Book Chatter

The ocean and rocks. — Beach shot taken by my son. San Luis Obispo, probably Pismo.

Good morning! The photo you see on the left is a shot that my son took. I suspect it’s Pismo Beach. I snagged it for my phone’s wallpaper. You can see why he enjoys living there. He has beaches very close to him and he will often head there for some dinner and a nice walk. I’ve been missing the beach lately. It’s not far from me, about a 75 minute drive but I do not like sand. Ha. I prefer to hang out on a pier, enjoy a nice meal and catch the views that way.

I was hoping this past weekend to drive to the coast but errands got in the way. Fun errands. I was looking for more plant pots and a couple more plants for the house. What I totally forgot to get was a flower bowl thingy for the front porch. I wanted to add a little color there as it’s all green plants at the moment. I totally forgot though!

How has your mood been lately? I have not seen it written anywhere but I’ve been very weepy ever since I got my first shot. I see no mention anywhere of side effects involving mood but I never get weepy. It’s totally bizarre and not a welcome feeling. As everything blooms here the last thing you want to feel is like a dark cloud is hanging over you. Each day it lessens which makes me think it’s vaccine related. So strange.

In my other post I asked for some TV show suggestions and you guys really came through. I have a nice list to choose from now. Stephen King spoke of THEM on Amazon Prime and said it was terrifying. He says a lot of things and endorses a lot of shows and books so I don’t always take his word for it but let me tell you, this show is pretty wild and very scary in the way the movie Get Out was scary. My husband and I are fully into it and the weird music, sometimes a high pitched violin sound, has been affecting my dog. There is a story line with the dog so I’ve Googled all over to see if that was intentional. No mention of that anywhere but my pup can’t be in the same room while we watch it or we have to turn it down when music kicks in. Be warned.

I am reading The Green Mile for a read-along. I’ve read it before but remember nothing about it. I am using the reading schedule provided but I may push through it just to be done. It doesn’t fit in well with my other reading. Do you read more than one book at a time? I always have at least two going, sometimes three.

Speaking of which, I need to pick my next read. I would like to read The Push but it hasn’t come in for me yet. Northern Spy just came in for me and it’s Reese’s current club pick. Looks good. Is anyone reading it now?

Promises to Keep
By Nan Rossiter
Harper Paperbacks, 9780062917751, April 27, 2021, 320pp.

The Short of It:

We all need good stories right now and Promises to Keep will touch your heart and leave you smiling.

The Rest of It:

I am no stranger to Rossiter’s work. I think I have read, reviewed and enjoyed everything she’s written. Her new book, Promises to Keep, which comes out 04/27/2021, is actually a follow-up to Promises of the Heart. Although it’s a follow-up, I think each book can be read on its own but why not begin with Promises of the Heart? You’ll enjoy the characters enough to want to spend as much time with them as possible.

In this story, Maeve Lindstrom is working at Willow Pond Senior Care. A senior home, but not the type you and I think of when we think of assisted living. These folks are independent and feisty and keep Maeve on her toes! Maeve has a soft spot in her heart for her senior friends and can’t help thinking of them even when not at work. She also has a sweet spot for her niece, Harper and is lucky to be living so close to her sister Macey and her husband Ben. Family is the most important thing to her.

Gage Tennyson comes from a large family of boys. His work with Maeve’s brother-in-law Ben, is what brought Gage and Maeve together but as Maeve and Gage begin to think about a future together, they both realize that things from their past may affect where their relationship is headed. As much as Maeve wants to be a part of Gage’s life, she must come clean about something from her past and one day she can no longer ignore what needs to be said.

There are a few things you can count on when picking up a book by Nan Rossiter. There is always a dog or two, especially rambunctious Labradors. Dog lovers everywhere will find themselves completely taken by these lovable pups and yes, sometimes there’s even a cat or chickens! The other thing you can count on is the importance of family. As wonderful as these characters are, they struggle and often have to work through difficulty as the family comes together to help them through. Did I mention food? Nearly all of Rossiter’s books include food or drink in some way. There is comfort to be found in a home cooked meal and all the mentions of pies, cookies and platters of food bringing people together will give you a warm feeling. I love when an author finds a way to wrap you in comfort and who doesn’t need comfort right now?

Promises to Keep is comfort reading for sure but it’s a story with an important message too. This particular story deals with regret, missed opportunities, forgiveness, acceptance and inclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for her next book.

Promises to Keep comes out 4/27 so pre-order now or…

Nan Rossiter has offered a copy for me to giveaway! If you’d like a chance to win a copy, check out the details below.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

This giveaway is for one copy of Promises to Keep and is open to the US and Canada. A winner will be chosen randomly by me. The book will come directly from the author. Only one entry per person. Giveaway closes on April 27, 2021 (pacific). I will contact the winner for his/her mailing address.