Friday Five

I think that January might be the longest month of the year.  It's been a good two weeks back at work, and I've been super busy, but it also seems so bizarre to me that we are only at the halfway point.  

I'm excited that Monday is a holiday and I have a day off.  This weekend we have a scholarship day for Little Sister so this extra day without going back to work is quite appreciated. 

Here's what I found this week to share:

 

1.  Ingrid Elegant Sweater Without Sleeves

2.  Reversible Raglan

3.  Rugby Long Sleeve Polo Shirt

4.  Riviera Slim Pants in Metallic Houndstooth Jacquard

5.  Varsity Raglan

6.  Risen Puff Sleeve Denim Shirt

7.  By Together By The Maude Top

8.  Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt

9.   Addie Stripe Cashmere Pullover

10.   An Update on Our Family on HBO Max

That's it for me this week.  What's caught your eye?

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Maestro

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature where I highlight a soon to be released novel I can't wait to read.

 

This week's pick: Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

Due out May 13, 2025

Synopsis taken from Amazon:

From the author of The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets comes a mesmerizing page-turner about a young Black musical virtuoso at the peak of his career who’s forced into hiding when his family runs afoul of a ruthless criminal organization—until he fights back, using music to bring his enemies to justice.

Curtis Wilson is a cello prodigy, growing up in the Southeast D.C. projects with a drug dealer for a father. But through determination and talent, and the loving support of his father’s girlfriend Larissa, Curtis claws his way out of his challenging circumstances and rises to unimagined heights in the classical music world—even soloing with the New York Philharmonic.

And, suddenly, his life disintegrates. His father Zippy turns state evidence to the F.B.I., implicating his old bosses. Now the family – Curtis included – must enter the witness protection program if they want to survive. This means Curtis must give up the very thing he loves most: sharing his extraordinary musical talents with the world. When Zippy’s bosses prove too elusive for law enforcement to convict them, Curtis, Zippy, and Larissa realize that their only chance of survival is to take on the cartel themselves. They must create new identities and draw on their unique talents, including Curtis’s musical ability, to go after the men who want them dead. But will it be enough to keep Curtis and his family alive?

A propulsive and moving story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, The Dark Maestro is Slocumb at the height of his powers.

NonFiction Tuesday: I Got You Babe

When I was little I loved watching The Sonny and Cher show on television.  I would stand atop our hassock with my pen that I used as a microphone and sing right along with them. 

I also visited the library regularly and checked out their albums that I would then play over and over on our record player.

 

Cher has always fascinated me.  I read a biography from the public library when I was in elementary school, so I knew a few bits and pieces of her early life, but I was excited to see that Cher was going to tell her story in her own words.

This book is the first of a two-part memoir.  Maybe a little overly detailed, I did enjoy the parts that I remembered from childhood.  From her time meeting Sonny Bono to the birth of her son Elijah (which is where this memoir ends), these familiar pieces of her life were a blast from the past and I appreciated the nostalgic walk down memory lane.  I also think it gives a more full picture of Cher and her perspective on things.

I'm looking forward to part 2, and find myself listening to All I Ever Need Is You on repeat.  

Monday Mini-Reviews: Let's Call Her Barbie: Five Star Review

It's been a few weeks since I finished this one, but when people ask me for book recommendations, this one is still fresh in my mind.  

I love historical fiction books - and more specifically, I love historical books about women in history that I haven't known about previously. 

I was not a girl who played with Barbies (my sister did have quite a collection, though), but as an adult I've always been a little intrigued by Barbie and what made her such a popular toy.

Renee Rosen's book is a fictionalized account of Ruth Handler's rise to the top of Mattel and the idea and development of the Barbie doll.  Girls had always played with baby dolls, but a doll that looks like an adult woman was a new concept.  And while some women found Barbie to be too suggestive, little girls were curious about her and wanted to play with Barbie themselves.

Rosen shares the other players in this story - from Jack Ryan, the head engineer with his own demons to wrestle, to the women who designed Barbie's clothes, as well as Ruth Handler's children and husband, I found this story to be incredible.

This novel did what all good historical fiction books do: pique my interest so that I want to learn more.  

This nonfiction book is now on my radar so I can fill in any of the blank spaces I still have about the actual events that occurred in Barbie's creation.

Friday Five

Happy Friday!  The first full week of classes in 2025 is in the books. I've survived but I am also quite happy that the week is nearly over.  I've got a massage today after work, which is also a great way to kick off the weekend.  

Here are the things that caught my eye this week:

 

1.  So Soft Loose Valentines Day Sweater

2.  We The Free Highland Cardi

3.  Fiona Pant

4.  Chilly Sweatshirt

5.  Plaid Blazer

6.  Suki Crewneck Sweater

7. Cornelia Cardigan

8.  Kick Out Pants In Stretch Twill

9.  Averie Crewneck Thermal

10.  Princess Kate Turns 43

That's it for me this week.  What's caught your eye?

Waiting on Wednesday: It's a Love Story

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature where I highlight a soon to be released novel I can't wait to read.

This week's pic: It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

Due out: May 27, 2025

Synopsis taken from Amazon: 

“Anything Annabel writes, I’m reading it.”—Carley Fortune, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From the USA Today bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script, a novel about a former adolescent TV punchline who has left her awkwardness in the rearview mirror thanks to a fake-it-till-you-make-it mantra that has her on the cusp of success, until she tells a lie that sets her on a crash-course with her past, spending a week in Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.

Rules for a love story: There are none. It’s all a lie.

Jane Jackson knows that true love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth—you can’t fake a belly laugh. Jane should know, she spent her adolescence as "Poor Janey Jakes," the barbecue-sauce-in-her-braces punchline on America's fifth-favorite sitcom. Now she’s a Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios and she’s living by a new mantra: Fake it till you make it.

Except, she might have faked it too far. Desperate to get her first project greenlit and riled up by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan, she opened her mouth and a big fat fib fell out. She claimed that Jack Quinlan, hottest popstar of the moment, has promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. Jack may have been her first kiss—and greatest source of shame—but she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years.

Now, Jane must turn to the last man she’d ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan while facing down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but Dan just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true?

NonFiction Tuesday: 2025 Is Looking Good

 

I've listened to From the Front Porch, a podcast about books that Annie B Jones, the owner of The Bookshelf, a indie bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia, hosts, for years.  

In fact, I feel like I know her personally.  In 2019, the last year of Book Expo in New York City, I was lucky enough to run into her.  And she was just as charming as I had hoped.

Now Annie has her own book that will be published in a few months.  I was lucky enough to read an ARC from Netgalley at the tail end of 2024, and promptly gave it five stars.

I felt like Annie could have been sitting across from me with a cup of coffee while we talked candidly about what it is like to live close to your hometown during adulthood while other people go off and have adventures.  What it feels like to look for a different church, leaving something familiar and comfortable.  Having to work to make friends and to find your group that you are comfortable with.  

Annie talks to me every week about books - and over the years, I do feel like I've come to know her husband, Jordan, her parents and her coworkers at The Bookshelf. But knowing them in advance is not a necessity to liking this book.  

I have read books by Elizabeth Passarella  (Good Apple and It Was An Ugly Couch Anyway) and Mary Laura Philpott (I Miss You When I Blink and Bomb Shelter) and have raved about all four of these books.  I would put Annie's book on par with these winners.  

If you are looking for a great nonfiction book that is enjoyable and will feel like time spent hanging out with a good friend, pick up Ordinary Time.  You will fall in love with it and start planning your trip to Thomasville so you can meet Annie in person.

Must Read Mystery Series: Joshua Moehling's Ben Packard Books

 

I read Joshua Moehling's first Ben Packard book a while ago.  And There He Kept Her was creepy and suspenseful and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I loved the Minnesota setting. And despite reading a ton of books (and often forgetting some of them rather quickly), I still remembered Ben Packard and the premise for the first book when I picked up the second over Christmas break.

Where The Dead Sleep is the second in the Ben Packard series, and the tipping point for me personally. This series went from "good" to "amazing, must read."  I absolutely could not put this book down. 

Ben is called to investigate a home invasion one morning. One of the residents, Bill Sanderson, is found murdered in his bed. Although plenty of people liked Bill, he does have money problems, an ex-wife, a current wife and poker buddies he owes money to.  And Sandy Lake also has some secrets that Ben is slowly uncovering.  

In addition to all of this, Ben is only the temporary sheriff, and as an election is nearing to decide the future of the police department, Ben must decide if he wants to stay in his current position or not.

A Long Time Gone is the third Ben Packer novel that comes out in February.  I've read an ARC of it and loved it as well.  There are some loose ends that Moehling left in the second book that he is able to resolve in the newest installment.  But even though there aren't any threads left hanging, I'm ready for book four.  

The cast of characters in this book has started to feel familiar as is the town of Sandy Lake, Minnesota.  In addition to the suspense, getting to know the people in the sheriff's department, Ben's mom, as well as the locals is such an important makes this more than just a novel of suspense.  

I enjoy a good mystery series and have several I keep up with (and some that I am woefully behind on).  This one has moved to the top of my list already.  And I have told friends, fellow librarians, and relatives this is the series they need to add to their TBR.  

Friday Five: Kicking Off 2025

 I do love kicking off a new year: setting goals, getting organized for the return to school, and getting back into a routine.  

I returned to work today for a teacher work day, and began moving most of my nonfiction collection.  The task is certainly not completed, but at least there has been a good start. 

It's so cold here in Iowa that I'm happy to wear anything that looks warm and cozy. While I don't mind the look of the wide leg crop pant, the people who designed these have certainly never lived anywhere cold.  I need socks and pants that cover my lower legs.  I am someone who is perpetually cold, and this trend is not one I'm enjoying from that perspective.

I did find some winter clothing to share, so enjoy!

1.  Maeve Printed Sweatshirt

2.  USA Flag Pullover

3.  Italian Merino Blend Cropped Sweater

4.  Ottoman Tunic Sweatshirt

5.  Nash Cheetah Print Pants

6.  Solace Oversized Pullover

7.  Crystal Floral Wreath Drop Earrings

8.  Seasoft Midrise Straight Pant

9.  Striped Half-Zip Sweater with Pearl Zipper

10.  Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy on Netflix

That's it for me this week.  What's caught your eye?

2024: A Look Back: Backlist Winners and Losers of 2024

2025 reading is underway, but I still have a few more lists to share.  

I spend a lot of time reading books as they are being published.  However, I've got stacks (well, actually an entire room) of books that I keep promising myself I will read someday.  I do usually pick up backlist books here and there, and mostly I am usually very happy I didn't get rid of it before I took the time to read it. Here are five backlist titles I loved in 2024: 

1.  On Call In The Arctic: A Doctor's Pursuit of Life, Love, And Miracles in the Alaskan Frontier by Thomas J Sims- this is a memoir, set in the Vietnam war era, as agreeing to be sent to Alaska was Sims' ticket out of being sent to Vietnam. As a newly married father, Sims was anxious to not leave his wife alone with an infant, so readily took this posting.  So interesting and I couldn't help but want to watch reruns of Northern Exposure after reading this.

2.   Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson - Colleen and Rich are raising their son in the Pacific Northwest, where Rich is following in his family's footsteps, working in the logging industry.  They want more for their child, and Rich secretly purchases some land while Colleen starts to question the use of herbicides and what it is doing to the land and drinking water.  I loved the 1977 setting, the character development and the dysfunctional family in this novel. The ending was unexpected- although perhaps I should have seen it coming.

3.  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee- This novel that spans generations begins with Sunja, the beloved daughter who falls in love with a wealthy stranger.  When Sunja discovers that the stranger is married- and that she is pregnant, she marries a minister who is in poor health, but who is gentle and kind.   Sunja's life is full of hardship and sorrow, but I still wanted to keep reading and wished for things to turn around for her.  Sometimes in books that span generations there are certain time periods and characters I am less interested in.  That is not the case with this novel.  I loved how Sunja and her family were developed.

4.  Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - I read this in eighth grade, which I admit was a long time ago.  I'm not going to give a synopsis, but I will say, that this is better than I remembered and I enjoyed familiarizing myself with this story again.

5.  Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry- another classic that I've had hanging around far too long. The first 200 pages were slow going, but I ended up loving this one. I also buddy read it with a good friend, and we continue to discuss how much we liked this book despite the beginning being slow.  

And even though I read lots of great books, there were a few that I just didn't much care for. I didn't DNF them, but perhaps I should have.  Here are five I could have skipped:

I'm looking forward to great reading in 2025!