Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
My week has been interesting. I read and reviewed two books, both of which were great. I did set aside a third book, but will probably pick it up again later. I also wrote a lot of blog posts…but then WordPress closed off that back door to the classic editor and now I am forced to use the Block Editor. I am struggling!
So this post will be shorter than usual. Let’s take a closer look at the week:
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Tuesday Excerpts: “To Tell You the Truth”
Coffee Chat: Binge-Watching, Etc.
Bookish Friday: “The Truth About Melody Browne”
Review: Three Perfect Liars, by Heidi Perks
Review: To Tell You the Truth, by Gilly Macmillan
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INCOMING BOOKS:
From Amazon:
Jackie and Maria, by Gill Paul
***
Download:
Life in Pieces, by Dawn O’Porter
***
CURRENTLY READING:
The Truth About Melody Browne, by Lisa Jewell
***
That was my week. I will stumble along, trying to maneuver with the Block Editor…and occasionally eat pineapple and coconut ice cream.
***
AN INTERIOR JOURNEY 
Ugh, I’m self-hosted with a WordPress install and I hope they’re not gonna try and get rid of the classic editor for me. I’ve hated the block editor every time I tried it! 😦 Best of luck getting used to it!
My STS/weekly roundup post.
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I thought I had escaped the Block Editor, Shaniqui, when others were forced into it. But then, suddenly, I couldn’t get in through the “back door.”
I did discover that there is a version of Classic Editor on the Block format…but it isn’t easy to work around. Sigh.
Good luck keeping your Classic Editor!
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Your incoming books make me jealous, which is ridiculous because I received two great books in the UPS delivery today! You will catch on to the new editor. It just takes a little time.
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Thanks for the encouraging words, Rae, and I hope to love the new books.
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I like the sound of your ice cream treat! And I hope the block editor gets easier as you use it.
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Thanks, Mary, I enjoy this ice cream, and I hope practice will help me with the Block Editor.
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Oh I’m sorry to hear about the editor. Sounds so frustrating… I know I’ve been struggling with new Blogger as well. My Sunday Posts usually don’t take me too long to put together since I have a rhythm now but new Blogger is suddenly taking me two or three times as long…
Life in Pieces looks interesting!
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Thanks, Greg, I really hate when big blogging changes make our ordinary tasks so awkward and frustrating! LOL.
I am really looking forward to Life in Pieces, since it is supposed to be about this whole strange year…and lockdowns.
Enjoy your week!
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Um… one way to work around the block editor is to COPY an older post that you made in the classic editor, and then use that as your template. It isn’t perfect, but it works for me, and nothing ends up in blocks. I now have a book review template in my drafts and I just copy that every time I want to write a new review. Maybe I’ll write a post about how I did this.
Also, I hope you enjoy Jackie & Maria. I, unfortunately, DNF it because of all the inaccuracies (which she admits to fully). I just know too much about these women and the men in their lives to suspend belief to read this. But if they’re mostly unknown personalities to you, she does write nicely… so again, I hope you enjoy it!
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Great idea, Davida! I am off to do that very thing! I did a partial copying of my Friday Book Beginnings/56 post…but doing it for reviews would make life easier.
Thanks!
I had heard mixed thoughts on Jackie and Maria…and I don’t know a lot about Maria, but seeing inaccuracies about Jackie might be frustrating.
Enjoy your week!
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She was better with Jackie than she was with Maria. Still, I felt she made Jackie too… self-pitying for my taste. There were a couple other things as well about JFK and Churchill that bothered me.
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Ha I’ve just spent quite awhile trying to get my post done for Monday! I was forded into block editor as well this weekend. Bothersome people! I see above someone says copy and paste a post but I do that already and it was still demanding block stuff. I’ve mucked around and finally got something together. Your books all sound great and maybe the the right time for the book put aside will come again.
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One thing I discovered as I fumbled around: there is one block called Classic Editor, and while it isn’t perfect, it does offer a way to find some of the familiar actions. But it kept leaving the page, and I had to keep putting it back!
Why are they doing this to us, Kathryn? They proclaim it is an easier method, but there is nothing easy about it!
For a while, I thought they would not force the issue…sigh. I was wrong!
Meanwhile, I just now copied a couple of posts for my template folder…and I’ll see if that works out.
Enjoy your week and your books. After I set aside Anxious People (it made me too anxious trying to keep up with all the weirdness!), I did love To Tell You the Truth…and I’m enjoying The Truth About Melody Browne. A very different kind of story for this author.
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Ha I’ve just been preparing my Monday post and then I went into the schedule bit and thought I’d done it and pushed publish and the d*** thing published! So its early and I’ll just let it be and have to study up on that change!!
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I’m sorry to hear you are having problems with Block Editor – My account has now switched over to it now as well and I struggled to write a post with it. But then by accident I discovered I could still get on Classic Editor. In the WordPress Dashboard if I just click on the title of my posts it takes me to the dreaded Block Editor, however in the options under the title I found there was edit and classic editor, so I was able to complete Sunday Reflection post! I hope you might have this option too! Take care and happy reading! 🙂
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Hmm, I will check for that! I did find a block called “Classic Editor” that offered some of the same actions I normally take. That made it a little more manageable, but it was elusive! Every time I moved to another action, it would disappear and I would have to find it again!
Is 2020 the year of all kinds of frustrations? LOL
Enjoy your week, Jessica, and I like when people leave comments on how they are beating the system.
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I know exactly what you mean, as I did try to use the ‘Classic Editor’ block. I really hope you have the same option as I found! 🤞 And thank you, Laurel-Rain 😊
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Hi Laurel! Ugh, I hate it when things change with our editors. I’m actually highly considering the move from Blogger to WordPress….. I wonder if I could manage it? I haven’t been blogging in ages so everything has changed since I last spent time on my blog anyways so either way I’m learning a new system!
Coconut icecream sounds divine… I think I need some!
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I started with WP in 2009, and they made very few changes since that time; most of the changes I could work around. If I had to start with how this Block Editor is now…I don’t know what I would do. But I actually hated Blogger by the end, with how there were very few options in templates, etc.
I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do, Di.
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Everybody seems to struggle with blog templates lately! Blogger and WordPress. I bought a brand new template about a week before Blogger’s new interface and it seems to be my saving grace.
I can’t wait until Jackie and Maria will be available in South Africa! Really want to read that one. Hope you enjoy it!
Have a good week and here’s my latest update: The Sunday Post #13
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Thanks, Mareli, it is great when we find something that saves us from frustrations.
I hope to enjoy Jackie and Maria, although I have several books ahead of it on my queue. Enjoy your week.
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Hi Laurel, sorry to hear about this WordPress stuff … I use WP too … and half the time I don’t know what I’m doing. I just wish they would keep with one thing. The Classic is easier! I must admit I don’t take the time to learn all about it …. I just want it to work! I want to get in & post it and then get out. Blah! I’m more into the content than the web mechanics etc. Hope your upcoming week is better ….
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Thanks, Susan, and what annoys me most is how the administrative staff are touting the Block Editor as easier! Today some other bloggers wrote that they copy and paste some sample posts from when they used the Classic Editor…and use them as the template. I think it might help!
Let’s hope we have no more annoying events this year! RBG’s death was like the last straw.
Have a great week.
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I love all things ‘lisa Jewell’ great rec. I’ve been thinking of selling a few books on Amazon. I just found out that Amazon and Walmart are really going head to head.
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Hmm, interesting thoughts, Trin.
I do love Lisa Jewell’s books…and I didn’t know anything about this one. Usually we hear about her books months in advance.
Enjoy your week.
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I might be the minority but I love the new editor and feel free to msg on social media or through my blog if you need any help using it. Pineapple and Coconut icecream sounds yummy!
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I will make a note of that, Gayathri! And the ice cream is wonderful.
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Life in Pieces sounds hilarious! That’s the perfect title for a book about the craziness of 2020.
I was on Blogger from 2009-2016. I took my extensive break and came back on WordPress in June, straight into the Gutenberg editor. Oh boy. I didn’t realize it was kind of new to everyone and thought it was just me. I was on the struggle bus. I thought seriously about going back to Blogger, I disliked Gutenberg so much. But I stuck with it and I’ve got the hang of it now. Feel free to reach out if there’s ever anything I can help you with!
Good luck and enjoy your week!
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Good to know, Jen…I am still struggling, but I’ve only been trying for a couple of days.
Thanks for sharing.
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I too found cut the back door gone this week. I sort of have a hack figured out but it’s a bit more time consuming. I’m on a iPad so I write the post in the Notes app, then copy and past them into the WP app, add links, formating tags etc and save as a draft, then open WP via Safari, choose the classic editor, add images and then schedule/post. Ridiculous isn’t it!
I’ll be interested to learn what you think of Life in Pieces
Wishing you a great reading week
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Wow, so many steps to go through! I don’t have an iPad, so that won’t work. Someone suggested copying posts we did in Classic and bringing them to a new post to bypass the Block Editor.
Thanks for stopping by, Shelleyrae.
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Sorry about the Block Editor. Blogger recently changed their post editor, too, and now the spacing in my posts irritates me. I hope all of our blogging problems get fixed. Have a good week!
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Thanks, AJ, if only all of our issues would get fixed! And not just the blogging ones.
Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by.
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I’ve had to get used to the new blogger so I know how you feel! I like the look of Jackie and Maria. I hope you eventually master the new WordPress. Have a great reading week!
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I hope so, too, Laura; I think we do eventually master these horrific changes because we persist. That’s what bloggers do!
Enjoy your week, and I’m very excited about Jackie and Maria.
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Sounds like WordPress is getting as aggravating as Blogger. I hope you’ll figure it out soon. Hopefully I will too 🙂
I want to read Jackie and Maria. That looks really good.
I hope you enjoy your books and have a great week!
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I wish they would stop changing everything, Yvonne. Life is hard enough without adding these unnecessary challenges.
I am eager to read Jackie and Maria.
Enjoy your week.
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Everyone seems to be having editor problems with whatever they are using. So far I have not, thank goodness but I am sure it will happen. I made cheesecake brownies and banana muffins last week. I’m glad you found some good reads; I am thankful for mine.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
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Yum, cheesecake brownies would bring me right out of the funk I’m feeling!
Enjoy your week and your books, Anne.
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Does it make you feel any better to know that we at Blogger are struggling just as much as those of you at WordPress? Why, why, why? Why mess with a good thing?
I’m eager to hear what you think about Life in Pieces. It will be the first book that is coming out of life during the pandemic.
Curious, too, about Jackie and Maria.
I hope things get better with WordPress. Have a good week.
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Yes, Deb, I think that when everyone is suffering, it does help. LOL.
I don’t get why they have to mess with things. Do they ever consider asking the users what they think?
I am also eager to read Life in Pieces…and I’m always up for more about Jackie.
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I have never learned how to use WP. It’s a puzzle to me. I love my Blogspot. It’s just easier for me.
I’m fairly new with the blog thing though. I accidentally started WP many years ago. Never did anything with it.
I think the book LIFE IN PIECES sounds great. I’ll have to check out your review also.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It’s much appreciated.
Have a great reading week.
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Thanks, Linda, despite the current WP challenges, I have preferred it to Blogger. It is good that we can each make our choices based on what is comfortable for us.
I can’t wait to read Life in Pieces. Enjoy your week!
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I’m not a fan of the Block Editor either. I’m still muddling through with the new Blogger, but it’s easier than the updated WordPress.
Jackie and Maria looks good. Hope you enjoy your new books.
https://imperfectchristianmom.blogspot.com/2020/10/mailbox-monday-oct-5.html
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Thanks, Cheryl, and I wish those administering the blog platforms would pay attention to what we dislike about the process!
I do hope to love my new books. Enjoy yours.
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I feel you on the block editor struggles. Who asked for this?
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Exactly! Since we are all struggling to some extent, it makes me wonder if torture is what they are after. LOL.
Enjoy your week, Joanne.
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Life in Pieces sounds life a book I might need to read since I feel like my life is in pieces right now. Ugh I hate everything that is going on. It was a weird week. Here’s what I have to say about it on my blog
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Thanks, Anne, just when I think it can’t get any worse…it does! I am looking forward to Life in Pieces. Have a better week!
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Its taken me so long to get used to the block editor on wordpress. Some great books in your mailbox, I have been debating getting the Life in Pieces.
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So there is hope? I am still struggling, but it has been just a few days. Thanks for stopping by, Mrs. D.
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Do you think WordPress noticed the frustrations of those of us trying to get used to the new Blogger and decided to frustrate its users too? At least there are good books to read even if blogging about them is rather more difficult. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
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Ha! I wonder about that, too, Kathy. I will probably struggle for a while, but some features are still familiar.
Enjoy your reading!
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Hi Lorraine,
I have a stylised WordPress theme and have so far managed to avoid having to swap to the block format, but from what you are all saying, I can see that the writing is on the wall. Can you tell me what effect the new format has had on all you older existing posts – does it change their format automatically, or are they scrambled?
I love pineapple and coconut together and your ice-cream reminds me of a drink I used to buy over here, many years ago – ‘Malibou’. It was a pineapple and coconut based liquor, which I made into a longer drink by mixing it with fresh orange juice – delicious!!
I like the sound of the Lisa Jewell book and I hope that you are enjoying it!
Have a great week 🙂
Yvonne xx
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So far, it looks like previous posts remain unchanged. In fact some bloggers have mentioned copying old posts to use as templates for memes and reviews.
That drink sounds fabulous!
I know that it will take a while to be comfortable with the posting.Take care and hang in there, Yvonne.
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The ice cream looks yummy! Love your BitMoji and coffee too. Happy reading this week and good luck figuring out WordPress. I’m still trying to figure out Blogger too with their new system. Grrrr.
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Thanks, hmsgofita, it is frustrating to sort out new processes.
The ice cream made me feel better! Enjoy your week.
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I don’t think I’ve ever had pineapple and coconut ice cream – it sounds good. I use WordPress for work and I haven’t noticed any changes to the editor. Check out what I read last week.
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Thanks, Donna, I do love that flavor of ice cream.
WP changes are frustrating…but I am slowly getting a handle on things. Enjoy your week.
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Great selections! The pineapple and coconut ice cream looks delicious. Check out my IMWAYR post: https://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/its-monday-what-are-you-reading3554318
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Thanks, Shoshi, I do love the pineapple and coconut ice cream!
Enjoy your books and your week.
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I had heard WordPress had made some changes which were causing more problems than helping. Blogger went through something similar recently too. I’m still waiting for them to make things better. Jackie and Maria looks like it will be good. I hope you are enjoying The Truth About Melody Browne. Have a great week, Laurel- Rain!
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Thanks, Wendy, I am loving the books…and not loving WP changes. But I am slowly figuring a few things out.
Enjoy your week.
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JACKIE AND MARIA should be good.
Have a wonderful week, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I think it will be!
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I am with you on struggling with the block editor over at Mailbox Monday. After two or three weeks, I think I have managed to acclimate to the new blogger at my own blog.
Is there a particular Lisa Jewel title you would recommend? I want to read her someday.
I had raspberry ripple ice cream after lunch so I like your sharing ice cream.
Stay safe and I hope you enjoy all of your new books.
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Thanks, Martha; I have loved all of Lisa Jewell’s books so far, but my first will always be one I think about. The House We Grew Up In has such a lovely setting and family moments, but also so many issues that kept me engaged.
Some of her other books are the thriller type, and also kept me turning pages.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
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I’m using the new block editor and it is so confusing and a little hard to work with. I feel your pain. hopefully both of us can get use to it.
Jackie and Maria looks like an interesting read! I may have to add it to my TBR.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Tina @ The Cactus Jefa
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Thanks, Tina, I do find the new editor challenging…the more I practice, though, the more I pick up occasional ways to help me. Like discovering there is a block called “classic block.”
Let’s hang in there and see what happens!
Enjoy your week and your books.
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ugh the dreaded block editor 😦 It gets a little easier once you get used to it, but it’s still a pain. enjoy your books, I am a fan of Lisa Jewell.
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Thanks, Nai, the block editor does get a little easier, but certain aspects of it are an ongoing challenge!
Enjoy your week.
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