The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week, and showcase books and things we have received.
Don’t forget to look at my giveaways on the right sidebar.
Sunday, I did the usual visiting of blogs and some editing and scheduling of posts. I started planning my Thrifty Thursday post for May. I tried to stay awake and Lulu didn’t. I slept plenty of hours overnight. We walked Lulu.
Monday, I did the normal stuff, notifying the giveaway winner. I went to Harris Teeter to pick up the latest Rx. Then we walked Lulu. I broke down and set the thermostats for cooling in addition to heating.
Tuesday, a cooler day at home. I finished getting all my passwords organized. We walked Lulu late and the day is warmer than I expected. The lettuce looks good, and may be ready to eat this week.
Wednesday, another nice day at home. I worked on the next Read-along post. We walked and saw the neighbor and Abbey. Thankfully Abbey is feeling fine again. I decided I need to start my knitting project over and take out the small number of rows I have knitted due to a mistake.
Thursday, the garden has so much ready to go all of a sudden! it’s this week’s big errand run. My daughter has her PT appt, then the post office to mail a giveaway prize, Walmart for a pickup, Aldi and CVS for a couple items each. We took Lulu with us. I walked her while my daughter was in the PT.
Friday, I started with the priorities like ordering the Rx which were running low. I also decided to order a few things from Amazon that are favorite clothes items before they go up in price. My daughter, having lost weight, has no bras which fit so I ordered 2 possibilities for her to try. I helped my daughter with her homework. She is half way through her current class. We walked Lulu early but it was still quite warm. Then I got back to writing reviews and setting up posts for new ARCs and then finally visiting other blogs. We had garden lettuce for a salad with dinner.
Saturday, I managed an earlyish start on things. I worked on some posts, visited blogs. I did some house chores. We walked Lulu a bit late. The weather is warm. The lilac is blooming.
I’m thankful I sold some investments in December and January feeling this would happen with the crazy tariff plans. But there is still much of our already limited savings which has dropped significantly in value. Cash will also decrease in purchasing power as inflation increases. Really, I can’t figure out any way to save and retain value in this economy. All the hate and wanton destruction will end up with many more deaths I fear. Poverty, more diseases, homelessness, increased violence, lack of access to healthcare, fewer jobs are all results on the way. Already measles, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and maternal sepsis are making a big comeback. The policies also provide a hand up for bird flu, polio, pollution diseases, and food illnesses to flourish. It’s exactly what I expected and why I have been so down since November. Libraries are also having funds cut, as well as pressure to remove books that have “DEI.”
March Reading: I had another good reading month. I managed to read 23 books. Audiobooks continue to help me read more. Some count for more than one challenge. I listened to 13 audiobooks, read 3 library books, 23 COYER reads, and 11 books which I already own.
All Library books (including ones not reviewed on the blog) 2025 Library Love Challenge
I did manage to read 11 books I own (goal is 3 per month):
- 🎧 Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
- 🎧 A Longer Fall by Charlaine Harris
- 🎧 Her Buried Bones by Fiona Tarr
- Her Broken Bones by Fiona Tarr
- 🎧 The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea
- Justified by Carolyn Arnold
- In the Line of Duty by Carolyn Arnold
- Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood
- Grave Regret by Fiona Tarr
- Retribution Ridge by Anna Willett
- Dear Neighbour by Anna Willett
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Reading Reality. These are the exciting ARCs I received this week (If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry):
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, Penguin Audio and Libro.fm, William Morrow, Simon & Schuster Audio.
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
I chose my Amazon First read for April.
Now the really scary one. This is all the Kindle and Audible freebies I grabbed this past week. You can see why I need to do Thrifty Thursday to be sure I read a few at least one each month.
Chirp Friday freebies:
I really meant to cut back on freebies BUT they are free so I guess that won’t be happening.
I’m not including things like reviews posted or upcoming as they are always in the right sidebar. And, my challenge status is also there.
Anne
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sunday Post – 22 June 2025 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @readingreality.bsky.social @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - June 22, 2025
- 🎧 Homemaker by Ruthie Knox, Annie Mare @ruthieknox.bsky.social @anniemare.bsky.social #MiaHutchinson-Shaw #Thomas&Mercer #BrillianceAudio #JIAM#LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - June 21, 2025
- Read-along & #Giveaway:Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews @ilonaandrews.bsky.social @nyliterary.bsky.social @tantoraudio.bsky.social @momsreadingproblem.bsky.social @AudibleStudios #Read-along #GIVEAWAY #LoveAudiobooks #JIAM @ilonaandrews @nyliterary @TantorAudio @reneeraudman @natalienaudus - June 20, 2025
Your garden looks fantastic! And Lulu is as cute as ever. I know exactly how you feel, Anne. I’m trying to keep busy so the depression about the economy (and everything else) doesn’t take over.
Thank you Tammy. I just keep doing things the best I can. I had parents who lived through Depression so I have some Depression skills.
Your garden looks amazing. Mine is full of weeds and it will remain that way for awhile. Tomorrow we fly to Albania as a scouting trip for possible relocation. Of course the felon in chief has also screwed Americans in regard to the exchange rate. Lulu is adorable! And you acquired a bunch of interesting books.
Thank you. Don’t look at me, I voted for the experienced black lady and handy man dad from MN.. In some ways, I wish we could go. Lulu and my garden and my books keep me grounded.
I know your political views mirror my own. ❤️
Sweet Lulu💜
Your garden looks awesome. Wish I had your green thumb. I also got Heartwood and Great Big Beautiful Life.
Happy reading, Anne!
Thank you Jonetta. Lulu was looking at my daughter fixing a turkey sandwich there. Don’t worry, she got some turkey. The green thumb is the result of much trial and error, especially since NC is so different than MN.
OMG Anne I had no idea things were so dire! Yes I know of the tariffs war but I didn’t realize it would impact retirement funds! Also my daughter who is currently staying in the US told me about the comeback of some diseases due to the anti vaccine policy. Sending hugs!
Thank you Sophie. They aren’t dire yet but I’m afraid we are headed there. I voted against it but some people are more interested in being better than others rather than lifting all boats.
Your garden is so amazing! And I feel the same way about the direction of the country. It was uplifting to see so many protests this weekend. I’m afraid to even check my retirement accounts. It will be a disaster.
Thanks Samantha. I hope the protests get bigger. Congress could end this by stopping these crazy policies but the GOP has both houses and they bow to the felon. It will have to get much worse before they will get voted out or impeach him. The problem is like here in NC they file lawsuits to throw out votes (but only in 4 majority Dem counties) and only for the one office the GOP lost. Will we get to vote again? Will these tariffs sipe out 50 years of savings? Time will tell.
I know my sister is wanting to grow some lettuce I think! I need to give Emily Henry another try. But will try reading instead of listening I think. i went and grabbed one of the freebies you got since I saw it here. Yay for your daughter losing weight! I’ve got to do something soon for myself in that way. Hope you have a good week! Oh, and great job on getting 11 from your own shelf read last month!
Thank you Lisa. We do what we can. Be aware that lettuce is a cool crop to be planted early. We planted in February and March. It likes 40-70 degrees and doesn’t do well once it gets hot. We are already eating ours because by June it may be too hot for it. Yes my daughter has lost 45 pounds. I need to lose 20 lbs but have no current plans to do it. Sometimes I have to read and sometimes I can listen. It can be tricky.
I really liked Midnight Burning.
Lulu is too cute as usual.
Congrats to your daughter for losing weight. I’ve lost 80 lbs in the last year.
Thank you Mary. It’s good to know you liked Midnight Burning. yes Lulu is always cute. Good for you on the weight loss. I need to drop 20 pounds myself.
Your garden looks great. Lulu is so cute. You had a great reading month in March. I hope April is a good month too. Enjoy your books and have a great week!
Thank you Yvonne. The garden is going pretty well considering the weather swings we had rather than a steady rise in temps. I was happy to get some good reading in, partly because I found some great books. Lulu is our best girl.
It got warm again here, too, and I had to turn on the AC. It’s too bad there can’t be a month or two in between turning OFF the heater and turning ON the AC instead of a few hours in-between. LOL
I love that you grow a lot of your own veggies. They probably have 10 times the flavor and nutrients of grocery store veggies.
yes! It would be awesome if we would get more in between time.. I really prefer a long spring / fall with those middle temperatures. yes our homegrown stuff is really tasty. It also feels good to figure it out and grow them.
I hate when I have to rip out my work on a knitting project but sometimes the mistake is not one I can live with. Your garden looks great! Sounds like a good reading month. I hope April is just as successful. Have a great week!
Thank you Carla. I managed to start knitting again last night. I do tend to get quite a bit done while watching tv but either that is because I choose straightforward patterns or I don’t pay too much attention to the tv.
The situation here is terrible and only getting worse. My agency relies on federal funding and I can’t help but worry about my job–not to mention the increase in workload as violence in the community increases and the lack of social and financial support for families in need. I’m so angry and sad and disappointed and scared. So many of us are. It was heartening to see the crowds at the protests and to hear Cory Booker speak out, but I it won’t be enough. I don’t know what will make those legislators stand up to the administration.
Thank goodness for our books and reading. I hope you have a good week. Hang in there.
Thank you Wendy. I have to wonder how many are isolated enough not to see / feel the effects yet. I am horrified by the aid cuts to our allies and for starvation and disease preventions in smaller countries. I hate the way the rest of the world now sees us as untrustworthy. And that they are right. I’m worried about national security. Members of Congress won’t face any cuts to their salaries or healthcare, although prices may rise for things they purchase I suppose. I think things will be much worse before they get better. Many in Congress don’t have the courage to do what needs to happen, to take back their constitutional powers of spending instead of letting the felon and his oligarchs run wild. Even if Congress and the courts fight them, they may still choose to act like criminals and do what they want. I’m afraid there won’t be any more elections. I hope for the best. But I think we will see many more protests if any change is to happen.
Sounds like a pretty good week. Why did I think your daughter graduated last year? Weird… how many more classes does she need to finish?
The weather has been cold and rainy (sleety) here. I did manage to get in my walks during the breaks in weather. I was home alone again all week, and I got lots of little projects done around the house. I also love that things stay clean and neat!
My daughter graduated from Community College with her 2 year degree. Now she is working on the last 2 years and has figured out she wanted to study accounting. Last year she had migraines almost daily so she didn’t do much school. This year is better and she is able to take classes.
Your garden is looking good! The warm weather has been something, hasn’t it? I had to switch to cooling as well as heat this week, too. And then this afternoon, it dropped from 77 to 63 in about 3 hours, and it’s going to be in the 50s tomorrow. Which is more seasonal, and I like it better than heat and humidity, but the seesawing back and forth means I need both my cold-weather and warm-weather clothes at the same time.
You are spot-on with your analysis of the health risks and threats facing us because of this administration’s policies. And your economic worries, as well. I worry, too, for the most vulnerable people throughout the country as well as the people I know personally.
You have a good book haul this week! I hope you enjoy them all. I need to start that Rip in Time series.
Thank you Kara. I’m not happy to have been right about what would happen. We’re going to be get cooler this week so I can do more yard work. The Rip in Time series is amazing. I highly recommend it and I think you would enjoy it.
Good for you to be eating from your garden already! We are only now able to start planting cool crops here. I’m sorry your president has made things tough for you – he has certainly impacted life for us in Canada too. Have a great week.
Thank you Jodie. As they say – he’s not my president. I’m sorry for all he’s doing that impacts Canada as well. We love the garden and all our fresh eats.
I’ve got the spring gardening bug and want to get out there with my seedlings and see some strong growth, but alas, the snow is still coming down here. Patience, patience, LOL! I’ll live vicarious through your lovely growth in the garden. Whew, lots of errands for you this week. I was busy with prep and then the actual day hosting a baby shower for a friend this week. Glad things are a little back to normal. Yeah, things are going to be tight for a while.
Great stack of review and freebies this week. I snagged some. You made a huge dent in your TBR pile this month and your reading numbers look great.
Have a good week, Anne!
Thank you Sophia. I would still be planning and dreaming in Minnesota too. I do love the longer gardening season here. In another couple months, it will be too hot for some of these and we’ll be on to tomatoes, peppers, green beans and squash. I can hunker down as I have since covid and try to keep my expenses lower. I have plenty of books, yarn and other crafts. Still we need food, utilities and garden supplies.
Your garden beds look good. And ooh a new Kelley Armstrong. I need t oget back to reading her. I’m reading the comments about the state of our country and… yup.
Thank you Greg. We have learned a lot about gardening over the last few years. It is not like Minnesota here at all. I like the longer growing season in NC.
Forgot to say I love everything Kelley Armstrong.
Your garden looks fantastic! I’m hoping to get back to gardening at some point. I miss it – especially the tomatoes! The Kelley Armstrong book looks really good and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by her. Have a great week!
Thank you Katherine. It’s a pretty good gardening year even though mostly what we planted in February didn’t make it. But I’m so glad I did all the bed prep when it was nice before the freezing snap. It’s a little early for tomatoes, peppers and green beans yet. I’m hoping for late April / early May to get them started. I love everything Kelley Armstrong.
Your garden is coming along so nicely! Your broccoli looks way better than mine. We have a lot of arugula and little gem lettuce, carrots and radishes right now. My lilac are just starting. I’m excited to see it! Yes, the news just get more depressing! Our retirement fund lost A LOT of money this last week. Hopefully it’ll come back up. Our grocery bill just gets more and more expensive. I think he’ll go down as one of the worst presidents. However, we went to a wedding in Vegas over the weekend and met up with some of my husband’s work friends, someone we really like and he’s an avid Trump fan! He can do no wrong in his eyes. It’s shocking how many people drink the Cool Aid! He even stayed at the Trump hotel there to support him. Barf! Of course, we don’t talk politics. I think this guy has cast a spell blinding the eyes and minds of his followers. Like the Devil.
I’m waiting for an audio copy of Heartwood. It sounds really good! I need to catch up with our read-along. Between being sick and then out of town I’m behind. I have no plans to leave home the rest of this month and I’m sooooo happy!
Thanks Rachel. Travel is fun but I also like time at home to do things. We’re eating lettuce, chard, asparagus, and soon spinach. Broccoli is finished. The lilacs and azaleas are in full bloom now and the peonies are up! In about 2 weeks I will plant peppers, tomatoes and maybe a little later green beans and squash. Still waiting for snow peas, beets and carrots to be there but they are close. I hope you can catch up for the Read-along. These last two were great and then it’s on to Innkeeper. I love having you with us on the chat. yes, he’s the worst.
Aww Lulu is adorable and what a lovely garden! 🙂
I like the Ilona Andrews books I’ve read so far and I need to read more. Gotta look up Fate’s Edge. The cover for my Favourite Moosetake made me giggle. I hope that’s a fun read. Happy reading and the news are incredibly disheartening but I love that you are supporting the library so much especially at a time when it really needs so much love 🩷!
My Sunday/Monday post is here:
https://darkshelfofwonders.com/its-monday-lets-catch-up-%e2%94%822/
Thank you for visiting! We are just finishing The Edge series which is 4 books and later this month will start the Innkeeper Chronicles. There is a connection between the series (George/Jack/Sophie /Gaston). Ilona Andrews is my favorite. I’d love to have you read with us!
Moose!!!!!!!!!
I like a real variety of books.