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.
As I sip my third cup of coffee and listen to the rain pattering on the roof, I feel good. The world around us is still unsettled, with more chaos lurking, but I am diving into book after book. I finished three again this week, and they all brought cheer to my life. I wrote nine blog posts…yes, I went a little crazy. I gave my smallest blog, Snow Sparks, a complete facelift, and I’m loving the look of it, all sparkly and quirky. Here, take a peek:
This week was full of movies from Amazon Prime and Netflix. Among them were Disobedience, with Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdam; Stuck in Love,with Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly; and my lovely DVD version of The Wife, with Glenn Close. On Netflix, I saw a movie called Deadly Switch, which was just scary enough to keep me wide awake throughout.
I did a little house cleaning…not so much that I lost sight of my true pleasures, like reading and eating out, both of which I enjoyed this week. Today I had my weekly hair styling, which was supposed to happen yesterday…but didn’t. I also missed last week due to my daughter’s illness. But I’ll try not to comment on how the “weekly appointment” turned to “whenever” so quickly. LOL.
So…let’s have more coffee…as if I need it! And take a closer look at the week.
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Sunday Potpourri: A Dilemma — Go Out or Stay In…
Tuesday Excerpts: “The Woman Inside”
Tuesday Potpourri: Adding to My Shelves…
Coffee Chat: Books, Movies, Etc.
First Month of the Year: Wrapping Up…
Bookish Friday: “Come Find Me”
Review: The Liar’s Room (e-book), by Simon LelicReview: The Suspect (e-book), by Fiona BartonReview: The Woman Who Kept Everything (e-book), by Jane Gilley
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INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
No books in my physical mailbox! I received one review ARC…and I did download two e-books.
Review ARC:
Not Here: A Dina Ostica Novel, (e-book), by Genevieve Nocovo (author review request)
Purchases:
Come Find Me (e-book), by Megan Miranda
The Woman Who Kept Everything (e-book), by Jane Gilley (click title for review)
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WHAT’S NEXT?
Daisy Jones and the Six (e-book), by Taylor Jenkins Reid – (NG-3/5)
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So that was my week. What did yours look like? Last night I enjoyed dinner at Marie Callender’s, with comfort food: meat loaf with a glass of wine…and my book.
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Hi!!!
Come Find me looks really appealing to me! Hope you enjoy it!
Here’s my Saturday post. Happy Weekend!
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Thanks for visiting, Sassy, I can’t wait to read Come Find Me.Enjoy your week!
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Wow you really had a productive week last week. I too hope to read Daisy Jones & the Six. A rock n roll story right? The movie Stuck in Love with Greg Kinnear … I haven’t seen that one … is that a new one? thanks.
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Thanks, Susan, and Stuck in Love isn’t new; it came out in 2012. But I had never seen it, and I like the actors in it. I’m looking forward to the rock n roll story, and Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author I enjoy.
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Ooh that looks like a fun new look for Snow Sparks! Love that title BTW. And yes thank goodness we have books to shelter us from the craziness of real life!
Deadly Switch sounds interesting! I’ll have to check that out. Seriously when did Netflix become so indispensable to my life? It’s about the only TV I watch now haha!
Come find Me is on my TBR, and meatloaf! Yum!!
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Thanks for visiting, Greg, and it was fun for me to tweak the look of Snow Sparks. The blog name derives from my surname…and the idea of igniting connections between people.
I don’t know what I ever did without Netflix! And just a few years ago, I had never even tried it. Do you remember when Netflix was just a site to rent DVDs? That was before the whole “streaming” thing started. I don’t know what we did without that service, either.
Enjoy your books and your movies…and your week.
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I do remember and it’s so weird how my life has changed, in the sense of how I consume media! I can’t even imagine not having Netflix now lol. And I remember too when I first got, binging all these different shows… 🙂
Streaming has definitely changed how I TV!!!
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You wrote 9 blog posts? I barely managed 1 this week. I wish I had your motivation. Enjoy your new books!
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Thanks for visiting, AJ; I am not sure why I wrote so many, but I kept finding myself at the computer writing still another post.
I should spend more time reading, though.. I still have a lot of unread books.
Enjoy your week.
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I love being inside with rain on the roof, a good coffee (or tea) and a good book. Perfection. Sounds like you had a good week.
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Thanks for visiting, Kathryn, and rain on the roof is such a comforting sound…as long as it isn’t a hard rain, and as long as it doesn’t push my skylight in, like it did a few times a couple of years ago! LOL.
It has been a good week, though. Enjoy your new week.
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Laurel I love the new look! Quirky is my favorite look 😉 Congrats to your excellent week! Stay warm and safe.
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Thanks, Sophie, I never tire of changing up my blogs…although sometimes I feel inspired, like I did with my Snow Sparks look. That VW bug reminds me of happy times when I was young.
Enjoy your week!
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I have been staying from Netflix for a while now, but I am mentally tallying the number of movies and series I will be watching as soon as I lift the ban off. Thanks for adding a few to that list. Hope your daughter is better now.
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Thanks, Gayanthri, and yes, my daughter was feeling perky again this week. After she styled my hair, we went to lunch (at the Mexican restaurant next to her salon).
Enjoy binging on movies and shows once you lift your ban!
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I love Netflix! Between netflix and amazon prime tv I don’t actually have cable/satellite tv anymore and I so rarely watch a DVD preferring to rent/buy movies online via Google Play Movies. 🙂
You’re not wrong about books sheltering us from the crazy of the world. My crazy world had left me in a reading slump for most of January but this week I was finally able to escape back into the world of fiction and ignore it!
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Thanks for visiting, Nicci, and sometimes I think of discontinuing my cable in favor of Netflix and Prime….but then I remember the occasional limited series on Showtime that I always enjoy, or shows on HBO. But I’m sure there is a way to change things up to allow for occasional treats from those channels…sigh.
Let’s hope the craziness in our world is extinguished soon! Enjoy your week.
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I don’t even know where this week went for me! And this weekend, to be honest. I wish Sunday was still tomorrow xD
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Thanks for visiting, Evelina, and I always forget some things I did during the week…so now I’ve started taking notes.
Now that I’m retired, I enjoy Mondays. Sorry…
Have a great week.
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I’ll have to watch that Rachel McAdam film and I put a few of the few of the books you mentioned on my TBR. I’m so glad you’re keeping so busy.#Sundaypost
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Thanks, Trin, I love finding ideas for movies and books on other blogs. Enjoy your week!
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I like Greg Kinnear but not sure if I saw that film. I’ll look for it. I too love the sound of rain on the roof – especially if I’m going to sleep. Probably won’t hear that sound for quite a while. And snow is sneaky. You can’t it hear it 🙂 Have a great week, Laurel!
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Thanks for stopping by, Mary, and the movie with Greg Kinnear came out in 2012, but it slipped on by without notice. Finding it on Prime felt like a treasure. It was a nice, quiet family drama…Greg played a writer, divorced from his wife and still grieving for her. The teenage boy and his slightly older sister were not even annoying! LOL
Sorry that snow is so sneaky! Enjoy your week, and stay warm.
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I like the blog facelift, I need to update mine desperately. Raindrops on the roof and coffee sounds like bliss. I liked Stuck in Love because I love Greg Kinnear…he’s always good.
Enjoy your week and happy reading!
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Thanks for visiting, Nai, and I enjoy Greg Kinnear, too. I have fun changing up the blogs, and must admit that I am quite pleased with my Snow Sparks facelift, with that little VW bug showing off its “sparks.”
Have a great week.
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I’ve been working on my blog a bit this week, too. And I’m reading two books set in Paris…nothing could be better for me than that.
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Thanks for visiting, Deb, and I love books set in Paris! Enjoy…and have fun working on the blog.
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Sounds like you had a great week! Your books all look so good. Ooooohhhh…that meat loaf looks delicious. Hope you have a great week!
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Thanks for visiting, Yvonne, and I did love my week, with a nice mix of books, movies, and outings. Enjoy your new week.
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Oh, I need to check out the Greg Kinnear movie. I like him! Deadly Switch sounds good, too! The Suspect looks good, and seeing your 5 stars makes me even more curious. Enjoy your books, Laurel! 🙂
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Thanks, Rachel, I hope you love The Suspect…and the Greg Kinnear movie. Enjoy your week.
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You were clearly on fire this last week – nine posts… a blog makeover AND spring clean! We had snow, but thankfully it melted away to nothing the following day without causing too much chaos – I’m hoping that is going to be our lot for the year. In the meantime, have a great week, Laurel:)
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Thanks for stopping by, Sarah, and I always feel so energized when I start working on my blogs. Enjoy your new week…and your books.
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Snow Sparks looking good, but then you are always finely tweaking your blogs to keep them fresh and “shiny” looking. I like your remarks about the weekly “freshen up” appointment. It might have to be an occasional to-do, lol. I like the purple in your hair and all your colorful manis. Is the hair color temporary or permanent I wonder? I don’t do my color anymore because of scalp irritation.
I want to read The Suspect. Don’t think I ever read a Barton book before but it sounds like I could jump in here.
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Thanks for visiting, Rita; the purple is “permanent,” in that it lasts for a few weeks. It is different than dye, and doesn’t irritate my scalp like the previous dye colors.
I think you will like Fiona Barton’s books.
Enjoy your week!
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Love the new look of Snow Sparks! Hope your daughter is feeling better. I spent a lot of time watching shows this week too, it has slowed my reading down. It was a lazy week with the polar vortex keeping us all housebound.
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Thanks for stopping by, Nise; I like weeks with good books and movies.
Glad you liked the blog makeover.
That polar vortex sounds harsh. Stay warm.
My daughter is doing well now.
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You had a good reading week. I’m curious about THE WOMAN WHO KEPT EVERYTHING. Enjoy your new books!
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Thanks for visiting, Laura, and I enjoyed all of my books. The Woman Who Kept Everything was delightful. Have a great week!
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I love the look of your Snow Sparks blog! It sounds like you’ve had a pleasant week, Laurel-Rain. I am enjoying the sound of the rain outside too. Earlier today we were out in it as my daughter had a booth at a local story selling cookies. Luckily we were able to stay dry under an overhang. The girls were bundled up though to stay warm. You’ve reminded me that I need to make a hair appointment soon. I always put it off longer than I should . . . I hope you have a great week, Laurel-Rain!
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Thanks for visiting, Wendy, and I’m glad you enjoyed the blog changes. We had some windy rain later in the weekend, which is not that much fun. It was trying to ruin my hair! LOL.
I didn’t used to enjoy hair appointments, but going to see my daughter is the best. She knows just what I like, and we get to chat while she’s working.
Have a wonderful week!
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Sounds like a nice week for you even with the rain.
I see The Suspect got 5 stars. I think I need to check Fiona Barton titles.
mmmm – Meat loaf. Makes me want to ask my hubby to make that this week.
Hope you have another good week. Happy Reading!
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Thanks for stopping by, Martha, and I hope you enjoy The Suspect…and the other Barton books.
Meat loaf is something I haven’t made in ages…so it was a treat to order it at Marie’s. It almost feels like home-cooked there.
Enjoy your week!
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I’ve been eyeing Come Find Me, as I’ve really enjoyed some of Megan Miranda’s books. Hope you enjoy it and all your books. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kay, I hope to read it soon…and I always enjoy her books.
Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by.
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We had rain too and more coming this week. My weekly update
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Thanks for visiting, Sarah, and enjoy your week. We do need the rain, but I always hope we don’t have the stormy kind.
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You certainly had a busy week last week and managed to get a lot accomplished. The Woman Who Kept Everything sounds like a book Inwould enjoy.
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Thanks for stopping by, Veronica, and have a great new week. I enjoyed The Woman Who Kept Everything.
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A weekly hair appointment sounds divine – hopefully that’ll get back on track soon. Enjoy your new books!
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Thanks, Kathy, I hope to get into that weekly routine again! Not only does my hair look better, but the visits with my daughter are fun.
Enjoy your books and your week!
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Come Find Me is on my list – I hope this one is very enjoyable for you. I love the pictures and makes me drool. =) I get my hair done and a few other things we won’t mention. =0) Have a great week!
Mary
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Thanks for visiting, Mary, and it is fun to get our hair done…etc. LOL
Enjoy your week and your books.
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Thanks for visiting my page too. I can’t wait to hear what you think about Daisy Jones! Have a great week my friend…
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Thanks for returning the visit, Jaymi, and I am looking forward to Daisy Jones.
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You had a very busy week! Love those productive weeks like that. 🙂 I will have to check out Snow Sparks!
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Thanks, Erin, I do love playing with my blogs. And reading books that keep me engaged. Enjoy your week.
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Me too on the cleaning…the sun was out after so many cold, dreary days, and I always feel like cleaning more than usual when the sun is out. I was definitely exhausted yesterday.
Today is back to the fun. 🙂
COME FIND ME looks good.
ENJOY your week, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I am excited about my books. And the trouble with cleaning…it just needs to be done again sooner rather than later!
Have a great week.
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I got my first print book in forever on one of the coldest days last week. I felt sorry for the delivery guy riding around in a truck with the door open. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
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Thanks for stopping by, Kathy, and enjoy your week!
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Sounds like you’ve been having a great week! I’m so looking forward to Daisy Jones and the Six.
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Thanks for stopping by, Tina, and I am looking forward to reading The Daisy Jones book.
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Lots of reading and blogging 😂
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Thanks for visiting, Sam, I enjoyed the week.
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I’m glad to see you liked The Suspect. I’ve got the Widow from the library now and hope to get to it soon. What!?! No dessert? I do like meatloaf but I haven’t made it recently as my daughter won’t eat red meat. I’m grilling tuna steaks tonight. Enjoy some great books this week!
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Thanks, Anne, I had dessert, but didn’t show it. Lol
Yes, I’ve loved all of Barton’s books.
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