WWW Wednesday #85 | April 29, 2020


WWW Wednesdays is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words.
Just answer three questions and share what you're reading.


The current stay-at-home order here in Florida expires tomorrow and, as of this morning, there's been no word from the governor on what happens next. Is he extending it? Is there even a plan beyond April 30th? Who knows. I wasn't overly impressed with him before the pandemic and even less so since. I wish we had a Gavin Newsom (CA) or an Andrew Cuomo (NY) instead of this clown. *sigh* What's the situation where you are? Has your area's stay-at-home order been extended?

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

     


Currently reading: I'm just over half through Sure Shot and there's nothing about it that I don't like. :) Sarina Bowen has a way of writing the most genuine, likable characters. They get me every time. In this case, it's Bess and Tank and they are so good together. Now if they would both just get out of their own way and accept that fact. LOL
Current progress: 56%

Currently listening: I'd totally forgotten that I fairly recently tried another audiobook by A.L. Jackson (Catch Me When I Fall) and DNF'd it quickly. Alison reminded me of that and it instantly made sense of the issues I have with this current one. Suffice it to say, Jackson has a distinct writing style (read: so overly dramatic) and it does not work for me. But, seeing as I'm three-quarters through this one, I'm seeing it through till the bitter end. Heaven help me.
Current progress: 77%

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
What I read: I'd been meaning to/wanting to read something by Devney Perry for at least two years. Now it's finally happened and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long! The Coppersmith Farmhouse was just such a "me" story. I fell right into the story from the very beginning, pulled for the characters even as I recognized their flaws, and loved Perry's writing. I even recommended it to my mother a few days ago. It's more graphic than she likes but I think the story will make up for it. :)

 What I listened to: Cake was another hit. It's been sitting in my Audible app for ages and, on a whim, I finally decided to listen to it. I'm so glad I did because I seriously loved it. It got dark in places (Jake's back story was utterly horrific and hard to take in) but, oh my goodness, I was so completely invested in this one. And even though the series continues on with different characters, I will definitely be all over the next books (fingers crossed there will be glimpses of Jake and Casey in those books). Hopefully I'll get reviews posted for both of these very soon.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'LL READ NEXT?
  
    


I need to get moving on Big Summer since it releases in just a couple weeks. 

What are you currently reading?
I wanna know! :)

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The Sunday Post #205


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news - a post to recap the past week on your blog, 
showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is
coming up on your blog in the week ahead. You can find the info here:
Sunday Post Meme

  • I've made it a point to get out of the house more over the last several days and it's made a big difference. Nothing major - just walks in the neighborhood or going for a drive after dinner in the evening - but it's helped. I think I was taking the isolation thing to the extreme for a while and wasn't even stepping foot outside the house. I can be out while still distancing so I'm trying to do more of that.
  • Friday was my younger sister's birthday (happy birthday, Terri!) and I actually got to see her which was fun. She and my niece showed up for the Friday Night Driveway Picnic at my mom's house. No gift-giving, and we all still kept our distance, but it was still great to be able to see her on her birthday. I'll be happy when we can actually get together and celebrate properly.
  • My latest obsession: Coke Zero Cherry Vanilla. Love it! I switched to Coke Zero last year (I like it so much better than Diet Coke... and don't even get me started on Diet Pepsi. *shudder*) but I discovered the cherry vanilla version last week and let me just say - I am obsessed. It might be the very thing to get me through quarantine. LOL
  • This week's 80's music fix is a one-hit wonder from Q-Feel. Actually, the "hit" part might be stretching it. It wasn't ever really a hit at all, but Dancing In Heaven is a catchy song and it was used in the super-cheesy but fun movie Girls Just Want to Have Fun (starring a very young Sarah Jessica Parker). I'd never seen the video before today and it's so heinously bad I just had to share. Why do the guys in the background have headsets and microphones? What's the purpose of the two girls? Are they supposed to be... dancing? What are the white sticks they're holding? Are they guiding an airplane in for landing? You be the judge. 
WHAT I COMPLETED IN THE LAST WEEK:
WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING: 
    
     

READING:
Sure Shot (Brooklyn #4) - Sarina Bowen

LISTENING:
A Stone in the Sea - A L. Jackson

KINDLE BOOKS:

  

Tessa Ever After - Brighton Walsh

eARC FOR REVIEW: 


Sure Shot (Brooklyn #4) - Sarina Bowen





How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share? 
I'd love to hear about it!
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Review: Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

WHERE THE LOST WANDER
Amy Harmon
Publication date: April 28, 2020
Genres: Adult, Historical Fiction
Format: eARC
Source: Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley
5 Stars

 ADD TO GOODREADS








S Y N O P S I S

In this epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail, a family and their unlikely protector find their way through peril, uncertainty, and loss.
The Overland Trail, 1853: Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man straddling two worlds and a stranger in both.
But life in a wagon train is fraught with hardship, fear, and death. Even as John and Naomi are drawn to each other, the trials of the journey and their disparate pasts work to keep them apart. John’s heritage gains them safe passage through hostile territory only to come between them as they seek to build a life together.
When a horrific tragedy strikes, decimating Naomi’s family and separating her from John, the promises they made are all they have left. Ripped apart, they can’t turn back, they can’t go on, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make terrible sacrifices to find each other, save each other, and eventually…make peace with who they are.

M Y   T H O U G H T S
Amy Harmon has done it again… and somehow done it even better than before. She has created a saga of family, faith, and endurance and managed to weave into it a love story so pure and so epic that it took my breath away.

The pain. It’s worth it. The more you love, the more it hurts. But it’s worth it. It’s the only thing that is.

Where the Lost Wander started with a prologue that was so jarring that I continued to read with a mix of hope and dread. Knowing what was coming – but hopeful for a different outcome.  Naomi May was completely endearing with a forthrightness that was probably considered bold, if not borderline rude, in 1850’s America. And I loved her for it. She spoke her mind and was so genuine and full of life. Widowed by the age of 20, she was traveling with her family, as well as her former in-law’s, from Missouri to California. Joining the wagon train was John Lowry, a half-white half-Pawnee man who had spent his life feeling out of place in both worlds.  John was quiet and cautious but he managed to say so much when speaking so little. The story of John and Naomi that played out amidst the day to day life of the cross-country trek was so beautiful and so filled with genuine respect and acceptance. It was breathtaking.


I was completely absorbed in this tale and found myself thinking about it day and night. I had to know what would happen next, even as I often feared what was to come. The story was bleak at times, and there were scenes when I had to put the book down and step away because my fragile heart just couldn’t take the heartache. Harmon did an incredible job of showcasing the hardships faced by those brave souls who chose to make such an arduous journey. Along the way there was danger, death, exhaustion and more to contend with. But there was also the strong connection of family, a feeling of community among those in the wagon train, and bright moments of simple joys.

If nothing matters, then there’s no point. If everything matters, there’s no purpose. The trick is to find firm ground.

Harmon’s prose is simply beautiful and her words painted a landscape – not just a scenic one, but also a landscape of her character’s lives and their inner struggles. The dichotomy between the white man’s world and that of the Indian’s (note: the term Indian was used throughout the novel since it was indicative of the time period) played out again and again in ways that were at times superficial and other times extreme and dangerous. Where the Lost Wander is a majestic historical novel that took me on an unforgettable journey.


Disclosure: I received a a complimentary copy of this book for review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.

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WWW Wednesday #84 | April 22, 2020


WWW Wednesdays is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words.
Just answer three questions and share what you're reading.


I've been on the struggle bus this week and really need to turn it around. Mental health has taken a bit of a hit and I think the cure is to be more stringent about my routine. I've let that slip over the last couple weeks and it's time to get back to it. How are you doing?

 I had to go into the office briefly yesterday and that was a welcome distraction. Interacting with the few people I actually saw (all three of them LOL) was a boost. 

 I think The Husband and I are going to go out at lunchtime today, grab some take-out, and eat in the car (or somewhere outside while distancing). Getting out of the house and having a little change of scenery sounds good. What's on your agenda today?

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

    


Currently reading: I've been saying for probably two years that I wanted to read something by Devney Perry and it's finally happening. I was browsing for something new to read this morning and decided today was the day. I've thought for a long time that I would love Perry's books (based on what, I do not know), so hopefully I'll be proven right.
Current progress: 2%

Currently listening: I'm still listening to Cake and am nearing the end. I'm getting pretty concerned about what's going to happen. I need a happy ending, people! :) 
Current progress: 91%

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
DNF @ page 100 - Yesterday I finally called the ball and decided to DNF Own the Wind. At page 100 I realized that I could continue on and that was fine or I could quit it and that was fine, too. Not a rousing endorsement when you truly don't care what happens. LOL Not only was I just not invested in the story but I don't think Ashley's writing style is one that I gel with.  She has a very distinctive way of writing dialogue and it felt odd and clunky. Here's just one example: "Goin' for a ride, thought, you didn't have to work, you might want to come with me." I'm sorry, but what in the fresh hell is that? I guess she is attempting to write dialogue in a more casual/conversational style, but it annoyed me to no end and constantly pulled me out of the story. I just couldn't take it. 
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'LL READ NEXT?
  
    


My reading has been super slow and I've been even pickier than usual about what I feel like reading. So who knows what's next. But Big Summer is still a possibility. And if I end up loving The Coppersmith Farmhouse (like I hope I will) the next book in the series, The Clover Chapel, could also happen. 

What are you currently reading?
I wanna know! :)

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Top Ten Tuesday: Book Titles as Band Names

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic: 
Book Titles as Band Names
  

When I saw this week's prompt I just had to laugh because it seemed like all kinds of fun. When I was browsing my Goodreads shelves for possibilities, I actually came up with way more than ten. But here are my top picks. (And you have no idea how hard it was not to use Daisy Jones & The Six. LOL)


The Fragile Ordinary
I'm thinking they're a middle of the road adult contemporary band. Think: Train or Jason Mraz.
The Simple Wild
A break-out indie band. Think: Foster the People.
Storm and Fury
A death metal band, definitely.
Hope and Other Punch Lines
An early 2000's emo band. Think: My Chemical Romance.
One Day in December
Probably a boy band. Think: Five Seconds of Summer.
Fuel the Fire
A hard rock band. Think: Metallica.
99 Days
They're all over the Top 40 stations. Think: Maroon 5.
Wintersong
They're the latest and greatest in new age music. Think: Enya.
Heartland
The country music darlings. Obviously.
Punk 57
Do I even have to name the genre? Think: Green Day.

Have you read any of these books? 
Which title works best as a band name?



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The Sunday Post #204


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news - a post to recap the past week on your blog, 
showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is
coming up on your blog in the week ahead. You can find the info here:
Sunday Post Meme

  • Things are very much the same since the self-isolation/quarantine/call it what you want continues. I'm about to start week six of WFH. I changed my set-up in the home office and it's working much better for me. Little victories.
  • The Husband's retirement gets closer and closer. April 30th is his last day. They actually called him this week to ask if he'd be interested in extending another month. His answer was a resounding "thanks but no thanks."
  • My orders from my recent shopping spree have started rolling in. Kitchen knives, an egg bite maker (similar to the sous vide eggs at Starbucks), some hand soap from Bath & Body Works... and the list goes on. One of my favorite finds is this over the sink rack/drainer that rolls up. It can also be used as a trivet. 
  • This week's 80's music fix is Der Kommissar. Falco (the Rock Me Amadeus guy) did it first in 1982 but I always preferred this version by After the Fire (1983). 
WHAT I COMPLETED IN THE LAST WEEK:
WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING: 
    
    

READING:
Own the Wind  (Chaos #1) - Kristen Ashley
Finally decided to give Kristen Ashley a try. Seeing snippets and quotes and excerpts from her books over the years gave me the feeling that her writing style probably wasn't for me, but I'm going to give one a try and see what I think. 

LISTENING:
Cake - J. Bengtsson

PHYSICAL BOOKS:

 

Headstrong Like Us (Like Us #6) - Krista & Becca Ritchie
The Novella Collection - Katie McGarry

Readers have been asking Katie for years for print copies of all her short stories and novellas. For the longest time she said it was in the hands of her publishers but she apparently decided to just do it herself. I think I had my copy ordered about two minutes after her announcement. :) It includes short stories and novellas that she's released over the years (usually as bonus content for pre-orders) for the Pushing the Limits series, the Thunder Road series, and even a prequel novella for Only a Breath Apart. Love it!

KINDLE BOOKS:

  

Pact with a Heartbreaker - Brighton Walsh

eARC FOR REVIEW: 


Want You to Want Me (Want You #2) - Lorelei James






How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share? 
I'd love to hear about it!
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WWW Wednesday #83 | April 15, 2020


WWW Wednesdays is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words.
Just answer three questions and share what you're reading.


I have to go into the office for an hour or so this morning and I'm equal parts excited and concerned. Exited because, well... getting out of the house and people! And concerned because... getting out of the house and people. I imagine there are very few people there at all, plus they are performing "wellness checks" on everyone before you can gain entry. Your temperature is taken, you have to answer several questions... so that's an added level of comfort. Even so, I'm glad that I should only have to be there for an hour or so before I can scurry back home. 

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

    


Currently reading: After finishing Where the Lost Wander I was desperate for something lighter and easier. Until the End is totally hitting the spot. I was surprised that it was way longer than all the other books in the series but this morning I discovered why. Rock and Trisha's story actually ended on page 187. The whole rest of the book is separate epilogues for each couple from the previous books. Color me happy!
Current progress: page 196/392

Currently listening: I'm still listening to Cake and have almost made it to the halfway point. I've found that without my daily commute (short as it was) I'm not making time to listen to the book. So it's slow-going but still really good. 
Current progress: 45%

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
I haven't sat down and gathered my thoughts enough to write my review of Where the Lost Wander, but I will say that this was a tough read. Really tough. As always, Amy Harmon's writing was beautiful and moving and she is an incredible story teller. But the subject matter and the situations in this one really drained me emotionally and I found myself only able to read very small bits at a time. Then I'd be overwhelmed and have to walk away. Where the Lost Wander was unforgettable... and it's going to be hard to write a worthy review.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'LL READ NEXT?
  


Not totally sure what's up next but Weiner's upcoming Big Summer is a strong possibility. 

What are you currently reading?
I wanna know! :)

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