book-blog – Page 5

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #49

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.

Since I am off of work all summer, I get housework done in the morning and then have the rest of the day to do whatever I please. In the afternoon I would eat lunch, then sit in the backyard and read &/or watch World Cup games.

It’s been straight up BRUTAL outside for most of the week- this nasty heatwave is something else! Lots of staying cool indoors with the AC blasting!!

I switched it up and am reading a historical fantasy called Queen of Shadow. I am not that far into it at this point, but thought I needed a break from all the thrillers… and this ARC publishes in August so why not get a jump on it, lol. P.C. Cast is also a new to me author and I am really attracted to this cover art.

I just started listening to Three Reasons For Revenge by Dervla McTiernan. New to me author and I am excited to get into this one.

I am reading a physical book on my shelf called Sail by James Patterson. It’s an older title that I maaaayyyyyy of read before, but it’s been so long that it feels like it’s new to me. I also prefer James Patterson’s older books over his new ones lately so why not read it, lol.

I’ve watched almost every single match of the World Cup this year. Germany lost in penalty kicks, and it was such an atrocious loss. And I was rooting for Cape Verde to win, but that also didn’t happen. Lots of PKs to determine who moves on to the next round, which just feels… eh, to me.

Library Stats and Savings For May and June 2026

Books Acquired In June 2026

June Is Audiobook Month 2026

Monthly Wrap Up: June 2026

Review: The Delivery: A Novella by Gregg Hurwitz

Holiday: Fourth of July 2025

Review: The Safe Room: A Short Story by Lisa Unger
2026 Mid Year Challenge Check-In
WWW Wednesday – July 8, 2026
Review: Slaying Monsters For The Feeble by Annette Marie
2026 Audiobook Challenge Mid Year Check In
My Library Card Anniversary Day
Sunday Salon #50

Review: The Delivery: A Novella by Gregg Hurwitz

Title: The Delivery: A Novella
Author: Gregg Hurwitz
Format: eBook
Length: 225 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2026

Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing their best to hold their family together. She’s healing from the pain of a miscarriage, he’s drowning in pressure at work, and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, needs all the care she can get. So when a cutting-edge tech company offers the perfect solution, they jump at the chance. And they welcome “Mr. Man”―a humanoid AI companion―into their home.

Designed to anticipate their needs, he’s like a miracle at first. The house runs like clockwork. Meals appear on the table. And Maddy thrives under his patient attention. But when inexplicable tragedies start to strike the neighborhood, Rebecca glimpses a darker pattern at play.

Each incident is an answer to an unspoken fear, each kindness shadowed by violence. Mr. Man isn’t just following instructions―he’s anticipating what they want. Even the things they never dared to say. And if he’s executing their darkest desires, it’s their responsibility to stop him…at any cost.

Gregg Hurwitz knows how to write suspense, and The Delivery was an entertaining read. The story grabbed my attention immediately with what seemed like a routine delivery that quickly spiraled into a dangerous, high-stakes fight for survival. The tension never let up, and I found myself constantly wondering how the family was going to escape each new obstacle. I especially enjoyed the fast pacing and the way Hurwitz kept raising the stakes without slowing the story down. There were several tense confrontations that had me turning the pages as quickly as possible. This was a fun, adrenaline-fueled thriller that delivered exactly what I was expecting from the synopsis. If you enjoy nonstop action and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this one is well worth reading.

This is a new author to me and I would definitely read more of his work.

I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2026.

Monthly Wrap Up: June 2026

Good morning, readers! The month started off with me on vacation so I was barely reading, to being off of work for the summer so I had all the time in the world to read! And I definitely read!!!!!

If you’re not following me on Storygraph, you should! I live on that app and update it every single day. This is my page.

June Is Audiobook Month 2026

I listened to multiple audiobooks in June, using the NetGalley Shelf app, as well as the Libby app and the Hoopla app (my local library has access to both!)

I completed the Going The Distance prompt as these three books were over 12 hours long, which enters me into the running for the giveaway!

I also listened to these audiobooks this month, curtesy of the library:

I listened to a total of five audiobooks this month, one from NetGalley and four from the library. This was a very successful challenge indeed!

Books Acquired In June 2026

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 June:

I borrowed all of these from Libby.

These two are First Reads choices for the month of June.

I enjoy Chad Zunker’s books so when I saw this one on NetGalley I knew I had to request it. Turns out, it was a Read Now book and I snagged it up so quick!

I signed up for this traveling book and it made it’s way to my house earlier this month. To learn more about Traveling Books or the Literally Bookish Facebook Group, leave me a comment and I’ll send you all the details!

Acquired: 8

Total spent this month: $0.00

Total spent this year: $0.00

Library Stats and Savings For May and June 2026

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.

Due to being on vacation I never posted my library update for the month of May, so I included it with June’s update.

*I use Amazon pricing, or the price on the receipt when I leave the library*

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #48

I was dog-sitting my friends dog (his breed is a Shipoo) and he was with us for most of the week, just hanging out at the house and in the backyard.

And we went to a concert for our family’s favorite band, The Head and The Heart, on Friday night.

This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.

I am reading last month’s Amazon First Reads choice Murder By Design. I am liking this one a lot, the characters are great and really making the story!

I am listening to Slaying Monsters For The Feeble. I am involved in a buddy read-along and this is the next book to listen to. Not that I forgot about the read-along, but I didn’t realize the month is almost over lol!

I am making good progress in Dungeon Crawler Carl (a hardcover book I am borrowed). I am hoping to be finished with this one by the end of the month.

I’ve watched almost every single match of the World Cup this year (sometimes they had two games going at the same time and my TV does not have split screen capabilities)!

WWW Wednesday – June 17, 2026

Review: The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

Review: Keep Them Close by David Ellis

Review: The Bone Stalker (Vegas Shadows 3) by Victor Methos

Library Stats and Savings For May and June 2026
Books Acquired In June 2026
June Is Audiobook Month 2026
Monthly Wrap Up: June 2026
Sunday Salon #49

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #47

My daughter celebrated her 19th birthday at the beginning of the week! And I’ve been pretty much getting any housework done in the early morning, then going into the backyard to watch the World Cup games and reading at commercial breaks, half time and in between matches. The weather has been in the mid 70s most of this week so I wanted to spend every second I could outdoors.

Today is Father’s Day here in the USA. My husband has decided that he wants to spend it in the pool, watching World Cup games and barbecuing dinner later tonight. Low key and I am here for it!

This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.

I am reading the newest short story I chose through Amazon First Reads program called The Safe Room by Lisa Unger. It’s only 63 pages so I should have it done rather quickly.

I am listening to The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker. The beginning has really drew me in, I just haven’t had a lot of time to listen to an audiobook this past week.

I am more than halfway through The Kind Worth Killing (a paperback I own). I am hoping to be finished with this one by the middle of the week.

I’ve watched every single match of the World Cup this year!

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #46

WWW Wednesday – June 17, 2026

Review: The Bone Stalker (Vegas Shadows 3) by Victor Methos
WWW Wednesday – June 17, 2026
Review: Keep Them Close by David Ellis
Sunday Salon #47

Review: Keep Them Close by David Ellis

Title: Keep Them Close
Author: David Ellis
Format: eBook
Length: 348 pages
Publication Date: June 30, 2026

From the bestselling author of Look Closer comes a new domestic thriller about betrayal and murder inside one twisted family

Two siblings. One murder. So many lies.

Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.

Or so it seems.

When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, the investigation threatens to expose the siblings’ darkest secrets. An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A stunning deception. How do these events explain Finley’s death? How far will Allison and Luke go to keep their secrets buried? And can the siblings even trust one another anymore?

As the investigation winds tighter and past and present collide, the most shocking betrayal might lie a little too close to home…

Keep Them Close by David Ellis was a twisty, fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish. The story is packed with family secrets, betrayals, and unexpected revelations, and I never felt completely sure who I could trust. The alternating perspectives and timelines added to the suspense and made it hard to put down. Ellis does a great job weaving together multiple storylines and delivering surprises at just the right moments. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with deception, family drama, and plenty of twists, this one is definitely worth picking up!

I received a complimentary e-copy through Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse.

WWW Wednesday – June 17, 2026

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

I was on vacation in St. Lucia last week so I was barely reading.

Because of my vacation I had my dates mixed up and was supposed to post my review of Keep Them Close, an ARC I received from Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse (through NetGalley). I am trying my best to power through it so I can make a post by the weekend. I feel so bad missing the agreed upon deadline!

I am listening to a Libby borrow titled The Fourth Monkey. In a Facebook group I am in this one was raved about and I saw my library had the audio available through Hoopla.

I just started reading Dungeon Crawler Carl. I borrowed the hardcover from a friend so I am prioritizing this one so I can return it by the end of the month.

Since I last posted all of the books pictured above have been finished and rated &/or reviewed on Storygraph.

I have these three ARCs in my possession. I borrowed the audiobook of Two Kinds of Stranger from my library, and the other two publish in July. I am trying to keep up my NetGalley ratio!

Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #46

I had three days of work after vacation and then the school year is over! I’ve been trying to spend as much time outside as possible, since June is National Great Outdoors Month.

This is my Facebook page, if you’d like to follow me.

I am reading the newest short story I chose through Amazon First Reads program called The Safe Room by Lisa Unger. It’s only 63 pages so I should have it done rather quickly.

I am listening to The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker. The beginning has really drew me in, I just haven’t had a lot of time to listen to an audiobook this past week.

I am more than halfway through The Kind Worth Killing (a paperback I own). I am hoping to be finished with this one by the middle of the week.

I rewatched episodes 1 and 2 of Mindhunter the other night. Such a good show! So sad they cancelled it before season 3.

This game came up on my FYP on TikTok and I caved in and started playing it. I’m addicted! There are over 3,000 books all over the floor in the library and you have to pick them up and put them back on their correct shelf. It’s chaos and also so satisfying!

WWW Wednesday – June 17, 2026
Sunday Salon #47

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #45

Since I last posted, we went on a big 10 person family vacation to St. Lucia to celebrate my son’s college graduation.

I am dreading the last three days of work for this school year this week. I’m totally in vacation/summer mode!!!

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 62% in and it’s already keeping my interest. I hope Lazarus and Piper end up together.

I am listening to Heather by Caitlin Mullen. Definitely a slow burn mystery. Celadon sent me the widget so I am trying to finish the book before it publishes. I’m 34% into the audiobook.

I also started The Kind Worth Killing (a paperback I own). I read it a bunch by the pool. I’m 25% through it according to Storygraph.

None this past week since I was on vacation.

June Is National Great Outdoors Month

WWW Wednesday – June 3, 2026

Books Acquired In May 2026

Monthly Wrap Up: May 2026

WWW Wednesday – June 10, 2026
Sunday Salon #46

Monthly Wrap Up: May 2026

Good morning, readers! This was a busy month and it shows in my reading.

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.

Books Acquired In May 2026

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 May:

I borrowed all of these from Libby.

These two are First Reads choices for the month of May.

Remember how I said I would not request a lot of books on NetGalley this year? OOPS!!!!

I receive a complimentary audiobook from William Morrow’s Scene of the Crime program.

Little, Brown sent me a hardcover copy!

Acquired: 12

Total spent this month: $0.00

Total spent this year: $0.00

WWW Wednesday – June 3, 2026

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

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 am just starting Heather by Caitlin Mullen. Celadon Readers Program sent me an audiobook widget, and since it’s set in New Jersey (where I live) I accepted the book via NetGalley!

I own a paperback copy of The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson and decided to read it as I heard this book was really good! And so far I am really enjoying it!!

Since I last posted, all of the books pictured above have been finished and rated &/or reviewed on Storygraph.

ARC Alert! I have these three NetGalley ARCs in my possession and they are at the top of my list to read and review. Definitely my priority reads this month!

Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!

Review: The Alchemist and an Amaretto by Annette Marie

Title: The Alchemist and an Amaretto
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 6 hours 55 minutes
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publication Date: January 28, 2020

The Alchemist and an Amaretto was an absolutely great listen for me. Every time I return to this world I’m reminded why these books are so addictive. The blend of magic, action, humor, and character development was perfectly balanced, and I was hooked from beginning to end.

I am also completely invested in Cris Dukehart’s narration. She makes each character feel unique and it keeps me invested in the story.

Annette Marie also does an amazing job creating a world that feels immersive without becoming too complicated or overwhelming. Every new detail adds something meaningful to the plot. This book had everything I love in an urban fantasy and it left me excited to continue with the series immediately.

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #44

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.

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #43

TBR Plans: 20 Books of Summer 26 #20BOS26

World Football Day – March 25, 2026
Tell Me Something Tuesday
Review: The Alchemist and an Amaretto by Annette Marie
Sunday Salon #45

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #43

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.

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #42

WWW Wednesday – May 20, 2026
Sunday Salon #44

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #42

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.

That Library Girl’s First Blogaversary

Review: The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

Stacking The Shelves #12

WWW Wednesday – May 13, 2026
Sunday Salon #43

Stacking The Shelves #12

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