Sunday Post #357

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

Happy Sunday!

We had another weirdly warm week, but the temps didn't stay warm long with the shorter days. It was beautiful in the afternoon and we spent some time sitting on our front porch. It was a busy week of appointments and I had to work yesterday. I think the source of my pain is a medication I was taking, because testing showed my gallbladder is normal. I've discontinued.  

I had a massage and it was bliss! It's been a long time! 

This week will be a busy one workwise.

The trees are finally starting to change color. You can't see the one on the right yet, but it turns red. The one in the middle, a Holland Maple turns bright yellow. We have a few dogwoods also, but they just started. A late fall here.

Starla tuckered out after staying out all night! The weather has been nice so we couldn't get Smokey and Starla in one night. Bad kitties!

Two fall puzzles!

500 Piece Puzzle Completed: Sweater Weather by Pippi Post

Puzzle 53 of 2026

1000 Piece Puzzle Completed: Pumpkin Patch by Milton Bradley. This is one of the older puzzles I've had for years. There's a piece missing (middle left)!

Puzzle 54 of 2026

Read:

Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia-4.5 Stars

Rogue Ghosts & Other Miscreants by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen-4 Stars

Didn't get much reading done because of all the appointments and Love Felt Like This was just shy of 500 pages! A little long for a contemporary romance, but it held my attention. Rogue Ghosts was for the read along I'm participating in hosted by Anne @Books of My Heart. I hope to attend the chat today!

Received:

Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts

The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi

Takedown by Allison Brennan

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Brilliance Publishing!

The Autumn Springs Massacre is available in e-book on Kindle Unlimited if anyone is interested.

How was your week?

Review: Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia

 

Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia

Publication Date: September 8th 2026 by Berkley

Pages: 496

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Librofm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Love Felt Like This was a cozy, heartwarming romance filled with longing, just the right amount of spice, a loveable cast of quirky secondary characters, and a charming small-town setting.

 

I absolutely adored Beverly. Her smart, spunky personality shone through even as she struggled with self-doubt and the pressure of trying to get her show back on the air. For the most part, I’m not a big fan of puppets, but she made Bernie Bird hilarious and fun!

 

Griffin was the perfect grumpy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside hero. He was such a sweet single dad, doing his best to navigate fame while protecting his two-year-old daughter from the spotlight. Bravo for writing a two-year-old that reads like a two-year-old! I loved how grounded and down-to-earth Griffin was despite his celebrity status, and the way he supported and protected Beverly made me swoon. Her ex, Beau, was such a jerk!

 

The ending was everything I wanted: swoony, satisfying, and full of heart. And that epilogue? Absolute perfection. Loved it!

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

A grumpy rock star and a joyful children’s show creator revive television magic in this standalone, cozy small-town romance.

Griffin Harvey lives his life in the spotlight. Reluctantly. The brooding famous singer-songwriter is on the cusp of composing his sophomore album . . . if only he could find the notes. But after gaining custody of his two-year-old daughter, the only music he’s writing is about shapes and counting to ten.

Enter Beverly, who lives her life in the background producing children’s television and laughter. Except joy is hard to find when her nonprofit loses funding. She sinks all of her savings to revive the children’s show by herself, but when her variety show appearance collides with Griffin’s, their banter and chemistry is caught on live television.

Suddenly, Griffin is singing a new tune. He needs a muse, and Beverly needs all the help she can get. With his secret daughter in tow, they hide out in her cozy mountain hometown, attempting to script, compose, and revive television magic. Their dynamic shouldn’t work. He’s all harsh tattoos and rough hands while she’s bright colors and gentle touches. Once their three months of work are done, they’ll return to their separate worlds. But what happens when it seems the true magic might be found in each other?

Review: Cozy Little Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

 

Snow Kissed (Shelter Springs #4) by RaeAnne Thayne

Publication Date: October 6th 2026 by MIRA & Harlequin Audio

Pages: 320

Audio Book Length: 8hrs 40min

Narrator: Carly Robins

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Cozy Little Christmas is a heartwarming second-chance romance filled with small-town charm and festive holiday spirit!

 

Years ago, Hannah's future with her first love, Wes, was shattered when tragedy and grief drove him away. Now living a busy, fulfilling life as a music therapist in Shelter Springs, Hannah is surprised when Wes returns to town while helping his grandfather renovate his home after an injury sidelines him and his K9 partner, Kodiak.

 

When Hannah's friend becomes ill and needs someone to care for his two young children, she steps in without hesitation. As Hannah and Wes work together to help the kids adjust, old feelings resurface. Wes's kindness, devotion to his family, and tender care for Kodiak make it impossible for Hannah to ignore the man he's become.

 

I loved the cozy Christmas atmosphere, from holiday lights, tree decorating and music to the strong sense of community. My heart went out to Morgan.  I was especially touched by the compassion and support shown by everyone around her.

 

I alternated between the audiobook and e-book and highly recommend both. Carly Robins brings warmth and emotion to the narration, making this sweet, uplifting story even more enjoyable.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Christmas in Shelter Springs is the season of twinkling lights, open hearts and unexpected second chances. And for Hannah Goodwin, it also brings the one person she never wanted to see again...

Hannah’s built a full life for herself in the warmth of her close-knit town, with her family, her work and her music. And when her dear friend Morgan desperately needs her help, Hannah temporarily steps in to care for Morgan’s children. That’s what friends do—especially at the holidays. But she never expected to run into Wes Kenner...

Moving back home is the last thing K9 law enforcement officer Wes Kenner ever wanted. It’s where he fell in love with Hannah—and where an accident changed his mother’s life forever. But when his grandfather needs a helping hand, he can’t say no. It’s the perfect opportunity for him and his beloved K9, Kodiak, to recover. Still, seeing Hannah again fills him with regret—and hope.

After all this time, Hannah still represents all of the joy and light Wes pushed out of his life. Everything he’s desperate to get back. And as Hannah brings much-needed holiday magic to Morgan—and her kids—he realizes this is his chance. Because this Christmas, all he wants is her.

A cozy and uplifting reunion romance about two exes who work together at the holidays to help a family in need—and realize their Christmas wish is for a second chance with their first love.

Perfect for readers who Holiday feels Reunion romance Second chance Forced proximity Longing Small town setting

Review: Where There's Smoke by Rachel Louise Adams

 

Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Publication Date: October 6th 2026 by Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 314

Audio Book Length: 12hrs 18min

Narrators: Jeremy Carlisle Parker

Source: Publishers 

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

When Where There’s Smoke came onto my radar, I realized it was the second book in the series, so I listened to No Rest for the Wicked first and loved it! Learning about Dolores’s past and what drove her to leave Coldren County made me eager to continue her story! I highly recommend reading this series in order.

 

Now settled in Wisconsin as the medical examiner for the small town of Circe, Dolores is building relationships with her half-siblings, Josie and Asher. But she’s also dealing with anonymous threatening letters, fallout from the events of the previous book.

 

When Benedict Marcy, the well-respected owner of Marcy’s Meats, is found murdered in the slaughterhouse, Dolores is assigned to the case.

 

FYI, I love animals, so I was a little worried when I saw a slaughterhouse was featured. Thankfully, no animals are killed "on page".

 

FBI Agent Paul Turner and her childhood friend Kate return, and I enjoyed seeing the three of them work together again. Paul’s a great character, but I’d love to see him kick his smoking habit.

 

Where There’s Smoke was riveting! I had a feeling about one reveal, but I was surprised by others. The ending was intense and exciting. I’ve found a new mystery/thriller series to love and can’t wait for the next one!

 

Jeremy Carlisle Parker once again delivers an excellent narration. She seamlessly performed all characters in a range of ages, giving each a distinct personality and bringing the story to life.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Following the USA Today bestselling series debut, No Rest for the Wicked, Rachel Louise Adams returns with Where There’s Smoke.

A lot has happened in Dolores Hawthorne’s life since the events of last Halloween. She’s divorced, traded being a forensic pathologist for a job as a medical examiner, and now lives in small-town Wisconsin, close—but not too close—to her family.

Dolores doesn’t have much in the way of work, but that all changes when a body is found at the local slaughterhouse. Benedict Marcy owned Marcy’s Meats, and is affectionately called Mr. Mercy across the region. This high-profile case quickly catches the attention of Dolores’s friends at the FBI.

From the very beginning, this case is full of contradictions and surprises, and the team quickly learns someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to stop them from finding out the truth behind Benedict Marcy’s murder.

Sunday Post #356

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

Happy Sunday!

It was a quieter week here and the week has been good, other than being in pain. I think it may be my gallbladder? I'll know more after visiting the doctor tomorrow. 

We're finally out of an unusual October heatwave here. Our temps were in the 90s (32C) this last week, but oddly it didn't feel that hot. Maybe because of the shorter days? It cooled down fast. I woke up to 40F (4.4C) degrees here and lit a fire because it was so cold! 

We've started on some fall tasks in the garden and I've bought some bulbs I need to plant. 

You can now rate books with .25 and .5 stars on Goodreads!

A crisp, sunny morning. You can't tell here, but the leaves have just started to change color.

Starla thought she should be in the photo

Roses: Chicago Peace & Brigadoon

1000 Piece Puzzle Completed: Fall Festival by 1Canoe2

Puzzle 51of 2026

1000 Piece Puzzle Completed: Mahjong Social by Galison

Puzzle 52 of 2026

Read:

No Rest for the Wicked (Coldren County #1) by Rachel Louise Adams-4.5 Stars

Where There's Smoke (Coldren County #2) by Rachel Louise Adams-4.5 Stars

After We Fall by Deborah Clack-4 Stars

Cozy Little Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne-4.5 Stars

Loved No Rest for the Wicked and Where There's Smoke! 

Received:

The Best Christmas Ever by Sarah Morgan

A Hard Luck Christmas by Brenda Novak

The Liars' Book Club by Ellery Adams

Thank you to MIRA, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Special Editions, Kensington, Tantor Media, Libro.fm and Great Reads Book Promotions!

How was your week?

Review: After We Fall by Deborah Clack

After We Fall (Shelter & Sky #2) by Deborah Clack

Publication Date: October 6th 2026 by Haven & Recorded Books

Pages: 368

Audio Book Length: 10hrs 47min

Narrator: Jeanine Bartel

Source: Publishers & Great Reads Book Promotion

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Super-efficient Penelope Reid wants to manage the Twelve Bluebells Ranch, a halfway home for girls aging out of the foster care system. It’s a program close to her heart given her own background. She’s grown close to the girls and is determined to prove she’s perfect for the job.

 

Luke Granger is called to the ranch after vandalism and a suspicious delivery give cause for concern. As the two work together to keep the girls safe, they form a reluctant friendship. When the threat leads to an accident, Penelope is forced to rely on Luke even more, examine her past, and finally address an old injury.

 

It took me a bit to see the attraction with Luke, toothpicks are a pet peeve of mine, but he was such a sweetheart with Penelope and the girls and grew on me.

 

I didn’t know much about TBI, so I found all the medical aspects really interesting. I felt for Penelope and everything she had been through, and I admired the strong, capable, loving woman she became despite her childhood trauma.

 

I really enjoyed After We Fall! It’s a romance with a touch of suspense that delves into some deeper issues while tempering them with humor and a whole lot of heart!

 

I alternated between the audiobook and print copy, and I thought Janine Bartel did a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. I especially loved the way she captured Penelope’s perky, efficient personality.

 

4 Stars

Book Description:

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped out—a necessity after surviving foster care. Now she’s on a mission to prove that she’s capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist. He’s never found a reason to put down roots until he’s reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart. When vandalism strikes the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the road. But as Luke and Penelope work alongside each other and care for the ranch’s halfway house residents, his restless heart finds reasons to stay, and her careful walls begin to crack.

When crisis threatens everything Penelope has built and tragedy pulls at Luke’s wandering heart, they must decide if it’s worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they’ve always longed for.

Deborah Clack crafts a story with poignant emotions and witty banter in this no-spice romance about taking risks and finding belonging in unexpected places.

Review: Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong

 

Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong

Publication Date: October 6th 2026 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 288

Audio Book Length: 8hrs 23min

Narrator: Helen Laser, Shane Ghostkeeper, Sean Patrick Hopkins

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Librofm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Ellie is driving home on a stormy night when, out of nowhere, a woman appears in the road. When she swerves to avoid her, Ellie crashes into a downed tree. With a disabled car and no cell service, she sets out to find help and stumbles upon what looks like a rundown bar. Another traveler, Henry, crashes into Ellie’s car when he spots it too late. Three more cars soon crash: Edgar, an older man; Noemi and Caleb, a young couple in love; and Raymond, a ruthless businessman. The stranded travelers all end up at the same bar, waiting for the storm to pass and their cell service to return.

 

It starts to dawn on Ellie and Henry that not everything is as it seems, and maybe it’s no accident they all ended up at the same bar. The forest is more than creepy. It’s dangerous. Will they make it out alive?

 

Dive Bar at the End of the Road had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on! I was rooting for Ellie and Henry! There’s an ode to classic horror films sprinkled throughout, and some of my favorites were brought vividly to life. The story was atmospheric, creepy, and the perfect way to kick off spooky season!

 

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook, and I enjoyed all three narrators. Helen Laser, Shane Ghostkeeper, and Sean Patrick Hopkins did an excellent job conveying the uneasiness, tension, and horror of the situation!

4 Stars

Book Description:

Final Destination meets The Cabin at the End of the World in this supernatural horror from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong, in which a series of car accidents traps a group of strangers at a dive bar.

A forested road at night, slick from the pounding rain and eerily illuminated by flashes of lightning. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid something—or someone—mysteriously standing in the road, only to slam into a fallen tree instead. In the pitch black, four more cars follow in a pileup no one can seem to avoid.

Stumbling out of the wreckage, soaked from the rain and nursing various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a backwoods dive bar, waiting for daybreak and hoping for cell service. But as tensions rise and the storm rages on outside, the occupants of the dive bar start to notice that not everything is as it seems. Time is moving differently, and they quickly learn that going outside—whether to assist another accident victim or to hike for help—is a very bad idea.

There’s something in the woods, something that isn't natural. Could the figure in the road have been a warning? Or something more sinister? None of this is normal, and they'll need to work together to figure out what’s happening if they have any hope of surviving the night.