‪11/22/63 by Stephen King is the March and April pick for The Constant Reader book club. (It’s a chunkster, so the facilitator divided the reading in half.) I’m loving this reread. ❤️ It’s going to be hard to pause halfway through. #booksky #weekendreads

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this classic novel, Crime and Punishment. The book is an unexpected study of the mind and morality rather than a simple crime story. Having such insight into Raskolnikov’s thoughts made the story rich and deep. #booksky

I’ve finally made my March Amazon First Reads selection. I appreciate Liane Moriarty’s free short story, “The Price of Honey.” I also chose “In the Great Quiet” by Laura Vogt. Historical fiction is quickly becoming my favorite genre. #booksky

I’m finally reading Crime and Punishment. It’s a classic that’s intimidated me for ages. I now realize how silly that was. 🤓 #booksky

Spring is teasing me. 🌱 #gardening

As a retired therapist and someone who believes in applying personal growth tools to myself and not just my clients, I was impressed by how much this book resonated with me. It provided an opportunity to reflect on my past career and rekindle the use of some valuable tools I’ve discovered. #booksky

This marks my first time reading a Luanne Rice novel, and I truly enjoyed the experience. Last Night is well-written, a solid mystery, and I particularly loved the artist characters. The setting of the Ocean House is described as an immensely beautiful hotel, which is indeed a real place. #booksky

This weekend I’m enjoying a variety of genres. 🌠The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. 🎪The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman 🌺The Curse of Hester Gardens by Tamika Thompson #booksky

It’s been a long journey, and I’ve finally completed the Lonesome Dove series by Larry McMurtry. For me, the series finale is Comanche Moon. It’s been an absolute pleasure to ride alongside Call and McCrae as they embarked on a decades-long journey across the rugged western United States. #booksky

I genuinely enjoyed the first book in the Danny Ryan trilogy, City on Fire. I found immense pleasure in the fictional world of the Italian and Irish crime families. This is exactly the kind of crime saga story I’ve come to expect from Don Winslow. #booksky

This weekend, I’m finishing the Lonesome Dove series with Comanche Moon while also starting a new series with City on Fire by Don Winslow. #booksky #FridayReads

February’s Constant Reader book club selection is Stephen King’s Pet Sematary. It’s a reread for me, having first read it in 2019. The book is excellent, and I didn’t mind rereading it for book club. I’ve seen the movie countless times and find it a wonderful adaptation of the book. #booksky

While I found many aspects of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek charming, it didn’t resonate with me as I had anticipated. The Pack Horse Library Project was impressive. The impact of books on the rural people was heartwarming. Learning about the Blue People was intriguing. #booksky #dogsky

Happy Valentine’s Day from me and Nikolette! 💝🐾 Isn’t she the cutest reading companion? 💘 abookandadog.com #booksky #dogsky

‪I won’t be reading a Valentine-themed book this weekend because my book club is reading Pet Sematary this month. 🐾💝‬ #booksky #FridayReads

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is a beautiful literary novel that combines elements of a sweeping love story with the suspense and twists of a thriller. I was completely mesmerized by Hall’s narrative and emotionally powerful writing. #booksky

I finally made my February Amazon First Reads selection. I watched the ratings come in this time to help me make my decision. I selected The Water Women by Bonnie Blaylock. #booksky

I’m delighted to be engrossed in the Lonesome Dove series by Larry McMurtry. I’m reading the books in the order they were written, and Dead Man’s Walk is the third book in the series. It is the first chronological novel. I enjoyed spending time with the young Gus and Call. #booksky

Don Winslow was expected to retire from writing books after completing the Danny Ryan series in 2024. Fortunately, he didn’t. In 2025, I discovered that he had written a collection of short stories titled The Final Score. The Poisoned Pen, sent me a wonderful signed first edition. #booksky

Enjoying ‪Dead Man’s Walk by Larry McMurtry on audio. Coincidentally, I recently started watching the Lonesome Dove miniseries. I also started Last Night by Luanne Rice on Kindle. #booksky #FridayReads

#writingcommunity, I'm teaching one of my favorite workshops @janefriedman.com next week—you can join us from wherever you are & it's only $25 if you register by 2/8! This webinar is full of examples to help you up your fiction game in ANY genre. Details: janefriedman.com/what-do-your... #writersky

I LOVED Tess Gerritsen’s The Spy Coast more than I anticipated. As a retiree, I was drawn to the sophisticated group of retirees who possess a remarkable talent for solving mysteries. The club of spies were incredibly likable, intelligent, and exceptional friends to each other. #booksky

In The Wrong One, Dervla McTiernan weaves a unique tale about a woman wrongfully accused of murder. The unexpected twists and turns make for an enjoyable mystery. However, I found the narrations by Neil Hellegers and Michael Crouch to be less than satisfactory. #booksky

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse failed to meet my expectations. Despite its suspenseful elements, such as a renovated tuberculosis sanatorium and missing/murdered people, the story lacked intrigue and depth. #booksky

This weekend I’m finishing up The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse on audio. I’m also starting The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. She’s visiting a bookstore near me when the third book is released, so I must catch up on the series. #booksky #FridayReads

Forget You Know Me by Jessica Strawser delves into a multitude of themes, including the complexities of long-term friendships, the challenges of marital strain, the impact of chronic pain, the joys and struggles of motherhood, and the consequences of unspoken wounds. Wonderful! #booksky

I enjoyed reading My Story and gained a wealth of insights into Marilyn Monroe’s life. It was fascinating to read her life story from her own perspective, as if I were reading her diary. The book abruptly ends during her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio, leaving me feeling somewhat unsatisfied. #booksky

I found The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers unengaging. I didn’t connect with the characters or care about the plot. I considered quitting around 35%, but I persevered, hoping for improvement. The last few hours were interesting, with well-crafted twists and a satisfying ending. #booksky

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 
~Edith Sitwell ❄️

My husband and I ventured into downtown Lexington, Kentucky, and decided to explore Black Swan Books, a renowned used and rare bookstore. I was impressed by its quality books and the owner’s knowledge. Check out my blog post for more info. #booksky

I live for Audible’s 2-for-1 sales, and this January sale has so many books I want to read! I decided on Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson and That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters. There are still 5 days left of the sale, so…😜 #booksky

Tananarive Due masterfully weaves Southern Gothic chills, social commentary on racism and injustice, and family resilience into this gripping and page-turning masterpiece, The Reformatory. The story is exceptionally well-written, showcasing Due’s exceptional storytelling skills. #booksky

I’m beginning to listen to The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers on audio. I hope to enjoy it. I’m recovering from a book hangover from Tananarive Due’s The Reformatory, which was so captivating that I’m hesitant to listen to anything less enjoyable. #booksky #FridayReads

I received book mail from The Poisoned Pen! I preordered Dean Koontz’s latest book, The Friend of the Family. I’m overjoyed to have a beautiful signed first edition. The endpapers of this book are simply stunning! I can’t wait to dive into its pages. #booksky

I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel, and I loved it! Her storytelling talent is incredible. I was immediately drawn into Winter Garden. It’s such a beautiful narrative, even though it’s heartbreaking as it delves deeply into grief and the pain of losing cherished loved ones. #booksky

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham is a remarkable story. I’m captivated by the idyllic setting of Camino Island and the charming local bookstore. Grisham’s ability to craft significant and relevant stories is impressive. His characters are relatable and easy to care about. #booksky

I reread King’s The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club, and it was delightful. It’s been so long since I first read it, that it felt like rediscovering it for the first time. It evoked a nostalgic feeling of reconnecting with some very old, dear friends. #booksky

‪These books will be keeping me entertained during the winter weather this weekend. ❄️‬ #booksky #FridayReads

I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose. Its writing style, suspense, and twists echo the first book in the series. The author seamlessly connected the two books. #booksky

For my birthday, my husband ordered signed first editions from my beloved indie bookstore, The Poisoned Pen. I am thankful for my thoughtful and generous husband. Despite his teasing about my “book hoarding,” he stands as a steadfast supporter of my passion for reading and collecting books. #booksky

I abandoned Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine after 20% because the narrative didn’t captivate me. The teenage daughter’s perspective of her girlfriend drama, social media obsession, and vaping issues was uninteresting. I’m not giving up on the authors, though. #booksky

Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment offers Pema Chodron’s gentle, humorous, and down-to-earth teachings on meditation and mindfulness. She guides participants to stop battling thoughts, embrace the mind’s drama, and cultivate unconditional friendliness towards themselves. #booksky

‪This weekend I’m heading towards the Dark Tower in The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King. It’s a reread for my in-person Constant Reader book club.‬ #booksky #FridayReads

I’m captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon O’Brien’s memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles her remarkable adventure after college. Her writing style is eloquent and captivating. #booksky

January’s Amazon First Reads offers two free books! I selected The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams and Blade by Wendy Walker. 📚 #booksky

Lisa Jewell’s suspenseful psychological thriller, Don’t Let Him In, unfolds through shifting timelines and perspectives, exploring the devastating consequences of entanglement with a charming yet dangerous man. The relentless suspense builds as the web of lies unravels, keeping me on edge. #booksky

I’m enjoying The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose this weekend. An intriguing sequel to The Perfect Marriage. #BookSky #FridayReads

As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible books I had the pleasure of reading this year. Below, I have compiled a list of my top 10 picks for the best books I read in 2025. 🎉🐾📚 #booksky #happynewyear #dogsky abookandadog.com/best-books-2025

The Asheville Christmas Cabin is the last holiday-themed book I’ll read this season. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, from its captivating cover to its enchanting Christmas-themed narrative. Each of the main characters was endearing and easily relatable. #booksky

In Laurie Gilmore’s The Christmas Tree Farm, I enjoyed the story, the main characters, and the festive setting. The narrative maintained a balance of suspense through the appropriate amount of conflict. I appreciate how the characters’ experiences were mostly handled maturely. 🎄 #booksky