Good morning! Today’s post will link up to Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post, and Book Journey, for Weekly Updates.
**Mailbox Monday is now hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
Good morning, Bloggers! Grab some coffee (or a pot of tea!), and let’s talk about our weeks.
After posting my weekly updates over at Serendipity for quite a long while, I’ve decided to bring it here, to Rainy Days and Mondays, as a way of welcoming this reinvented blog into the fold.
This past week brought more reading, and quite a lot of blogging. And numerous cups of tea, as the weather has cooled down considerably for these parts. We have even had rain, a welcome sight in drought-ridden California.
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Monday Potpourri: Bookish Spaces
Chase Away the Blues with Intros/Teasers – “Unbecoming”
Chasing Away the Blues with “The Dream Lover”
Bookish (and Not So Bookish) Thoughts: Purging, Dreaming, Collecting
Friday Sparks: Book Beginnings/Friday 56 – “Winter Street”
Creative Saturday: Sharing Family Moments
A Guilty Pleasures Weekend: Movie Marathons
Saturday Potpourri: From Collections to Purging – A Journey
Review: I’ve Got You Under My Skin (e-book), by Mary Higgins Clark
Review: Cancel the Wedding, by Carolyn Dingman
Review: The Secrets of Midwives, by Sally Hepworth
Review: Walking on Trampolines, by Frances Whiting
***
INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Two books came in the mailbox this week: one from Amazon Vine, and one that I purchased. I also downloaded two e-books for Greedy Sparky.
What I Remember Most, by Cathy Lamb (Purchased)
Grenadine Scotch Wild has only vague memories of the parents she last saw when she was six years old. But she’s never forgotten their final, panicked words to her, urging Grenadine to run. The mystery of their disappearance is just one more frayed strand in a life that has lately begun to unravel completely. One year into her rocky marriage to Covey, a well known investor, he is arrested for fraud and embezzlement. And Grenadine, now a successful collage artist and painter, is facing jail time despite her innocence.
A Fireproof Home for the Bride, by Amy Scheibe (Vine)
Emmeline Nelson and her sister Birdie grow up in the hard, cold rural Lutheran world of strict parents, strict milking times, and strict morals. Marriage is preordained, the groom practically predestined. Though it’s 1958, southern Minnesota did not see changing roles for women on the horizon. Caught in a time bubble between a world war and the ferment of the 1960’s, Emmy doesn’t see that she has any say in her life, any choices at all. Only when Emmy’s fiancé shows his true colors and forces himself on her does she find the courage to act—falling instead for a forbidden Catholic boy, a boy whose family seems warm and encouraging after the sere Nelson farm life. Not only moving to town and breaking free from her engagement but getting a job on the local newspaper begins to open Emmy’s eyes. She discovers that the KKK is not only active in the Midwest but that her family is involved, and her sense of the firm rules she grew up under—and their effect—changes completely.
Downloads:
Hour of Need (e-book, Scarlet Falls), by Melinda Leigh
While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act…and neither were the murders.
Already devastated by her neighbors’ violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to Afghanistan.
But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.
Snow Angel Cove (e-book), by RaeAnne Thayne
Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward’s Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she’s stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she’s not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!
Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza’s hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he’s willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.
***
WHAT’S UP NEXT? (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Currently Reading: Unbecoming, by Rebecca Scherm
Winter Street, by Elin Hilderbrand
The Paying Guests (e-book), by Sarah Waters
***
That was my week, and you’ve had a peek at next week’s reading. What are you reading and blogging about?
***
***
Fireproof seems interesting, hope that you end up loving it. Have a great Sunday and upcoming week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brandi…I suspect that I will find Fireproof totally engaging. Glad you could stop by, and have a great week.
LikeLike
A Fireproof Home for the Bride looks really interesting Laurel-Rain! I hope you’ll enjoy that and your other new books.
You had another very busy week, lots of new posts going up.
Have a fantastic week and happy reading.
LikeLike
Thanks, Lexxie, I do love how they each bring something unique. Glad you could stop by, and enjoy your week, too.
LikeLike
You seem to read a wide genre. I am kind of thinking of breaking out myself and not just reading romance! That would be a change!
LikeLike
Yes, my reading zone is widening since I started blogging…finding so many books that I would never have otherwise considered. It’s fun! Thanks for stopping by, Steph, and enjoy expanding your reading horizons, too.
LikeLike
Happy you had rain! Enjoy all of these wonderful books.
Here’s my Sunday Salon. I’d love to have you stop by!
LikeLike
Isn’t it wonderful! And rainy days, despite what this blog theme suggests, are a good thing. And conducive to reading, just in case they make us blue. LOL
Thanks for stopping by, Deb, and I definitely can’t wait to read these books.
LikeLike
I love to read so many genres and mix them up randomly to keep it entertaining. Some lovely new books this week. Enjoy!
Here’s my Sunday Post – http://fuonlyknew.com/2014/12/14/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-89-and-the-sunday-post/
LikeLike
Thanks, Laura, I love mixing things up too! Glad you could stop by, and enjoy your week!
LikeLike
As usual, I find several of your books intriguing…
My recap: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/12/weekly-book-recap-90.html
LikeLike
Thanks, Catherine, and good morning! Hope you have a great week, too, and eager to find out what you are reading.
LikeLike
You definitely had a productive week of reading and blogging! So many of these books look good to me. I’ll be curious to hear what you think of The Paying Guests…I finished the audio version a few weeks ago and still can’t come up with the right words for a review. Have a great week!
LikeLike
Oh, my, that does sound challenging. I had planned to read The Paying Guests sooner, but kept putting it off in favor of review books, which I can’t seem to stop requesting! LOL
Thanks for stopping by, JoAnn…and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Holy Cow! You had a busy week! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog!
LikeLike
Yes, I did, Lori, and thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Oooh. Went and read your movie marathon post. My wife and I are completely with you with the John Hughes movies. This weekend, it will be the first two Toy Story movies, of which the second one is my favorite, because…I’ll confess…it gives me a good cry, especially that one scene.
LikeLike
I really miss those movies, so I’m glad to have them on DVD, ripe for the picking. Enjoy, Bryan, and thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
All of your books look so good. I really want to get the Elin Hilderbrand book. I love her Nantucket books.
Have a great week!
LikeLike
I am so looking forward to winter on Nantucket, Yvonne…It should be really cozy. Thanks for visiting, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Looking forward to your thoughts on Winter Street. It has been dark and rainy all weekend here. I am under the weather today so it is pajamas and tea for me.
LikeLike
I am still in PJs sipping tea, but not sick…LOL. Just finished watching more episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix. I am eager to start reading Winter Street. Thanks for stopping by, Kimba.
LikeLike
I love your 80’s movie lineup- The Breakfast Club is a favorite, and Say Anything and Pretty in Pink. They are so compulsively watchable. I loved the James Spader character in one of those, think it was Pretty in Pink- he was so slimy but I liked him anyway. 🙂 I never saw Goodbye Girl…
Winter Street looks good for this time of year.
LikeLike
Yes, James Spader was awesome-slimy in Pretty in Pink, and in a few other movies, including another with Molly Ringwald…Fresh Horses, which I don’t think is a John Hughes flick…LOL.
You should watch Goodbye Girl, just to see Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason together…but maybe it’s too “chick flick.” LOL
Thanks for stopping by, Greg, and have a good week.
LikeLike
Another busy week. I am amazed at all your blogs. It makes keeping up with your reviews a challenge. 😀
I have Hour of Need too and the cover for What I Remember Most is lovely. The blurb for that one intrigues me.
Have a good week. 🙂
LikeLike
I love the blurb for the Cathy Lamb book, too, and I am a big fan of Melinda Leigh.
I guess the only way to catch my reviews on the different blogs is through this Weekly Updates post…LOL.
Thanks for stopping by, Bea, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Congrats on the new books, I hope they are all fabulous reads for you!
LikeLike
Thanks, Kindlemom1….glad you could stop by. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Oh, I hope you enjoy the RaeAnne Thayne book! Happy reading, and have a great week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lark, I have a feeling that I will. Glad that you could stop by!
LikeLike
It was nice to finally have some rain in California. Hopefully it continues so we can get be ahead for next year.
Snow Angel Cove sounds really good. I hope you enjoy all your new books!!
Have a great week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Kathy, and we definitely need the rain! Glad you could stop by, and I am looking forward to all the new books.
LikeLike
Glad you got some much needed rain! Definitely will keep my eye out for the Cathy Lamb book.
LikeLike
Thanks, Nise, and I am very eager to see what the week will bring. Enjoy your reading.
LikeLike
Mmm I thought I heard on the news that some places on your west coast got more rain than was bargained for. I have the Cathy Lamb book sitting on my actual shelf and must read it – probably a 2015 one now!
LikeLike
So far, our rain has been pleasant and minimal…I know we need more, but I dread the storms. Thanks for stopping by, Kathryn, and I am looking forward to the Cathy Lamb, too.
LikeLike
I think I said this last week but I LOVE the title ‘Unbecoming’. I realise that I’m seeing it as a verb than an adjective though, which I know doesn’t make sense but I love it!
LikeLike
I actually saw it as a verb toward the end, as I realized what the title meant…at least, to me. Thanks for stopping by, Deborah, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Not only does A Fireproof Home have an interesting title but the story sounds good too. I hope you love all your books this week.
LikeLike
I totally agree, Laura…can’t wait to read it! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your reading.
LikeLike
A Fireproof Home looks good to me! Enjoy all your new pretties & have a great week 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Lucy, and enjoy yours, too. Glad you could stop by!
LikeLike
Snow Angel Cove looks and sounds brilliant. I could do with another seasonal read, especially so close to Christmas, so might check this one out.
I absolutely loved The Paying Guests when I read it earlier this year. It’s such a beautifully written book, and I was really drawn in to the story.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Oh, glad to hear that about The Paying Guests, pagesandtea….I am a sucker for beautifully written books with a great story. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
The cover for a Fireproof Home For the Bride sounds so interesting and the cover is simple yeet beautiful. I love minimalist covers! Looks like you had an amazingly active blogging week, can’t say the same for myself 😀 Have a lovely week!
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting, Laquesha, and it didn’t start out as that kind of week, but I was so happy to find it morphing into one…LOL.
LikeLike
Looks like some fab reads! And is that a Christmas book?!! WOOT. I hardly ever read Christmas books at the right time of year…. >_< My bad! But I DID manage to read Let it Snow by John Green at semi the right time of year. lol
Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!
LikeLike
I don’t usually read them, either, but I’m loving Winter Street. Lots of family issues, so it is not the least bit sappy…at least not yet! LOL
Thanks for visiting, Cait, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Your blog looks lovely! I’m receiving The Paying Guests for Christmas, can’t wait to read it.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sam, I have missed featuring this blog, which I didn’t do much of when it was at Blogger (don’t strike me, Blogger gods!), but I am so much more comfortable here at WP.
Looking forward to being able to chat about The Paying Guests.
LikeLike
It’s always nice to have some rain. We’ve had our seasonal storms for this time of the year here in Australia and boy has it been appreciated. I almost forgot how nice it was when it rains, love to see everything green up.
Have a great week.
Sharon @ Sharon’s Book Nook!
LikeLike
The greening is my favorite part of my world after the rains….and I would love to see more of it. Thanks for stopping by, Sharon, and enjoy your week, too.
LikeLike
The Cathy Lamb book sounds interesting. Hope you enjoy it!
LikeLike
I am looking forward to it, Mary, and it was one of the “contenders” for First Book of 2015….but, after much internal debate, I went with another title. Tune in to see! LOL
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.
LikeLike
I’m very curious about A Fireproof Home for the Bride – that title certainly catches my interest!
LikeLike
Oh, I know! When I first saw the title, I had to check it out….and then I was hooked. Thanks for visiting, Kathy, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Fireproof sounds good. Happy reading and happy holidays
LikeLike
I completely agree, Serena…thanks for visiting!
LikeLike
Just checked out your great review of The Secrets of Midwives. You have such a large and great looking collection of books!
LikeLike
Thanks, Pat, and I am glad you could stop by. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Have fun with your reading this week!
http://youmeandacupofteablog.blogspot.com/
LikeLike
Thanks, Eloise, and I hope the same for you! Glad you could stop by.
LikeLike
Looks like you got quite few good books to read. I hope to be coming back to find out more or check out your blog more. Two book caught I eye, Snow Angel Cove and the other was Winter Streets. They both look like i would enjoy reading them, I hope you enjoy your books.
http://nrcbooks.blogspot.com/2014/12/mailbox-monday-13.html
LikeLike
I am loving Winter Street, and looking forward to Snow Angel Cove. Thanks for stopping by, Lindsay, and have a great week.
LikeLike
I’ve had Cancel the Wedding on my TBR for awhile. I’m thinking it may be a summer reading option for later this spring.
LikeLike
I thoroughly enjoyed Cancel the Wedding…it wasn’t light chick lit, but dealt with some issues. Thanks for stopping by, Sarah.
LikeLike
A nice selection of books, have a great week of reading.
LikeLike
Thanks, Mary Ann…glad you could stop by.
LikeLike
You always have such interesting books. Hope you enjoy them and the rain. I know Cali needs it so bad. I wish I could send some of ours that way. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Voracious Reader…I do love good books and rain during rainy season….we do need it! Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Looks like you had a very busy week! I keep seeing that title, A Fireproof Home For the Bride, but then I read the synopsis and decide I’m not interested. Thanks so much for visiting my post earlier!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Lisa, and the blurb on Fireproof does sound grim…but I have hopes for it. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I’m still pushing through The Paying Guests – I like it but it’s not compelling so I stopped to read another book, and now I’m back to listening. Maybe print would have been better!
LikeLike
Yes, it is slower reading than some books, but I’m starting to enjoy it…LOL. Mine is on Sparky, and that’s harder to read, IMO. I still love print books! Thanks for stopping by, Leslie.
LikeLike
A Fireproof Home For The Bride keeps catching my eye. I hope it is good.
ENJOY your week, Laurel.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth…glad you were able to sort out the commenting. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike