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, bloggers. Are you enjoying your reading? Are movies helping you through the boring and/or dark days? I am doing the best I can to avoid negativity, which is not easy to do when it shows up on every news outlet and social networking site. I could try to avoid those places…and when I am reading, I can actually blank them out. If I am reading a book that completely captivates me. I only read and reviewed two books again this week, but I did enjoy some movies, like A Simple Favor and a strange little family drama on Prime with Bill Pullman and Angelica Huston called Trouble.
When I get restless, bored, or feel distraught, I sometimes mess around with my blogs, so I changed a few blog headers this week. I have a feeling that I’m not done.
I went a little nuts with the “click to buy” feature on Amazon…and bought five books.
So…let’s grab some coffee and take a closer look at my week. I met a friend for coffee at Barnes & Noble on Wednesday (she is facing us below). We had a nice long chat along with the caffeine.
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Tuesday Excerpts: “The Winter Sister”
Tuesday Potpourri: New Books and Other Distractions…
Rainy Day Reading: WWW Wednesdays
A Look Back at New Year’s Eves of the Past…
Coffee Chat: Post-Holiday Blues…
Review: Forget You Know Me (e-book), by Jessica Strawser – (NG-2/5/19)Review: The Winter Sister (e-book), by Megan Collins – (NG-2/5/19)
***
INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Empty physical mailbox…but I “clicked to buy” for downloads on Amazon.
A Simple Favor (e-book), by Darcey Bell
The Best of Us (e-book), by Robyn Carr
Untouchable (e-book), by Jayne Ann Krentz
Her One Mistake (e-book), by Heidi Perks
The Red Address Book (e-book), by Sofia Lundberg
***
WHAT’S NEXT?
My moods are dictating my reading, so I picked up a few books before settling on Those Other Women, by Nicola Moriarty.
I have some other Moriarty books on Paige, my Kindle…I may pick up one or more of them later.
***
That was my somewhat tepid week, but for the most part, I kept the negativity at bay. What did your week look like? I enjoyed some Red Velvet Cake & ice cream, with my coffee. I took half the cake home to savor later.
***
This is just a rough time of year to get through…sort of a holiday let down. But you seemed to have weathered it well. We finally put away almost all of Christmas…
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Thanks for visiting, Patty, and, as much as I moan about our long hot summers, I do feel more energy during the summer months.
This morning I actually did a little cleaning…dusting, mostly, which is my most hated activity. The vacuum comes out next.
I’m thinking that, until I get a housekeeper, I’ll try cleaning one room a day. That works, because once I start, I sometimes keep going.
Enjoy your week.
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One room a day sounds like a great idea!
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I do hope you find those distractions you need Laurel. Thrilled to see your copy of The Red Address Book, the title is an excellent device for the story inside its covers!
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Thanks, Cleo, I’ve heard such good things about The Red Address Book. Here’s hoping I can keep negativity away!
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How cool that you got to meet a friend and share some caffeine haha! That’s always good. 🙂 And yes I love it when a book can take me away from all the real life stuff- especially THESE days lol. Bring on the books right??
A Simple Favor- like the look of that one!
Looks like a yummy dessert!
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Thanks, Greg, I am
reading and watching movies today…and running errands.
Let’s all hope for happier times ahead!
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Oh dear a case of the blahs, it hits us all – summer or winter I think. The muggy heat is making me feel lethargic. I’ve stopped watching the news, do I want to know all the bad news in the world – no I don’t. Okay well I might peek at CNN occasionally because the USA saga totally astounds me!!
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Thanks for visiting, Kathryn, the USA saga would be so much better from your part of the world!
I would enjoy some distance from it! In fact, I wish we had complete distance from HIM.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to lose myself in my books. Enjoy yours.
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Yes we do have distance and thank the Lord. But … still makes me sad to see those people struggling. What a clown.
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A clown that could ruin us all! Thanks for sending positive thoughts.
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Time with a friend and some good books sounds like a great away to avoid the negativity that is everywhere right now. I’ve been avoiding news and losing myself in books and movies. Enjoy those new reads:)
My Sunday Post
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Thanks, Laura, I think they are the perfect antidote.
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Lunch with friends and caffeine sounds divine! Yes, the news gets me depressed or leaves me feeling anxious. For that reason I read the news once a day and keep busy with the Royals, my career and books! I hope you enjoy all of your new reads!
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Thanks for visiting, Kimberly, your solution sounds perfect. Enjoy!
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Yes! There is definitely a lot of negativity to see on the news. I don’t watch the news all that much and try to enjoy the happy stuff even more. And having lunch with friends and family, and enjoying your books is the best cure. 😉
Have a great week and happy reading!
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Thanks, Maureen, bookish people have the right idea! Enjoy yours…and your sweet baby.
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Winter can be tough, My OH is terrible with constant grey skies, I am sure he gets seasonal adjustive disorder. We have only about 2 months till the start of spring though, hang in there.
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Thanks, Charlie, I do like the thought of spring…but first we have to get through the tough times we are immersed in. Sigh. Enjoy your books.
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How awesome you got to meet your friend and share a coffee in a bookstore (we don’t have those in my neck of the woods *pouts*). Avoiding social media is the way to go if you want to avoid negativity. I also sometimes avoid the TV. I decided to see what I could watch on TV yesterday evening and I turned on the news channel (not my finest moment to be honest) and I immediately wanted to go hide. Have a great week 😀
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Thanks, Ruby, on TV, I try to find something on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Last night I found two great movies.
Enjoy your moments and your books.
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I’ve struggled with negativity this week too. It just seems like there’s no good news to be found sometimes… Books haven’t even been much of a distraction as I’m struggling to find anything that holds my attention!
Oh well, next week is a new week! Let’s hope things get better. 🙂
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Thanks, Nicci, hope is all we have, now, as we don’t seem to have any power in the situation in our world. Enjoy your books, and you are right: finding one that holds our attention is a challenge. Thrillers usually work for me.
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I know what you mean! Our whole political structure is going into meltdown as the catastrophe that is Brexit lurches from crisis to crisis and I cope by simply refusing to go there. Instead I focus on lovely friends and family, good books and my work… I hope the coming week is less meh! and more fun, Laurel. Let’s order more cake!
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Ah, yes, let’s eat cake! Thanks for stopping by, Sarah, and while I don’t know much about your Brexit situation, our chaos is a meltdown as well.
Enjoy your books…and your friends and family.
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Yes… the world isn’t making much sense right now, is it?
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I find it so difficult to fathom the actions of the leader of our country. It is even more debilitating to me to read the cheers of people I like for this person. I’ve decided to give up on reading about contemporary times and focus on reading historical fiction or fantasy! It’s one solution.
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Thanks, Deb, it hurts me that a couple of people in my family, while maybe no longer cheering, will not say a word against him. That feels like betrayal to me, but I must set those thoughts aside…and focus on something positive. And maybe historical fiction is the answer! Enjoy your week as much as possible
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Nice haul !
Have a great day !
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Thanks, Fantasybooksaddict…enjoy your books and your week.
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That velvet cake looks delicious!!
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Thanks, Sam, it was! I took half of it home to enjoy the next day.
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I remember when going back to work and thinking I have no holiday time off now until Memorial Day. That is partly how I ended up in my own business. I worked more days and much longer hours but I decided what I would do. I’m not afraid of hard work.
Anyway, I am going to some events in May and August and I need to get myself back in shape. I know I will feel better too. I’ll be enjoying desserts vicariously through you. I love Red Velvet Cake – great choice! Enjoy your reads and watching this week! Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne, I prefer working for myself, too, although I had to retire from my 30-year career first. LOL.
Enjoy your days…and your reading. Thanks for visiting.
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Negativity can be hard to avoid. I unfollowed a ton of social media accounts last year because the people running them just used them to complain or start drama. I didn’t need that in my life. Have a great week!
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Thanks, AJ, I had to do the same thing!
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
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That’s funny, I just posted the same thing, these long winter months are bleh. I love the sunshine and warmth of the summer instead. I know what you mean, I don’t like to watch the negatively on the news either, too depressing.
Enjoy your books, yay to Red Velvet Cake & ice cream and Barnes & Noble 🙂
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Thanks, Nai, when I feel depressed, I remind myself of how fortunate I am to live around the corner from Barnes and Noble.
Enjoy your week.
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We’re lucky to be out in sunshine here so lots of fab hillwalking to keep me happy. I’m so lucky to not be stuck in the UK during the grey winters. That did used to be depressing so I can understand your negative feelings at this time of year. I love that you’re combating it with cake though. That Red Velvet slice is tempting!
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Since I live in California, grey is not our usual; our country’s “leadership “ or lack thereof is the gloomiest thing around.
Enjoy your week.
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The winter blues are tough sometimes – I usually try to combat them by making plans for future warmer weather – like gardens, trips, etc. I am a huge planner and make tons of lists. I ordered some seed catalogs and even though I have the world’s tiniest garden these days, it is still fun to look through and imagine the flowers and vegetables I might plant.
I am having a hard time reading too – I am sticking to easier to read stuff. Light reading.When I am not reading, I am holed up in our new den watching tv. Lol. I have been trying to get outside on sunny days but the past few weeks we have been taking turns being sick and it sucks. I am sick of sick days!
Have a great week!
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I hope you can soon be done with all the illnesses…and enjoy everything in each day. Thanks for visiting, Erin.
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It is a difficult time to avoid negativity. It’s all over. I’m trying to stay away from Twitter, but it’s hard since some of it isn’t negative. I’m reading and watching a lot of TV. I’m not a big fan of winter in the first place and it’s so cold. I just want to cuddle up and watch TV and/or read. You have some good books on your list. Robyn Carr is always a good read. Enjoy your books and have a good week.
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Thanks, Yvonne, good books and even TV can help us deal with the negativity. As long as we can pick and choose good books and shows.
Enjoy your week!
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Well Laurel I am not much of a TV fan. I’d rather read a book than watch TV! Now messing with your blog that I know! That’s what I’ve been doing for two weeks trying to find the perfect new theme LOL
Happy Sunday!
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Thanks for stopping by, Sophie, and I applaud finding activities that cheer you up. Those work for me, too.
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This cake looks delicious!
Seems like you and your friend had nice coffee time. 🙂
I hope you will like your new books.
Btw, I have read one book by Nicole Moriarty, I think it was called The Fifth Letter, and even though I don’t remember it all that much, I remember I liked it.
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Thanks, Irena, I liked The Fifth Letter, too. Enjoy your reading and your week.
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I know what you mean about social media. I left FB a few years ago and haven’t regretted that decision even once. I’ve narrowed my focus in the day-to-day to my family and close friends. And, of course, am so thankful that I love to read.
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Thanks for visiting, Mary, and I agree that we need to cast off whatever makes us feel the negativity. For me, I just avoid certain posts and move away when I start to feel the darkness descend.
Enjoy your week!
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Yeah…I’m keeping the negativity at bay by surrounding myself with family, good reads and positive thoughts. It’s not always easy but it’s do-able. I also bought quite a few books this month. I need to catch up on reading my purchases. Lunch with friends is always a good thing. Enjoy your new books!
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Thanks, Laura, I am enjoying my books…and saw a great movie today about Ruth Bader Ginsburg (On the Basis of Sex). I felt like cheering throughout.
Enjoy your week.
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I was inspired to put A Simple Favor on my tbr list after watching the movie too! Enjoy your latest haul.
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Thanks, vvb32, I do love being inspired to read after watching a movie. Enjoy your week.
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The news is full of negativity! I tune it out with books, too.
Glad to see you enjoyed The Winter Sister!
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Thanks, Rachel, I did enjoy The Winter Sister. Have a great week.
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It really is a struggle to keep the negativity at bay these days… we’re bombarded from every imaginable angle. I’m toying with the idea of having a totally news-free (or Trump-free) day at least once a week – no television, computer, etc. Not sure if it’s even possible to do that! Glad you had a chance to get out and enjoy time with a friend and B&N – the perfect antidote!
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Thanks for stopping by, JoAnn, and I would love to avoid everything about Trump…unless it’s news that the shut-down is over…or that he will no longer be the President.
I loved getting out for coffee on Wednesday, and today I saw the new movie about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and it cheered me up a lot. People in the audience were clapping at the end.
Enjoy your week.
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I’m watching Crazy Rich Asians right now, which is a nice way to while away the night and forget about the mess everything’s in for a while. 🙂
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Thanks, Nicole, sounds like a great distraction. Enjoy!
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I saw Into the Spider-Verse this weekend. First movie I’ve seen in months. My weekly update.
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Thanks for visiting, Sarah, I don’t see as many movies at the theater as I once did, but I enjoyed On the Basis of Sex.
Have a great week.
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I have started praying as I watch the news as it is the only way I have found to change my frustration to a better attitude.
Oh that “Click to Buy” can be so tempting!
You clicked on some really good books/authors though.
Happy Reading!
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Thanks, Martha, we have to do whatever works for us. Enjoy your week and your books. I’m looking forward to mine.
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It’s nice and hot here and we’ve been getting some great nightly storms so everything is green and lush at the moment. I have the Nicola Moriarty book on my shelf and I’m looking forward to reading it. I love how easy it is to tap, buy an ebook and there it is ready to be read. I hope you enjoy yours.
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Thanks, Veronica, the ease of downloading books is wonderful…and it also contributes to the huge TBR stacks on my Kindle. LOL.
Enjoy your books, too.
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I’m reading the way through the Bible in chronological order this year. I’ve never done this before. This past week wasn’t great, but you can read that on my blog.
Robyn Carr’s book looks great. I’ve been keeping my eye on The Red Address Book. Hope you have a good and positive week.
http://imperfectchristianmom.blogspot.com/2019/01/mailbox-monday-jan-14.html
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Thanks, Cheryl, enjoy your books, and I hope you have a better week! I’m glad you could stop by.
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It’s hard to keep the negativity at bay these days, isn’t it? My husband can really get caught up in it. I keep telling him to quit watching the news but sometimes you just can’t help it. Thank heavens for books to distract us. I hope you have a great week!
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Thanks, Kathy, I also find it impossible to completely avoid the negativity. I guess if I didn’t go online and didn’t turn on the TV…but I like seeing what is happening, too. I guess we have to read the news, but stop when we feel anxious and frustrated, especially since we can’t do anything about the situation…
I love the distractions of my books…
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It really is hard to avoid the news. That cake looks yummy.
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Thanks for visiting, Candace, and the cake was delicious.
I want to keep tabs on the news, because I like to be informed, but I hate the political games.
Enjoy your week!
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Enjoy your reading.
I’ve found myself unfollowing several people on Facebook to avoid their negativity. Dreary winter doesn’t help either.
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Thanks, Carol, I have had to do the same thing on FB. What really gets me is that friends are posting things I agree with, and then trolls leap in and ruin everything. The friends must not have privacy settings, or friends of friends are trolls?
Enjoy your books…thanks for visiting.
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I’m almost done with Her One Mistake right now and have enjoyed most of it. Toward the end it’s drifting into some pretty unbelievable territory, so we’ll see how it wraps up. Hope you have a great week.
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Thanks, Susie, I hope I like Her One Mistake…sometimes I regret a few of my downloads. Hopefully it will wrap up to your satisfaction.
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January is kind of bleak by nature but so far so good. Had a little blog drama this past week which to be honest, totally pissed me off but I’m over it now and I think it all sorted out. One-click can be very dangerous huh? Looks like you grabbed some good ones though.
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Thanks, Barb, drama can ruin a day. Enjoy your new week…and the rest of January.
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Ahh! That Click to Buy button! I managed not to click once last week but did accept three new books for review. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I already clicked this week, but to accept a review ARC. That’s better, right? Enjoy your week.
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Last year I dwelled too much on the terrible news, now I mostly scan the headlines so I’m aware of what’s going on and read a few uplifting news items. It is very easy to let the negativity take hold.
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Thanks, Ellie, I try to scan, too; it is definitely better! If I avoid FB, I can succeed more often than not, as scrolling through tiny type on my iPhone is not pleasant.
Enjoy your week!
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Ohhhhh….I hope you LOVE The Red Address Book as much as I did. 🙂
Her One Mistake looks very good.
Wait until you meet the main character in A Simple Favor. She is despicable.
Have a GREAT week, Laurel.
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Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth; I am eager to read The Red Address Book…and I definitely loved to hate that character (I saw the movie!).
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Oh…that’s right….I forgot it was a movie.
Looking forward to what you think about The Red Address Book. I just LOVED Doris. 🙂
ENJOY your week.
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Wow that cake looks so good! I looked at the Red Address book so I’m glad you got a copy. I look forward to hearing what you think of it. Have a great week.
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Thanks, Susan, I can’t believe how quickly the weeks go by. I wish the investigations that might relieve us of Cheeto would go faster!
I am looking forward to my books, which do help distract me.
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I have been sticking to Netflix to avoid all the negative junk. Looking forward to Untouchable. Always nice to go out with a friend! Have a great week.
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Thanks, Nise, I think sticking to Netflix sounds like a good plan.
I am also looking forward to Untouchable. Enjoy your week!
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I understand how you feel. It’s something about this time of year.
I hope you enjoy all your new books. I love Jayne Ann Krentz.
Have a great week!
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Thanks, Aleen, I also love Jayne Ann Krentz. Have a great week, and maybe spring will come…and maybe the world will stop the craziness.
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Don’t let negativity get to you, although I get how you feel. I hope a delicious cake and a cup of coffee will solve it.
So many great books! I hope you enjoy them all!
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Thanks, Andreea, I do believe that coffee and cake can do wonders…and so can a good book or two.
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Second time I see ‘Her One Mistake’ and want to read it.I love immersing into the world in a book, thank you for that list!
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Thanks for stopping by, Igor…I love losing myself in books. Enjoy!
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I find cold weather, dark dreary days, and piles of messy snow very frustrating. I’m a much nicer person in the summer when it’s easy to go out for a walk or spend time in the garden.
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Thanks for visiting, Leslie…we don’t have snow here in the valley, but close by in the mountains, there have been blizzards. I hope you find some light in all that darkness. Enjoy your books.
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