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.
It's been about eight weeks since I published a Sunday post, but I'm back at least for this week. I'm just going to take it one day, one week at a time. I just get so overwhelmed when I have multiple things going on and I didn't have the brain power to write these posts. I have missed connecting with all of you, though, so I'm hoping I can once again be more consistent.
One good thing is I set a goal to read at least one chapter each day this year, no matter how busy life gets. One chapter a day is manageable and I've been successful with that goal so far. At least that's been helping me move forward with my reading. I've also been blogging, just not blog hopping.
But seriously. We're all given 24 hours in a day, as far as I know. Where do the those hours go? Are they with the lids that you can't find for the food containers? Do they get mixed up with missing socks? What happens to them? I don't even work (retired on disability) and I still find myself always having something to do. In one way that's great because I never feel bored. On the other hand, it can feel overwhelming.
Anyway, it's the start of a new season so here's to new beginnings.
IN THE BOOKS
RECENTLY FINISHED
I listened to Girl on the Run, written by Daryl Wood Gerber and narrated by Tina Smith. This was my first brush with the suspense genre and I'm reminded that I definitely prefer cozy mysteries. Lol. It wasn't bad. It's just that it was a little slow and dark at times (which was expected since it's a suspense). The narrator did a great job.
I read Vinyl Resting Place (Record Shop Mystery 1), by Olivia Blacke. I loved it!! I definitely want to continue reading this series. It was the perfect blend of light romance and mystery. The author did a great job introducing the characters and setting, while keeping the flow of the mystery going. I also loved how the mystery was incorporated into the record shop.
I listened to Resort to Murder, written by Annie McEwen and narrated by Patricia Burgos. Folks, this cozy mystery is as cozy as the cover looks. I like to describe it as a warm hug (with a side of murder, of course). Annie McEwen has created the most lovable characters in the coziest setting. I will most certainly continue reading or listening to this series.
For The Cozy Mystery Book Club, I listened to A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (Countess of Harleigh Mystery 1), written by Dianne Freeman and narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. This is a historical cozy mystery. The mystery was not front and center like I prefer it to be. I was pleased with the narration, but I don't think I'll continue this series.
I read Twinkle Twinkle Au Revoir (Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery 2), by Heather Weidner. This was set in the fall and they were filming a show that would air around Valentine's Day. The mystery was great in the last quarter of the book. Before that, a lot was happening, yet the story was not moving forward. I don't think this series is for me.
IN PROGRESS
UP NEXT
Ummm...let me get back to you on this. :) I have enough going on for now that I don't need to think ahead just yet.
ON THE SCREEN
- The Way Home - Season 3 ended a couple of weeks ago. I plan to post a review of the season, but for now, I'll say that I'm still completely invested in this show and I can't wait until next year when we get a fourth season! All seasons are currently streaming on Hallmark+ and season 1 is free on YouTube.
- Columbo - I've been dabbling in this series and I'm loving it. Before watching it, I didn't realize that we always know the whodunnit from the beginning and we watch as Columbo sets out to prove his case. It's amazing how well this format really works for a mystery show. I've been watching it on tubi.
- The Food That Build America - This is such an interesting docuseries. I'm not usually a fan of documentaries, but I'm loving this one. We learn about how America's most iconic foods got their start. I'm currently on season 2. The show is currently in its sixth season, so there are lots more episodes for me to watch. It airs on the History Channel, but I'm binging it on Hulu.
- Paddington 1 and 2 - I watched both of these movies. The first one is on Hulu (and I think Disney+) and the second one is on tubi this month. I loved the first one, but I would consider the second one a masterpiece! You don't need to watch the first one to understand the second on. I highly recommend the second one!!
- Hallmark movies - Of course I've also been watching lots of Hallmark movies. I've been watching all the new ones, plus some older ones that I haven't seen before.
ON THE BLOG
- Sunday Post - 01/19 - Weekly Recap
- Puzzle - 01/25 - Ro Puzzle
- Puzzle - 02/01 - Over My Dead Blog Cover
- Book Review - 02/04 - Felines and Felonies (Chatty Cat Mystery 3), by Elle Wren Burke
- Movie Review - 02/05 - One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery
- Movie Review - 02/06 - A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery
- Puzzle - 02/08 - Snacks
- Movie Review - 03/13 - Mystery Island
- Movie Review - 03/17 - Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major
- Book Review - 03/20 - Essence of Foul Play (Aroma Wellness Mystery 1), by Daryl Wood Gerber
- The Friday Six - 03/21 - Bookish response and excerpts, Feline Friday, Nature Pic
- Puzzle - 03/22 - Good Friends are Priceless
Have a great week!
Columbo is really a classic! It used to be on in the early afternoon and I would watch it. I think I’ve seen them all.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Thank you, Mae! I'm amazed there aren't more of them - less than 70 episodes, I think! Have a great week. :)
DeleteA. J. Jacobs is one of my must-read authors. He always seems to make me laugh and to look at things differently.
ReplyDeleteI do not know where the hours go. I'm just as busy retired as I was when I worked!
This book caught my attention because I love puzzles. I will have to look into his other books. I'm just as busy too, but in a much healthier way in my case. :)
DeleteResort to Murder looks so cute and cozy! I will have to add it to my list!
ReplyDeleteIt is very high on the cozy-meter. I hope you enjoy it when you read it! :)
DeleteI didn't get a Sunday Post written this week either. Sometimes I just have stuff to do!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know that we can still connect whenever time permits. :)
DeleteI'm retired and can't imagine when I ever found time to work! My days always seem filled to the brim.
ReplyDeleteI hope it's in a good way, Joy! :)
DeleteI am with you. I have no idea where times goes anymore. As I age it seems to pass faster or maybe I just forgot where I put it. Looks like you have a great week planned will look forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. Have a great week! :)
DeleteWelcome back! I have missed your posts and haven't thought to pop over and see what you have been up to. I understand wondering where the time goes, LOL! Have a great rest of your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy! You too! :)
DeleteNice to see you back blogging! You were missed. Great looking books on your list. I hope you enjoy them. I read Bayou Book Thief and loved it. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yvonne! :)
DeleteThe hours fill up and slip away. I read Mrs. Pollifax many years ago, it's excellent. Enjoy your chapter a day!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I agree - it is excellent! :)
DeleteYou've been busy! Hope you've enjoyed your reading and watching. I thought my nephew might have worked on The Food That Built America, but he was a writer and producer on The Men Who Built America. Vinyl Resting Place sounds great. Hope you enjoy your week.
ReplyDeletehttps://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2025/03/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-mailbox_23.html
Very cool, Cheryl! I want to watch The Men Who Built America also. In fact, I want to watch all of the shows in the "Built" series. :)
DeleteOne chapter a day is a great goal. I am reading one chapter a day on War and Peace and I should have it read by the end of the year. I am retired but the days are never boring either. How I used to read and work I don't know!!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, I hardly ever read when I was working. So glad I've developed a love for it and have the time and mental headspace to read now! :)
DeleteLOL, lids and socks! I think it’s TikTok and TV that make my time disappear,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great reading week
Lol. Thank you! :)
DeleteI enjoy old reruns of Columbo, we use to watch it all the time when I was young, and I have never gotten tired of it. I LOVE Paddington The Bear, we have been wanting to go see the new one but just havent had the time-hopefully this Sunday
ReplyDeleteTeri, I hope you enjoy the latest Paddington. I haven't seen that one yet. This is my first time watching Columbo. It's so good! :)
DeleteNice looking assortment of books. Welcome back. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy! :)
DeleteReading at least one chapter a day is a great plan! I want to start making sure I do that as well. And yes on Paddington 2. My adult brother (very adult..ha! He's old) and my 10-year-old daughter argued about which one was better and then finally my 10-year-old admitted Paddington 2 is very good but she has a soft spot for Paddington 1. I have read all the Paddington books to her a few times since she was 7. I hope you have a great reading week!
ReplyDeleteLol. They are both great movies. :-)
Delete