Tuesday, February 26, 2019

February: A Complicated Month in Review

This month has been a weirdo and writing a review is a tad difficult.

Let me explain.

On the first day of the month I was battling a cold. The cold had been kicking my butt for a week, no matter how hard I tried to ignore it. Continuing my mission to embrace my too nice, too positive, too cute ways (more on that at a later date) I posted about our adorable coffee calendar on social media. It was Friday (I mused at the time) and come what may, I’d be thankful.
Adorable coffee calendar gets me.
Not long after posting, my mom called with news that someone in our family had committed suicide. I shared a little on Instagram. However, I still believe the most respectful thing I can do on social media for those directly involved is keep my loved one’s name and relationship private. After a loved one dies, dealing with the emotional wreckage left in its wake is challenging. After multiple suicides in my husband and I’s extended family we’ve learned that keeping things private for the sake of those most harmed is the best path forward.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression
please get professional help. Go here.
Yes, this is not the first time someone in our extended family committed suicide. And no, hearing the news, processing the news, telling our kids never gets easier.

With a cold that would not quit and news of a loved one passing, we (as a family) did our best to embrace moving forward.

Three days later, the flu knocked me out and stayed for an extended visit.

For the next seven days, I had a high fever, a painful cough, a headache that would not quit, and more. I do not remember three whole days of my life. My family took care of me and everything else. I won’t bore you with all the details. But will share this, I still have the damn cough from the flu and I’m over being sick.

Enter a week until my husband and I’s twentieth wedding anniversary—a time of celebration and joy. Yet neither of us was feeling much joy, let alone had the energy to celebrate.

Still stupid sick and with the awful news hanging over our family, I realized I had two choices: embrace the unfairness of life or give in and give up.

Cue a good friend saying something I took to heart. It went a little something like this: “We all face challenges. We all have unfair things happen to us. We all hit speed bumps. That’s life. It’s not fair. But if something (or someone) is important to us, we’ll make it (or them) a priority. If not, it’s something we don’t care about. It’s something we don’t really want.”

Okay. Those weren’t her exact words. But you get the picture.

Those words sang to me. They opened my eyes to a lie I’ve lived. The lie: there are levels of unfairness and suffering. There are people who have a right to be overwhelmed and people (like me) who don’t.

See. Life sucks for all of us. It’s difficult.

But life is also good. So. Very. Good.

We MUST hold on to the good. But it’s a choice. We get to decide who we make priorities. What we make priorities. There’s no real right or wrong. It’s a simple choice.

With our anniversary looming and too much pain and sickness weighing me down, I let it go. Let the sickness run its course. Let my grief be. And let my heart feel joyful over twenty freaking years of marriage to my best friend in the whole world.

Life is complicated. This month didn’t differ from any month before it. And as March looms before me—the month of my dad’s birth and death—I know I have a choice. I can be bitter and angry and think I deserve more. Or I can understand life is messy for all of us and roll with its punches. I can spit in the face of life’s unfairness and choose joy.

And with all the strength I have plus this persistent cough, I am more determined than ever to choose joy.
See ya on the flip-side of March, my friends.
Let's show life we're stronger.
p.s. It snowed in the desert last week.
Which is not unheard of, but isn't normal either.
Tychus was not a fan. Shocker. ;)

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

On My E-reader: The Unscripted Life of Lizzy Dillinger

All too often I buy eBooks only to lose my E-reader or worse not know what to read when I gaze upon the awesome that’s on it. To make up for this, I’m starting a new segment on the blog called On My E-reader. Which is probably already done somewhere out there in internet land. But let’s pretend I’m all revolutionary, shall we! First up, a debut novel by an indie author that sounds like a blast.

amazon
goodreads
Book Description: She’s got a movie deal. He’s got the lead role. Can she choose between her family and her Hollywood crush?

Stay-at-home mom Lizzy Dillinger escapes the monotony of her humdrum marriage by writing down her daydreams. When her producer friend contracts her story for a movie and invites her on set, she jumps at the chance to leave the suburbs until the film’s in the can. But Lizzy’s big break gets even better when she learns the hunky character who starred in her daydreams will be played by her Hollywood crush, Ben Winters.

On location in Arizona, the desert gets even hotter when Lizzy and Ben strike up a flirtatious friendship. But her hopes of a celebrity fling shatter when a family visit brings her fantasy crashing into reality. Against the dazzling lights and the glamorous movie sets, her cookie-cutter life back home seems painfully bland. Torn between the man of her dreams and the family who helped define her, Lizzy must search her heart to find where her true passion lies.

Reasons I bought it: Where to start? Marianne is super fun on social media, sharing pictures of her sleepy dog, stylish socks with flip-flops, and snow or musing about taking acting classes. This desert dweller found the cover appealing, and the premise (a stay-at-home mom writing her first book) is something I can relate to. When I read the book description, I knew I’d found a good fit for me. I’m looking forward to reading this book for so many reasons.

Check out Marianne Hansen's website, Instagram, and Twitter.
Pick up a copy on Amazon!

Have you read The Unscripted Life of Lizzy Dillinger?
If so, did you review it? I'd love to hear what you thought!


Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Newsletter Exclusive: A Brand New All The What Ifs Bonus Chapter

That's right, folks! This month's exclusive content for my newsletter subscribers is an All The What Ifs bonus chapter.

Not the exclusive All The What Ifs bonus chapter from Lucas's point of view at the back of Of Lies and Zombies, which I'm sure you've all read (*wink wink*) and loved! But a brand new scene that takes place the day before from Ashley's point of view. And y'all thought Christmas was over!

What's that? You'd like a little taste of what's to come? I guess if you insist:

what if ... we fell apart?

“Stop hoarding the cookie butter, Ashley. Or we’ll be beefing.”
Ashley Morgan looked up from the paper plate cradled in her lap, her eyes locking on her best friend Natalie. The clear blue sky overhead gazed down on the friends. The afternoon sun baked into the ground. Heat hung heavy in the air, leeching life out of the world, turning the grass brown, cracking the soil.
Ashley’s eyes narrowed on Natalie who jabbed a plastic knife at her.
“Beefing,” Natalie repeated, dragging out the word.
“Nat.” Ashley gestured toward the unopened jar of cookie butter on the quilted blanket next to her knee. “I haven’t even opened the jar.”
“I’m staking my claim early.”
“To the whole jar of cookie butter?”
“Cookie butter mine, peanut butter yours. Don’t hate, cause I thought of it first.” Natalie huffed. “And you’re supposed to be the smart one.”
“Clearly I am not.”

Annnnnd scene. Well. Not really. There's more. But my lips are sealed. However, sign-up for my monthly newsletter and you'll receive the rest of this scene in your inbox this week and learn what Natalie and Ashley are up to. Plus when you sign-up you'll be entered for a chance to win an Of Lies and Zombies paperback!

It's a win-win, my friends. Don't think! 



Thursday, February 7, 2019

A Book Review: Holidays With Jane: Will You Be Mine?

This month I'm spotlighting an indie favorite. Written by six fabulous authors from Indie Jane this book is a must have for Austen lovers and Valentine's enthusiasts.
goodreads
amazon

Book Description: Love is in the air this Valentine's Day as the talented authors of the Holidays with Jane series bring you six more modern adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels. This candy heart is filled with chocolates, roses, and happily ever afters!

Stories included: Design by Chance by Rebecca M. Fleming, Fangirl by Jennifer Becton, Accidentally in Love by Jessica Grey, Cupid’s Secret by Nancy Kelley, Concealed Spark by Melissa Buell, Pride and Productions by Cecilia Gray.

Ang's Review: Packed with wit and charm, Holidays with Jane: Will You Be Mine? is a lovely addition to a series of novels filled with memorable heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, satisfying twists, and a respect and passion for Jane Austen's novels that leaps off every page. Following these six clever authors throughout the years as they've taken us through the holidays—each author putting their own special spin on each of Austen's beloved characters, settings, and plots—has been pure joy. And I'm grateful for the journey they've shared with us.

Currently available in paperback on Amazon.
Pick up your copy today!

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Ang's Top Five Romance Novels That Make Her Swoon

Love is in the air. So let's talk romance! This month's top five list is shockingly romance novels. Who saw that one coming? Not. Me. The following is a list of five romance novels that made me swoon.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
This. Book.
It's quirky and funny and so very swoon worthy.
I've read it a billion times.
That's literally a billion times.
Fight me if you don't believe me.
In fact, I think I need to reread it again.
Like. Right. Now.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
I've owned Unearthly for years and
for some stupid reason I didn't pick it up until last year.
And man. What a dumb move.
While a solid YA fantasy series, 
it's also extremely swoony with a side of extra swoon.
And yes, it's got a love triangle.
Which is usually a hard pass for yours truly.
Buuuuuut it's done well and my ship conquered all.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Holy. Geez.
This. Book.
Wait. Did I use that already?
Too. Bad. Because this freaking book.
It's dark and mysterious and forget swooning.
It defines the term "hot" which might be
the first time I've EVER used hot in a review.
Do. Not. Pass. Go.
Do. Not. Collect. Two. Hundred. Dollars.
You want a mystery with a side of over the top classic historical romance?
This book is what you are looking for.

Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros
Bittersweet and full of surprises,
I laughed my way through this insanely clever novel
until I bawled my eyes out.
Goodnight Tweetheart is heartfelt and lovely.
I'm ever so glad I read it.

The Secret by Julie Garwood
Have I used this book?
Because THIS BOOK.
This is the one.
It's the first book that hooked me on romance
and reading and yeah, I was thirteen
(or was I twelve? DO NOT JUDGE ME).
My grandma (yes, my freaking grandma)
handed me The Secret when I was flying solo
from The Big Apple to the Silver State and I gobbled it up.
Her pitch: It's a sweet story about friends
who stick by each other through thick and thin.
And she was right.
Toss in some kissing, kilts, and more (wink wink)
and you've got a book that's guaranteed to make a lifelong bookworm.
And that bookworm is me.

What's on your top five list of romance novels?
Are you a historical fan?
Or contemporary?
Did I miss something that's a MUST READ?
Let me know in the comments.
Because I'm looking for a new book to swoon over!