WEEKLY UPDATES: DEALING WITH LIFE’S GLITCHES…

On By Laurel-Rain SnowIn weekly updates

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.

 

Good morning!  How did the weekend get here so fast?  How is September half over?  The good news, however:  It is 64 degrees now at 7:30 a.m., and 85 and 83 are predicted for the rest of the weekend!  Could fall really be on its way?

Meanwhile, my reading week started out with a brilliant book, then I started another, and it did not “wow” me.  I picked up an alternate, which I loved, and when I went back to the less than thrilling book, I hung in there, went with the flow, and ended up loving it.  So…three good books read and reviewed.

Has anyone found that posting reviews on Amazon has become a bit…unwieldy lately?  I couldn’t believe it, since I’m supposed to be a “Top Amazon Reviewer,” but now we have to confirm our identity with a passcode.  Which is just a little annoying…but then today, I kept checking for that bloody passcode, and it wasn’t in my inbox.  I left.  Later I found that all those passcodes had gone to my spam folder!  Do I really want to post on Amazon now?

Life does keep throwing glitches at us in this technological age.  Then there are those reminders that these annoyances are nothing compared to hurricanes and other storms of nature.  I hope everyone in the eye of the hurricane is safe!

I fought with my coffee pot this week, bought a replacement, and then tried again with the old one (not really that old!).  Everything was fine!   I think I tried to set it up when half awake.  Who knows what I did?  There should be a way to make coffee without needing coffee first.  LOL.

I finished Season 6 of Wentworth.  Loved it!  I’m still struggling with Season II of Ozark.  I’m not feeling it.

So…now I need more coffee while we take a closer look at my week:

LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:

Rainy Day Excerpts:  “The Lies We Told”

Hump Day Reading…

Coffee Chat:  Cooler Days Ahead…

Bookish Friday:  “Secrets of the Tulip Sisters”

Friday Potpourri:  Rumblings and Ramblings…

Review:  The Dream Daughter (e-book), by Diane Chamberlain – (NG-10/2)Review:  Cross Her Heart (e-book), by Sarah PinboroughReview:  The Golden State (e-book), by Lydia Kiesling

***

INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)

No books in my physical mailbox…BUT I received one NetGalley review ARC…and downloaded two purchases.

The Perfect Liar (e-book), by Thomas Christopher Greene – (NG – 1/15/19)

Downloads:

Fear:  Trump in the White House (e-book), by Bob Woodward

Girl, Wash Your Face (e-book), by Rachel Hollis

***

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Lies We Told (e-book), by Camilla Way – (NG-10/9)

***

So…that was my week.  Some good books, some cooler days…and hope for the upcoming week.  What did your week look like?  Last night, I enjoyed soup and salad, a slice of Quiche,  and some wine…as I finished reading The Golden State.

***

74 thoughts on “WEEKLY UPDATES: DEALING WITH LIFE’S GLITCHES…”

    1. The only thing I can figure out is because of my Top Reviewer status, they have to make sure it’s really me. LOL.

      Or they suddenly hate me. Nah, I don’t think that’s it.

      Anyway…It is an extra step that I don’t like to take.

      Thanks for visiting, Patty.

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      2. No, the passcode is sent to my Yahoo inbox. I don’t have to give any passwords. They give me one. Plus, I already wrote to Customer Support, and they assured me that it’s just an extra precaution.

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  2. Ah yes- I feel like we’re living in an age of password apocalypse ha ha. I have more trouble rembering all the 1,430 passwords I need to function in life. Glad to hear your weather is cooling off though- that’s great! Must feel good after such hot summers!

    Fear- Woodward’s new book. I probably have to get that. 🙂

    I love Wentworth! Just started season 4. Although I know Bea is leaving and I’m kinda dreading that. And… Ferguson is REALLY getting on my nerves lol.

    Have a super week!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Greg, and I loved Bea…and HATED Ferguson. Have fun enjoying what happens next.

      I do find technology super-annoying at times, even as I enjoy some of the benefits of it.

      Today I saw a comment on FB in which someone wrote in about the Cloud…like what is it, really? The responses were hilarious.

      Enjoy your new week, and stay safe out there.

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  3. I don’t know anything about hurricanes but it snowed here! on Thursday! Today I woke up at 6 am and the fog was so thick you couldn’t see in front of you. Grrr. It’s still cold with a light drizzle of rain and less fog.

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  4. Rachel @Waves of Fiction

    it has been warm and then chilly in the morning and cold by late afternoon. Fall is definitely on its way! I’ve been curious about Ozark after seeing the adverts on Netflix, but I may have to pass if the second season fizzles out. Have a great week and happy reading! 🙂

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  5. Oh really, I haven’t put a review up on Amazon for a little while, now I am tempted to have a go! What a palava! Yes could put us all off for sure. Good to hear you had a great reading week, not to be discounted!!

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn, others have told me they aren’t having that issue, which could make me a little paranoid. I had sent a message to Customer Service, and they responded that the passcode is for our security. But why have I not encountered anyone else having to do this? Or are others just not sharing? LOL.

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for stopping by.

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  6. I like the look of the books you have coming in this week. A friend I think of as nonreading is loving Wash Your Face.

    I’m sorry about your glitches with Amazon. I used to post all my reviews there, but I haven’t in a while. I think I’ll try this week and see if I can still do so without a lot of trouble.

    Have a great week. I’m envious of your cooler weather.

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    1. Thanks, Deb, I don’t like how Amazon keeps making the process more difficult; aside from the passcodes, the site is not user-friendly, IMO.

      I did notice that when I posted for an Amazon Vine book, I had no issues. Hmm.

      It was strange how I came upon Wash Your Face. I had an Amazon credit, but had to choose from certain books listed…and that was one of them.

      Enjoy your week!

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  7. Wow, I didn’t know Amazon was doing that. It’s a good thing I don’t really care about my reviewer status there, cause I’m from overseas, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t even accept me to be verified. I’ve never really loved posting reviews on there anyway. For me, it’s mostly Goodreads. And I check Goodreads for reviews too, not Amazon. Although, to be fair, Goodreads is owned by Amazon, so you know.

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    1. Thanks, Evelina, and I have been posting on Amazon for years, but recently, they have made changes that were annoying (like the passcodes, except I haven’t encountered anyone else having to do it!).

      Surely I’m not the only one, though. LOL

      I find Goodreads is easier to do. Amazon should take lessons from its “child.” LOL.

      Enjoy your week.

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    1. Thanks, Sarah, since I haven’t encountered anyone else having the Amazon issue, I’m starting to think it’s only me; but surely they haven’t devised that process just for me! LOL.

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Kimberly, and I’m starting to feel a little paranoid, since I haven’t encountered anyone else having this issue. It can’t be just me! Now that would be weird. LOL

      I’ve been posting on Amazon for ten years, with the same account, name, etc. I’m a Vine reviewer. I did write to Customer Service, and they said it was to protect security and identity. Why now, after all these years?

      When I post for Amazon Vine, though, it goes straight through. Hmm.

      I buy lots of goods from them, I have Amazon Prime…

      I would feel better if I would encounter somebody going through the same thing. LOL.

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for hosting.

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    1. Thanks, Harvee, I keep looking at my Amazon account, trying to sort through why they are suddenly adding that extra step. Especially since nobody else I know has had this problem! I’ve been reviewing there, and buying products, for years!

      Also, when I review for NetGalley, they do want those reviews to go on Amazon as well. Sigh.

      Enjoy your week and your books, and thanks for visiting this now paranoid blogger. LOL

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  13. I don’t post reviews on amazon, but there always seems to be a glitch when life starts running too smoothly. This week my microwave died and I pulled a muscle in my back…have spent the past couple of days on motrin and sitting with a heating pad. Will be curious to hear what you think about Fear. I’m dying to read it, but not sure I can stand to learn much more about it all. Hope you have a great week!

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    1. Thanks, JoAnn, I have pulled a muscle in my shoulder! I’m also on my heating pad this week.

      The whole Trump thing has put me in a very bad mood since the election! LOL. But I do want to read the book…maybe there will be a glimmer of hope somewhere?

      Enjoy your reading. You always impress me with your classics. I will try to stop feeling so annoyed about the Amazon thing…

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  14. Yvonne

    I haven’t had any problems with Amazon reviewing, although I know many have. I haven’t heard about the passcodes before except from you 🙂 I’m mainly posting on Goodreads these days, sometimes on Amazon but not always. I’ll be interested in hearing what you think about Fear. It certainly looks interesting. I loved Ozark. I haven’t started the new season of Wentworth yet. Hope you have a good week!

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    1. Thanks, Yvonne, I had contacted Customer Service about the passcodes, and they said they were part of the process to ensure identity and security, and were temporary. But it has happened every time I have posted, except when I did one through Amazon Vine. I’ve been reviewing on Amazon for ten years, and I’m supposedly a Top Reviewer, so what could be unclear about my identity? LOL.

      I did go to my profile page and checked a couple of boxes and added some things on my bio (a follow button).

      I’m slowly making my way through Ozark.

      I just finished The Lies We Told, and have a crick in my neck from reading!

      I think I’ll start Fear soon.

      Enjoy Wentworth! I liked it more than Ozark.

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    1. Thanks, Angelica, I’ve been reviewing on Amazon for ten years, and they have changed the process so many times that I want to give up! But NetGalley books have to end up posted there…I think. They always ask us to do that, anyway.

      I had a system that worked, and every time that happened, they change something.

      We all have a profile page there (I think), but we can add things to ours. I made some changes on mine today, hoping they will improve my lot. Sigh.

      Enjoy your week.

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  16. I’m glad you got the Woodward book. Which reminds me: If Manafort is now cooperating with the Mueller team as of Friday — does this mean the end game for Trump? One can only hope. Cross your fingers Laurel. Have a good week & enjoy your books.

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    1. Oh, Susan, I certainly hope so! I am so sick of him and his antics…and even more, I am sick of the “base” who still love him. Including some members of my family! Thanksgiving has not been the same since he moved into the White House. LOL

      I am excited about the Woodward book..he and Bernstein did so much for all of us during the Watergate fiasco. He believes this Trump fiasco is even worse, and I agree. At least Nixon had the sense to resign when it all started to crumble.

      Enjoy your week!

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  17. I’m envious of your weather. It’s nearly 100 outside and 84 at my desk right now. (I have a thermometer on my desk so that I can accurately complain about the heat.) I don’t review on Amazon because I rarely buy anything from them. It sounds annoying to go through all that effort to write a review.

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    1. Oh, AJ, that sounds horrible! Sort of like ours has been most of the summer, but it’s cooling a little here.

      I am frustrated by Amazon, but I do love the ease of buying their products, so what can I say? LOL. However, I only ever review the books.

      Enjoy your week!

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  19. I’m glad the weather is doing nice things for you.

    That’s weird with amazon. I stopped reviewing there ages ago because, well, I don’t even remember. I don’t trust most amazon reviews anyway.

    I keep hearing about Wentworth, I should probably give it a try.

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    1. Thanks, Shannon, and I’m stuck reviewing books on Amazon because they are often expected by the authors and publishers. I’ve made some tweaks on my Amazon Profile that I hope will help a little. We’ll see.

      I’ve now watched all six seasons of Wentworth, and I actually enjoy it more than OITNB!

      Thanks for visiting.

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  20. Beth F

    Cooler temperatures! Finally! My husband is planning on starting Fear this week; I’m not yet sure if I’ll read it or just let my husband tell me everything that’s in it.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Candace, and I plan to start Fear today. I am a big fan of Woodward, because of Watergate, etc.

      While I enjoy the cooler weather, I will be “heating up” over the chaos in the White House, most of which won’t be surprising to me.

      Have a great week!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Kathy, and I have yet to find another person who has had to use a passcode! I don’t know if that makes me “special” or a victim. LOL.

      I am getting ready to read Fear today. I am sure I’ll have the same reaction as Carl.

      Enjoy your week!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Cheryl, and if that is Amazon’s intention, they’re picking on the wrong person! I do buy most of my books from them. LOL.

      I loved The Lies We Told, and I’m eager to pick up the next book on my stack.

      Enjoy your week!

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  24. Kathy Martin

    I don’t read nonfiction but I am very tempted to get Fear. Nothing like a good political train wreck to make my life look good. I don’t quite understand the need for coffee. I can’t even tolerate the smell of the stuff – but don’t take away my Diet Pepsi. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. I’ve always loved the smell of coffee, and for the longest time, I enjoyed the smell more than the taste. Now I’m hooked on taste and smell!

      Enjoy your week, Kathy, and I’m looking forward to Fear because I admire Bob Woodward, and he did great things during the 60s with Watergate.

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  25. I had that passcode issue myself several times this last week but the email was in my inbox fortunately. I also sometimes forget to post the review on amazon when it is not open for review. It is easy to post all in one go than come back to it two weeks hence.

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    1. Thanks, Mystica, and I’m relieved to find another reviewer having the passcode issue! Not that I would wish it on anyone else, but I was feeling all alone and “persecuted.” LOL

      I hate to wait to post those Amazon reviews, too, and have to keep a separate notebook with release dates so I can remember to go back. Sigh.

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  29. Susie | Novel Visits

    I’ve thought about trying Fear, but worry that it will just be SO depressing. The news is bad enough!
    I keep forgetting about Wentworth. I definitely need to start watching it.

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    1. I really enjoy Wentworth…and while they’ve already had six seasons, the ending of the sixth season seems to beg for more. Hopefully there will be another season or two.

      Thanks for visiting, Susie, and have a great week.

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth, I am eager to read The Perfect Liar, but it will be a while, since it doesn’t release until 1/15/19.

      Not that I’m wishing that Amazon issue on you or anyone else, but the more I hear that others aren’t having it (I’ve encountered only ONE person who has), the more I feel persecuted. LOL

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  31. I kind of like how you had a pattern of trying a new thing, then going back to the old this week. Synchronicity or something happening there.

    I started Girl, Wash Your Face the other day. So far I am not wow’d. 😦 Maybe I need to keep reading since I know it is a very well loved book. I am looking forward to your thoughts on it!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Erin, and I’m sorry that Girl, Wash Your Face is disappointing so far. I hadn’t heard anything about it before buying…the blurb sounded good, though.

      Enjoy your week…and maybe the book will turn around for you.

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