Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Title: Next Year in Havana

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 394

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - About a Family; Women Authors; Historical Fiction

Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest--until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...

Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth. 

Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage.

Super mixed feelings about this book. The good: I really loved the characters in this book. Elisa and Marisol are great main characters. I loved spending time with Elisa’s sisters and best friend. I loved learning more about these women’s lives. Cuba becomes another character in this novel. I loved visiting and revisiting specific places throughout time. So good! The bad: I felt like a lot of these book was a guise for a lecture on the history of Cuba, the revolution, and the ramifications 60 years later. I’m not usually bothered by a book that incorporates a bit of teaching into the storyline. But this book seemed to be more like 40% lecture. It really annoyed me that Marisol seemed to know nothing about Cuba and it’s people when her family is Cuban and supposedly told her so many stories. How is she a journalist and yet has seemed to do no research pre-trip? I just started skimming the sections that seemed more history lesson than story. Part of my annoyance may be because I know a fair amount about the Cuban revolution and the country’s status now. But still, I just couldn’t really lose myself in the story because of the lectures.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco

Title: Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3)

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson 2018

Genre: YA Horror

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Alphabet Soup - M

Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly. 

But privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow more and more bizarre. It's up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation before more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer's horrifying finale?

Still really enjoying this series. I loved the setting of a carnival on a cruise ship. Perfect to create a very creepy atmosphere. And I absolutely loved the inclusion of the tarot cards and various carnival acts. And I still love Audrey Rose and Thomas’s relationship. But I would have liked to see more of a focus on their relationship. The murders were just the right amount of gruesome and disturbing to be a follow up to the Ripper murders and the Dracula murders. But I must say that the ending of this book peeved me a little. I had hoped for a better conclusion. Oh well. I’ll still read the next book.

Stalking Jack the Ripper:

• #1 Stalking Jack the Ripper

• #2 Hunting Prince Dracula

• #3 Escaping from Houdini

• #4 Capturing the Devil

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Hey Violet "Better By Myself"

Random YouTube find that I’m really digging

Life Right Now #13

On my bedside table: Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton; 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

On my TV: Continuing this season of Superstore and Veep and moving slowly through Game of Thrones S1. We finished Norsemen S1 (hilarious but very dark).

Listening to: I went back and started listening to Binge Mode’s recaps of Game of Thrones episodes. Only four episodes in as that’s what we watched this week, but I really enjoy their commentary about the series.

On the menu:

• Monday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

• Tuesday - Pot Roast

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Spicy Thai Noodles

• Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Sunday - Sausage, Potato, Spinach Soup

On my to do list: I’m certain lots of things, but my list has gotten ridiculous looking. Need to spend some time making a new one today to get my week in order.

Happening this week: We have three Romp n Roll classes scheduled this week. Plus MPS open enrollment and Tinkergarten. I’m not looking forward to it, but I do have a dentist appointment this week.

What I am creating: Nothing much at all. My creative drive has stalled out this past week. Hoping to get back into it soon…

My simple pleasures: Break and bake cookies; the sound of the rain as I fall asleep.

What I’m planning: Putting the last touches of our summer road trip. I’ve got all the activities listed and times and distances. Now I’m working on booking hotels and finding food places along the way. Getting excited!

Looking around the house: The dining room needs to be swept and Swiffered badly. Guess what I’m doing today…

Looking forward to: Our trip to Fort Wayne. We’re going to hit up the zoo and on the return, we’re going to stop in Chicago at Shedd Aquarium.

From the camera: Q enjoying some Play-doh time. Enjoy it while you can as I don’t allow it in the house!

The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

Title: The Light Over London

Author: Julia Kelly

Publisher: Gallery Books 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 304

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Published in 2019; Alphabet Soup - K; Historical Fiction

It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.

In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.

Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.

After some disappointing reads, I was so glad to pick up a winner. I was thankful that this story was focused on WWII, but did get too depressing. Most of the story was lighter focusing on Cara’s search for the author fo the diary and a new life. And on the other side, we get Louise’s story of finding love and joining the ATS. A nice story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Two days of swimming at the pool during rainy days. Perfect choice!

• An idea for a two day road trip to East Nebraska has turned into a five day road trip through Nebraska and South Dakota. Having so much fun planning this!

• NPR needs to fix their podcast issues. A bit annoying…

• I made a strawberry-rhubarb crumble and it was absolutely amazing! So good!

• I think I’m getting my reading groove back.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Grilled Cheese Adventures: March and April

Part of my 2019 goals is 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 10: Salami and Pickle with Gruyere on Pumpernickel Bread

Loved the tartness of the pickles with the smooth Gruyere. Definitely a good choice putting it on Pumpernickel.

Week 11: Apricot White Cheddar Grilled Cheese

The original recipe had it on Cinnamon Raisin bread. I thought it would be too sweet, so I switched it out for Pumpernickel Bread. Much better! I really loved this one.

Week 12: Avocado, Bacon, and Cheddar on Sourdough

This was good; my avocado was perfectly ripe! But next time, I would switch out the cheddar for provolone or pepper jack…

Week 13: Blueberry and Blackberry Compote with Gruyere on Honey Wheat

I love the idea of this one, but the execution wasn’t exactly right. If I make this again, I’m going to tweak the berry compote and add some elements. There just wasn’t enough flavor for me.

Week 14: Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Pretty decent sandwich, but nothing to write home about.

Week 15: Buffalo Chicken on Marbled Rye

I switched out the cheddar cheese in the recipe for a bit of mozzarella to compliment the blue cheese. Very yummy!

Week 16: Apple and Gouda on Sourdough

Very yummy! Definitely a keeper

Week 17: Greek Grilled Cheese

I loved the mix of olives, red peppers, dill, and feta. Next time, I might want to add some kind of green, maybe spinach.

Week 18: Sun-dried Tomato Pesto and Fontina

For the first time, I made my own pesto in the food processor. Very easy and tasty!

The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury by Marc Levy

Title: The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury

Author: Marc Levy Translated by: Chris Murray

Publisher: Amazon Crossing 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 278

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Modern Mrs. Darcy - Translation; Alphabet Soup - L

Alice Pendelbury believes everything in her life is pretty much in order—from her good friends to her burgeoning career. But even Alice has to admit it’s been an odd week. Not only has her belligerent neighbor, Mr. Daldry, suddenly become a surprisingly agreeable confidant, but he’s encouraging her to take seriously the fortune-teller who told her that only by traveling to Turkey can Alice meet the most important person in her life.

What’s more, the peculiarly insistent Mr. Daldry has even agreed to finance Alice’s trip—one that against all reason seems to be predestined. It’s on this journey, crazy from the outset and strangely irresistible, that Alice will find out that nothing in her life is real, that her past is not true, and that the six people she’s about to encounter will shape her future in ways she could never have dreamed.

I was very intrigued by this book and wanted to love it so much. Unfortunately it really fell flat for me. The story started well with the introduction of Alice and Mr. Daldry. I loved her encounter with the fortune teller and her parties with friends. But once the journey begins and Alice and Ethan arrive in Turkey, I just got so bored. The story became very predictable and the big twists just felt very flat. I didn’t love the last 1/2 of the book at all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #8

Reading: The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

Watching: J and I are going back to the beginning to watch Game of Thrones so we can watch the very last season.

Listening: Really really enjoying Mike Shinoda’s Post Traumatic. Really good gym music.

Making: The store had rhubarb! So that means that I had to make Strawberry-Rhubarb crumble for book club last night.

Feeling: A bit on edge this week waiting for some news…

Planning: On the way back from Indiana, we’re planning on doing a mini road trip. Still deciding on Chicago or Des Moines.

Loving: We had a few small thunderstorms lately and I really missed storms while living in California.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi

Title: Gingerbread

Author: Helen Oyeyemi

Publisher: Riverhead Books 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 272

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Modern Mrs. Darcy - New to Me Author; Alphabet Soup - O; Dancing with Fantasy and Scifi - Fairytale

Perdita Lee may appear to be your average British schoolgirl; Harriet Lee may seem just a working mother trying to penetrate the school social hierarchy; but there are signs that they might not be as normal as they think they are. For one thing, they share a gold-painted, seventh-floor walk-up apartment with some surprisingly verbal vegetation. And then there's the gingerbread they make. Londoners may find themselves able to take or leave it, but it's very popular in Druhástrana, the far-away (or, according to many sources, non-existent) land of Harriet Lee's early youth. The world's truest lover of the Lee family gingerbread, however, is Harriet's charismatic childhood friend Gretel Kercheval —a figure who seems to have had a hand in everything (good or bad) that has happened to Harriet since they met. 

Decades later, when teenaged Perdita sets out to find her mother's long-lost friend, it prompts a new telling of Harriet's story. As the book follows the Lees through encounters with jealousy, ambition, family grudges, work, wealth, and real estate, gingerbread seems to be the one thing that reliably holds a constant value. Endlessly surprising and satisfying, written with Helen Oyeyemi's inimitable style and imagination, it is a true feast for the reader.

I had such high hopes for this book. I’ve heard amazing things about the author and her writing style. And her writing style is gorgeous. Oyeyemi can surely turn a sentence. I found myself caught up in the lyrical nature of her writing. However, this book went nowhere for me. The beginning of the novel was interesting and I was fascinated by the retelling of Hansel and Gretel. But then, Harriet began telling her story to Perdita and the story started meandering. I just couldn’t keep following the story with any real focus. I’m hoping one of her other books will be a better choice for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - LSD "No New Friends"

Love their sound and the videos are so much fun!

The Beauty Vol. 5

Title: The Beauty Vol. 5

Author: Jason Hurley, Jeremy Haun, Nick Filardi, Thomas Nachlik

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Timo and Ezerae’s brutal quest for revenge collides with Detectives Foster and Vaughn’s newest case. Now they must form an uneasy alliance if they want to survive. Collects THE BEAUTY #22-26

This volume was a bit of a disappointment to me. It felt very disjointed in the storytelling. The drawings were great either. A bit of a disappointment…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #12

On my bedside table: Light Over London by Julia Kelly; Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

On my TV: We finished S1 of The Umbrella Academy and I can’t wait for S2. So good! We’re currently keeping up with Superstore and Veep. And we started S2 of Bounty Hunters and Happy. Interesting week of TV in our house.

Listening to: While weeding the yard yesterday, I started listening to Over My Dead Body S1 podcast. It’s an interesting murder mystery, but so far, not quite as good as Dr. Death (both from Wondery).

On the menu:

• Monday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachoes

• Tuesday - Harvati and Gouda Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Kielbasa Skillet

• Saturday - Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp

• Sunday - ???

On my to do list: I need to do some research for summer activities and traveling activities. And I would like to start planning out our summer weeks (got the calendars ready to go, just need to fill in).

Happening this week: After the crazy that was last week, this upcoming week is looking nice and light. Arthur has school (the usual) and a birthday party, Quentin has Tinkergarten, I have book club, and both boys have Romp n Roll and a park date.

What I am creating: Still plugging away at my the Project Life album, Memory Planner album, and retiring product cards. I hope to start our traveler’s notebook summer bucket list this week. I have some ideas of how to lay it out.

My simple pleasures: Summer Strawberry Cake! (recipe from Smitten Kitchen)

What I’m planning: All the summer stuff!

Looking around the house: We spent time yesterday working on the yard. I weeded and tidied the borders while J mowed. Quentin and I planted his wildflower garden packet from Tinkergarten. There are some spots around the yard that I might plant some small flowers… Still thinking about placement.

Looking forward to: Can’t wait for book club on Monday night. Last month my night was cut short so I’m looking forward to having a relaxing evening this month.

From the camera: Arthur went to Kindergarten Round Up at his new school on Friday! So much fun!

Giant Days Vol. 8

Title: Giant Days Vol. 8

Author: John Allison, Lissa Treiman, Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

It’s the end of second year for best mates Susan, Daisy, and Esther, and cracks are appearing in the foundation of this unshakeable trio. Between (irritating) new loves, (secretive) old loves, (unlikely) new friendships and (terrible) old houses, they’ll be lucky to make it to third year alive! Collects issues #29-32.

I finally picked up the next volume in this series and enjoyed each page. I love break from my fantasy and scifi comics to pivot to contemporary life. Esther is still my absolutely favorite and I love all her antics. Can’t wait to read more about these ladies!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Volume 8

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 8

Author: Kieron Gillen; Stephanie Hans; Andre Lima Araujo; Matt Wilson; Kris Anka; Jen Bartel

Publisher: Image 2019

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 232

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Modernist poets trapped in an Agatha Christie Murder Mystery. The Romantics gathering in Lake Geneva to resurrect the dead. What really happened during the fall of Rome. The Lucifer who was a nun, hearing Ananke's Black Death confession. As we approach the end, we start to see the full picture. Also includes the delights of the WicDiv Christmas Annual and the Comedy special. 

Collects all six of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE's essential Specials.

Woot! I get to read all the specials without buying them all individually. I loved the historical episodes involving the cycle of the gods. My favorite was definitely the murder mystery set in 1923. The mix of comic panels and text passages was a fun change for the usual format. I also really enjoyed the Romantic story modeled on the creation of Frankenstein. Really really loved this collection. Now I have to wait until the fall to get the final trade of the series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Heathen Vol. 1

Title: Heathen Vol. 1

Author: Natasha Alterici, Tess Fowler, Tamra Bonvillain, Charles Martin, Rebecca Rutledge, Kristen Grace

Publisher: Vault 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 45 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Aydis is a viking, a warrior, an outcast, and a self-proclaimed heathen. Aydis is friend to the talking horse Saga, rescuer of the immortal Valkyrie Brynhild, and battler of demons and fantastic monsters. Aydis is a woman. Born into a time of warfare, suffering, and subjugation of women, she is on a mission to end the oppressive reign of the god-king Odin.

Random library pick from this past week. I enjoyed this Norse tale featuring some legendary characters. This volume was pretty short and I really wanted more from it. But, I looking forward to reading the next trade.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spring Bucket List Update #2

A new season has begun!

1. Read 50 books - Up to 31 books!

2. Eat at 3 new-to-me restaurants

   • Zios - Good family pizza

   • Brasa (Minneapolis) - Loved this restaurant! I got the pulled chicken and gravy with a side of rice and beans and collard greens.

   • Sushi Train (Minneapolis) - Super fun sushi place with good rolls.

3. Attend two theater performances

   • Dragons Love Tacos @ The Rose

4. Make fun cupcakes

5. Create an Easter Egg Hunt ✓ - The boys had fun finding 70 hidden eggs in our yard.

6. Make a planter for the front porch

7. Find two good parks

8. Host a cookout

9. Have fun at OnStage! ✓ - It was so much fun!

10. Tie Dye Shirts with the boys

11. Check out three new museum/zoos

12. Check out The Makery

13. Create a spring Spotify playlist

14. Buy a sprinkler for the yard

15. Smoothie month

16. Mini golf family night

17. Make a rain gauge

18. Buy and fly a kite

19. Go berry picking

20. Sign Arthur up for summer camps ✓

21. Find a Farmer’s Market

22. Make a trip to Peacetree for root beer and beer

23. Go on a hike

24. Visit Old Market ✓ - The boys and I stopped by for lunch and ice cream one day after story time.

25. Redo my hair

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Matchmaker's List by Sonya Lalli

Title: The Matchmaker’s List

Author: Sonya Lalli

Publisher: Berkley 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 346

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar- Into a Movie; Women Authors; Romance

Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn't mean she has to like it--or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina's side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she's ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn't know won't hurt her... 

As Raina's life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother's dreams.

I’m not sure what’s up with me, but I’ve been enjoying some contemporary romances lately. This one was our alternate pick for book club and I decided to read it alongside our actual pick. Such a cute little story! I immediately fell for Raina and her Nani. I loved reading about their relationship while Raina explored the dating scene. I couldn’t say that the book was new and different in plot, but I did like the inclusion of a different culture. The date interludes were very entertaining. I wasn’t the biggest fan of how the flashbacks were told in third person when the rest of the novel was told in first person. But other than that, I really enjoyed this one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

May Flowers, Sorry Videos

Oh goodness, that hit me right in the feels

Now I must see…

Interested to see where this goes…

May 2019 Life Goals

Let’s check in on April's goals and my progress.

• Put together Easter baskets and home egg hunt for the boys - Success! I ended up hiding 70 eggs in our yard. Yep. I went overboard…

• Make summer travel plans - Not quite, but I did get started.

• Make Doctor appointments - Success!

• Read 4 books from UnRead Shelf - Success!

• Buy some outdoor activity toys - Um… not really.

• Find a good playground - Fail.

• Oil Change - Success!

May’s Goals:

• Read 4 books from UnRead Shelf - As I succeeded last month, I’m going to try this one again.

• Plan out our Memorial Day week/end travel plans - All the boys are getting out of school on the 24th. I planning a trip over to Indiana to visit and pick up the twins. On the way back, we’re thinking a mini road trip to Chicago and/or the Des Moines area.

• Print our week calendars and meal plans for summer - I’ve found having a printed copy to write on helps everyone in the house get their week’s straight.

• Nebraska Passport plan - I got our passport in the mail yesterday and I want to plan a few mini trips to hit some of the spots. We won’t get to all 70 locations, but I’m hoping for 20.

• Pull our my summer clothes - I packed away my shorts when we moved. I should probably get those out and evaluate.

• Update Calendars - With the summer filling up, I want to make sure to update my calendars (digital and planner) every week.

Next up on the TBR list: