I reread Stephen King’s Dreamcatcher for the Constant Reader book club. I enjoyed it initially, but it didn’t hold up well this time. The thread about lifelong friendships was still appreciated, but the alien invasion and corrupt government elements didn’t resonate with me. Review updated. #booksky

How It Happened’s creative structure opens with a suspect’s confession, leading readers to believe they know the double murder’s details. But was she honest, or merely living up to her reputation as a liar? The FBI agent, an expert at detecting deception, must uncover the truth. #booksky

This weekend,I’m happily reading a favorite author: How It Happened by Michael Koryta. I’m also rereading Dreamcatcher for book club. And it’s the perfect season to enjoy The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes. #booksky

I attended an author event at The Back Room, hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. This month I had the pleasure of “meeting” Julie Carrick Dalton, Hilary Davidson, Isabel J. Kim, and Jessica Strawser. I documented my experience on my blog, which includes book recommendations. #booksky

Harlan Coben is a master at crafting suspenseful thrillers, and he doesn’t hold back in Run Away. I loved the way he unfolds the narrative, layering family drama with dark secrets, crime, and moral complexity. The pacing is excellent—I was constantly anticipating the next revelation. #booksky

For my June Amazon First Reads selection, I immediately picked The Delivery by Gregg Hurwitz. My second choice was Mary Ellen Taylor’s The Sky Beneath Her. I love that it’s set at The Outer Banks, NC, one of my favorite vacation spots. #booksky

Jack Kornfield, a beloved teacher with decades of experience as a psychologist, meditation instructor, and Buddhist practitioner, offers a warm and practical collection of teachings for those seeking greater peace, presence, and heart-centered living without retreating from the world. #booksky

I absolutely loved The Quitter’s Club by Jessica Strawser. I genuinely loved each of these women and admired the bravery they showed in quitting something significant that was no longer serving them. Their individual journeys were both deeply moving and incredibly challenging. #booksky

I’ve been a fan of Greg Iles for years and loved the Penn Cage series. Southern Man is good, but far from his best. It’s a politically driven story, which isn’t my preference. It also needs serious editing. Unfortunately, Penn Cage in this book is different from the rest of the series. #booksky

Starting the weekend with Harlan Coben’s Run Away. 🤓 #booksky #FridayReads

I loved The Foursome—it exceeded my expectations. Kline, related to the Yates sisters, crafted a creative story based on research and interviews, with thoughtful fictional liberties. It offers a human perspective on the unique challenges of this family. #booksky

I wanted to enjoy The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester, but it disappointed me. I struggled to connect with the story and the MC. I was confused from the start and hoped the plot and character would clarify, but they didn’t. The non-linear timeline made it harder to follow. #booksky

Kate Quinn’s The Astral Library presents an incredibly creative concept. However, it wasn’t a great introduction to her work. I’m not giving up on her, but I need to give up on fantasy. This genre has been consistently disappointing me lately. #booksky

Natasha Lester will be at a local indie next week to promote her new book, The Chateau on Sunset. I’ve been wanting to read The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre for a while now, so I thought I should read it before attending the event to ensure that I enjoy her writing style. #booksky #FridayReads

I preordered a signed copy of Freida McFadden’s The Divorce from The Poisoned Pen bookstore. I knew some book swag was included, but I had no idea what to expect. The package arrived with a fantastic assortment of stickers that had me laughing out loud. #booksky

I really enjoyed Softly, as I Leave You by Priscilla Presley. She reflects on her relationships, various business ventures, acting career, time on Dancing with the Stars, and work as an animal advocate. She is transparent about her relationships with her children, Lisa Marie and Navarone. #booksky

The Anxious Generation is an important book for everyone. It’s insightful, well-researched, and offers both diagnosis and hope for change. I just wish the author didn’t maintain Facebook and Instagram accounts. By doing so, he’s supporting the companies that profit from harming kids. #booksky

I adore a geriatric protagonist, and Samantha Downing’s Too Old For This delivers a clever, calculated, strategic, and utterly charming protagonist. This story is so wildly creative and unique that it somehow had me rooting for a retired serial killer to stay one step ahead. #booksky

I attended an author event at The Back Room, hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. The event featured engaging conversations with Terah Shelton Harris, Gillian McAllister, Brenda Novak, and Tracy Sierra. I documented my experience on my blog, which includes book recommendations. #booksky

‪This weekend I’m listening to The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—a very important read. Also loving Jessica Strawser’s new book, The Quitter’s Club. It’s available on Amazon First Reads and out 6/1. #booksky #FridayReads

I was cautiously optimistic about One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware. The premise features reality TV, which isn’t my thing. Thankfully, Ware created a smart, relatable protagonist who shares my skepticism. The story then unfolds into a tense, locked-room mystery Ware excels at. #booksky

Marlene M. Bell’s Lies to Forever is an engaging read with a sympathetic heroine and a snowy Tennessee atmosphere that adds to the moody feel. While it didn’t quite reach the level of some of my favorite thrillers, it offers a solid mix of emotional stakes and suspense. #booksky

As our niece graduates high school, we wanted to give her a meaningful book. After some searching, I chose The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It explores themes of destiny, intuition, perseverance, and the mysterious ways the universe supports those brave enough to follow their hearts. #booksky

Catherine Newman’s Wreck landed as just okay for me—noticeably underwhelming compared to the first book. I’m not sure exactly what I was hoping for, but while it wasn’t a train wreck, it didn’t quite hit the same heights. I still appreciated the humorous dialogue and witty sarcasm. #booksky

The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King is our May pick for the Constant Reader in-person book club. When it was selected, I’ll admit I wasn’t excited. It was “just okay” the first time. Fantasy has never been my favorite genre, so I knew this one would be an uphill battle for me. #booksky

I’m grateful for the Goodreads challenge that inspired me to revisit a favorite author. This weekend, I’m engrossed in Ruth Ware’s One Perfect Couple. It’s an intense locked-room mystery set on a remote island, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. #booksky #FridayReads

In One Golden Summer, Carley Fortune created genuine, relatable characters. I love how she weaves in strong family relationships and multi-generational stories. She excels at creating an irresistible setting. Her vivid writing made it easy to picture myself in a cozy lakeside cabin. #booksky

George Saunder’s Vigil may very well be a brilliant book for the right reader. It just wasn’t the right match for me. I’m still open to trying Saunders again someday, perhaps with one of his earlier, more celebrated works. But for this one, I’m moving on. #booksky abookandadog.com/blog/vigil

I loved The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s warm, insightful, and beautifully written. The audiobook narration is outstanding, especially Sybil’s voice, which feels perfectly authentic. The large cast of narrators brought every character to life so vividly. #booksky

In Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye, I loved every character and felt privileged to witness their lives unfold. The final hours of the audiobook hit with surprising emotional weight, leaving me teary-eyed and reflective. I looked forward to every chance I could listen. #booksky

It was so much fun catching up with Joe and his deeply twisted approach to relationships in You Love Me by Caroline Kepnes. Her signature dark humor shines through, along with her nostalgic nods to music, movies, books, and pop culture. #booksky

Not a huge fan of romance novels, but I like how Carley Fortune’s books are about the genuine relationships between people. I sure hope my heart doesn’t get broken by the end of ‪One Golden Summer. 💛 #booksky #FridayReads

It’s rare for me to bail on two books in a row, and I definitely struggled with the decision. I wrote a blog post about my experience with Wendy Walker’s The Room Next Door—and continuing to give myself permission to DNF books I’m not loving. #booksky abookandadog.com/blog/the-room-next-door

I wrote a blog post that isn’t really a book review. It’s about my experience trying (and ultimately not finishing) People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry—and what that decision says about my relationship with reading. #booksky

Gilly Macmillan has been a reliable author for gripping, intelligent thrillers, so I went into The Burning Library with high expectations. Unfortunately, while the novel was engaging enough to finish, it ultimately fell short of the standard her previous books have set for me. #booksky

For my May Amazon First Reads selection, I couldn’t resist choosing Jessica Strawser’s new book, The Quitters Club. I’m also grateful for the bonus short read, The Replacement, by Liv Constantine. #booksky

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton had an extremely slow start for me. The beginning felt weighed down by banal details that struggled to hold my attention. Once the plot picked up momentum, though, it was like a switch flipped—the story quickly became engaging and hard to put down. #booksky

I love that cactus bloom. That’s probably my favorite thing about my husband’s growing cacti collection. This Moon Cactus is gorgeous. 🌵🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling

I celebrated Independent Bookstore Day at The Kentucky Bookstore. The store hosted a signing with Kim Michele Richardson for her new novel, The Mountains We Call Home, the third book in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. I wrote about my experience on my blog. #booksky

‪This weekend I’m struggling to find the right audiobook. On the bright side, it gives me something to write about on my blog. In the meantime, I’m enjoying this murder mystery—Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell‬. #booksky #FridayReads

Without Your Father by Jessica Lynne Henkle is a memoir that offers a portrayal of grief experienced in the year following the author’s father’s sudden death. The book delves into the peculiar blend of absurdity, humor, and profound emptiness that accompanies the loss of a parent. #booksky

The Dark Corners of the Night, the third book in the UNSUB series by Meg Gardiner, is an exceptional thriller that kept me hooked from the very beginning to the end. Sharp insights, tense team dynamics, and that chilling cat-and-mouse game between the investigators and the killer. #booksky

Bearded irises 💜🧡💜🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling

I’m feeling motivated to wrap up some series I’ve been reading for a while, so I’m reading W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton. I’m also finishing a lovely grief memoir, Without Your Father, by Jessica Lynne Henkle. #booksky #FridayReads

The Intern is #3.5 in the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz, and despite its short duration of less than 30 minutes, it’s incredibly intense! It delivers suspense and pulse-pounding tension that I’ve come to expect from The Nowhere Man. #booksky

Since this is Andrew Child’s second Jack Reacher book, I’ve noticed differences in his writing compared to Lee’s. Better Off Dead maintains its signature blend of action, problem-solving, and momentum, but Reacher’s personality seems different. #booksky

Cactus blooms 🌵🩷🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling

While some of the pieces in Matthew McConaughey’s Poems and Prayers resonated with me, I found the overall book to be less impactful than Greenlights. His poetry style is commendable, but the content simply didn’t align with my preferences. His humor didn’t always resonate with me. #booksky

I genuinely enjoyed Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and am grateful for that. I was captivated by Jane’s character and her coming-of-age journey. Watching her evolve felt authentic and earned. The story was filled with emotion as Bronte vividly portrayed society of that era. #booksky

Ice cream tulips 🌷🍦🌱 #gardening #bloomscrolling