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”
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.
***
So now you have a spare coffee pot? I just posted a review on the big A…no passcode needed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
You are welcome…it’s not someone trying to scam your account? Be careful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, snow? Now I wouldn’t expect that right now…and not rain or fog, either. We’re still in summer, although it is cooling down.
Thanks for visiting, Jackie, and enjoy the new week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, Rachel, and while I’m just slogging through the second season of Ozark, I am enjoying bits of it. So…one or two episodes at a time. LOL
Have a great week!
LikeLike
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!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
I don’t have the trouble with coffee pots being a tea drinking Brit but is there a way to set it up before bed? Then you can just flip a switch in the morning?
Have a good week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I do set it up before bed, Nicci, but I must have done something wrong in the process…in the last two days, it’s been fine!
Thanks for visiting, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Yes… it’s cooling down here, too. Though given our winters, I don’t look forward to the coming weather with any joy! So sorry to hear about your hassle with Amazon:(. Have a good week, Laurel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
I don’t know where September is going. It’s flying right on by. I’m not too thrilled with AmazonVine lately actually but oh well. Enjoy your books! mmmm quiche and wine…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, Nai, and I am certainly not ready for winter! We have a very short fall, and then colder weather looms. But our winters are pretty mild.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Very weird about Amazon. I have posted reviews almost every day on purchased and non-purchased items. I have not run across this..maybe they are tested it in a small area? Eeek gads I certainly hope not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
I’e been posting reviews/comments only on Goodreads! Amazon sounds complicated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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…
LikeLike
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
Laurel I get confused with Amazon. I am not a top reviewer but sometimes I cannot even get the link of my review, some may not even be made public, but I wouldn’t even know as I can’t find a central location of all my reviews. Hope it gets sorted for you, it’d be a shame to leave seeing as your a top reviewer.
Have a wonderful week!
Angelica @ Paperback Princess
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
Our temps are very similar! I love this time of year. Warm days, cool nights and the trees aren’t bare yet. I hope you love your reading this week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mary, as you know I raced through and loved The Lies We Told, and I’m getting ready to start my next book.
It is easier to breathe around here when it’s cooler! Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
I posted a review on Amazon last week and didn’t have to use a passcode.
Carl is reading Fear right now and says we all do need to fear.
Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
Sounds like Amazon only wants you to review products you buy directly from them. Sounds like a monopoly to me.
I’m very grateful that fall might decide to make an appearance soon. I’m done with the heat.
The Lies We Told is on my wish list. Hope you enjoy all your new books.
https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2018/09/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-sep-17.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
The Perfect Liar sounds like my kind of book! I put Fear on hold at the library as well. Should be interesting!
My list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Aymee, I do love having the option of borrowing books from the library…although I did buy Fear. NetGalley is another great way to find books, like The Perfect Liar.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I totally agree. Between the physical books, Overdrive and Hoopla, I have so many options. And NetGalley is a dangerous resource, but amazing all the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
I have a backlog of amazon reviews and now I’m not looking forward to posting them. Oh the joys of technology, i’d Like to Read Fear and the new Camilla Way book. Have a good week x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Emma, maybe you’ll be lucky with your Amazon reviews; not everyone has to use a passcode.
I loved The Lies We Told, and I started Fear this morning.
Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t been an Amazon customer (or reviewer) now for nearly nine years. My weekly updates
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, Sarah, and I am stunned by the changes in the review process because I am a long-time customer and reviewer. Talk about appreciating loyalty! LOL
Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
In today’s techy world, you should be able to tell some device to make your coffee!! Looking forward to what you think abut Girl, Wash Your Face. Hope the rest of September is filled with great reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha-ha, yes, Nise, I would definitely go for that!
Thanks for stopping by, and I’m curious about Girl, Wash Your Face, too. Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
The Perfect Liar looks good.
I haven’t had that issue on Amazon yet. I hope I don’t.
Have a great week, Laurel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLike
LOL!!
I hope it resolves itself for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
Yay for good reading weeks. I’ve had a couple good ones in a row too. The Lies We Told look like a good one. Enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, vvb32, I love a good reading week! The Lies We Told was a good one. Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
It is good to hear that weather is cooling. We are in Illinois and it is over 90 every day.
Glad your reading was good. You have more good books in line. Happy Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Martha, I will be very happy when fall is finally here! Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Technical glitches are getting on my nerves, but then again, I had a whole computer meltdown last month and it wiped the entire computer and I lost a ton of files, though not all of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, no, Serena, that’s awful! I guess there’s always something else that can happen to our technology! I hope you have nothing but good times ahead! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your reading.
LikeLike
How weird on Amazon. I’ve thankfully not had that happen yet with needing a passcode. Whew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Anna, and after I changed my Amazon account to remove the extra security feature (that I didn’t know I had), the review went through with no hassles.).
LikeLike