Saturday, March 16, 2024
Paper Pieced Mini Houses - Easy-Peezy-Simple-Small
Shipwreck Casserole
Dump & Go Broccoli, Ham and Rice Casserole
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Orange Sesame Chicken Salad
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Upcoming Releases
3/28 The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
4/30 Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols (coastal Maine murder mystery)
Sunday, March 10, 2024
20. Weyward by Emilia Hart
2023
Adult Historical Fiction/Magical Realism
Goodreads rating: 4.10
My rating:/
Setting: Cottage in England during three different time periods: 1619, 1942, contemporary
My comments: LOVE the cover! Told from the point of view of three women in the Weyward family: Altha, in 1619, on trial for practicing witchcraft, supposedly using a spell to have a farmer's cows trample him to death. Violet, in 1942, living a hugely restricted life with her brother, being intimidated by a hateful father. And then there's Kate in 2019, never leaving her flat because of an abusive, controlling husband, until she finally takes matters into her own hands. Three really interesting stories of three strong women, bonded by blood and history and the huge touch of magic that connects them with the natural world, the birds, the bees, the bugs, and all growing things. It was hard to put down and beautifully narrated by three different female voices.
Goodreads synopsis: I am a Weyward, and wild inside.
2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.
1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.
1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.
Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
19. The Man Burned by Winter by Pete Zacharias
335 pgs.
2022
Adult Murder Mystery/Police Procedural/Serial Killer
Goodreads rating: 4.10
My rating: 4 (with reservation, hard to rate)
Setting: Contemporary
My comments: This took me a little while to get into but ended up being a solid mystery. Something happened at the very end of the book, though, that I didn't understand because I must have missed a tiny something somewhere earlier; the boy delivering the package containing the last painting; a boy with a scarred hand that Rooker recognized. (Later note: oh my, this was explained in one of the reviews on Goodreads by "Shivam," thank goodness!) I get the feeling this may be the introduction to another story?
Goodreads synopsis: An investigative journalist on the edge. A serial killer testing his limits. What they have in common can freeze the blood.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy, investigative journalist Rooker Lindström finds a grim hideaway from the world. It’s the dilapidated cabin on Minnesota’s Deer Lake bequeathed to him by his late father—one of the most notorious serial killers in the state. If the walls of this murder house could talk, they’d scream.
Detective Tess Harlow needs something from Rooker only he can provide: a window into the mind of a murderer. A copycat is on the prowl, following in the footsteps of Rooker’s father. After reluctantly agreeing to take on the role of consultant, Rooker makes a chilling discovery. Every victim—five and counting—is a depraved taunt meant only for him. Rooker is not just tracking a killer playing sick games. In this brutal Minnesota winter, Rooker is confronting his past.
Maybe working with Tess is Rooker’s last chance at redemption. But to outrun his father’s legacy, he must follow a darker path still to come.
Saturday, March 2, 2024
18. The Egg and Other Stories by Andy Weir
Goodreads rating: 3.96
My rating: 3
My comments: Nine very short stories. My favorite was the first, "Access." Am man goes to work early one day and discovers a 23-year-old in his office. They have an interesting conversation and the last sentence of the story, the twist, is a hoot. That's what really stood out, the twist at the very end of each of the stories. Some were better than others, of course.
Goodreads synopsis: Collected for the first time anywhere, the nine tales in The Egg and Other Stories highlight Andy Weir's trademark wit and unexpected twists. For the few who have yet to experience The Martian, it's a perfect appetizer. For passionate Weir fans, it's a delicious dessert.
"Access"
"Antihypoxiant"
"Annie's Day"
"The Real Deal"
"Bored World"
"The Midtown Butcher"
"Meeting Sarah"
"The Chef"
"The Egg"
Scrap Strips Diamond Trip
Italian Lentil Barley Soup-in-a-Jar (or not)
This soup mix is perfect to give away or keep. It makes a delicious tomato barley lentil soup that is hearty and flavorful. Best of all, you can have a hot dinner with only pantry ingredients, no chopping, and just 20 minutes in the Instant Pot. WHAT a gift!
- 1/2 cup green or brown lentils
- 1/2 cup barley (sub brown rice or quinoa for gluten free)
- 1/2 cup split peas
- 1/3 cup wild rice or a wild rice blend
- 1 TBSP dried minced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 tsp vegetable boullion (or enough cubes to make 4 cups of broth)
Layer the ingredients in order in a pint-size jar. Attach the following instructions.
Add contents of jar to a crock pot or instant pot with 7 cups water, 1 6-oz can tomato paste, and 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes. Pressure cook for 20 minutes (quick or natural release) or slow-cook on low for 6 hours. Makes 5-6 servings. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes if desired. Delicious served with your favorite crusty bread.
Save from: Italian Lentil Barley Soup-in-a-Jar • (faithfulplateful.com)
Friday, March 1, 2024
17. Georgie, All Along - Kate Clayborn
Goodreads rating: 3.81
My rating: 4.5
Setting: Contemporary Virginia, alongside a river
My comments: This one checks off all the boxes for a decent romantic comedy with a little steam. I loved getting to know the characters and their back stories, it wasn't all drama and misunderstandings through those were definitely included. Great narrators, the male put on the southern accent that was quite charming. The philosophical-trying-to-figure-things-out parts didn't drive me nuts, as they usually do. I very much enjoyed this story and greatly looked forward to returning to it.
Goodreads synopsis: A wise and witty new novel that echoes with timely questions about love, career, reconciling with the past, and finding your path while knowing your true worth.
Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy has made a career out of putting others before herself. When an unexpected upheaval sends her away from her hectic job in L.A. and back to her hometown, Georgie must confront an uncomfortable truth: her own wants and needs have always been a disconcertingly blank page.
But then Georgie comes across a forgotten artifact—a “friendfic” diary she wrote as a teenager, filled with possibilities she once imagined. To an overwhelmed Georgie, the diary’s simple, small-scale ideas are a lifeline—a guidebook for getting started on a new path.
Georgie’s plans hit a snag when she comes face to face with an unexpected roommate—Levi Fanning, onetime town troublemaker and current town hermit. But this quiet, grouchy man is more than just his reputation, and he offers to help Georgie with her quest. As the two make their way through her wishlist, Georgie begins to realize that what she truly wants might not be in the pages of her diary after all, but right by her side—if only they can both find a way to let go of the pasts that hold them back.
Honest and deeply emotional, Georgie, All Along is a smart, tender must-read for everyone who’s ever wondered about the life that got away . . .
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Homeless Blanket #22 - The Vivian
Easy Peasy Pineapple Fluff
Taco Tater Tot Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 tsp each of cumin, dried cilantro,
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles (not drained)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- Tater Tots or Crispy Crowns
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
16. Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble
Goodreads rating: 4.24
My rating: 2
Setting: Contemporary Beaufort & Savannah, Georgia
My comments: I'm afraid there were more things I disliked about the story than liked. Very little that happened was believable. The series of events and their numerous characters were even less believable. The outcome was ridiculous. Over-the-top mean, jealous sisters who instantly change their tune after many years. And at the HEA, the baby that was adopted three years previously - a huge part of the plotline - was not even in the picture! Absolutely no mention. And the 70-year-old reunited twins discovered their birth mother was still alive and kicking. On top of all that, add a whole lot of praying and I can't believe I even finished this story. So much eye-rolling during this listen. I DID like the setting.