Reading, Watching, & Listening

Hello, dear friends.  Baby, it's cold outside!  I am trying to talk myself into braving the bitter temps and doing my walk today.  So far, it's not looking good.

The Mister and I have a fun adventure planned for this weekend.  Stay tuned to Instagram.

Amazon

I just finished this beautifully written historical fiction novel.  

The story was well told, and the characters are unforgettable.  If you appreciate a heart-stopping love story, this book is for you.

Great news... Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon

Yup, this dynamic duo did it again.  A woman, Shay, witnesses a woman jumping to her death, and before we know it, Shay's life veers off the rails.  The story moves quickly, and there are no dull moments in this page-turner.  

One more thing... Shay is about as sharp as a bowling ball.

Amazon

Two sisters survived a violent event as children.  One of the sisters is murdered under similar circumstances, and the other one tries to solve the crime.  Not to worry, a very handsome detective is added to the mix.

Another Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon

This was my first book by Isabel Allende, but not my last.  

This novel brings to life the history of the Spanish Civil war.  It is the story of survival and undying love.

Amazon

I just started listening to this one.

So far, so good.

Amazon

I read the Sampler last night.  After finishing it, I promptly downloaded the book and stayed up too late reading it.

Amazon

This nonfiction book has an interesting premise.  

It is one of my book club's choice for next month.

Amazon

Oh yeah.

This one has my name written all over it.

Amazon

Rhys Bowen is one of my favorite authors.  This is the story of a lowly servant girl who ends up cooking in Queen Victoria's kitchen.

Kindle Unlimited. 

Amazon

One juror changes the verdict.

Another legal thriller?

Yes, please.

Amazon

After WWII, a young woman marries a much older bureaucrat.  He joins the secret police and turns into a miserable man.  She flees to Chicago and pursues her love for photography.  I downloaded this one to Audible.

Kindle First Reads

Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Finn survives a car crash that involved ten people.  Her father is bitter and will not forgive the person responsible.
Great reviews on this one.
Kindle First Reads

Amazon

I've been hot and cold on Kubica's writing.  This one is about a couple who moves to a small town in Maine where a murder is committed.  I read the Sampler, and I got hooked, so this is next on my list.  

Amazon

I have had the pleasure of meeting Kerri Maher and will be seeing her again at a Supper With The Authors next month.  This is a fictionalized story of Princess Grace's life behind the scenes.

Amazon

During the French Revolution, Desiree captures Napoleon's heart. 
Great reviews on this one.

Amazon

Audrey has a dream job at the Smithsonian and hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers.  Life can't be all good.  She also has a creepy stalker.
It sounds like a good one for my walks. 

Amazon

Have you read PS I Love You?
After sixteen years, the sequel has finally arrived.

Amazon

This novel centers around a woman suffering from Savvy Second Wife Syndrome.  What's worse is her hubby is up to his old tricks, which was okay when it involved her.  
Now it's a whole new ballgame.

Amazon

A woman awakes in a hospital after being struck by lightning.
Did I mention that her mother was murdered that night?

Trailer

We just started Season 1 a couple of nights ago.
It's pretty darn good.

Trailer

After witnessing the bitter reunion with Captain Lee's crew, I think this show is a lot more fun to watch.

I'm looking forward to watching this new show.

I saw this beautiful story a couple of weeks ago.

It's all about finding your passion.

Until next time...

Hannah Grace

Q&A

Hello, dear friends.  Did you have a good Valentine's weekend?  Ours was very relaxing. 

It was my weekend to decide on a movie.  I am a huge fan of Julia Louis-Dreyfus as well as Will Ferrell's, so I chose Downhill, which was released on Friday.  I read very little about the movie.  With these two comic geniuses, I expected a laugh a minute.

Boy, was I ever wrong.  Aside from a few light moments, the movie is quite serious and focuses on a couple whose marriage is crumbling.  A life-changing event occurs, which puts the union under a microscope.  

The downside of the movie is that I missed the laughs.  The upside is that Will and Julia had the opportunity to hone their stellar dramatic acting skills.  
It's not a bad movie.  
It's just a sad one.

Banana Republic

We cheered up after the flick by noshing on a delicious lunch. I needed a bit more of a mood boost, so I indulged in some retail therapy.  It's kind of a weird time to shop.  All the winter wear is picked over and I can't get hyped for Spring things when it's so darn cold.  I did get a great deal on this sweater - 40% off.  You know how much I love turtlenecks, otherwise known as turkey neck camo.  At that price, I decided to get a few colors. Btw... the sale has been extended.

*****

You asked for it - you got it.  I have heard from several readers who suggested post topics for me to write about.   

Paula asked me to do a review on my new purse, many of you requested the recipe for the 1-point muffins, and Jane asked me to talk about what apps. I use to listen to books on my walks.

First up is my new purse from Mark & Graham.  The leather is beautiful and soft.  I also love the looks of the bamboo handles.

I like the fact that it comes with a shoulder strap.

That way, I can use both hands for shopping.

It has plenty of room inside for my purse organizer and iPad.

What it doesn't have is a top zipper or clasp which is fine for me when I'm tooling around town.  When I'm traveling, I always use a purse with a zipper.

All in all, I am very pleased with both the size and quality of the purse.

*****

As I mentioned many times before, I usually enjoy thrillers on my walk.  If I am listening to an exciting book, I am much more apt to brave the chilly temps or take the long way home.

I've been using Audible for the longest time.  They have an enormous selection, and I get a "free" audible book every month. As the Mister will tell you, it's not really free because we pay fourteen dollars a month. 

Also, there are real freebies offered every month.  
The Mister and I are listening to Sweet Baby James on weekends, and it's music to our ears.

I also signed up with chirp.  There is no subscription or membership fee.  Every day, chirp sends me an email offering four or five audiobooks for under five bucks.

I've gotten some good ones off this site.

I also use Libro.fm, which is a great way to support your local book store.

*****

The Mister told me that he never thought that he would see the day when I am asked for a recipe.  Here is the recipe for the 1 point muffins.

Don't forget to spray the muffin molds.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Turn it down to 350 when putting in the muffins.

Mix:

1/2 can of pumpkin

1/4 cup of plain nonfat yogurt

1/4 cup of carbonated water

(regular water is fine too)

Add cake mix

Scoop into pan.

Don't forget to turn down the oven to 350!

Bake for 25 minutes.

You may have to adjust it to your oven.

Voila!

I bake several dozen at a time and freeze them.

Wow... that was fun.

I felt like a real-life food blogger!

If you have a question or have an idea for a post, feel free to email me.  I love to hear from my readers.

Have you heard about the latest training accessory for pooches?
I warned my two hooligans that if they don't straighten up, they may find themselves with one!


Until next time...

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