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I hope all is well in your world and you enjoyed your holiday. I come to you a few pounds heavier, but that's only because my heart is full. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.
We had a wonderful two weeks with equal parts of family time and relaxation.
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Our holiday tradition is to feast on appetizers on Christmas Eve.
Everyone gets to suggest their favorite to our Chef.
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My request is consistent every year - steak tartare.
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To top it off, the Mister made these yummy warm apple crumbles and served them with his homemade caramel ice cream.
I don't have to tell you who the brightest star was during our holiday.
Lucy's gift to Adorable Jonathon and our #1 came early this year.
She can now say Mama and Dada.
We were delighted that Darlin' Will joined us.
I'm a big girl now!
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Parting is such sweet sorrow.
But not for long!
We stopped by to see all of the cool stuff Santa brought Lucy. I checked out some new digs for Blog Central.
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Lucy loves her new ballpit!
A few days later, we took everyone to lunch and celebrated our #1's birthday.
Lucy is proof that birthday wishes can come true!
The birthday girl took a few minutes to make this year's birthday wish.
I know what I wished for...
five more Lucys!
Here is a list of my favorite books of 2024 in no particular order.
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The backdrop is Washington, DC, in 1950, in a broken-down boardinghouse for women. The characters are well-drawn, and the writing is superb. And who doesn't love a good girl/gangster romance?
I couldn't stop listening to this razor-sharp thriller. At the conclusion, the author's note delivers the final twist.
Don't cheat, and look ahead!
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I was fairly young during the Vietnam War. This incredible piece of fiction opened my eyes to that tumultuous time and its political and social implications.
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I love family drama as long as it's not my family.
The core of this book is a family with a mother who is a successful and famous journalist and lacks maternal instinct. The saving grace is her dear, devoted husband, who is there to pick up the pieces.
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Ann Napolitano is one of my favorite authors. This story centers around three generations of an American Irish family.
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Frances Mayes, known for her blockbuster hit Under The Tuscan Sun, wrote a beautiful story about family ties and moral values. I loved all the characters, and I was sad to say goodbye to every one of them.
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Yup, she did it again.
Another fabulously entertaining page-turner by the author of Lilac Girls. This comes out in May. It's worth the wait.
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Family dysfunction at its finest.
You will love this one, especially if you are old enough to have read Dominick Dunne's juicy novels.
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I was so impressed with Ina's candidness.
She reads the audible, and I highly recommend it.
My fellow blogger, Kelly McKenzie, writes about working with her colorful Mother in her antique shop. Lots of chuckles and you can't help falling in love with Francine.
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Family secrets plus annual family vacations on the Cape equals a captivating read.
Marjan Kamali wrote The Stationery Shop, which is a favorite of mine. This one centers around two women from different backgrounds and their enduring friendship throughout the years.
I have read all of Beatriz Williams's books, and she has yet to let me down. This tells the story of a woman searching for a kidney donor for her son and family secrets that come to the surface.
This one reads like a true crime. It revolves around a missing daughter and her suspicious boyfriend.
I was riveted.
Peter Swanson can do no wrong in my book.
A woman suspects her husband is a serial killer.
It sounds like an ordinary day in my marriage.
I've read all of Cavanagh's captivating books and loved every one. Fasten your seatbelts; two women seek revenge against men who have done them wrong in clever ways.
The perfect sweet palate cleanser after a scary thriller.
A well-told, entertaining story with quirky, likable characters.
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If you appreciate heartwarming stories with a Southern twist, this book is for you! Have you read Leslie Anne's blog?
Magnifique!!
A beautiful story with unforgettable characters.
Out on February 4th.
This story revolves around a Victorian house and its intriguing history on the cliffs in Maine.
There are some triggers, so read the reviews on Amazon.
A Paris vacation turns deadly!
The Mister loved this one as much as I did.
Any book recommendations for me?
Leave them in the comments.
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Melinda, you are my go-to for book recommendations! Thanks for today’s treasure trove of great reads! I recently finished The Paris Widow and really enjoyed it!!❤️
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad! Thank you for your sweet words.
DeleteI do thank you for once again spotlighting "Never, Never, Hardly Ever!" Just the boost I needed. Thanks, "Sis." Had a delightful thing happen yesterday. I fired off a copy in May to a friend in South Africa. When weeks, then months passed with nary a peep, I was convinced she found it less than worthy. Ouch. Did I press her on it? Certainly not. No need to cause any awkwardness or embarrassment ... Well ... Turns out my friend NEVER got it! The book innocently reappeared yesterday, a good 7 months on, looking as if it's been through the absolute wringer. It's also been completely repackaged. Hello. Have several folks merrily read it? If so, I sure hope they'd leave me an Amazon review! Every little mention helps! Thank you for doing your bit. You're the best.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I love happy endings! xx
DeleteMe, too xx
DeleteOh gosh, Lucy is absolutely adorable! I love how her hair was parted. She's going to have dark hair! I think she's a great blend of both Mama and Dada's good looks. ❤️🩷 I LOVE hors d'oeuvres for any party, but especially on Christmas Eve. We had 32 together on Christmas Eve, amd 10 of us got a mild case of covid afterward, one after the other. At least it wasn't the norm virus!
ReplyDeleteHope you're on the mend, dear Rita! Everyone will certainly remember the Christmas of 2024! Have a great week.
DeleteKatie, Lucy is such a gorgeous little baby and your family is adorable. You are blessed with having such a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteHappy healthy everything in 2025.
And a happy, healthy new year to you as well, Katherine!
DeleteJust love reading your blog! Great information to look forward to. Can’t wait to read some of those books, loved “The Women “. Brought back so many memories. I lived through that.
ReplyDeleteLucy is just adorable!!
Thank you so much! "The Women" is one of my all-time faves! Enjoy your week.
DeleteI love reading your book reviews. I see quite a few I'll be checking out. Just had to tell you the picture of you and Lucy where she's pulling your pearls reminds me of the iconic photo of Jacqueline Kennedy and John=John where he's tugging on her pearls! Your picture with Lucy needs to be framed!
ReplyDeleteLucky for me, the Mister bought himself a picture printer! I will take your advice and have it framed. I just googled that pick of Jackie - love it! Have a great week!
DeleteLove your blog and always enjoy seeing your book recommendations. I have been reading some Jacqueline Winspear books with Maise Dobbs as the main character. If you read her, begin with Maise Dobbs, the first in the series.... They have all been really good so far!
ReplyDeleteI have read a few Jacqueline Winspear books and enjoyed them. Have a great week!
DeleteFabulous photos! I just listened to How to Read a Book on the plane and enjoyed it a lot.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE your blog! Lucy is adorable🩷! You need to frame the picture of her playing with your pearls. Thank you for the book recommendations. Looking forward to lots of good reading this winter—thanks to you! Happy, healthy 2025!
ReplyDeleteThat's two votes for framing the pic! Consider it done. I hope you have a wonderful new year, dear Carolyn!
DeleteWhat sweet pictures 💕 Love all your book recs!! Thank you! I’ve either read & agree, or they are now on my tbr list. Have you read Remarkably Bright Creatures yet? Also, everything by Abby Jimenez 🩷
ReplyDeleteHappy 2025!
I positively loved Remarkably Bright Creatures. You know who else loved it? The Mister!! I have not read anything by Abby Jimenez. Thanks for the rec, I will put her on my TBR list. Happy New Year!
DeleteDear Katie,
ReplyDeleteWe are also an appetizer group on Christmas Eve. I honestly enjoy it more than Christmas Day. I call it grazing! I can only imagine how wonderful your Christmas was with Lucy. She is beautiful. Grandchildren bring the magic back to Christmas.
I do have a book recommendation for you. The Small and the Mighty written by Sharon McMahon. It is an easy read and enjoyable. I am currently reading Ina’s book and The Women is sitting on my dresser.
I think you recommended Conclave and I saw it. Oh my! I think Ralph Fiennes gave an Oscar worthy performance.
I have yammered on enough. I saw several books you recommended that I will add to my list. It is always a pleasure to read your blog. Take care.
Maxine
I just checked out The Small and the Mighty. Not only am I going to read it, it makes a great hostess gift. I loved The Conclave and agree the Ralph Fiennes deserves and Oscar. Great minds think alike! Have a wonderful, happy, and healthy New Year, dear Maxine.xx
DeleteLove all the pictures of lovely Lucy and your daughters are just delightful to look at.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Happy New Year!
DeleteThank you so much for all the book recommendations. Baby's first Christmas is certainly extra special!
ReplyDeleteWhy so many anonymous posts. We loved where you and proud to be part of your posse Thanks for all you do to help us. I loved my Christmas with my crazy ten grandkids. 15-2. It’s quite crazy but we love it even though we are exhausted. We went in a Christmas market cruise on the Rhine. I would recommend that to you and to your followers. Quite a magical trip.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure what the “where “is from
DeleteESL?
DeleteHi! I just sent you comment to the Mister, our Director of Travel. That sounds like an incredible trip! Thanks for being a part of my posse. Happy New Year!!
DeleteLoved seeing your family photos from Christmas. The apps looked delicious and your house very pretty. Little Lucy is adorable (her hair!) and she has to be the best dressed baby in DFW. Wrote down all of your book recs...still impressed by how much you read.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa... Most of those books I listened to! Looking forward to catching up with you soon! xx
DeleteGrandchildren certainly make Christmas special - I was lucky to have all 4 grandsons here for the holidays - it was "Good Chaos"!! Lucy is darling! I might pick up a few of these books for our upcoming vacation. My fav book this past year was "November 9"
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, especially your book recommendations! Just finished The Greatest Lie of All by Jillian Kantor and LOVED it! You have a beautiful family & baby Lucy is precious!!
ReplyDeleteMay I ask where your daughter’s darling gold bar pearl earrings are from? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDownloading books like mad. Happy New Year! xo
ReplyDelete