.

.

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Three Things...

 1. Nightwatching. OMG! What a riveting story! I was hooked right from the start and I could not figure out who the Corner man was, or if there really was a Corner man. I just found myself swept  away and enjoying the ride - so many things happened that kept my jaw dropping each time. The story was fantastic! A woman is at home with her children. She's in her son's room when she hears a noise downstairs. There's an intruder in her house. WTF! She needs to be quick and decisive - run for help or hide. It's nighttime and  heavy snow is in the forecast. Plus, her neighbors don't exactly live right next door. And will her kids be able to hand that kind of trek? Then again, where can she hide and keep her kids safe? Yikes! And, that is all I will share, because this book is most definitely a MUST-READ!! I absolutely LOVED it! I'd definitely recommend to everyone - pick up a copy ASAP!


2. Book buying ban. I need to ban myself, because I wind up with books that I just don't like. Ugh. I'll see something on social media that sounds like a great read and I'll grab a copy and then it's a dud. Also, I need to just read what is already on my shelves. This was supposed to be a bookish resolution - stop buying books and I've already broken it. LOL!

3. Wooden signs with positive messages. Are they a 'keep' or 'donate' - I'm decluttering as I'm about to start slowly packing up my office. I'm at my desk and I am looking at all the framed art and photos I have on the walls. I noticed that I have quite a few of those wooden signs with "Just Breathe" or "Believe" written on them. I'm wondering if I should get rid of them. I'm looking toward this new beginning (when we actually do move) as motivation to decorate differently. A more minimal, but cozy vibe. So, I'm thinking of getting rid of those signs. Hmm...what do you think? Or should I keep one or two? 

Alright, I'm off to tackle some to-dos. Hope you all have a lovely day. Happy reading!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga - Thor: Ragnarok - The Art of the Movie by Eleni Roussos

(Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)
 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Get an exclusive look at the art and designs behind the Mighty Avenger's newest film in this latest installment of the popular ART OF series of movie tie-in books! 

A new all-powerful being threatens the destruction of Asgard, but Thor is trapped on the other side of the universe and must race against time to save his civilization. Go behind the scenes with exclusive concept artwork and in-depth analysis from the filmmakers in this keepsake volume! Continuing their popular Art Of series of movie tie-in books, Marvel presents its latest blockbuster achievement! Featuring exclusive concept artwork, behind-the-scenes photographs, production stills, and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, this deluxe volume provides insider details about the making of the highly anticipated film.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a fun and fascinating book. I absolutely LOVED flipping through Eleni Roussos' new book, Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga - Thor: Ragnarok - The Art of the Movie - it was such a treat! I found myself dipping in and out of this book every day for over a week, because I wanted to savor the fun. 

So, what's in the book? Photographs depicting behind the scenes moments, along with stills from the movie itself. Loads of artwork - showcasing concept and production ideas.  And we get to read interviews from both cast and crew- everyone involved with the making of this film. There are just so many cool tidbits about the costumes - from the comics to the actual creation of them for the movie. I loved learning about it all and seeing the art involved. This book was truly a delight to read. Talk about an exciting reading experience for fans of the Marvel universe. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone who loves movies, especially Marvel Studios fans. You are going to LOVE this one to bits! Make sure to check it out ASAP! 



Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Monday, January 12, 2026

Monday Musings...

Good morning! Wishing you all a lovely start to the week. I just finished reading another short story from my new favorite book:

Since Tracker won't be back until March, I started watching the new season of The Pitt and I'm loving it. I also fell back into my favorite reality TV shows - RHOBH, RHOSLC, Southern Charm, and The Valley Persian Style (a new Shahs of Sunset) - and I am LOLing at all the craziness. 

It's been seven months since my dad passed away and it's been a hard time. My sister lives six hours away and that just feels too far now. So, my mom and I have decided that we both want to move so that the three of use are near one another. Feels scary, but exciting. A new start. Wish me luck, because my anxiety has been ramping up. Yikes!

Moving means a huge declutter - whoa! I'm finally going to figure out what I really want to bring with me into the future - Ack!

And now, I'm off to journal and write a huge to-do list. 

Happy reading!

Friday, January 9, 2026

My Friday Five...

1. Planners. Ugh. I have way too many. I need to simply my system and yet, I ordered another planner. Ack! What is wrong with me? I posted a photo of all the planners/journals and a dear friend responded that after years of struggling to figure out which system worked for her she decided to use what she had used in the 80s, 90s, and early 00s - a composition notebook. Yep, one book for it all. Like she said, "if it worked then, why wouldn't it still work now?" Simple is always the answer, eh? 

2. My reading is slow to start this year. I've only read two books so far. I'm about to choose the next one and it's a toss up between:



Hmm...which one should I go with? 

3. Stranger Things. I already miss it. Such a great show. I cried a few times watching the final season. Loved the music. And of course, loved the characters and their stories. 

4. Grief. It still hits me hard at times. Seven months later and I still find myself crying over the smallest reminders. Yeah, I miss my dad. 

5.  Journaling. I'm continuing to 'write it out' and I really do think it helps. Plus, I'm finally using all those lovely notebooks I've been buying over the years. It's a win-win. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!


Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Remember That Day: A Ravenswood Novel by Mary Balogh

 

Historical fiction and romance - what more could I want? Mary Balogh's latest book in her popular Ravenswood series, Remember That Day, combines the two perfectly. 

Winifred and Nicholas are engaged to be married to other people and yet, they can't seem to stop falling deeper and deeper in love with one another. Yep, seems that there is trouble in Ravenswood and two families may be broken by an undeniable love story. WHOA! Talk about a riveting Regency romance. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters and seeing their love bloom and blossom. And, of course I wanted to find out if they would have their happily ever after. This was one book that I found to be a delight to read. 

I would happily recommend Balogh's books - they are always a joy to read. Make sure to grab a copy of her latest story, Remember That Day - you are going to fall in love with it and Balogh! 




Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!