January In Review

January is coming to a close. This month has been an excursion in staying consistent and being a cheerleader for myself. Two things I suck at. But I am determined to fake it until I make it. It’s been a quiet, successful month during which I’ve reconnected with my love of book blogging, worked on making my work a priority, and stayed the course even when my brain screamed at me to quit. Here are a few things that kept me sane along the way.

Good Shows

We started watching Brooklyn 99.
Love. Love. Love. All the characters.
Especially Captain Holt.

Good Music
Like Weezer's Teal Album.
Which I'm in love with and have listened to a billion times.

Good Food

I heart soup.
And winter is the perfect season for it.
Here's a quick, easy Ramen recipe our family adores:

And here's a pic from when we made it last week.

As you can see, we skip the cherry tomatoes.
But mushroom broth is a MUST.
We've tried it without and it's not the same.

Good Books

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As I mentioned in my top five comfort reads post,
Ms. Allen is an author I reread often.
This month I finished Lost Lake for the millionth time.
When I finished the book, I thought about rereading it. True story.
You can check out the other books I read this month on GoodReads.

Good Words
This month I stopped focusing on word count goals and publishing deadlines. I focused instead on a brand new All The What Ifs bonus chapter. A heads up for those of you who’ve read the All The What Ifs bonus chapter in Of Lies and Zombies, the new scene I am working on takes place the day before and is from Ashley’s perspective! And if that wasn't awesome enough, the new scene will be in next month’s newsletter! You. Are. Welcome.

Writing about Ashley and her friends again felt like coming home. It reminded how much I loved writing All The What Ifs and how excited I am to finish the Richmond High Series.

It’s a solid start to a good year. And I’m thankful for it plus looking forward to next month and the awesome to come.

How was your month, my friends?

A Book Review: Mostly Dark

This month's indie spotlight is the incomparable Miranda Kate. A ninja editor with a quick wit and a clever turn of phrase, Miranda Kate's flash fiction anthology.

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amazon

Book Description: Like the phases of the moon, Mostly Dark waxes and wanes with thirty tales of darkness and light. An intriguing maelstrom of broken minds and broken hearts, from revenge to desire, from new found love to soulmates, herein lies a tale for everyone. Prepare your senses for an emotional and sometimes terrifying ride.

Ang's Review: Equal parts terrifying and bittersweet, Miranda Kate’s masterfully crafted Mostly Dark held me hostage from page one. Swept up in brutal murder scenes and intimate moments between lovers, the pages flew by and left me wanting more. Each piece of flash fiction felt complete while tickling my soul with unanswered questions and an ache to know more. Miranda Kate has long been one of my favorite flash fiction writers. When I saw this anthology on sale, I bought it without hesitation. I’m eager to read more from this seasoned and well-honed author.

Pick up a copy on Amazon!

Ang's Top Five Comfort Reads

Once upon a time I had a little corner on the internet in which I reviewed/shared books. Always five books. Always short reviews. Always with a theme. I love books. And I miss sharing/talking about the books I heart plus hearing what other people like too. So I've decided it's time to get back to my old bookish ways. At least once a month I'll be sharing a list of five books based around a theme.

So without further-ado, I give you, my top five comfort reads (aka books I could read over and over and over again and never get tired of).

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

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Sarah Addison Allen has quickly become
a yearly must reread for yours truly.
And while I adore all her novels
The Girl Who Chased the Moon is the first book
I read of hers. It's got a very special place in my heart.

Years by LaVyrle Spencer
goodreads

Many a late nights have been spent rereading Spencer's novels.
I've long been a fan. Since middle school, in fact.
Years is my go-to.
I love the setting, the characters,
and the simplicity of the story.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
goodreads

There's something about this series that gets me
in the feels every. damn. time.
I will never ever be too old for a good children's book series.
Never. Ever.

Mother Road by Dorothy Garlock
goodreads

Dorothy Garlock is not just a go-to comfort read for me.
She's also one of my author role models.
I was oh-so-very sad to hear about her passing.
I might've hugged a few of her books when I read the news.
Tears were involved. She will be greatly missed.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
goodreads

And last, but never least, Anne Girl.
What is there to say that hasn't been said already?
She's smart and silly.
Dramatic and thoughtful.
She's loyal and loving and
everything I hope to be when I grow up.
Anne's story is a moving, heartfelt tale about
finding your place in this great big world.
Something I think we can all relate to.

What are some of your comfort reads?
Which books or authors do you turn to when you want to
wrap yourself up in an old familiar story?
Or is re-reading not your thing?
Sharing is caring, my friends.
Tell me your thoughts.