December 2024 Reads

TL, DR above

Engrossing Reads

The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey - Just under a five. I loved George and Richie and thought this was interesting as hell. I couldn’t put it down.Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, publishes 2/11/25

The Moonlight Healers by Elizabeth Becker - A little magic never hurt anyone - loved this story of a line of women and their strengths through the years. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, publishes 2/11/25

The Big Fix by Holly James - This was cute. I liked all of the characters and the storyline. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, publishes 3/25/25

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall - The blurb says for fans of Paper Palace, and I found that to be true. I was sucked into this from start to finish. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review 3/4/25

Everybody Says It's Everything by Xhenet Aliu - Interesting and surprising in places, with all characters. Jackie’s backstory was simultaneously matter of fact and compellingThanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review 3/18/25

Passed the Time Just Fine

The Silver Squad by Marty Essen - A bit of unexpected, easy fun with the antics of the Silver Squad. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review, publishes 1/17/25

Hello, Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey - A quick read that passed the time just fine - it read a bit like a Nickolodeon documentary and I didn't mind that at all. Thanks for the free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 4/29/25

The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha - I enjoyed the premise and the family dynamics. Thanks for the free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 1/21/25

Name Not Taken by Madeleine Henry - This was a little bit bananas, I could not believe the main character put up with some of this. Red flags are flying. Passed the time just fine. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest reviewThanks for the free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 3/1/25

Not For Me

I'll Tell You Everything by Rebecca Kelley - Good for you, not for me. Thanks for the free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review, book publishes 1/14/25

Did Not Finish

The Obsessive by Nykkie Baldwin - Publishes 1/1/25

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What have you been reading?

December 2023 Reads

Here we are at the end of the year again. I finished a book last night and likely won't start one today. 

What I read in December: 

Engrossing Reads

The Shark (Forgotten Files #1) by Mary Burton - I devoured this one, which is always a happy thing when you've purchased it because you got a series book from Netgalley and it is against your religion to read a second when you know there's a first. Kindle copy

The Dollmaker (Forgotten Files #2) by Mary Burton - I enjoy the characters and setting of this and the previous Forgotten Files - I would read more of them! Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Face Her Fear (Detective Josie Quinn #19) by Lisa Regan - Great job by Regan while taking her series outside of a typical setting - I am not always into that but I think it worked here and serves as a good clear the air bridge for the transition of the Denton PD core team. Thanks to Netgalley and Boukouture for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review - since this series is a favorite, I also pre-ordered a copy! Book publishes January 30

The Weight of Water by W.A. Schwartz - Rounded up from a 3.5 - I liked this even though it was overfilled with things during the 1970s POVs that ended up superfluous to the story which might have been better spent providing more context to some of the players and depth in general in the other two timelines around Katrina and present day. Also, this is sand and not dirt on my feet which drives MFD crazy but sand doesn't bother me LOL Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Passed the Time Just Fine

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson - Started slowly and picked up around the middle. Layered and interesting with possibly like one or two extraneous plot threads that could be thinned to make the pacing better. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, book publishes Feb 20

Things that Cause Inappropriate Happiness by Danila Botha - I don't always read short stories, but when I do I like them to be a little on edge and these were - you can take that a number of ways and it's meant a number of ways. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, collection publishes April 1

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears - Sound the alarm as the woman who never listens to books has listened to a book thanks to several multi-car accidents on a rainy December Sunday returning to the shore. The book itself did not set anything on fire, but I would set the possessions of Britney's parents and sister on fire without thinking twice. These people are abusive, criminal grifters and this woman paid the price while the world watched. Michelle Williams was an excellent narrator except I was caught up on tour. My accent means tour rhymes with your. Michelle says too-or. Spotify free audible

Keep Your Friends Close by Leah Konen - A super quick read that felt a tad bit off-center? I would have liked it more I think if it was primarily Willa's POV. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes Feb 20

The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman - Nothing wrong with a little bit of magic! This didn't pick up for me until about halfway through, so something to know going in if you are not in the mindset for that. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, book publishes January 16

The Guest by B.A. Paris - Did I not say the last time I read one of their books that I should stop? I should have stuck. These characters are maddening. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review - book publishes Feb 20

Not for Me

Please Tell Me by Mike Omer - Like, did Mike Omer actually write this? The writing itself was awful, the pacing was off, and the story was not good. Kindle first reads

Silent Girls (Agent Tori Hunter #1) by Roger Stelljes - A good concept. My beef with this book is mostly editorial issues, both for grammar and content. I might give another in the series a go to see if it was just poor timing for me on this one, and if I can get over using boisterously twice in the span of three pages. LOL why am I like this. Kindle book

Did Not Finish

The Seafarer's Secret by Carol Ann Collins - Netgalley, publishes January 30

Her Last Summer (Veronica Lee Thriller #1) by Melinda Woodhall - Kindle first

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What have you been reading?

SMD

Gather ‘round the festivus pole

It's grievance day, MFers.

Happy Festivus, my friends! A Festivus for the rest of us!

I'm not going to go into how 2020 slid right into 2021 in the most incestuous and grotesque way (forever to be known as 202021), how people still have no idea or desire to to care for themselves or others, Joe Manchin and centrist democrats swapping spit with obstructionist republicans none of the above who give one good goddamn about the quality of people’s lives, Biden lying about student loan debt and other shit, gun violence, law and order people pooh pooping law and order when it is shit they don’t like, people still worshipping at the dumpy altar of trump and swimming in the white supremacist pool with doody floating among them like Baby Ruths, no one doing a fucking thing about the people who actually are the government and knew about plans to overthrow said government, Fox News and all the toxic sludge poisonous hypocritical shit emanating from there, the Supreme Court invalidating itself and precedent, the war on women, everyone who said Roe would never be overturned, or people who cannot connect rise in violence with lack of money, care, opportunity, and love injected into communities that need it most. See more serious things I'm avoiding in last year's annual Festivus post because it's the goddamn fucking same.

Now, come. Come gather. Gather 'round the aluminum pole and remember we’re attempting to keep the Airing of the Grievances here on this list petty as fuck this year. It can not be exhaustive since there are so many petty annoyances. 

-Unsubscribing and MFers don’t unsubscribe me 

-Reels. Instagram is not TikTok and should not be pushing people to feel pressure to make awkward shit in order to have their posts be seen 

-hair washing day

-the concept of dust returning over and over again like this is its home where it pays the mortgage and you are the foreign thing occupying space in it

-something stuck in my teeth

-Dr. Oz

-grudges. They’re lame and life is too short to waste energy on that shit

-having to repeat myself 

-Internet wellness gurus 

-adult zits, which are really fucking rude

-banging my head or running into something etc when I am already operating from a place of annoyance

-incessant dog licking 

-waiting. For anything. 

-repetitive noise and multi media

-drivers who ride in the left with no one in front of them and do not move over when someone comes up behind wanting to pass. MFers don’t control the speed! Someone wanting to go faster is not your business. Move it on over. 

-cracked lips 

-laughable and fake war on Christmas. Caring about  people only participating in cultural Christmas but not about people being unwelcome across borders or brown like Jesus or poor or sick like the people Jesus accepted, loved, and helped is a weird flex. It is quite easy to tell true Christians from judgmental people.

-when current me needs to fulfill the promises and prophesies of a previous, more hopeful, energetic, and ambitious me

-all the shit I’ve been sitting on mailing out to people 

-talk radio 

-constant spam calls

-thinking I replied to a text and I didn’t or did but did not press send

-being hot

-finding an error in a document I submitted

-drafts in the house 

-when I leave something on another floor and have to trudge back up the stairs 

- chipped nails

-dog farts

-interrupted sleep 

-keys sticking on my wireless keyboard 

-early dark

-feeling unprepared

-heartburn

-Flying too close to the sun on deadlines

-a year between seasons of shows

-pet names 

Now you go. 

Then Feats of Strength. Until you pin me, Festivus is not over. 

Blessed Solstice

Welcome winter! Happy Solstice, appreciation for the dark and cold and forward looking to more light every day after today. I’ve got my altar mostly set, the things I want to leave behind written down, and dinner going. 

How amazing is the book tree Carol made me? Early Christmas gift and I am thrilled.  It is perfect!!

A few sayings I like about this season that align with my feelings on it: 

“The Winter Solstice is the time of ending and beginning, a powerful time — a time to contemplate your immortality. A time to forgive, to be forgiven, and to make a fresh start. A time to awaken.” 

-Frederick Lenz

“There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you…. In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself.”

-Ruth Stout

Long winter beach walks coming. Wishing you a quiet, healthy season of restoration and reflection that fills what needs filling and clears what we needs clearing within you. 

TWTW - the one before Christmas

Friday It was like 62 degrees on Friday. Amazing. I picked up some Johnson's popcorn gifts and a Bungalow Bowl and worked the morning at the shore, driving back to Philly at lunch to close out the work day. I ran over to see my nephew for his fourth birthday at night. 

Saturday I was at HomeGoods before 8 am in the clothes I wore the day before. My Christmas pipe dream is extended hours at HomeGoods all the time. I got a shit ton of pantry organizers, did the organizing, and packed up the rest to return. I dropped stuff off at the Pack & Ship and picked up food for Mae. I painted my nails ( OPI I'm Really an Actress). I had my first appointment in Kristi & Maria's new salon, Salon Harmony in Langhorne. I love it and am thrilled for them. Such a relaxed, nice hair experience and of course always love catching up with my long long time friend (and long time hair stylist) Kristi and Maria. After that I returned the unused organizers to Marshalls and had family Christmas at Mom & Rich's. It was a nice relaxed evening and I brought home my cookies!

Sunday I was at Giant early, made veggie soup and macaroni salad and prepped fruit and veggies and dips. Carol made spinach dip. I picked up a lunchmeat tray in the afternoon. MFD's fam came over for dinner and it was another relaxing nice visit situation. Good to see everyone, and the dogs loved all the laps to sit on. I put my phone down the first time I got up then never picked it up again until everyone was out except Mark and Sarah. Ben did not mind the extra solo attention. We were cleaned up and laying down by 9. 

Here we are in Christmas week.

I am allegedly off until January 3 after today, but I have external deadlines that will need to be met over the break so I'll work on those as needed and nothing else. I'm sour about it but there's nothing we can do.

Friday Five-ish: Christmassy shit

Happy Friday - one week left until Christmas Eve. Two weeks left in this year. A good time to dump the holiday-ish photos I've taken here and wander off into the weekend, where I have three actual event-related things to do. After so long of having nothing to do, doing a fraction of what I used to feels like so much LOL. 

Ocean City's beach trees: North Street, 11th Street, 15th Street, 21st Street, 37th Street, and 55th Street. I also went to see the secret tree on Seaspray that lights up at night but it's been so heavily misty this week my pictures are shite.

Over a week ago my Dad and Carol took us to dinner at Macaroni's. The meal was absolutely delicious, I cannot stop thinking about the brussels or the stuffed chop. Their entry tree was amazing too. Then we drove around two of the cul-de-sacs in our neighborhood to look at the lights. 

Clark Griswold finished his window after that. You can land a plane in our living room but it always looks festive and nice.

Of course we have pet photos to accompany that.

If you're not feeling it or feeling very fucking tired of the show that is 202021 - I'm just saying it together now, it's run together and it has run well amok - hang in there. I hope you get some rest over the holidays. Remember you don't have to do everything, buy everything, see everything, be everywhere. Quiet holidays are wonderful too. Or not observing them at all if you don't feel like it also works. 

I hope everyone is vaccinated and boosted, taking advantage of the warmer temps to ventilate well or be outside and in general careful out there. If you indulge in holiday spirits, do not indulge in holiday driving.

I am ill over the national threats of school shootings trending on social media. This country is beyond broken and it cannot be fixed within the systems we currently have. This is freedom? Really? Be safe out there everyone. 

Happy happy happy birthday to my very favorite little boy  - my nephew turns four today. He is smart, funny, mercurial, and gives amazing hugs. 

Show Us Your Books: December 2021

Lots of titles below but there is a short novella, a novella, and a book of short stories. Those things don't take much time. And this reading gang knows it doesn't matter how many books you read. If you read books period, you're a reader.

Note to self: take more reading photos. I wax and wane with this...sometimes I have one zillion photos of the same reading experience. Anyway.

See you back here for The Favorite Reads of 2021 linkup on Thursday, December 30, which will remain open for longer than typical linkups in case you are not in the mood to do Jack shit the last week of the year. 

Here's what I've been reading since the last linkup. 

Engrossing Reads

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult - While I standardly love Jodi's books (with exceptions of course), I sometimes find myself reluctant to start them because they are always emotionally mangling. One I have let sit on my shelf since 2016 because I haven't been able. Anyhoo when I found out this one was Covid-related I was like fuck no, living that, not interested in reading about it. But I'm really glad I did because while some parts were fucking hard to read given the proximity of March 2020, the book overall was really good. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

No One Will Miss Her by Kat Rosenfield - I loved this from the first line. God bless the books that pull you immediately in and basically tell you not to get up until you're finished. This was a good ride. OCNJ library hard cover 

These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant - A good, quick read. A layered story that filled in gaps well as it went along. Suspension of belief definitely required, if you question to death how things could be possible in books, do not read this. It's fiction, that's how it can happen, Karen. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson - Me at the last linkup: that book is on my list for January! Me the day after the last linkup: picks up book from library and reads. I know some people plan their reads out every month, and I have come to accept that will never be me. I'm a read as I wish on a whim forever. I'm never lacking for ideas and will never be like Hey Internet I need a book suggestion. LOL. OCNJ library hard cover

The Drowing Girls (Detective Josie Quinn #13) by Lisa Regan - Another solid entry, and a Mettner focused story. Not as good as the Gretchen focused story but they can't all be. Digital copy, pre-ordered

Passed the Time Just Fine

A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw - How about that title, huh? I love myself a cult book, and this was...cult book lite? I found the beginning mildly confusing but ended up liking it overall. Bee was a wonderful character, I would have liked to see even more of her. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The School for Good Mothers: A Novel by Jessamine Chan - This book was a tough read - not because it's bad, but because it does what dystopian books should do - come uncomfortably close to reality. Being a woman in America right now, given recent court rulings it is not too far off of what reality feels like. It's also very grave writing...there's no sun here.  Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review book publishes Jan 4, 2022

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan - Everyone's out there reading holiday books with romance and snowflakes on the covers and the holiday-set novella I read is set in a Magdelene home in an Irish town. Still, these stories are important and Claire Keegan did well with this short one. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King - First, look at me reading at least three short story collections in 2021 when I typically purposefully avoid them. Second, the writing I loved by King in Writers & Lovers does not transfer to short form because I feel like King writes on a winding road that eventually comes back around and when that road is stopped in the middle, the end is left feeling undone. The first story I liked but like, where's the resolution. The rest, eh. Classified as passed the time fine because it didn't take long to read. If it took longer, it would be down in not worth it. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente - I pre-ordered this like eight months ago I was so excited for it. Looking back, it was probably the vague synopsis that lured me, along with the title and cover. Knowing what I know now, I would not have pre-ordered, but I'd still read it. This is some weird ass shit and that's the only way to describe it without giving anything away. A very thin novel that took me like an hour and 10 to read. hard cover, own

The New Neighbour by Miranda Rijks - This one took a turn for the interesting, which I always appreciate. Some annoying repetition and I hated how Isobel was with her husband through much of it but a quick, few hour read. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

Not Worth It

The Ballerinas by Rachele Kapelke-Dale - This book was fine, but the synopsis will make a lot of people dislike it. It is billed as a thriller, which it is not. The many mentions of what Delphine did are revealed and it is like hmm? That's it? After the build up? Critiques aside it is not a bad read but should probably be described differently. Regardless, it is not for me. Both ballerina books I read this year did not hit like I thought they would. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Sisters Sweet by Elizabeth Weiss - An amazing covor from the imagery to the font - it matches the vaudeville within. Unfortunately I found the book a bit dull - no likeable characters, eh, and slower plot. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Archivist by Rex Picket - Really difficult to get through - slow moving and way over detailed. I can't do those types of books these days. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Heard it in a Love Song by Tracey Garvis Graves - This was a passable read, but finished it feeling meh. Not a good connection to the stories or characters. Love the title and cover though. Romance readers may like this more than me? Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Dangers of an Ordinary Night by Lynne Reeves - So many red herrings, almost too many. No resolution for a main ancillary arc was dissatisfying. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Did Not Finish

Linkup Guidelines:

The special Favorite Reads of 2021 Linkup is Thursday, December 30, 2021 This link up is the second Tuesday of every month. The next linkup is Tuesday, January 11, 2022. 

1. Visit and comment with both of your hosts, Jana & me, and check in with as many in our reading circle as you can - give some love to the later linker uppers! 
2. Link back to us in your blog post - if you want the button you can get it from that link

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

TWTW - got my money's worth

Friday I painted my nails, had a delicious dinner a la Carol, ran errands to strangely empty Target and Aldi, and watched the end of Christmas Vacation when I got home. 

Saturday I finished loading up the car, changed sheets, and headed to the shore. I unboxed the replacement ottoman and some Christmas gifts that had arrived while I was gone last week. The weather was shit so I read most of the day and night with some time off of that to hit the beach, put stuff I brought back with me away, and pick up dinner from Boyar's. 

Sunday I took Bruce and Ben down to the South end for an hour walk in some glorious light provided by an already risen sun behind a cloud wall on the horizon. Mildly good treasure haul.

I did some cardio dance shit, organized my tupperware cabinet, showered, dropped donations off to the thrift store, and headed over to the community center. The library was having a holiday event with singers, refreshments, and Santa by the tree outside. I dropped off books and picked up a hold, then popped into the Ocean City Historical Museum and the Art Center to buy a piece of pottery. I ordered a new pantry and rolling spice rack for Philly to arrive this week and got some Billy shots from Carol. He's very into the Christmas spirit.

Very early we headed to the beach for sunset and frolicked for a half hour. Back at home I finished the newest Josie Quinn that I started Saturday and had taco salad for dinner. I was asleep by 11.

Another good weekend where I sent it off feeling like I got my time off work money's worth from it. You know?

Happy birthday to Mimi Saturday! Yesterday was Gamma's birthday and I wrote about that a little on the shore instagram here. 

Show Us Your Books tomorrow! See you here for that. Rest in peace Anne Rice - I loved Interview with the Vampire and the rest of the Vampire Chronicles, but my true love is the Mayfair Witches trilogy. If you read IWTV but not the rest of the vampire books, try them. If you like that kind of writing and story, try the Mayfair Witches trilogy too.

Devastating news out of four states hit with December tornadoes Friday, particularly Kentucky. If you have anything to spare please check out this mutual aid doc via Appalachians for Appalachia and do what you can, donate to the governor's Team Western Kentucky Tornado Fund (per Bright on a Budget he did similar to get money directly to people during the pandemic and it worked), or Convoy of Hope (multi-state, April's suggestion). Please avoid the Red Cross and remember that unless you are super local and can drop off goods, cash is king and it is needed if you have any of it to spare.

Friday Five: Leaning into December

Happy Friday friends! I know most of you love this month because Chrrisssstmaaaas. I hope it is everything you want and more.

If you have been around for a while, you know I do not fall under the Love All Christmas Shit banner. I lean into the Christmas stuff I do like - Christmas music a few days before Christmas, Christmas lights and sparkly things and mugs (I'll be sharing every Friday on the gram) and ceramic trees, a select few holiday movies (and this year, some Hallmark Christmas movies with Carol), Secret Santa'ing for kids, but it's not my favorite and that's fine. 

I know I'm not alone out here - some of you, like me, simply don't love it in a world that is gaga over it or want to celebrate a week of it and not a month plus - some of you associate it with something hard, or are missing someone or feeling something missing, you hate the commercialization of it, it stresses you the fuck out, you celebrate another holiday, you are struggling with health problems or money, you are finding it difficult to spark joy in this heavy world right now, or a combination of all of those things. If you identify with any of that, luckily December is good for other things as well! Some things I'm looking forward to this month:

1. Ending my year intentionally. Making my swim aerobics classes, scheduling my mammogram and skin check, reaching inbox zero in all inboxes, looking into a CPR course and the quick test now option to get certified, getting all of my shore contracts for next summer out, daily stretching. It's all happening and I'm putting this year in order and to bed gently.

2. Completing three tasks I have been putting off forever. Those three for me are reorganizing basement bookshelves, putting some stuff up on Poshmark to sell and donating some items, and linking my closet with the contact paper I've had for a blessed eternity.

3. Celebrating the solstice. I'm off this year, so I have even more time to get my altar assembled and plan a meal! It is the shortest day, which means more light is coming. Until it does, candles and string lights will do. A day to reflect, release, let go, and set intentions for the new season. To think about how to spend this winter to feed our souls. 

4. Festivus. Airing of the grievances on December 23? Tradition.

5. Rest. I'm off for a good chunk of time the week before Christmas into January. 

Every year on New Year's Eve I send the year off on a good note by donating to two causes that are not my standard go-tos. I invite you to join me in that this year! 

What are you looking forward to this month? 

TWTW - the first one of the last month of 2020

Friday Work work work. I started early to finish early so Bruce could get his booster shots. He was  not okay with it as he had a bad reaction to the initial ones. I took the best friends down to Corson's Inlet to run around while I looked for shells. They came home tired out, I finished a few work things and ate the dinner I had ordered for contactless delivery earlier, and my big Friday night was grocery shopping at 8:30 pm when I was the only person in the store aside from two workers. 

Saturday I unapologetically did nothing. I read a bit, but mostly cleaned shells in batches.  

We headed for our beach walk once the weather cleared. There was like an entire whelk village on my beach. It was amazing. My pickings from that are in the bottom right photo above - all those in under 10 minutes in less than a block. Bruce was not having it. It was cold and he wanted to go home. I understood. More lounging and reading followed. 

Sunday there was a little more life. I put stuff away in the apartment and house, vacuumed the apartment and cleaned the bathroom, cleaned out the dishwasher filter in the house and ran that with vinegar, sorted Christmas gifts, did my SUYB blog, did some beach walking with the best friends. MFD was taking care of stuff in Philly and arrived late with the old dogs.  

I made pork chops in the air fryer, rice, and broccoli for dinner. I also made tuna for lunches. This week the dogs are eating skirt steak, chicken tenders, rice, mixed veggies, and sweet potatoes as a topper for a bit of dry food.

Show Us Your Books tomorrow!