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10 Sentences: Luck
“Es regalo” she said as she offered a sprig of Rosemary. “Free. For good luck.” But I knew if I accepted, she’d grab my hand to read my palm – and as she would consider a coin to be “bad luck”, the least she would accept is a €5 note. I smile and say “No gracias”, firmly. And repeat it four more times. But as I pass on her offer of luck, think about the good fortune I do possess. I’m grateful for the opportunity that allows me to sit here on the steps of the Cathedral in Seville. It is a gift to be able to slow down the sometimes overwhelming…
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What I’m Reading Wednesday – Lowcountry Bordello
I confess, I can be a bit picky when looking for a new book, and the title plays a big part in what initially grabs my attention. I was unfamiliar with author Susan M. Boyer and the story summary for Lowcountry Bordello intrigued me when I first came across it. But with so many books loaded onto my Kindle, all vying for my attention, I have to be honest – the title of this superb cozy mystery was call to me once I forgot the gist of the story. (This is why I still love real books, where you can SEE the cover.) Boy, am I ever sorry that this one sat to the…
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Two Thrillers for Tuesday
I’m not getting much done lately – including blog posts – because I have had my nose deep in a book (or five), particularly thrillers. This week I have two heart-pounding novels for you! <div:”image:none;”> First up is a thriller by a true favorite of mine, Tess Gerritsen. I’m a huge fan of her medical and crime thrillers, and in particular her Rizzoli and Isles series. If you’re looking for something along the plotlines of these novels: this isn’t it. What it IS: Tess Gerritsen switches things up as she adds a generous helping of historical fiction in her mystery. With Playing With Fire, Gerritsen has crafted a wonderful historical novel of a composer in WWII Italy…
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It’s NaBloPoMo and I’m Too Jetlagged to Po Anything
I must be a glutton for punishment because I signed up for NaBloPoMo knowing that the on the 1st of November I would be on an airplane until the 2nd of November – so failing pretty much right out of the gate. (NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month, in which I should be attempting to write and actually post, each and every day.) I’m currently sitting in a hotel room in Seville, Spain while burrowed under all the covers and listening to the rain, trying to stay awake until #1 child arrives home from school so we can Skype quickly. I’m so jet lagged that I’m fuzzy headed and thick tongued and…
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What I’m Reading Wednesday: House Trained
If you are looking for a sweet tale about love, acceptance and forgiveness, look no further than Jackie Bouchard’s novel House Trained. Alex Halstad is an interior designer who is struggling to keep her business afloat. Her husband, Barry has no idea of the dire straits they are in financially. They live in a beautiful home, impeccably decorated by Alex. Childless by choice, their sweet labradoodle Marie is the object of their love and affection, much to the dismay and thinly veiled criticism of Alex’s mother and sister. So when Barry comes home from the university library where he works with the startling news that he has a teenage daughter he didn’t know…
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Three Christmas Reads for Wednesday
It was 95º here in the Dallas area today, a continuation of the warm weather we’ve been experiencing….so of course, I’m reading Christmas fiction! This week, I have three Christmas stories for you – perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. (Especially when it’s warm outside.) Christmas is quite possibly my favorite holiday season, and these books are just the thing to get me ready and help me through the crazy that the season can be. This is the late-night “it’s still Wednesday somewhere” Christmas story edition of What I’m Reading Wednesday!!! First on my list is actually a novella. Merry Mary, by Ashley Farley, is a story about a…
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What Im Reading Wednesday: Little Girl Gone
I’m back with another truly gripping novel! This week’s pick is NOT a light read – it’s a tale of psychological suspense. And my lovely UK readers – this one you won’t have to wait for, as this is the UK version! (No fears, my lovely fellow Yanks – there’s a version for us, too.) I’m really anxious to talk about Little Girl Gone by Alexandra Burt! <“https://jenncaffeinated.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/LittleGirlGone-pinterest-photo-393×1024.jpg” alt=”LittleGirlGone pinterest photo” width=”393″ height=”1024″ /> This book has been compared to “Gone Girl” and “Girl on a Train”. I think the only similarity between these books (aside from the words “Girl” and “Gone” in the title) is the use of the unreliable narrator;…
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When I Was Younger
When I was younger, I was painfully shy and overly sensitive. I was always afraid I’d say something to make me look terribly stupid, and it didn’t take much to make me cry. I’m still an introvert and far too sensitive for a forty-something, as I never did grow a thicker skin. (Fact: crying in the business world is generally unacceptable, so if you are thin-skinned, make sure you get a job that gives you an office with a door.) And since I’m still afraid of sticking my foot in my mouth, I’m going to be quiet until I get to know you better. (And if I’m not quiet, I’ve…
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Read This: The Ripper Gene
Hey everybody, I’ve been waiting to share a GREAT thriller that I just finished. It’s titled The Ripper Gene, the debut novel for author Michael Ransom. And you know me – I’m not the most patient person – so of COURSE, there will be a good reason for holding off on the review. drumroll I had the opportunity to interview Michael Ransom, and I’m really excited to share the exchange because he has a fascinating background: Michael is also a molecular pharmacologist and an expert in toxicogenomics and pharmacogenetics (dumbed down, the study of the effects of environmental toxins on cells and tissues, and the study of genetic differences that…
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Jumping with Joy (and No Worries)
Oh, the dangers of laughing, coughing, jumping or running if you're a girl like me. But guess what? My worries are gone and I'm jumping with joy! #lifeafterleaks #ad
