I thoroughly enjoyed Naomi Watts’ “Dare I Say It,” a helpful guide to menopause. It’s a pleasure to learn from someone who’s experienced it firsthand. Naomi covers the most common aspects, plus clothing, makeup, diet, exercise, skincare, and brain health. #booksky

“Brooklyn” by Colm Toibin, initially captivated me with Eilis’ journey from her home in Ireland to the land of opportunities in America. I became disappointed and frustrated by her passivity, which led her to make decisions I don’t believe she genuinely wanted. #booksky

Our Zulu Giant finally bloomed, and it’s beautiful! I was hoping it would bloom during the summer when it was in the greenhouse. Thankfully, the odor isn’t pungent as I feared. 💛🌱 #gardening #succulents #bloomscrolling

Diving into three books this weekend. A physical book, one on my Kindle, and one audiobook. I’m set for any occasion. 😄📚 #booksky #FridayReads

Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s book, “Every Moment Since,” captivated me despite its challenging subject matter of a child missing for 21 years. The story is narrated from the perspectives of four people close to the child at the time of his disappearance. #booksky

“Lovers at the Museum” by Isabel Allende was just okay for me. I struggled to connect with the story and found the writing unimpressive. It’s not uncommon for short stories to fall flat for me, but this one nearly caused me to give up. #booksky

I participated in an author event at The Back Room. Authors James Dodson, Heather Gudenkauf, Vanessa Lillie, and Danielle Valentine engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it’s loaded with book recommendations. #booksky

I enjoyed Orion Gregory’s well-crafted crime thriller, ‘Serves You Right.’ Sydney Livingstone, a former tennis star turned detective, finds her peaceful life shattered when a vigilante kills former defendants acquitted of murdering their spouses. #booksky

I was completely unprepared for the level of creepiness that this story unleashed upon me. A family of strangers is merely the initial layer of this unsettling narrative. It delves deeper into psychological delusions, the supernatural, and the classic setting of a haunted Victorian house. #booksky

November’s Amazon First Reads allows a free bonus short read, The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger, plus a new book of your choice. Looking forward to this holiday read. I also selected The Night Watcher by Tariq Ashkanani. #booksky

Christine by Stephen King is the November selection for our in-person Constant Reader book club. I’ve seen the movie many times and first read it in 2018. While I enjoy the movie, the book dives deeper into Christine’s former owner, has more intense horror scenes, and a suspenseful ending. #booksky

‪Excited to finally have my turn with We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer. It’s sooo creepy good. ‬😄🎧 #booksky #FridayReads

‘Dietrich,’ a short story by Don Winslow, is set in New York City during the summer of 1977. Homicide detective Richard Dietrich, exhausted and on the verge of burnout, investigates a brutal mob hit his superiors want buried. This unexpected conclusion was captivating! #booksky

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel is a historical novel that intertwines World War II intrigue with a modern quest for justice. Set in 1940s Paris, it follows young Colette Marceau, inheriting her family’s centuries-old tradition of jewel theft from a lineage of outlaws. #booksky

‘Before She Was Found’ by Heather Gudenkauf is a chilling psychological thriller about three 12-year-old girls who venture out to an abandoned rail yard. Tragically, one girl is found alone and severely injured. The story unfolds through alternative perspectives. #booksky

November is Nikolette’s birthday month! 🐾🥳 We’re planning to celebrate all month long by spending lots of quality time together, reading books. ❤️📚 abookandadog.com

Master storyteller Don Winslow’s short story, ‘The Heron,’ blends crime, dark humor, and revenge in his gritty style. A big-city accountant, nicknamed “The Heron,” leads a quiet life near San Diego until a hitman targets him due to his boss’s suspicion of theft. #booksky

Never have I ever had my irises bloom in October/November. I noticed new buds last week and brought the cuttings inside so they wouldn’t freeze. 🥶🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling

This book title perfectly describes my life. ‘I’d Rather Be Reading’ is a collection of essays that celebrates the joys and quirks of being a book lover. It explores the magic of reading, the chaos of overflowing bookshelves, and the personal connections forged through reading. #booksky

"Set wide the window, let me drink in the day." ~Edith Wharton 🌱 #fungi #gardening

Set in San Diego’s surfing community, Don Winslow’s ‘Downward Facing Doug’ follows Doug, an accountant trapped in a soul-crushing job at a payday loan office. Married to his belittling wife, Doug finds solace in dawn surfing until a minor wipeout collision with ignites an unexpected brawl. #booksky

Despite today being Halloween, I’m listening to ‪The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel, a historical fiction novel. It’s a library hold, so I feel obliged to make it a priority. I’m loving it though. 💞 #booksky #fridayreads

‘The Haunting of a Bourbon Town’ by Jeff Waldridge was recommended to me while visiting a bookstore in a small Kentucky town. The history and accompanying photographs piqued my interest. It recounts its origins, rise to prominence in bourbon, and notable downtown businesses and mansions. #booksky 👻

🎃👻🕸️📚 #Halloween

‘Free Billy,’ a short story by Don Winslow, follows Billy, an eccentric character who lives frugally by indulging in hotel buffets, self-serve fast food, beachside showers, and sleeping in his van. Seeking a sugar mama to change his life, Billy embarks on a journey of self-discovery. #booksky

Discovered this cool mushroom growing off the base of my hydrangea. 🍄‍🟫🍁🤎🌱 #gardening

‘Tell Me Lies’ by J.P. Pomare is a gripping psychological thriller about family dynamics and deception. Margot Scott, a psychologist, believes she has an ideal life until a troubled client’s session turns sinister, leading to a chilling accusation that threatens everything she holds dear. #booksky

On Audible, the book cover of ‘The Chateau’ by Avery Bishop intrigued me. I read the description and added it to my library. The elegant chateau, serene lake, and hiking trails created a captivating atmosphere. The murder mystery was intriguing with an unexpected conclusion. #booksky

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright 🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling #photograghy

Joe Hill, one of my favorite authors, has finally released his fifth novel, ‘King Sorrow.’ I eagerly preordered a signed first edition copy from his home-based independent bookstore, Water Street Books. I’ve shared details, photos, and his interview on CBS Saturday Morning on my blog. #booksky

It’s always a delight to receive signed copies of John Grisham’s new books from Square Books. Grisham recently released his first whodunit thriller, titled ‘The Widow.’ I eagerly preordered my signed, first edition copy from Square Books, an independent bookstore located in Oxford, Miss. #booksky

“To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson #gardening #bloomscrolling #photograghy

A fantastic short story by Don Winslow! Set in Rhode Island in 1970, five best high school friends share a common goal: to escape the Vietnam draft by going off the grid before turning 18. To achieve this, they raise money by selling marijuana and plan to move to Oregon to open a commune. #booksky

This weekend, I’m enjoying a couple of psychological thrillers: Tell Me Lies by J.P. Pomare and Serves You Right by Orion Gregory. 🎃🍁 #booksky #FridayReads

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~Marcus Aurelius 💕🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling #photograghy

I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Lou Berney, Kristen L. Berry, Kelly Mustian, and Chevy Stevens engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it’s loaded with book recommendations. #booksky

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul.” ~Luther Burbank 🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling #photograghy

C.J. Tudor’s writing shines through in her ability to craft a dark horror story. ‘The Hiding Place’ was a slow-burn experience that demanded patience as the puzzle pieces gradually came together. The wait was worth it, as the story delivered a series of chilling twists and turns at the end. #booksky

Carley Fortune’s storytelling talent shines through in ‘Every Summer After.’ I adored the characters and the nostalgic lakeside setting. The emotional, character-driven narrative captivated me, leaving me with a heartfelt story that delves into themes of love, regret, and second chances. #booksky

Freida McFadden’s busy schedule makes signed copies of her books scarce. I subscribed to The Poisoned Pen newsletter and was delighted to find signed copies of her new book, The Intruder. I couldn’t resist! #BookTwitter

‪It’s spooky reading season, so I’m entertained by The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor and The Haunting of a Bourbon Town by Jeff Waldridge. 👻‬ #FridayReads #booksky

“When it’s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement.” ~Mary Oliver 💜🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling #photograghy

T.J. Newman’s storytelling prowess is truly remarkable. From the very first moments, Drowning kept me on the edge of my seat. Her ability to blend raw human emotion with thrilling suspense is nothing short of magical. She also develops human characters with depth and emotion. #booksky

‘Kurtain Motel’ by A.I. Nesser—a supernatural thriller— takes place on a stormy night at a roadside motel. A struggling author gets stranded there when his car runs out of gas. The story’s premise and plot were intriguing, but the ending left me feeling cheated with unresolved plotlines. #booksky

I adored Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece, Jamaica Inn. The haunting Cornish moors, the inn’s menacing atmosphere, and Mary’s fierce determination drew me into a vivid world of smuggling, secrets, and suspense. Du Maurier’s lush prose and masterful dread-building made every twist thrilling. #booksky

Peter Swanson’s Kill Your Darlings is a reverse-chronology thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic marriage. The domestic suspense explores buried secrets, corrosive guilt and twisted vengeance in a signature style of psychological tension and ingenious twists. #booksky

Halloween season is the best time to find all things Edgar Allan Poe. Our collection now includes ‘Poe Knows: A Miscellany of Macabre Musings,’ an illustrated compilation of quotes showcasing his wit and wisdom. I also found a beautiful book-shaped ceramic planter. Details are on my blog. #booksky

“The poetry of the earth is never dead.” ~John Keats ❤️🌱 #gardening #photography

For me, The Housemaid’s Wedding, was an essential addition to the Housemaid series. I became invested in the characters, and it was important for me to know how Millie and Enzo’s wedding would unfold. The novella seamlessly blends McFadden’s signature suspense with heartwarming romance. #booksky

“No Exit” by Taylor Adams was excellent—tense, twisty, and impossible to stop listening. I was thoroughly impressed by the incredible twists and turns of the story. There were so many, and at times, they were quite stressful! Now, I’m eager to explore all of Taylor Adams’ other works! #booksky