Good morning, and welcome to my Monday Memes. For those who participate in Monday Mailbox, Apple Blossom, of 4 the Love of Books is hosting for May; and, as usual, Book Journey is hosting What Are You Reading?
MAILBOX MONDAY:
This week, I received two Amazon Vine review books in the mail; I also downloaded 3 e-books that I purchased.
1. The Husband’s Secret, by Liane Moriarty
At the heart of The Husband’s Secret is a letter
that’s not meant to be readMy darling Cecilia, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died. . . .
Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. . . .
Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.Acclaimed author Liane Moriarty has written a gripping, thought-provoking novel about how well it is really possible to know our spouses—and, ultimately, ourselves.
2. Kind of Cruel, by Sophie Hannah
“Kind, cruel, kind of cruel.” Amber thinks it’s just nonsense, a side effect of being hypnotized for the first time. But when she’s arrested for a brutal murder two hours later, those four words are the key to clearing her name… if only she could remember where she’d seen them.
Amber Hewerdine suffers from chronic insomnia. As a last resort, she visits a hypnotherapist, doubtful that anything will really change. Under hypnosis, Amber hears herself saying, “Kind, cruel, kind of cruel.” The words awaken a vague memory, but she dismisses the whole episode as nonsense. Two hours later, however, Amber is arrested for the brutal murder of a woman she’s never heard of, and the only way she can clear her name is by remembering exactly where she’s seen those words.
Kind of Cruel is the latest page-turner in Hannah’s Zailer and Waterhouse mystery series, and will enthrall Hannah’s ever-growing readership.
You think your life is nuts? Since I was sixteen, I’ve spent time on Death Row, tried to sell my baby sister on the black market, been stranded at the altar (repeatedly), lied about my son’s paternity, and fought viciously with just about everybody in town. Well, okay, it wasn’t really me–it was my character, Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives. But like Sami, I’ve had my share of struggles. I’ve been told I was fat, watched fellow actresses starve themselves, been cruelly rejected, and wondered if I would ever date. (Hey, the first time I kissed a boy was in front of a TV camera!) There was even a time when I hated myself.Sound familiar? This is my story. It’s an account of my years on daytime’s most popular soap, and of my life off-screen–the major ups and downs, the craziness of Hollywood, balancing work and play, looking for love, concerns about weight, peer pressure, and finally learning to accept myself for who I am. I’ll tell you fun stories about myself and my co-stars. . .recollections of my most memorable scenes. . .and everything you’ve always wanted to know about Sami. I think you’ll find a lot in these pages that will remind you of all the days of your life. . .and perhaps inspire you to follow your own dreams in the days to come.
Alison Sweeney was born in Los Angeles, one of three children of a concert violinist mother and a business investor father. Her acting career began when she was four years old. Throughout her childhood, Alison appeared in numerous television commercials, as well television series including Friends, Simon & Simon, Webster, St. Elsewhere, and Tales from the Darkside. She had starring roles in the films The Price of Life and The End of Innocence.
Alison joined the cast of Days of Our Lives as Sami Brady in 1993. In her years on the series, her character has evolved from a troubled teenager to a scheming villainess. In 2002, Alison won a fan-voted Emmy as America’s Favorite Villain. She has also won the fan-voted Soap Opera Digest Award four times, and in 2001 was elected by the same publication as one of the Most Beautiful Women in Daytime Television. Soap Opera Weekly named Alison 1999’s Breakout Performer of the year, and in Australia, she was voted “Best Bad Girl” in 2000 and 2001 by readers of Inside Soaps magazine.
Alison lives in a suburb of Los Angeles with her husband, Dave.
4. The Glass Wives (e-book), by Amy Sue Nathan
Evie and Nicole Glass share a last name. They also shared a husband.
When a tragic car accident ends the life of Richard Glass, it also upends the lives of Evie and Nicole, and their children. There’s no love lost between the widow and the ex. In fact, Evie sees a silver lining in all this heartache—the chance to rid herself of Nicole once and for all. But Evie wasn’t counting on her children’s bond with their baby half-brother, and she wasn’t counting on Nicole’s desperate need to hang on to the threads of family, no matter how frayed. Strapped for cash, Evie cautiously agrees to share living expenses—and her home—with Nicole and the baby. But when Evie suspects that Nicole is determined to rearrange more than her kitchen, Evie must decide who she can trust. More than that, she must ask: what makes a family?
5. The Great Gatsby (e-book), by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The exemplary novel of the Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgeralds’ third book, The Great Gatsby (1925), stands as the supreme achievement of his career. T. S. Eliot read it three times and saw it as the “first step” American fiction had taken since Henry James; H. L. Mencken praised “the charm and beauty of the writing,” as well as Fitzgerald’s sharp social sense; and Thomas Wolfe hailed it as Fitzgerald’s “best work” thus far. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when, The New York Times remarked, “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s that resonates with the power of myth. A novel of lyrical beauty yet brutal realism, of magic, romance, and mysticism, The Great Gatsby is one of the great classics of twentieth-century literature.
***
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
Welcome to our weekly bookish place where we share our adventures in reading. Come along and join us as we explore other blogs and feel a community spirit.
First of all, I hope everyone had a great week. I’m so out of it that I thought last weekend was Mother’s Day…I feel as though I lost a week in there. LOL
My blogging week included these posts, among others:
Tuesday Potpourri: Lusting After Books
Author Interview: Ruth Francisco
Thursday Potpourri: Not Hump Day, and Not Yet Friday
Sweet Saturday Sample (Excerpt): The Guardian Angel
Sunday Potpourri: Books, Movies, & Reflections
And for next week, watch for my guest post from Author Lisa Ellis, along with a review of Finding Lily — at Rainy Days and Mondays, on May 30 and 31
Last Week’s Reads: Click Titles for Reviews:
1. Don’t Go (e-book), by Lisa Scottoline
2. Some Are Sicker Than Others(e-book), by Andrew Seaward
3. The K Street Affair (e-book), by Mari Passananti
Reading: (Click Titles/Covers for More Info)
Currently reading: Sweet Salt Air, by Barbara Delinsky
What’s Up Next?
1. The Husband’s Secret, by Liane Moriarty
2. He’s Gone (e-book), by Deb Caletti
3. Dark Places (e-book), by Gillian Flynn
***
That’s my week! I’m eager to visit other blogs, and have you stop by and chat. Enjoy!
Don’t you just love weeks filled with lovely books? Enjoy!
LikeLike
Definitely! Thanks for stopping by, Patty, and enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I am curious about the Glass Wives. Those who have glass wives shouldn;t throw stones? Intriguing!
Can’t wait to read Sweet Salt Air.
LikeLike
I am intrigued by The Glass Wives…and I’m loving Sweet Salt Air. Enjoy your week, Harvee.
LikeLike
Looks like you’ve added some good books to your shelf. Hope you’re enjoying Sweet Salt Air.
LikeLike
I’m really savoring it, Laura…I spent a lot of today watching movies, so I haven’t read much. Now I’m settling in with it. Thanks for stopping by…enjoy your week.
LikeLike
All the Days of My Life (so far) looks like a lot of fun. I really like Allison Sweeny on The Biggest Loser, and from what I’ve heard seems to lead a pretty busy life. Definitely think her memoir is one I’d enjoy.
LikeLike
I am looking forward to the memoir, too; Sweeney is a very busy young lady, and even worked throughout her pregnancies, taking very little time off afterwards. Thanks for stopping by, Shoshanah…enjoy your week.
LikeLike
The Husband’s Secret sounds good! Have a great week of reading.
LikeLike
I think so, too, Nise….enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Lots of great reads! Enjoy!
LikeLike
Thanks, Sheila, and I hope you have a fun trip!
LikeLike
The Husband’s secret sounds very interesting!
Here is mine
LikeLike
It’s very good so far, Brooke….thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Definitely an eclectic collection of books! Enjoy!
2 Kids and Tired Books MM
LikeLike
I am looking forward to them, Holly…thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week!
LikeLike
They all look good… I don’t know where to start.
Will this be a re-read of The Great Gatsby? Don’t tell me you’re never read it!
LikeLike
I suspect that I haven’t read The Great Gatsby….but if I did, it must have been about a hundred years ago…lol. The language seems very familiar, though. Thanks for stopping by, Leslie….
LikeLike
What a line up, all on my wishlist too. Haven’t seen that cover for The Husband’s Secret, can’t wait to read it and He’s Gone (I loved her YA novel Stay)
Have a great week and happy reading 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t read much YA….so Caletti is new to me. But now that you mention it, the title Stay does seem familiar. I knew I’d seen her name on blogs.
Thanks for visiting, Teddyree, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy The Husband’s Secret and The Glass Wives as much as I did
Have a fab reading week!
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
LikeLike
Oh, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed them, Shelleyrae…I know that the blurbs sound wonderful to me. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great reading week.
LikeLike
A lovely mailbox with so many good books. Enjoy.
LikeLike
I agree, Mystica….thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I love Sophie Hannah – enjoy!
LikeLike
Me, too, Sam…another author I’ve discovered because of blogging. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
My face-to-face book group just read Gatsby. I was surprised at how many people were disappointed with the book, especially because of the emptiness of the characters. Not me. I was fascinated with it.
Here’s my It’s Monday!
LikeLike
From just the excerpts I’ve read, the language is gorgeous…and yes, the characters are probably decadent…that will be the fascinating part. Thanks for stopping by, Deb….and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Oooh, I want The Husband’s Secret – it looks great! I met Sophie Hannah last year and she is hilarious – it’s hard to believe she writes the kind of books she does.
LikeLike
I know…I’m excited about it, too; and the Sophie Hannah book. How fortunate that you could meet her! Thanks for visiting, Kathy.
LikeLike
I haven’t watched Days since I was a teenager but I’ve always liked Allison Sweeney, she seems really down to earth and relatable. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Shan…and yes, I enjoy Sweeney’s work…and even find myself rooting for the character, despite her somewhat mercurial behavior at times…lol
LikeLike
You had a good week. I’m curious about Alison Sweeney’s book because I know her from The Biggest Loser. I have never watched a soap opera and am not familiar with her acting. Come see my Monday Report. Happy reading!
LikeLike
She is an awesome actor, Kathy….and I also admire her energy, as she has so many projects going….and still has small children.
Thanks for stopping by…enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Will be curious what you think of Dark Places.
LikeLike
I enjoyed Flynn’s other books, so I’m hoping to love this one, too. Thanks for stopping by, Jackie…have a great week.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by my blog. All your books look fabulous. I love Alison Sweeney. I never miss Days of Our Lives 🙂
LikeLike
Good for you, Lori….I first watched Days when I was pregnant with my first child (who is now 46!), so that gives you an idea of my longevity with the show. However, I did miss a few years (before VCRs/DVRs came along). Thanks for stopping by…enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Wow! Your books sound awesome. I’m especially interested in The Glass Wives. I’m adding that to my TBR list. Thanks!
LikeLike
I like the sound of that one, too, June. Thanks for visiting. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I like the cover of Sweet Salt Air. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I just finished that one, Jen, and I felt as though I had gone to the island….enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Have a good week – it looks like you only “do” really good books now. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m trying that out, Judith…for awhile, I accepted review books that I wasn’t sure about…no more! Thanks for visiting…have a great week.
LikeLike
I do the same, I only accept books that I really think are going to be good. If in doubt, I don’t request it.
LikeLike
It’s a good practice, I’ve discovered, Judith…..
LikeLike
Hope you like He’s Gone too! I’m interested in Alison Sweeney’s book. I used to watch her on DOOL though I haven’t watched it for a long time!
LikeLike
I’m looking forward to both books, Lucy…enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
He’ Gone looks good- love the cover! Hope you enjoy your reading this week 🙂
LikeLike
I think so, too, Kerri…..enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
I read Dark Places last week. Did you enjoy it? I thought it was a creepy, suspenseful read, but overall a dark, unsettling book as well. I have mixed feelings about it. Enjoy your reads this week!
My reads for this week.
LikeLike
I’ll be reading it at the end of the week, Majanka…and I expect it to be dark and unsettling. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I just read Allison Sweeney’s novel, The Star Attraction – it was very cute and fun read! Looks like you’ve got a busy reading week ahead – Happy Reading!
LikeLike
I want to read that one, too, Sharon….I thought I’d start with the memoir. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
The Glass Wives looks really good. I’ve also been wanting to read The Great Gatsby. I read many, many years ago. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Yvonne…I am excited about The Glass Wives, too, and yes, it’s wonderful to see old favorites and plan to reread them. Glad you could stop by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I read The Glass Wives recently and enjoyed it; it wasn’t too sad for a book about grief and its aftermath, and I was very interested by the relationship between the two wives. Enjoy your new books!
LikeLike
I am curious about that, too, Kay….and couldn’t resist picking it up. Thanks for stopping by…enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Nice Mailbox. Please let us know how The Glass Wives is. It looks good.
And…why are you so happy in that photo? 🙂 Tell us. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
LikeLike
Yes, I plan to do that, Elizabeth….thanks for stopping by, and have a great week. And to find out why I’m so happy in the photo…you must click on it. Then you’ll see….lol
LikeLike
AWWWWWWWWWWWWW….clicked on the photo and saw why you were so happy. How nice. DAH for me that I didn’t realize I had to do that.
LikeLike
Thanks for clicking over….wasn’t that fun? Good for you, Elizabeth, for following the “click.”
LikeLike
It was fun…thanks.
LikeLike
I’m glad, Elizabeth….
LikeLike
WOW Laurel – you have plenty of wonderful books to keep you stocked throughout the summer:) enjoy
LikeLike
I agree, Diane….and then some. As I added to my stack for the next few weeks, I also grabbed some TBRs that have been accumulating. I really shouldn’t buy any more new ones….Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Dark Places is the next book by the Gone Girl author, yes? Hopefully that is as good! You’ve had a busy week. See you next monday!
LikeLike
Yes…she also has Sharp Objects in there, which I’ve read. Thanks for stopping by, Melissa.
LikeLike
I’m hoping to read the new Moriarty book soon. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Mary….I’m loving it so far. Glad you could stop by…enjoy the week!
LikeLike
I took note of a few of your books and will add them to my TBR list. Did you enjoy Sweet Salt Air? My book club read it for our May selection and we all enjoyed it very much.
LikeLike
I did enjoy it, JKB….and I’m now loving The Husband’s Secret. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
Great books…the Allison Sweeny book sounds like a fun read. I might have to pick that one up!
Have a great week and thanks for stopping by my blog!
~Kristin @ Always With a Book
LikeLike
I think so, too, Kristin….thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
The Alison Sweeney book and The Glass Wives look especially good. Happy reading!
LikeLike
I think so, too, Anna…glad you could stop by. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I love when books have good covers; it makes you want to read them even more. I’m currently reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer and Anna Karenina by Tolstoy.
LikeLike
Covers are important to me, too; but I also enjoy reading on my Kindle. Thanks for visiting, Rose.
LikeLike