there were any tornadoes, but microbursts tend to be destructive too.
On the bright side, we are now in the clear with lower temps and lower humidity. Today is absolutely delightful, in the low 80's, and it's expected to last for several days.
Because of the weather, July is usually one of my least favorite months of the year. However, after having fully embraced Christmas in July, I have to say, it was a very enjoyable month. Along with watching Christmas movies and reading Christmas-themed books, I won five book giveaways in July alone. That's more than the total number I've won over the past year! Now I just need to reorganize my bookshelf to make room for all of them. I also need to stop borrowing so many books from the library (as much as I do love the library) and start focusing more on the ones I already own.
IN THE BOOKS
To see how I'm doing with my 2023 bookish challenges, click on 2023 Bookish Challenges on the right sidebar.
RECENTLY FINISHED
I listened to Blackberry Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen Mystery 17), by Joanne Fluke and narrated by Suzanne Toren, last week. Since I read the book last year and I remembered the gist of it, I doubled the speed. I can't do that for books I haven't listened to or read yet, but it worked for this one. You can read my full review here.
I listened to Misty of Chincoteague (Misty 1), written by Marguerite Henry and narrated by Edward Herrmann. It was a nice easy listen - exactly as I thought it would be.
I finished reading Letters from Cats: Hilarious and Heartfelt Notes, by Stacey Ritz. It was pretty good, I was surprised to see that half of the e-book is actually previews of other books. When I was at 61% in the book, I actually only had 9% left to read! The notes were cute, relatable. and heartfelt.
IN PROGRESS
UP NEXT
ON TELEVISON
- Secret Invasion - The season finale premiered last week. I ended up enjoying this series more than I thought I would, even though it's still not my favorite type of show. I also think it would have been better as a movie.
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered - I watched The Impossible Dream and From the Heart, both of which I enjoyed. I'll probably watch a couple more in the series this week.
- Christmas in July - Christmas in July has concluded, as far as my movie-viewing goes. I will post my full list of movies watched in July on Tuesday. I think I'll also do a book summary on that same post.
WEEKLY BLOG RECAP
- Sunday Post 07/23 - Week In Review
- Review 07/24 - Take Me Back for Christmas (2023)
- Blog Birthday 07/25 - Caboodle of Cozies Turns One - Introducing the Index
- Review 07/26 - Blackberry Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen 17), by Joanne Fluke
- Five for Friday 07/28 - Memoirs, Fritters, and torbies
- Puzzle 07/29 - Cottage Book Illustration
Wishing you a wonderful end of July and beginning of August!
All those books look so good. I have Letters From Cats. I still have to read it. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yvonne. You too! :-)
DeleteI remember Misty of Chincoteague from when i was a young girl. It's been so long, i think i need to go back and reread it.
ReplyDeleteIt has certainly stood the test of time. :-)
DeleteWe had some storms blow through too. Luckily it's been relatively mild here, compared to a lot of places where they're really getting hammered with heat.
ReplyDeleteI still need to watch the Secret Invasion finale!
Yeah, as hot as it's been here in Maryland, I know other places are even hotter. I'll be curious to know what you think of the Secret Invasion finale. :-)
DeleteI felt like it was a little rushed, and it felt like gravik went down rather easy after they spent the whole show building him up? I like G'iah though. :)
DeleteI've heard others say it was rushed. I kind of like that it was short and they didn't waste any time. Lol. And I like her too. :-)
DeleteI hate thunderstorms too. Had never heard of Firefly Jar but I do like women's fiction.
ReplyDeleteKathryn, it's a new release, just a few months ago, from a debut author. Another one in the series was just released last week and I think a third one is coming later this year. :-)
DeleteI loved Misty as a kid! July is my least-favorite month too. It's nonstop heat and tornados. I hope you're having a great week.
ReplyDeleteWe seem to be getting more and more tornadoes, but they're not as strong as they are in some other states. Glad to know I'm not the only one who isn't a fan of July. :-)
DeleteI am not a summer lover either. Too hot, storms, biting bugs. No thanks. All of your books look great!
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. The bugs are another reason I'm not a fan of summer. :-)
DeleteCongratulations on all your book wins in July. It's the perfect time to celebrate Christmas. A great reprieve from the heat.
ReplyDeleteMisty of Chincoteague is an old, old favorite. Whew. Just figured it up. Almost sixty years ago is when I first read it.
Deb, I love that this book has stood the test of time. :-)
DeleteI love the long days of summer although I too can do without the heat and thunderstorms. More daylight is my favorite thing. You have lots of good books here. I'm not quite sure I understand the appeal of Christmas in July but am glad you are enjoying it. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy, I think Christmas can be celebrated any time of year in various ways, but I love having it in July since that's typically my least favorite month. It gives me something joyful to celebrate. :-)
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