Disclosure: This post contains my referral link and Amazon affiliate links to cozy winter reads. If you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

You know how it is.  We’re all so busy during the warmer months that it’s almost a relief when it’s finally winter.  We allow ourselves to hibernate a little.  Cuddling under a blanket with a good book seems like the only right thing to do.  I’m a bit of a book hoarder, much to my husband’s chagrin.  Even though there are several unread books on my shelf, I can’t help looking for cozy winter reads on My Reader Rewards.  If you’re not a member yet, click here to join (it’s free) plus start with 25 points!   [Read more…]

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of the book; opinions shared are mine.

Perspective is a powerful yet vicious thing.  Sometimes perspective can provide insight; other times, it can be blinding.  When I read No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert, I felt like perspective was slamming against my brain and heart from all sides. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received passes for the museum; opinions shared are mine.

Now that we’ve crossed off the Christmas box on the calendar, let’s start planning adventures for 2018!  During fall break, we had the chance to go to the Creative Discovery Museum located in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.  My last Chattanooga trip was 20 years ago, but I remembered taking my students to this children’s museum. It was wonderful to take my own children there!  If you’re starting to think about a spring break trip with the kids, here’s why your family will LOVE the Creative Discovery Museum. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains Goodreads links.  If you’d like to purchase the books, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links at the bottom of the post.  I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.   Thank you!

Today I had the chance to catch up on blog browsing, finding many posts on 2018 Reading Challenges.  Though I am not participating in a reading challenge, it was fun to see what other people added to their lists.  My Goodreads TBR has fattened up quite a bit, and I realized that there were MANY books I hadn’t reviewed — either here or on Goodreads.  Though this isn’t a comprehensive list, I wanted to share some of those reviews.   [Read more…]

It was a productive day. I folded a load of laundry, made breakfast, and read Into the Water by Paula Hawkins.  No better way to spend vacation, right?  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review; opinions shared are mine.

Imagine a group of Dickens-like characters in a Downton Abbey setting.  Though that scenario doesn’t seem like it would work, A Name Unknown combines the two themes in a surprising blend of romantic intrigue.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; I may earn commission if you make a purchase. Opinions shared are mine.

Fiona Barton taught me a lesson with The Child.  Last summer I read The Widow and didn’t really like it, despite all the hype surrounding the book.  I almost didn’t read The Child because I thought it would be a repeat performance of a let-down story.  Wow, was I wrong!

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Merry Christmas, dear readers!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn commission if you make a purchase. Opinions shared are mine.

When my daughter noticed my ravenous addiction to The Marriage Pact, she asked if she could read it, too.  I hesitated.  Normally, I don’t mind sharing my books with her.  This one doesn’t have explicit content or anything; the bedroom scenes are mentioned in passing with little description.  Though there is profanity, it’s not excessive and certainly not any different than she’d hear in the 8th grade hallway at school.  So why the reluctance? [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received product samples at discount; opinions shared are mine.

It’s fun to hear about my friends’ family traditions when it comes to Christmas. Many of them have a specific dish or dessert they look forward to. Some, like our family, enjoy opening gifts at the same time every year. Others plan outings and events, such as cookie baking or caroling, to welcome Christmas. One friend told me that she always buys her kids a special set of pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve, so that their Santa-present pictures look good in the morning. Pretty smart! While I’m not usually organized enough to keep track of things like that in advance, I have to admit that having matching family Christmas pjs sounds super cute.

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