AND!! Make sure to check this super-fun post out. We’ve got a playlist, a personal note from the author, and everything!!
Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “From Blood And Ash” is LIVE & we’ve got fun details, an excerpt + two giveaways! <— She’s today’s newsletter sponsor, and we have TWO prize packs that we are giving away!!! You should see the size of her latest release in print. IT’S AWESOME!!! 😀
ALSO!!! APRIL’S AMAZON FIRST READS are up (thank you for reminding us, Tasha!!!) And omg THREE of them sound SO freaking good right now, and right up my alley. Okay wait. For me it’s definitely between “What We Forgot to Bury” and “Stories We Never Told“. I’m stuck trying to choose. I want to read them both right now, equally.
Tasha J: Help! I’m having so much trouble deciding today. I’m looking at Kindle Firsts and What We Forgot to Bury sounds soooo juicy. I want to devour it. Stories We Never Told sounds mind bending and possibly will push on the emotions, The Girl Beneath the Sea also sounds like the perfect thriller read. What to choose?? Omg and Book of the Months picks are worse. I’m loving the sound of 4 more than 1… will ask opinions on those too, cuz why not? 😜
Maryse: OMG three of them sound SO freaking good right now. Exactly the ones you love, I love!!! I can’t choose.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND 
!!
- STILL ON ➔➔➔ TWO MONTHS KINDLE UNLIMITED DEAL!!! <— If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your chance. 😲👏👏👏 WE ARE LOVING IT!
- Don’t forget this wonderful free program Audible just started for children while schools are closed!! 😀 Free stories for kids of ALL ages (and multiple languages to choose from). This is so fantastic. No membership required, you can start listening to these audiobooks for free right now! ➔ https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
And…
Southern Storms: A Small Town Standalone Romance by Brittany Cherry <— LIVE!!! Brittainy C. Cherry’s LATEST WENT LIVE EARLY!!! She’s starting over and fell for the black sheep of her new town… “…After leaving the city life behind to escape my loveless marriage, I moved to small town Havenbarrow for a fresh start. What I didn’t expect was to find myself drawn to the town’s black sheep. They called him troubled. Cold. A man with a dark past…”
Teri: I’m in! Lol, WOW, what a cover!!!
Viki: I am reading this right now. Yes!
“In Across Time, it’s 1938 and a young French farmer has found a woman hiding in his barn…the exact kind of woman he’s protecting his sister from…”
- A Fairbanks Affair: A tired-of-being-a-virgin, personal ad romance (An Odds-Are-Good Standalone Romance Book 3) by Katy Regnery <— ALASKA ROMANCE ALERT!! Mony enjoyed it!
Mony: Just finished A Fairbanks Affair (Odds-Are-Good #3) by Katy Regnery. Cute little book between an Alaskan businessman and a NYC exec. Slow at beginning but as it unfolds, characters& dialogue thoughtful & mature.
Followers: A Novel by Megan Angelo <— IT’S ON SALE YOU GUYSSSSS!!! I JUST ONE-CLICKED!!! OOOOOOOOH THIS ONE SOUNDS SOCIALLY CRAZY!!! 😀 “...Orla meets Floss—a striving, wannabe A-lister—who comes up with a plan for launching them both into the high-profile lives they dream about. So what if Orla and Floss’s methods are a little shady—and sometimes people get hurt? Their legions of followers can’t be wrong. Thirty-five years later, in a closed California village where government-appointed celebrities live every moment of the day on camera, a woman named Marlow discovers a shattering secret about her past. Despite her massive popularity—twelve million loyal followers—Marlow dreams of fleeing the corporate sponsors who would do anything to keep her on-screen…”
Misty: Currently reading Followers by Megan Angelo.
Tasha J: Followers …that 1 was on my tbr …Sounds good!
Legacy of Lies (Empire of Lies Book 3) Kindle Edition by Whitney G. <— LIVE!!! WHITNEY G. TRILOGY CONCLUSION ALERT!!
- Taboo Cowboy: A Secret Baby Ranch Western Romance (Rainbow Canyon Cowboys Book 1) by KC Crowne
- Seduced in Salem (Casters and Claws Book 2) by Milly Taiden
- The Indigo Girl: A Novel by Natasha Boyd <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY NATASHA BOYD SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!!
Jessica: I absolutely loved INDIGO GIRL. I go to Charleston often, and it was *such* a fascinating look into the city’s history. Love love loved it…smart, romantic, and wrenching all at once. Highly recommend!
Big Pickle: A Secret Boss Romantic Comedy by JJ Knight <— LIVE!!! SHE’S RUNNING HIS DELI!!! “…They call me Big Pickle. It’s not what you think. (Although that’s true too.) I happen to be the oldest Pickle in the family deli business. And we have the best salami. Take that one however you like. But when my father announces the franchise will go to the most profitable of the three brothers, I learn that even though I’m the eldest Pickle, I’m dead last. I hightail it to Texas to see what’s happened to my restaurant, only to find a sassy little spitfire named Nova Strong in charge...”
- Big-Hearted Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 2) by Vicki Lewis Thompson
- Ronan: An Alpha Bear Shifter MC Romance (New Law MC Book 1) by Hope Ford
- Opposites Attract: His Country Doctor (The Journal of Medical Romances Book 1) by Lucy McConnell and Hannah Peterson PA-C
Regretting You: A Dark College Bully Romance (A Blackthorn Elite Novel Book 4) by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman <— LIVE!!! HE ALWAYS LOVED HER UNTIL HE WANTED TO DESTROY HER… “…Once upon a time she was my sister’s best friend. I’d always wanted her to be mine, that is until the night everything changed and my love morphed into pure hatred. Now I’m a vile bastard with a chip on his shoulder. Cruel black hate is all I know. My only focus *ucking my way through Blackthorn’s elite women and partying. Then she shows up at Blackthorn. She’s different now, quiet and reserved, but just as beautiful as she was the day she disappeared. One look and my focus changes. I decided then that my time for revenge is now. No way does she get to enjoy herself...”
- All The Wrong Reasons: A Serendipity Falls Novel by Erin Bevan
Wicked Liars: A High School Bully Romance (Windsor Academy Book 1) by Laura Lee <— LIVE!!! THEY WANT TO MAKE HER LIFE A LIVING HELL… “…Liars. Every last one of them. The kings and queens of my new high school. The father and stepmother I never knew. Each has more wealth and privilege than I could’ve ever imagined. Each has a pile of wicked dirty secrets they’d do anything to protect. These people have grown accustomed to getting what they want and what they want is to make my life a living hell. Too bad for them, you can’t break someone who’s already broken…”
- Love, Marriage, and Other Disasters: A funny, sweet, passionate love story. by Shilpa Suraj
- Searching For Eden: A Love and Justice Novel by Kimberly Ford
Free Me by Grahame Claire <— LIVE!!! IT STARTED WITH A PARKING TICKET… “...It started with a parking ticket . . .Who knew helping her out of that one little slip of paper would turn my world upside down? I don’t do commitment. Yet I c an’t seem to stay away from her. And that’s a problem. Because when there’s feelings involved, somebody always gets hurt. She’s hiding something. I know it…“
- Til Death Do Us Part: A Dark Russian Mafia Romance (Kornilov Bratva Duet Book 2) by Nicole Fox
- ONE IN A MELON (The Way To A Man’s Heart Book 7) by Frankie Love
- Easy This Time: A Boudreaux Universe Novel by JH Croix
Boss of Me: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Aubrey Wright <— LIVE!!! SHE ALWAYS CRUSHED ON HIM.. AND NOW OOOOOPS!!! “...I’m the idiot that agreed to let him stay at my house. I was doing an excellent “ish” job of minding my business, until I walked in on him in the shower. We agreed. Just once. Screw my broken heart. I can keep it casual. His charm and big stick aren’t fooling anyone. Just when my hatred was subsiding. He secretly becomes my boss. Guess I’ll hide this baby bump a little longer.….”
- Their Vegas Gamble: A British Billionaire Romance Duet (The Cocktail Girls) by Tracy Lorraine
- Royally Crushed (Crazy Royal Love Romantic Comedy Book 1) by Melanie Summers
Rixon Raiders: The Collection by L A Cotton <— SPORTS ROMANCE SERIES BUNDLE ALERT!!
Sheila: Love this series!
Jami: Omg, these books are so good. Some of her best work to me. So excited for book 3. L.A. Cotton writes some of the best sport romances to me.. Love them.
Vicci: I have many favorite sports Romance books. The Trouble with you definitely makes the Top 5 of my list.
Kerri: Love, love, love LA Cotton’s books and this new series is in my opinion her best writing to date. QB1 stole my heart❤️. I’m a big sports romance fan
The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE & JAN IS ENJOYING IT!
Jan: FLT: ‘Silence. A dark, calm centre absorbing chaos into its stillness.’ from The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter.
Ha ha ha. It’s an unusual opening for a historical romance. But Lord Easterbrook has spent some time in the Far East, where he was taught how to meditate.
I’m 15% in and enjoying it so far. I just read the first 3 books in the series, and 4 starred all three. This is #4 and looking good 😀
Sam’s Folly by Carmen DeSousa <— ALASKA ROMANCE ALERT!! NANCY ENJOYED THIS ONE!!
Nancy: Another Alaskan Book for the list: Sam’s Folly by Carmen DeSousa. My Review Below:
Sam’s Folly is the 1st book in the Midnight Sons Series. Five brothers risking their lives to rescue those caught in the death grip of the Alaska wilderness. Each book in the series is about a different brother and the woman they lose their hearts to. These man and woman are as tough as the Land of the Midnight Sun. The first book is about Sam Belgarde, who is the oldest brother and in charge of his family’s company, Search and Rescue Alaska.
Nora Molina has come to Alaska to runaway. Her best hope to escape without a passport is Alaska. Being a native of Argentina, Nora is accustomed to harsh winters and high elevation. She is determined to lose herself in the wilderness. Unfortunately, the very man whom she is running from, has hired the best tracker in all Alaska and his search dogs. Sam’s reluctant to take the job, but since his family’s company is in financial trouble and the money offered is substantial he takes the job.
Once Sam realizes that the very man who hired him to find his fiancee, is the reason Nora is running. Sam decides that maybe he will try to keep Nora for his very own. Sam has trust issues, but nothing to the trust issues of Nora Molina. This proves to make a very interesting story.
Beyond the Horizon: An age gap romance by Bea Paige <— AGE GAP ROMANCE RECENT RELEASE & WE HAVE FEEDBACK!!
Nancy: Also, I wanted to read something other than Alaska, just for a change. Amd since I’m running out of days to pick my March book from the Kindle Lending Library.
So, in Maryse’s New Releases I saw: BEYOND THE HORIZON by Bea Paige. It caught my interest as an age gap romance. And to be honest “the cover”! I started it last night & the writing is beautiful. I felt I was right there on the beach. I needed that after freezing in Alaska!
French Kiss by Stacy Travis <— LIVE!!! FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS!! “…It didn’t take a medical degree to know Maddox had Wrong Guy written all over him. And I’d know. I always go for those cocky, gorgeous types that live to break hearts. That’s why I’m keeping my head down and my mind on medicine. To complicate matters, his roommate is my best friend. Josh is always happy to remind me what bad news Maddox is. To make me laugh. To be there for me no matter what. To prevent me from getting my heart crushed. Even if that means flying to Paris. And showing me exactly what I’ve been missing...”
- Smooth Talking Stranger: A Novel (Travis Book 3) by Lisa Kleypas <— JULIEO SAYS THERE’S A SUPER-HOT SCENE!!
JulieO: SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER is my favorite. … The sex scene in the parking garage is hottttt!
A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies by Christina Lee <— LIVE!!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! “…The last thing Emerson Rose expects is to fall for his best friend, Rhys, especially since he’s never been attracted to a man before. Everything in his life is already complicated enough. He’s put his own future on hold to raise his two younger siblings, and confusing feelings for the guy who always has his back muddy the waters even more. But then something astonishing happens. For one perfect moment, he thinks Rhys might feel the same—only to have his world come crashing down around him a second time…”
AUDIOBOOK LVERS!
Not a member of Audible yet? Get a free 30 day audible trial (which includes 1 free audiobook + 2 audible originals)
- AND! Audiobook Matchmaker!! <— Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! This is how it works. Click on that link & Amazon will show you all of your Kindle books that are also available as an audiobook at a seriously discounted price. This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
- ➔➔ Audible now has an “Escape” package membership (30 day free trial) – used to be called the “Romance” package <— this one is SO cool, and worth it (unlimited listening for all of the audiobooks in the program, and there are tons – kind of like Kindle Unlimited)!!
- and…
Jane Doe: A Novel by Victoria Helen Stone <— THE HEROINE IS A SOCIOPATH!!! I LOVE THIS AUTHOR TOO!!!
Shirley: So excited about starting The Herd and Problem Child on Audible of course! I just listened to the sample for both and I’m already hooked!
I listened to Jane Doe a few weeks ago and loved it. I can’t decide which one to start first…decisions, decisions!!
PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )
- Envious by Lisa Jackson – April 5th 2020
- Whiskey (Brewed Book 2) by Molly McAdams – April 6th 2020
- Hate to Date You (Dating Book 4) by Monica Murphy – April 7th 2020
- The Book of Lost Friends: A Novel by Lisa Wingate – April 7th 2020
- Something She’s Not Telling Us: A Novel by Darcey Bell – April 7th 2020
- The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires: A Novel by Grady Hendrix – April 7th 2020
Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth – April 7th 2020- Ruthless Gods: A Novel (Something Dark and Holy Book 2) by Emily A. Duncan – April 7th 2020
- Redhead by the Side of the Road: A novel by Anne Tyler – April 7th 2020
- Always Enough (Meet Me in Montana Book 2) by Kelly Elliott – April 7th 2020
- More of You (A Love You More Rock Star Romance Book 2) by Laura Pavlov – April 7th 2020
- Scoring Off The Ice (Ice Kings) by Stacy Lynn – April 7th 2020
- Afterlife by Julia Alvarez – April 7th 2020
Crave by Tracy Wolff – April 7th 2020- The Rogue by J.R. Ward – April 13th 2020
- Born of Mist and Legend (Highland Legends Book 3) by Kat Bastion – April 13th 2020
➔➔➔ Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).
Morning all!
Happy Friday!
Be right back, must grab coffee!
Also, I would LOVE another coffee right now. I’ve been enjoying Pumpkin Spice that I found on clearance at Walmart a few months back. I’ve only got a few more days worth of that flavor left.
What a wonderful way to cheer us all up. Big thanks Grey!
Oh, lovely glitter fairy today. Thank you Grey. *sips coffee and settles in to browse Maryse’s list*
Okay, I’m back, coffee makes me happy. I’m reading a book that released last summer right now for my April Challenge…Enemies to Lovers, we all know how much I love that trope. Probably ALL month long I’ll read those type of books, LOL! If anyone has any suggestions… *cough, cough* Tessa, I miss you *cough* I’d gladly accept them.
I was in quite the reading rut for the first 10 days or so of the quarantine, but at least I’m settled enough to read again. So that’s at least one good thing.
3 things?
1) I’m baking Christmas Cookies today with my kids.
2) I’ve been wearing leggings for 2.5 weeks. (oops) Not the same pair, obviously, but…my jeans may not fit when this mess is over with, LOL!
3) Might try my hand at furniture repair 😲 pray for me. We have a couch in the basement that is broken. I think maybe it could be fixed…idk….
Once upon a time… I tried my hand at furniture repair. LOL!! Remember my “wood finish” disaster that I kept trying to fix and I just kept making it bigger?
But if yours is broken you have nothing to lose and it’s so much fun to try!!!
Also… I love that you’re making Christmas Cookies. I just received a bunch of my white Christmas ornaments that I ordered last week. It made me feel better. 🙂
I just finished reading From Blood and Ash and couldn’t wait to get on here to tell everyone what a great book this was. 5 stars for me. I’m dying to read the next one. Ugh, have to wait a bit for it.
Ok, you’ve convinced me. I’m reading it next!
It sounds amazing!!!!
Good morning! Finishing off sugar cream pie for breakfast and poured myself an Irish cream iced coffee. A local coffee shop was offering it by the gallon, mixed with your milk and flavor of choice so I had 1 delivered about a week ago. Supporting local business, infrequently, but couldn’t resist.
Got my book of the month this morning. Well, I picked 3 cuz I couldn’t decide. They all sound perfect depending on my mood and who’s to say what mood I’ll be in? And, I had a credit so I only paid 20 for 3 paperbacks! Beach Read, Valentine, and The Paris Hours. Still can’t decide on Kindle 1st. Stories We Never Told or What We Forgot to Bury is what I’ve narrowed it down to.
What is this sugar cream pie of which you speak? And Irish cream iced coffee sounds amazing. My husband brought me home a coffee the other day on his way home from work, and I about died of pleasure from a stupid cup of outside coffee!!!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-ne This looks similar. We have a local lady that is a pie master and hers is the only one I like of this flavor pie. Her consistency is a little thicker and custard like. Firmer, not runny and the taste is 👌🏻 I wanna compare it to, hmm, the inside of creme brûlée taste wise? She sells them at the grocery here so grabbed one up!
Isn’t it lovely when someone else makes your coffee? Ugh, makes me feel all warm inside. My pleasure too!
Tasha, can almost taste it! Bonus…don’t get calories from imagination. 🙂 Love your comments.
😂😂 thanks!
Going out again in around an hour. Yesterday I put my coat I wore out apart from other things and decided it will be my errand coat, lol. It felt weird being out after being in my house for almost 2 weeks.
Washington has extended their stay at home to May and I think California called their schools for the rest of the year. I think I’ll be off for awhile more.
Maryse I know My Ahjussi didnt work out for us (though I just thinking about that show is ❤ for me) though I so appreciate you trying. But a new drama is supposed to debut on Netflix this month. It is by the writer of Goblin that I enjoyed so much. Sounds somewhat fantasy and time travel and the sets, cinematography, and OST will probably be lush because that is how this writer roles. I’ve liked her work that I’ve seen though some find her problematic with how she tends to focus more on the men and can have some questionable power dynamics in the romance lines. But her shows are visually very popular. The lead she has for this one is a huge star in Korea and his first project since he has come out of the military. I m mostly here for the lead actress who I like a lot Kim Go-eun and the second male lead Woo Do-hwan who I think is beautiful.
Anyway, think about it.
Hi Bev, are you talking about The King: Eternal Monarch? I just watched the official trailer.. It looked so good.
Yes! I’m looking forward to this one. I want something fantastical and lavish to take me away for a little bit. Crossed fingers it is a fun one.
Yeah, me too. But I’m gonna probably wait last episode is aired then I will binge watch😊 I did same thing with “Crash Landing on You”😁
When I first started watching them that is all I did is binge. Because This Life is Our First was my first live watch. Now it’s a mix.
When does it start?
bev. I think he’s beautiful too.
I’m tempted to watch “Flu” on Amazon Prime right now (Korean and you know I love me some Korean thrillers and horror)…
Flu? Oh, gosh that sounds like a relevant horror show. I keep wanting to watch Kingdom, but haven’t got up the nerve yet.
The one up there starts on the 17th. Usually a drama does 2 eps a week and Netflix drops them late morning already subbed. I just wish their subs were as good as Viki’s, but oh well. So we will get eps fri and Saturdays.
Thanks to Nancy and you, Maryse, for including Sam’s Folly in your Friday Finds. It means so much to me when readers enjoy a book enough to tell their friends about it.
I truly hope all your avid-reading friends enjoy a quick escape to Alaska. <3
Yay Carmen!!! I’m so happy to. 😀 I do love romance in Alaska… well pretty much any story in Alaska.
Oh, snatched Followers up so fast. Thanks, Maryse! And, since you chose What We Forgot to Bury, I got Stories We Never Told. I’ll grab the other for sure when it goes on sale.
I was thinking the same. As soon as Stories we Never Told goes live, it’s mine!
OK, what am in the mood for today? *sips coffee* I might have a look at Fairbanks Affair. Book #1 was kinda cute, but I didn’t really get drawn into book #2. This is #3, so I might try it. And on the Alaska theme, I guess I’d better try Sam’s Folly too 😀 Alaska looks so beautiful on all the Lifestyle channel programmes I’ve watched. I don’t think I’d like to live there, but it’s a great setting for romance books 🙂
I’m definitely intrigued by the blurb of Followers. Sounds very different and interesting. Pretty cover too.
The description of Big Pickle made me laugh. Don’t know whether I’ll read it cos I’m not usually a big romcom reader, but for romcom fans it sounds fun.
Thanks Maryse for another great list. In these hard times, your blog is something I look forward to and enjoy reading.
I signed up for “Destination Alaska” website, and they sent me this GORGEOUS magazine loaded in places to visit, and businesses there…
OH IT IS MY DREAM to go to Alaska one day. I would love to own a beautiful cabin on the water there…
I would love to visit you there, Maryse. We could sit and gossip and drink coffee (or cocktails!) and watch the water. Look for whales. Let me know when you get your cabin 😉
WHALES!!! YES!!!!
I search for real estate there every once in awhile and I found my dream cabin… and river/lake… and whales. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I was thinking of making something balanced and possibly nutritious, but nope. Fritos, chili, and CHEESE.
I made a bratwurst sandwich with dijon, chili cheese Fritos and macaroni salad. I felt really tired/bored/sick of monotony/nothing to dooooo, but I don’t wanna do anything all day so I ate my feelings.
I’m having red wine and tacos. I feel like I’m winning at life right now though my jeans would say otherwise.
Ha ha ha. All this time at home and I keep picking at snacks I shouldn’t be having. That slice of sultana cake with my coffee. Those cheesy corn chips. So tempting. My jeans are starting to make a formal protest as well.
Friday I had lemony green beans (kind of like my Greek green beans, but instead, no tomatoes… and of course… no Feta cheese). <--- *sigh* cheese. So it was 4 or 5 small Peruvian Sun potatoes (from my misfit veggies subscription) cut up in quarters, loaded in with green beans, plenty of olive oil, the lemon juice of a whole lemon, salt and pepper, in the instant pot and I may just love this combo the best). And yes... I said potatoes. Not Keto, but not enough to do me too much harm, carb-wise. Probably the best potatoes I've ever had (texture is just perfect), but then again, I don't eat many potatoes, so any time I eat them, I'm in heaven.
Oh and protein? I had two meat sticks (separately from my green bean fest). You know… like those beef jerky slim Jim types. Yeah. Junk and delicious!
CHEESE!!!!!!!
Hi Everyone
Need your help and/or suggestions. Who is the resident genius on bully reverse harem books? I read C M STUNICH series and absolutely loved it. Counted down the days till the next one came out and want some suggestions for some other series. I was kinda hoping that STUNICH would continue the series into college but haven’t heard anything about it. So whoever please advise me here. I do not care for paranormal but anything else goes.
It would be nice if all the books were out so I could hunker down in my fluffy chair with my cocker spaniel, GracieBelle, and have a “good read” as my mom used to say. Appreciate you all. Worry about everyone so stay safe and stay home.
Hi JulieO,
Not an expert 🙂 Yea, hard to beat Stunich’s Burberry Series, but these are pretty good (order of preference): Boys of Oak Park Prep Series (Rose), Boys of Neverly Prep Series (Bross), & The Ballers of Rockport High Series (Moore). Didn’t hit the mark for me: Adamson All-Boys Academy Series (Stunich) & Kings of Linwood Academy (Rose). Expect the Havoc Boys Series by Stunich will be good but have to wait. Hope that helps:)
Jaymin eve the legacy series and boys of brayshaw high by meagan brandy were really good!
Thanks. Will check those out. Take care.
I think Tessa might be the “bully/reverse harem” expert.
Definitely Tessa would weigh in. Have you seen my Reverse Harem category on the blog? A lot there: https://www.maryse.net/tag/reverse-harem
Forgot to say extra special hugs going to you Maryse!
Thank you so much JulieO!!!! *hugs back to you my friend*
Maryse if your awake ……go back to sleep. The middle of the night is the worst time to worry. In this moment everything is alright.
https://youtu.be/de7yout9zmk
Not Maryse but loved it. Sending to my kids. Am off to sleep.
Signed, Fellow Night Owl.
I’m not usually a night owl I’m not young enough to cary it off anymore. When work returns I’m going to regret this, lol.
And here I am at 3:17am… as usual. Awake. Thank you Bev. Here with you guys is my safe place.
If you are a night owl, reading, or catching another episode it can be fun. I only know that when I’m over tired my brain likes to ramp up any anxiety.
And I say this after finishing a book at 100 am. So goodnight and see you all for coffee tomorrow morning.
I’m not a night owl at all, but the anxiety keeps waking me up for a few hours. That’s exactly what I did, though. I played your soothing video and read myself back to sleep. 🙂
P.S. that is so soothing. ♥️
My mother used to tell me when I was a little girl that everything looks worse at night. In the morning it is not nearly as big and scary. I still think of that to this day and used to tell it to my daughter as she was growing up.
That’s so sweet, JulieO, and so wise and true.
Mony
Thank you so much. I have 2 books that I have started that need to finish and then will give these a look-see. Think of anymore send them my way.
Appreciate you. Stay safe.
You’re welcome…was fun to pull this together. There would have been more but the combo RH OR Bully takes them out of the game. Take care.
fingers went too fast…meant combo of RH AND Bully 🙂
I am so happy Mony is with us too!! *hugs Mony*
Very sweet of you…love your blog…who knew it would even cooler during these times.
tried to send a gif but I have failed. 🙂
LOL!!!!!
I DEVOURED across eternity! Staying up until 4am maybe wasn’t the brightest idea I’ve ever had but i neeeeeeded to finish! I honestly couldn’t stop. Was it everything i hoped it would be? Well…. No. BUT i think that’s because i wanted just a little more at the end, you know? A little more happy, not to say that it wasn’t, because it totally was in a way that still made me cry a few sad tears. That sounds really odd…. 4.5 stars for me, it was worth the wait 😁
I’ve been in a book funk for weeks, nothing has really appealed to me much since the lockdown was announced (I’m in the UK, i’m guessing its pretty much the same for you guys?) and with two tots running around i haven’t given it much thought, but it was bloody good to FINALLY find something that kept my attention 🎉
YAY Carly. Now I have to devour both duets… everyone seems to love them so much!!!
Coffee time!
Netflix finally put up the trailer for The King and it looks like a Friday and Saturday drama.
https://www.netflix.com/extras/81272910?s=a&trkid=253492423&t=cp
Deciding if I want to start a new book or watch tv. Been thinking of trying Schitts Creek.
Also, I want to re pick up a mystery series I’d been reading, but cant remember what book I left off on.
Hands down start schitts creek. It’s one of my all time favorites shows. So so funny. You will not be disappointed
SC is pretty popular around here…husband likes it. The daughter is a hoot.
Craving something sweet and a cup of coffee now after reading comments. I’m finding I’m up later and sleeping later now. I am also living in sweats and leggings. Finished painting my living room. Has been a good distraction. Now doing some online shopping for a few new things in the room. Finished reading The Trade. Was good, not great. Now need something else that is lighthearted.
You are one of those productive pandemic people. I admire that. What color did you paint it?
Hi Bev. I HAVE to have something to do otherwise I would just circle in anxiety, especially since I’m still working and potentially exposing myself and family to Covid.
Oh, the color is Benjamin Moore, Sailcloth. A nice warm tan.
Cheryl, nurses are so impressive and very brave. I’m sure what you are doing is invaluable.
A good reminder of how privileged I am right now, especially in this coming week.
Stay safe and we are all thinking and praying for you.
That is a nice warm color and other colors probably pop against it.
Hi Cheryl, You might like one of these for your next light read. Read them in past few months…thought they were really great. Fake It Til You Break It, F*ck Marriage, Rules of Engagement, Come Back to Bed and Knight in Shining Suit. 🙂 Happy reading!
Thanks Mony, I’m going to check those out. 😉
Bev!! And crew. 🙂
I slept awesome last night. A full 8 hrs with maybe only one slight wakeup, but immediately back to sleep.
I feel so much better today. It’s amazing what sleep can do for a person. 😀
Yay! I’m so glad. A sleep deprived brain makes everything harder.
Yea, when I was awake in the wee hours of the morn, I didn’t feel your presence. 🙂 🙂 Very happy for you!
Sometimes you feel my presence??? OMG I love that!!!!
I’m giggling so hard I can’t stop…
😂 I am too!!!
Settled for an iced chai yesterday, it was so nice outside. Mid/upper 60s, sun was shining. We played outside all day, I did 2 loads of laundry (I save all my loads for the weekends now, we live in pjs to cut time spent), painted and had the hubs cut down a board to make a hanging shelf with rope in front of my window for my plants and not my cat, we cooked hot dogs over the fire, really exhausting, nice day.
Today, I’m super unproductive, drinking water with True Lemon and about to make a hot vanilla latte with Starbucks syrup and put on some mindless tv. Might sweep and mop. It’s 50s again and overcast.
I’ve learned- paint can go bad, who new? A spray bottle fixed it, sort of. It was doable. And I was reminded what I didn’t like about Little Fires Everywhere when I caught up on episode 5.
Omg, and, I have to go to the grocery. For the 1st time in 3 weeks? By myself. I’m super paranoid.
I will add, we do shower and change our pjs. 😂 I can just cut out delicates, mostly, and the 2 additional outfits a day everyone seems to wear. Huge difference in weight of loads.
Tasha make a mask first.
Boo. My Mom is making masks, she’s the residential sewer in the family. I have these face mask bandana things we did for a game at xmas, do u think these will be allowed? https://www.amazon.com/BMN-GAO-Flower-Multi-Function-Bandanas/dp/B086RD7HGN/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=24GSG5O4ZOK4R&dchild=1&keywords=face+mask+bandana&qid=1586109762&sprefix=Face+mask+ban%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzM1RTRFZEUzRQSVVXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzA4NjU0MUlPTTdNQ0hXNzlFSSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDg5ODk2MkpXOVFCNUVSM1dKSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
That is great. Mine will be a scarf or some fabric/rubberband concoction, lol.
About materials https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
Hey Tasha, I was in backyard yesterday reading…sunny & wonderful. Birds (red cardinal), breeze, green sprouts, kids laughing. Disney Movie. Like a meditative walk – but sitting down. I’m guessing that if we’re outside, life gets real & looks a little better.
Yea, and showering is overrated.
About masks…thank goodness it’s all in the open now & they’re all telling us to make homemade masks. Our gov’t said today we’ll soon have some approved instructions. Daughter (41 weeks pregnant) made herself a mask for when she enters the hospital. It’s 2-ply T-shirt cotton but says hard to breathe for a long time. She said she used this website rating different materials (e.g. cotton). May be helpful. https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
Oh yea, and can you “beam” me your liveliest kid, I need the exercise. Just for one hour. haha
Thanks for the mask info! My Mom has ours complete, she’s sewn more in the last few weeks, besides tucks and hems, I think than she’s done in years. It’s good for her (and me 🤣) She even made a lap fidget Alzheimer’s blanket for my Aunt in record time.
Your outside day sounds dreamy. Wish I could sit and focus on a book when I’m out. Someday, maybe. I’m nervous for your daughter. I’d be so completely stressed having a baby at this time. But, I’m guessing that new grand baby will keep you plenty busy in the coming month.
That means the middle, you get the middle. Good luck to you! Hahaha
Hi Tasha, Wow, your mom sounds awesome! A lap fidget blanket is a very cool idea. My pregnant daughter certainly has had a journey these last few weeks, and it continues. Fingers crossed that her husband can be there for her labour…they will be cutting that out soon. If only I was on Star Trek, I would certainly beam your middle one up. Art & crafts? By the way, this will be my first grandbaby. Aren’t sunny days the best…
READING UPDATE!
I gave up on Pretty Girls (Karin Slaughter). I’m bored. Just over 50% and I can’t right now. It’s okay… not awful but not keeping me excited. Then I read a few reviews about the pure horror-torture in the second half and I am not into torture-flicks, so I figured after 2 weeks…
I’d let this one go and start anew somewhere else.
OMG!! I was wondering why it was taking me forever to read it and only at 50%. It’s almost 600 pages. Yeah… no. Especially knowing I’m heading into torture.
No worries. I know I can’t even try right now. I think if I did try to read, it’s have to be fantasy or historical. Something out of this world. Or! Short and funny. Have you read Sh*t My Dad says yet??
Also, on the torture. I read this book the same time as my Mom who REALLY doesn’t do scary/torture and she was faster than me constantly texting me, freaking me out. I was envisioning all those horrible things from the beginning, worrying and freaking out, but it wasn’t that. So, I asked her. Which part had you in knots? And yea, it wasn’t cool, but it wasn’t as awful as where my mind went. All personal squeamishes, I think.
Lol. This reminded me of when I read Gann or Gaan? It was a completely engrossing read but the percentage and time never changed.
No forcing yourself with entertainment right now, if it doesnt work let it go.
I didn’t mop today. I made a bear mosaic to hang in my window along with my tiger and chameleon. I had it all cut for like a month, but it’s time consuming, so I put it off. And we watched Onward (❤️ that movie). Groomed a couple kids, sent them outside a bit, and lazed around. I added stuff to my grocery list and made my Easter menu. We’re having: breakfast casserole for lunch
Ham
Corn
Pasta salad with bow tie pasta, feta, arugula, strawberries, olive oil and balsamic glaze that I had to order on Amazon cuz I dk if the grocery carries it as I’ve never heard of it and wouldn’t know where to look. It’s supposed to get here Saturday 😬
Scalloped potatoes
Rolls
Deviled eggs delivered by Grandma #1
And fluffy sugar cookies with icing that I’ll top w/a peep delivered by Grandma #2.
I pray the store takes it easy on me. I’m so freaked. My Mom n hubs are giving me lessons and I’m so afraid I’m gonna mess up.
Also, meal planned bbq chicken, veggie soup n Shepard’s pie for the week. Provided it all gets eaten and I don’t have too many leftovers. Otherwise, I’ll save a meal for next week.
Did you all see that in the States they want us to stay home even more for the next 2 weeks? Not even grocery or pharmacy if it can be helped.
I have an outside, I think just outside, plumbing issue and now I’m like maybe not even that.
Stay safe.
I will need gas this week (still working) but that’s as far out as I go. Though maybe… just maybe… I’ll peek into Publix for cheese on gas day. 😉
Eeeeep!
I want fresh fruit now so bad, and as soon as I saw this new recommendation I automatically thought, “well maybe one more trip” 🤦♀️
Something about being asked to stay in although I already was.
We never get fruit but at the farmer’s market yesterday we got Poteet strawberries (famous around here!) and they’re sooo good! I don’t think I’ll ever go back to buying produce in the supermarket!
I love that this is turning you into a farm to table type 🤣.
R is going to emerge from this being a slow food movement devotee.
You’re not wrong! I never plan to go back!
I wonder if there will be a lot of quarantine cook books after this. A lot of old school type cooking.
Would you feel safer having someone shop for you or you getting it yourself? Thinking about who’s handling the produce and such vs myself….
In general I’d prefer to shop myself. I have no option right now because my town doesn’t offer any delivery service. If they did I might do it, I dont know. It is such a weird experience shopping right now.
Like trying not to touch anything i dont plan on buying. It is a way less chance of catching it that way, but it feels very rude to do. Circling around aisles until they are empty and/or trying to browse areas while standing a few feet away to keep distance. Backing up when others come near.
So idk. I’m tempted to order some canned fruit, just would probably be amazon and just *sigh*
Idk.
Omg, I dk if I can handle it. I didn’t even think about backing away/ space in the aisles. They’ve told me to carry a Clorox wipe and use that to pick up things, carry sanitizer, wipe down the cart with a wipe. Though now it’s said the store is wiping them down for you. I’m tempted to just tell the hubs to do it. This is going to turn me agoraphobic (I spiral easily). I was just reminded my step dad said to carry a can of Lysol and spray anyone that gets closer than 6 feet. Lol. It’s just, I always do the Easter stuff. Always. He always messes up what I want and it’s quicker and easier if I just do it. The online lists are also frustrating. It’s putting stuff I want in cart and on list and I don’t know how to transfer list to cart. There is no option for some. Some stuff says store only. I’m a visual shopper, I know where things are and I don’t online.
We always get the dole cups when we do canned fruit, if you do, don’t get them from Amazon, they burst and make a big mess.
It is doable, but more stressful.
I picked a time when I thought there would be less people. I wiped down the handle of the cart. I sometimes forgot about social distancing myself, it is not a new normal. But, for the most part, everyone is trying to help out and keep apart.
Be prepared that some random things could be out of stock. You just dont know what people are doing to hoard and oddly one time I went it was a lot of the perishables. Maybe they are canning? Or freezing? Then next time I went those were back but others things were gone, lol.
Just make your list. Wear your mask. Do. Not. Touch. Your. Face. At all. This is hard for me. When you get home we now know to throw everything in the washer and wash your hands. Also, do not snack on anything you buy until home with washed hands.
Thanks for these tips! I should go to bed so I can get up early and go. Provided I don’t chicken out.