In 2019, the U.S. Senate officially designated June as Great Outdoors Month. The month aims to raise awareness of the importance of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health, as well as to promote responsible outdoor behavior and conservation efforts.
This month I plan to spend as much time outside as I can. My goal is to be outside every single day of the week.
Title: The Alchemist and an Amaretto
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: hours minutes
Rating: stars
Publication Date:
Two Witches and a W
Title: It’s Not Her
Author: Mary Kubica
Format: audiobook
Length: 11 hours 32 minutes
Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedermann
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publication Date:February 3, 2026
It’s Not Her was such an addictive and suspenseful read. Mary Kubica does an amazing job creating tension from the very beginning, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist completely changed everything.
I especially loved the emotional depth of the story and how layered the characters felt. The pacing was fantastic, the atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the ending was absolutely everything. This was one of those thrillers that was impossible to put down!
I also enjoyed each narrator. They made the characters come to life in such a great way!
I borrowed this book from Libby.
Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)
These books are on my NetGalley shelf and I am excited to read them over the summer!
2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament in history with the representation of all regions, which took place on May 25, 1924, during the summer Olympic games held in Paris.
In recognition of this milestone, on May 7, 2024, the General Assembly passed Resolution A/RES/78/281 proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day.
The resolution acknowledges “the global reach of football and its impact in various spheres, including commerce, peace and diplomacy, and recognizing that football creates a space for cooperation.”
It also recognizes “the fundamental role” of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and the important role of regional and national soccer federations, as well as relevant associations, in promoting the game of football.
The resolution encourages all countries to support football and other sports as a tool to promote peace, development and the empowerment of women and girls. And it also encourages countries to adopt policies and programs to promote football and other sports and physical activities.
It invites all member states, organizations of the UN system, international organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector to observe World Football Day in line with national priorities “and to disseminate the advantages of football for all, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.”
“Football unites the world. I want every girl to have the opportunity to be her most determined, accomplished, joyful self.” – Marta Vieira da Silva, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for women and girls in sport
“Football is the only sport where you put people together, it doesn’t matter if you are rich, or poor, or black, or white. It is one nation. This is the beauty of football.” – Pelé, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
I found all of this information on UN.org
What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.
What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
My son graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seton Hall University last Monday!!! We are so incredibly proud of all he has accomplished and can’t wait to see what God as in store for him in the next chapter of his life!
This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.
I am reading the last book in the Vegas Shadows trilogy, The Bone Stalker. When I saw it on NetGalley I HAD to request it! I’m 15% in and it’s already keeping my interest. I hope Lazarus and Piper end up together.
I started listening to Five by Ilona Bannister thanks to Libby. I’ve been hearing good things about this one and the beginning has really drawn me in. I’ve only listened to an hour as of the writing up of this post.
I also started The Kind Worth Killing (a paperback I own) a few weeks ago. The first four chapters were really good! I am going to make this one a priority this week.
Randomly decided to watch this show because Netflix suggested it to me. It’s a really good show. I have one episode left in this season! I heard a second season was green lit.
World Football Day – March 25, 2026
Tell Me Something Tuesday
Review: The Alchemist and an Amaretto by Annette Marie
Sunday Salon #45
Annabel is hosting 20 Books of Summer 26 again this year. I am setting up my TBR for my summer reads, even though I am a mood reader and it normally goes out the window lol!
ARCs I have and want to read this summer (and before their pub date):
Plus some random books on my TBR:
I am also leaving some room for books I just want to randomly read when the vibe feels right…
I will be making a final post with all the books I complete once the challenge is over, so I can see my progress.
What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.
What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
It’s been a freakin week!!!!!! Monday my husband had a work dinner meeting so I got some housework done and then watched some TV. Tuesday my husband had a soccer board meeting after dinner and I pretty much went to bed right after he walked out the door. Wednesday my daughter came home from college for the summer and we went out to dinner after unloading all of her stuff. Thursday my parents came up to visit for the weekend as my son is graduating from college. Friday my daughter and I went shopping to look for clothes for the graduation (nothing like last minute running around because I can’t find a dress I am happy with). And I worked all week.
Saturday was spent at the salon getting beautiful (I never spend money / do anything for myself but I decided it was time) and spending time with my family the rest of the day. Today is church, getting the dog situated with the sitter and heading to the hotel. Tomorrow is my boy’s college graduation!
This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.
Reading one hundred percent look a backseat this week. I sometimes didn’t even have the energy to read or even listen to a book, which is unlike me.
With that being said, I am reading The Night Collector on my Kindle. Book three comes out in June (that I have a ARC for) so I am trying to make this one a priority so I can get to the next book. Currently at 64%.
I am halfway through Pines, a series I’ve been wanting to read for awhile now. I’m a Blake Crouch fan. I may of seen this TV show when it came out because it’s feeling familiar… which is actually making me not want to finish the book. IS that weird?
I also started The Kind Worth Killing, a paperback I personally own. The first four chapters were really good! I may hold this one until later in the month when I am on vacation, but I haven’t decided if that’s gonna be the official plan yet.
I am also listening to It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica. My Libby hold came in and I accepted it instead of suspending it. I have so many books on suspend with Libby because I am not ready for them when it’s my turn, lol! This one is getting realllllllly good!!!
Randomly decided to watch this show because Netflix suggested it to me. They must know I like Matthew Goode! Episode 1 was pretty good- that’s as far as I’ve gotten.
Celadon Readers Program sent me a widget for Heather by Caitlin Mullen through NetGalley.
A rep for Little, Brown and Company sent me a widget of The Country Road Murders through NetGalley.
James Patterson Street Team sent me a hardcover copy of 26 Beauties.
WWW Wednesday – May 20, 2026
Sunday Salon #44
What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.
What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
Work and a whole lot of nothing else. My husband worked late most nights this week so I was just home with the dog, doing a whole bunch of nothing exciting.
Today is Mother’s Day! This is the FIRST time since I’ve been a mother that none of the kids are physically with me celebrating. I plan to spend the day with my husband and Rollo, and go for a hike since the weather is supposed to be in the mid 70s!
If you consider yourself a mother in any capacity, Happy Mother’s Day to you!!!!!!
And one more week until my son graduates college. I have SO MUCH to do and I’m gonna be stressing all week trying to get everything done beforehand.
This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.
I am not too far in to The Night Collector. Book three comes out in June (that I have a ARC for) so I am trying to make this one a priority so I can get to the next book.
I have halfway through Pines, a series I’ve been wanting to read for awhile now. And I’m a Blake Crouch fan.
I also started The Kind Worth Killing, a paperback I personally own.
I finished Detective Hole. Great stuff all around!
Randomly I’ve been seeing some clips on TikTok of The Twilight Zone and the girl in the video is narrating what goes on in said episode she’s reviewing. I’ve seen a few random episodes before, and they were good, so I thought I’d watch a few more to pass the time.
WWW Wednesday – May 13, 2026
Sunday Salon #43
Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and, due to a traumatic brain injury, impulsively rude. He’s also a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Enter Wally Nash: a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. But Bixby is certain she was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before a very cunning killer gets others on his hit list to murder themselves, too.
Proof of Price: $0.00
Title: The Anniversary
Author: Alex Finlay
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 38 minutes
Narrators: Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Anniversary by Alex Finlay. The story pulled me in right away with its intriguing premise and didn’t let go. The pacing was steady, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me listening, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together what was really going on.
The plot twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It was the kind of reveal that makes you stop and rethink everything you’ve read up to that point, which I always appreciate in a thriller. It felt well-executed and satisfying rather than rushed or predictable.
I listened to the audiobook, and both narrators (Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley) did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. They really captured the tone and emotions of the characters, adding depth and tension in all the right moments. Their performances made it even easier to stay fully immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining read with strong storytelling and a memorable twist. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller.
I received a complimentary audiobook copy. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen.
After META decided that I was a fake person after having a personal Facebook page since 2012- that page and all my accounts linked to that Facebook page were lost in the void. I swore off any social media for months afterwards because I was so angry at losing all my family’s photos / memories, and my Bookstagram posts that I worked so hard on during the pandemic.
Then one random day I decided to make a blog and start over from scratch. I can talk about books on a new blog instead of on Facebook and Instagram. I Am really enjoying my blog space on the internet and for the most part I have been consistent with my writing/posting.
Eventually, I ended up making an Instagram page. It gets no traction whatsoever because of the new algorithm style and how little I have decided to be on social media as of late.
My recent blog posts:
In 2019, the U.S. Senate officially designated June as Great Outdoors Month. The month aims to raise awareness of the…
Title: The Alchemist and an AmarettoAuthor: Annette Marie Format: audiobookLength: hours minutesRating: starsPublication Date: Two Witches and a W
Title: It’s Not HerAuthor: Mary KubicaFormat: audiobookLength: 11 hours 32 minutesNarrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary TiedermannRating: 4.5 starsPublication Date:February 3,…
My latest Instagram posts:
So today, this blog is one years old! It may not be fancy looking, or have a lot of followers, but it’s my space on the internet and I love what I’ve done with the place!
What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.
What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
New month… and a busy one at that. My son is graduating college in a little more than two weeks! And then we are planning a big family vacation at the end of the month to celebrate. I have a TON to do in order to be ready for both big events, so of course I am stressing already! One day at a time I suppose.
Also, I had my personal Facebook page for almost a year (remember how Meta said I was not a real person after having a Facebook page since 2012 and deleted my page, along with all my family memories?). I decided to make a Facebook page for my blog and attached it to my personal page. And I linked my Instagram to it as well. Lets see if Meta lets me have them all, or deletes all my social media pages on me like they did last year.
This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.
I barely started Run On Red by Noelle W. Ihli. The first chapter really drew me in, but I am not surprised as the other Ihli book I read was soooooooooo good.
Since I am trying to keep up with series books, I am reading book 2 of Arlington Hall, titled The Surrender. I am a little more than halfway done with this one.
And I will be finished with The Alchemist and An Amaretto by Annette Marie on Monday. I had a ton of time to listen while I cleaned my house yesterday.
I am almost done with this season of Detective Hole. And wow wow wow! I am also watching it in it’s original Swedish (with subtitles) as when the voices don’t match up to the lips I can’t focus on anything else.
That Library Girl’s First Blogaversary
Review: The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
Stacking The Shelves #12
Sunday Salon #42
Title: The Invitation
Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas
Format: eBook
Length: 329 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
I stayed up all night reading this book, which is rare for me. Was it a masterpiece? Not really. But I was totally invested in Amelia and Jude’s relationship. I liked the witty banter the characters had with each other and did laugh out loud a few times. I wish Jude would of came clean instead of just yelling “wait, wait” at her while Amelia was running away. Anyway, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2025.
Good morning, readers! This month was a great reading month for me! It helped that my husband was working late a lot of days this month and I had the time to sit and read uninterrupted, lol.
If you’re not following me on Storygraph, you should! I live on that app and update it every single day of the week. This is my page.
I absolutely LOVE using my library for all my books and audiobook needs. I do not have a lot of money to blow on a hobby, so I found a good way to support my community, my library and my reading habit! The library has a ton of resources and I always check there first for audiobooks I want to listen to or books I want to read. Libby is my friend and I have multiple library branches hooked up to my account for maximum borrowing.
I thought it’d be fun to post monthly updates about my library stats, on top of keeping up with my official challenge page.
*I use Amazon pricing, or the price on the receipt when I leave the library*
Good morning readers! These are all of the books that I acquired/received/borrowed onto my shelves, virtual and/or physical, for the entire month of April:
I borrowed all of these from Libby.
I did not choose a First Reads book this month.
I requested both of these books through NetGalley and was approved!
I borrowed these two from within the Facebook group I am apart of.
Acquired: 7
Total spent this month: $0.00
Total spent this year: $0.00
What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.
What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
I totally have not been on my laptop working on my blog, or social media at all this week. I’ve been actively reading A LOT (for me)!
My daughter came home from college this weekend. Her freshman year is almost over already, which is nuts!
My husband has been feeling under the weather all this week. He finally went to the walk in the other day and it turns out… he has a cold. He gets like a super huge baby when he’s sick so I’ve been taking care of him all this weekend, bringing him food in bed, giving him hot tea to drink and letting him rest. But now I’m starting to feel run down – lovely.
I am reading The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco by Diego Boneta. It’s an Amazon First Reads backlog book. It’s definitely a slow burn mystery so right now I think it’s just alright. I’m about halfway done with the eBook.
I just started Run On Red by Noelle W. Ihli. The first chapter really drew me in, but I am not surprised as the other Ihli book I read was soooooooooo good.
And since I think I need a break from thrillers (I read so many this month) I also started The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas, another Amazon First Reads backlog book.
If you’d like to be friends with me on Storygraph, this is my profile page.
I stopped using Goodreads and refuse to go back.
Still in my Joel Kinnaman phase, I watched the first episode of Detective Hole. And wow wow wow! I am also watching it in it’s original Swedish (with subtitles) as when the voices don’t match up to the lips I can’t focus on anything else.
Books Acquired In April 2026
Library Stats and Savings For April 2026
Monthly Wrap Up: April 2026
Sunday Salon #41
I totally joined a series challenge I saw in a Discord group not that long ago, and after putting my series into a main reading tracker I realized I am up to my elbows in unfinished series. I think once I pick up a series I just need to binge the entire thing so I finish it.
“Series Summer” may turn into a thing for me come June, July, August. Anyone else wanna join me?
Title: Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections
Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 12 minutes
Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: September 14, 2021
I wanted to give Kit a chance, but I am just not feeling this series. I did like how the events that happened on Halloween with the demon are in all three series (Spellbound, Warped and Demonized) though. I will continue on with this series as it’s part of the read-along I am doing but it’s not my favorite.
