The One by John Marrs

Title: The One

Author: John Marrs

Publisher: Hanover Square 2018

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you’re genetically made for.

That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love.

Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been “Matched.” They’re each about to meet their one true love. But “happily ever after” isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others…

I grabbed this one from the Prime Reading selections after hearing good reviews from various bloggers. Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop. I read at a break-neck pace not wanting to wait to see what happens to each of the main characters. I hated that the storylines kept switching as I kept wanting to know exactly what happened next. It’s hard to really categorize this book, but I felt that this ended up being a thriller. Very entertaining. It definitely kept my attention. I loved Nick and Ellie’s stories the best, but each story was interesting in it’s own right.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Old-Fashioned by Robert Simonson

Title: The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail

Author: Robert Simonson

Publisher: Ten Speed Press 2014

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 176

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

No single cocktail is as iconic, as beloved, or as discussed and fought-over as the Old-Fashioned. Its formula is simple: just whiskey, bitters, sugar, and ice. But how you combine those ingredients—in what proportion, using which brands, and with what kind of garnish—is the subject of much impassioned debate.

The Old-Fashioned is the spirited, delightfully unexpected story of this renowned and essential drink: its birth as the ur-cocktail in the nineteenth century, darker days in the throes of Prohibition, re-ascension in the 1950s and 1960s (as portrayed and re-popularized by Don Draper on Mad Men), and renaissance as the star of the contemporary craft cocktail movement.

Random pick from the library shelves last week. I love a good Old Fashioned and I love history, so this book was perfect for a lovely afternoon of reading. I really enjoyed learning the history of the drink. The variations throughout history were fascinating. Loved this slim volume.

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Match Made at Christmas by Patty Blount

Title: A Match Made at Christmas (Christmas in New York #4)

Author: Patty Blount

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 150

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Thirteen years ago, two teens met on the ramp to Ground Zero, on a cold and snowy day, strangers bonding in a moment of grief. The boy pressed a crystal snowflake ornament into the girl’s hand and disappeared into the crowd, unaware that his simple act of kindness saved her from the guilt that threatened to consume her.

Not the best at all. I didn’t really engage with the two main characters. And the storyline was very contrived. I just didn’t really like this one at all.

Christmas in New York

#1 This Christmas
#2 Christmas Light
#3 All I Want for Christmas
#4 A Match Made at Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

Bewitched and Betrothed by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Bewitched and Betrothed (Witchcraft Mystery #10)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2019

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Cloak and Dagger

When Lily Ivory stumbles on the uniform of a former prisoner from Alcatraz and SFPD inspector Carlos Romero’s cousin is kidnapped, Lily suspects something dangerous has been unleashed on the ghost-ridden island of Alcatraz. She'll have to sleuth out the culprit—when she’s not busy entertaining her visiting relatives and resolving romantic conflicts as her wedding date approaches. Could recent omens be pointing to the magical threat in her adopted city? If so, she'll have to line up her allies to change the fate of the Bay Area. Because no matter what, Lily's determined to celebrate her marriage with her friends by her side—even if it means battling a demonic foe before she can make it to the altar.

We finally get another Witchcraft Mystery. I loved the big mystery/adversary in this one! The location of Alcatraz was great and way too fun as someone who lived in the San Francisco area. And we get so much more from Oscar this volume. I loved it! My biggest problem with this series and specific volume is too much Sailor and too little Aidan. Seriously we need more about the larger magical community and upcoming battle. I’ll probably have to wait at least another year for the next volume.

Witchcraft Mystery

Next up on the TBR pile:

Grilled Cheese Adventures: November and December

Part of my 2019 goals is to make a different Grilled Cheese recipe each week. I find grilled cheese to be so comforting, but just cheddar or Colby gets boring after awhile. So, I checked a few books out from the library and make a Pinterest Board with lots of options. Here’s what we ate:

Week 42: Fig, Apple, and Swiss on Sourdough

I really enjoyed this one!

Week 43: Salami and Cheese on Marbled Rye

Meh. I was not impressed with this one.

Week 44: Classic three cheese with a side of tomato soup

This is a classic for a reason. I mixed Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Swiss to create a great cheesy sandwich.

Week 45: Prosciutto Provolone and Fig Jam

Decent, but so much like others we have had before.

Week 46: Turkey Cranberry Mustard with Muenster on Sourdough

Decent, although I ate this when J wasn’t home. He doesn’t really like turkey.

And with that we are concluding our year of Grilled Cheeses! I think 46 different sandwiches is a very respectable showing for the year. I’ll be back in January with our Top 10 and our plans for 2020. (Not bread!)

The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan

Title: The Ruin (Cormac Reilly #1)

Author: Dervla McTiernan

Publisher: Penguin Books 2018

Genre: Crime Thriller

Pages: 380

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Cloak and Dagger

When Aisling Conroy's boyfriend Jack is found in the freezing black waters of the river Corrib, the police tell her it was suicide. A surgical resident, she throws herself into study and work, trying to forget--until Jack's sister Maude shows up. Maude suspects foul play, and she is determined to prove it.

Cormac Reilly is the detective assigned with the re-investigation of a seemingly accidental overdose twenty years ago--the overdose of Jack and Maude's drug and alcohol addled mother. Detective Reilly is under increasing pressure to charge Maude for murder when his colleague Danny uncovers a piece of evidence that will change everything...

This unsettling small-town noir draws us deep into the dark heart of Ireland, where corruption, desperation, and crime run rife. A gritty look at trust and betrayal where the written law isn't the only one, The Ruin asks who will protect you when the authorities can't--or won't.

Our Girly Book Club selection for January is the second in this series (The Scholar). I couldn’t possibly read the second without reading the first, so I grabbed this from the library last week. It took me a few days to get through this one, but I ended really enjoying this murder mystery. The conclusion shocked me a bit and there were definitely some horrific bits. Obviously the series will follow Cormac Reilly’s cases, and I’m interested to see what happens next.

Cormac Reilly

#1 The Ruin
#2 The Scholar
#3 The Good Turn

Next up on the TBR pile:

Merry Videos for You

Just about peed my pants laughing at this one.

We cannot wait!

Love this list!

Ooofff… yes to all these.

JLo is too funny. I love this.

I’ll admit that I’m kinda excited about this one.

Love the compilation, but I think the Target ad is the best.

Too funny as it’s so true…

Yes! I always wondered about some of these characters…

This looks pretty good…

Definitely have to add this one to the list.

Christmas Light by Jolyse Barnett

Title: Christmas Light (Christmas in New York #2)

Author: Jolyse Barnett

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 157

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Adirondack girl-in-transition Jade Engel comes home to recharge after ending a career she never truly wanted, but soon realizes she’s in danger of also being swept off her feet by the boy-next-door, her former best friend, Ben Stephens. If only he’d stop kissing her every time she falls into his arms.

Everything local celebrity Ben Stephens ever wanted is in Starling. Then Jade comes home after an eternity away and sends his simple world into a tailspin. He’s determined to pursue her—the one girl who got away. But when their friends-with-benefits arrangement blows up in their faces, will they have the courage to put their pasts to rest in order to forge a future together?

I liked this one much more than the first in the series. Jade and Ben are great characters. I loved their shared history. Starling is a great setting for a cute romance. I almost miss there was more to this story…

Christmas in New York

#1 This Christmas
#2 Christmas Light
#3 All I Want for Christmas
#4 A Match Made at Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Title: Challenger Deep

Author: Neal Shusterman

Publisher: HarperTeen 2016

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - 365 Days of YA; Popsugar - “Pop, Sugar, Challenge”

Caden Bosch is on a ship that's headed for the deepest point on Earth: Challenger Deep, the southern part of the Marianas Trench.
Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behavior.
Caden Bosch is designated the ship's artist in residence to document the journey with images.
Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head.
Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny.
Caden Bosch is torn.

This is a very rough, but compelling accurate portrayal of mental illness in a teen. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I picked this one up. I quickly dove into the abyss within Caden’s mind. As in many YA novels, the writing isn’t dense but it took me many days to finish this one as I had to take so many breaks. The subject is just so incredibly heavy. I couldn’t read more than 25 pages in one sitting. However, I found the characters so compelling. I had to keep at it to see where the story led. I’m glad I stuck with it until the end.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Grace Carter "Fired Up"

Really dig her sound!

Life Right Now #37

On my bedside table: Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman; The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan; The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness; Persuasion by Jane Austen — Wrapping up my 2019 reads!

On my TV: Working my way through S2 of A Chef’s Life and I finally added Below Deck to the queue (my mom’s been begging me to watch that one). I also started A Discovery of Witches and it is everything I hoped it would be! J and I made progress on American Gods S1 and finally started Atlanta S1.

Listening to: Black Veil Brides new EP The Night. Two great new songs from them! I can’t wait for more!

On the menu:

Monday - Beef Stew
Tuesday - Green Chile Enchilada Soup
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Grilled Cheese (our last of 2019!)
Friday - Traveling
Saturday - Takeout
Sunday - Must check with mom…

On my to do list: I’ve got a separate list for my pre-travel tasks. And a list for tasks while in Indiana. And a list of random big to-dos. I think I’m ready to dive in.

Happening this week:

Monday - RnR Castles and Crowns; J movie night with friends
Tuesday - Gym???; Book Club: My Brilliant Friend
Wednesday - RnR Crayons to Canvas; Arthur’s Kindergarten Gingerbread House Party; Book Club: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Thursday - RnR Parent’s Morning Out; Final Errands
Friday - RnR Pirates; Driving to the Quad Cities
Saturday - Legoland Chicago; Driving to Fort Wayne
Sunday - Hopefully nothing

What I am creating: Mostly lists and packing piles.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate chip cookies, reading time in silence, comfy oversized sweaters.

What I’m planning: Our trip to Indiana for Christmas. We’re stopping at Legoland in Chicago on the way to Indiana.

Looking around the house: Definitely have a few tasks to complete before Friday. Mostly I need to do a big pick-up across the board.

Looking forward to: Arthur’s class is having a gingerbread house making party on Wednesday. It is going to be chaos, but I’m here for it!

From the camera: This not-so-little one decided to drop from the ceiling onto my chest. Scared the bejesus out of me!

This Christmas by Jeannie Moon

Title: This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1)

Author: Jeannie Moon

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 141

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Single mother Sabrina Gervais has built a happy life with her daughter Charlotte in their eastern Long Island hometown of Holly Point. Having Charlie meant putting some of her own dreams on hold, but Sabrina is content to surround herself with family and friends, safe from the realities of the outside world. She had enough of that when the man she loved broke her heart.

Jake Killen’s career in professional hockey has brought him many rewards on and off the ice, but returning to New York brings back a flood of memories. When he sees Sabrina again, he discovers that he didn’t just run away from her ten years ago, but also from their unborn child.
Struggling with anger, guilt, and chemistry that’s off the chart, Sabrina and Jake wonder if they can find love again and, this Christmas, make all their wishes come true.

One of those free Kindle reads that I picked up at some point. I am always ready for a holiday romance this time of year. Unfortunately this one fell a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed Jake and Charlie. They were amazing characters! Sabrina was just way too immature and annoying. I couldn’t deal with her. Not great and definitely not for me.

Christmas in New York

#1 This Christmas
#2 Christmas Light
#3 All I Want for Christmas
#4 A Match Made at Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Bucket List Update

Christmas time is here!!!! Bring on the festive events and activities. (8/25)

Make Christmas Cookies ✓ — I always make my Ginger Molasses Cookies and they always remind me of Christmas.
Watch 5 Christmas movies (1/5)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Complete a Christmas book advent - in progress
Make hot cocoa
Create snow angels
Create paper snowflakes
Make an ornament
Buy a Christmas sweater ✓ — I got one with dinosaurs wearing Santa hats. Q very much approves!
Sing Christmas carols
Build a gingerbread house (or train or whatever)
Help Arthur write a letter to Santa
Drive around and see the lights
Go visit Santa ✓ - We met Santa at The Durham for family night.
Send out Christmas cards ✓
Read 10 Christmas/winter stories (12/10) ✓
- A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay
- The Christmas Layover by Robert Tate Miller
- Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken
- Unexpected Endings by Elena Aitken
- Christmas Lovebirds by Rachelle Ayala
- Christmas with the Black Sheep by Natalie-Nicole Bates
- My Christmas Curse by Joan Gable
- Santa’s on His Way
- Once Upon a Royal Christmas by Robin Bielman
- A Kiss of Christmas by Jillian Eaton
- Finding Christmas by Karen Schaler
- 25 Days ‘til Christmas by Poppy Alexander
Leave out cookies for Santa
Visit the Feztival of Trees ✓
Take a photo of all four boys together
Find a new holiday album
Visit the Fantasy of Lights
Go sledding
Create my December Daily base pages
Participate in two gift exchanges ✓ — I ended up participating in three: Book and Wine Exchange; OBM Book Exchange; OBM Coffee Exchange
See live reindeer ✓
Find a Christmas door hanger

Next up on the TBR pile:

25 Days 'Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander

Title: 25 Days ‘til Christmas

Author: Poppy Alexander

Publisher: William Morrow 2019

Genre: Holiday Fiction

Pages: 348

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Motif - December

Kate Potter used to love Christmas. A few years ago, she would have been wrapping her presents in September and baking mince pies on Halloween, counting down the days and hours to Christmas. But that was before Kate’s husband left for the army and never came home. Now she can hardly stand December at all.

Kate can’t deny she’s lonely, yet she doesn’t think she’s ready for romance. She knows that her son, Jack, needs a Christmas to remember—just like Kate needs a miracle to help her finally move forward with her life. So she’s decided if there isn’t a miracle on its way, she’ll just have to make her own.

As Kate’s advent countdown to the best Christmas ever begins, she soon realizes that even with the best laid plans, you can’t plan for the unexpected. For when the path of the loneliest woman in town crosses with that of the loneliest man, these two destined hearts might find a way to save the holiday for both of them.

I picked this one up as a fun holiday read, but it ended up being a lot more somber than I was expecting. Ultimately, I really enjoyed this story of two lost souls finding one another during the Christmas season. Kate annoyed me at times with her unwillingness to accept help and yet I found her very realistic. Daniel is a great character and I kind of wish we had spent a bit more time with him throughout the story. Be warned that there are some heavy themes in this story (death, suicide, poverty, sexual harassment) but they were all handled in a very realistic portrayal of life.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

So incredibly close to my very ambitious book goal of 250!
Started packing yesterday for our trip to Indiana. Tons of stuff to still do.
Really need to make a master list of craft projects to finish…
Feeling excited about our food plans for 2020.
There’s too much media for me to consume in any lifetime.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Finding Christmas by Karen Schaler

Title: Finding Christmas

Author: Karen Schaler

Publisher: William Morrow 2019

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Keyword - Dec.; Literary Escapes - WA

With all the glittering decorations, twinkling lights, snow angels, gingerbread men and mistletoe, Christmas is Emmie’s first love.

This year, she can’t wait to share her favorite Christmas traditions with her boyfriend, Grant. She thinks he’s “the one.” So when Grant’s hectic work schedule has him more “Bah Humbug” than “Ho, Ho, Ho,” Emmie creates a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to help him find his Christmas spirit. At the end of the journey, Grant will arrive at the charming town of Christmas Point where she’s planned a romantic weekend filled with holiday activities.

But Emmie’s plan backfires when a mix-up has the wrong guy following her clues! Sam, a best-selling mystery writer, thinks Emmie’s clever Christmas riddles are from his agent, who is trying to help him get over his epic writer’s block.

Pretty cute holiday romance that often reads like a movie screenplay. Makes sense as the author writes screenplays also. I loved Emmie and Sam and the setting of Christmas Point. I was let excited about some of the extra long descriptions of settings or scenes. I really want to visit the town of Holiday cheer and experience all the fun activities Emmie planned. Cute little story. Definitely felt like I was watching one of those Hallmark movies.

Next up on the TBR pile:

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Title: My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan #1)

Author: Elena Ferrante

Publisher: Europa Editions 2012

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 331

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Random TBR Pick; Alphabet Soup - F

The story begins in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. Growing up on these tough streets, the two girls learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone or anything else. As they grow - and as their paths repeatedly diverge and converge - Elena and Lila remain best friends whose respective destinies are reflected and refracted in the other. They are likewise the embodiments of a nation undergoing momentous change. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her protagonists.

Our book club pick for this month and I was pretty disappointed. I just couldn’t really dive into this world and these characters. The storytelling felt stilted at times. And all the characters were so incredibly unlikeable. I know many many people have loved this series. I just don’t think this one is for me at all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - A Day to Remember "Resentment"

Really digging all the new music from A Day to Remember!

A Kiss of Christmas by Jillian Eaton

Title: A Kiss of Christmas

Author: Jillian Eaton

Publisher: Bay Horse 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 246

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Two Christmas novellas guaranteed to warm your heart this holiday season...

THE WINTER WISH

Lady Sarah Dawson has one simple wish for Christmas: to gain the attention of Devlin Heathcliff, the handsome viscount whom she has loved for as long as she can remember. All hope seems lost...until one afternoon fate steps in and Sarah learns that sometimes, with a little holiday magic, winter wishes can come true.

Hmmm…. I wanted to really like this story, but it was a little too time-rushed for me. I just didn’t buy Devlin’s sudden transformation. I needed more from him to understand the why. And Sarah was just a bit too much for me.

THE RISQUE RESOLUTION

Due to a clause in her father's will, Lily has until Christmas to find a husband. It's a seemingly impossible task...until she meets the mysterious, insufferable, and oh so handsome Captain James Rigby. But the last thing on the embittered soldier's mind is marriage, especially to Lily Kincaid, a woman who is as infuriatingly stubborn as she is beautiful. With time running out, can Lily convince James - and herself - that true love really does exists?

Another super rushed story. I really wished to spend more time with Lily and James, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #36

On my bedside table: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante; 25 Days ‘til Christmas by Poppy Alexander

On my TV: We started and finished Daybreak S1. Very quirky and interesting. We’re also keeping up with The Mandalorian and His Dark Materials.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts. I finally started Dungeons and Daddies at J’s insistence and it is absolutely hilarious! Hoping to listen to some on my drive in Indiana in a few weeks.

On the menu:

Monday - Chili and Cornbread
Tuesday - Honey Lime Tilapia
Wednesday - Turkey Brie Grilled Cheese
Thursday - Artichoke Pasta
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Italian Beef Sandwiches
Sunday - Honey and Lime Jalapeno Chicken

On my to do list: Lots of prep for Christmas and travel. Plus I need to finish my Christmas cards (working on the last 50), get my books together, mail a few items, finish meal planning for this year, and do laundry.

Happening this week: A very light week so far… I still need to schedule our Romp n Roll classes for December.

Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday - Santa Party at the Community Center
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday - Arthur’s classmate’s birthday party
Sunday - Christmas at the Orchard?

What I am creating: Finally got some momentum on Arthur’s 2018 Project Life album. I organized all of the photos, printed the first three months, and started filling in the pages. I need to buy more photo paper, but lots of progress this week.

My simple pleasures: Ginger molasses cookies. Simply divine!

What I’m planning: I’ve got a list of open houses for today, but need to put them in order (geographically speaking). We’re not in a huge rush, but starting to house hunt. I’m not super excited by any we’re going to see today. Instead, we’re using these open houses as a way to really nail down our wants, assess neighborhoods, and be able to compare houses and prices.

Looking around the house: Hmmm… I’m once again feeling the urge to purge. But first, I think I need a plan of attack.

Looking forward to: Spending Christmas with all of my kids.

From the camera: Two little boys got to meet Santa on Friday night. What did they ask for? Dinosaurs, of course!