The changing of the leaves has been late this year, but it’s really feeling like Fall now in the first week of November. I love this time of year–shopping for Christmas presents, baking, and eating. I’m planning to make mini pumpkin pies for myself. Doug doesn’t really like pumpkin pie but he’s currently enjoying a cherry pie I got from Sam’s. I’m also trying to get better at decorating cookies for Christmas, so I’m going to make some Pumpkin shaped and decorated cookies for Thanksgiving. I want to give them a flavor besides vanilla, so either pumpkin spice or orange, I think. I’ll post pictures when I’m done IF they look halfway decent. I had my first cup of cold weather cocoa this week too. I didn’t have marshmallows, so I used whipped cream on top.
Yesterday I was busy sending out emails for The Historical Novel Society. The November reviews were live on the website yesterday, and as a Reviews Editor, I sent links of the reviews I’m responsible for to all of the publishers or authors. Tomorrow I plan to find some end of season apples and get started on some apple butter.
Most of this past week was busy! I traveled on Monday and Tuesday to Winston-Salem to see an audiologist about possibly getting a cochlear implant because my hearing is just getting worse and worse. The result was that I tested as “borderline,” just little bit above the line for a cochlear implant. So I will go back in a year and get tested again. Right now, though, I’m thankful for my new hearing aids, which are not perfect but help more than the old ones.
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOG
I participated in Top Ten Tuesday, and today I posted a review of The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau. Check out Liz’s wonderful book at the link above. It was a 5-star read for me.
NEXT WEEK ON THE BLOG
I reviewed this one for The Historical Novel Society and I can post the review now that it’s been published on their website.
This is the latest in Darlene Foster’s Amanda Travels series. Although this is a Middle Grade series, people of all ages love following Amanda as she travels around the world.
These are the latest two books in The Winds of Freedom series by Beth Kanell, set in the 19th Century on the frontier between Vermont and Canada. My review of Book One, The Long Shadow, is here.
BOOK HAUL
Lynn Austin is my favorite author of Inspirational Historical Fiction, and I jumped on the chance to read this for The Historical Novel Society. I don’t need to have this read until March, but I can’t wait, so I’m starting it this week.
I don’t usually read hardboiled fiction, but I’m broadening my horizons a bit for this one, which will be in the February issue of Historical Novels Review.
A thriller set in Aspen. A step away from historical fiction for this read. I picked this one up on Netgalley today.
I’m also going to look for some lighthearted Christmas books, so if anyone has a recommendation, let me know. It must be really Christmassy! If it’s an Indie Christmas book–even better!
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
*Thank you to The Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting Sunday Post and to Deb at ReaderBuzz for hosting Sunday Salon.
Best wishes, Bonnie.
Your new reads sound enticing. Enjoy them 🙂 I’m reading Romania authors of historical fiction until the end of the year, yet none translated in English.
I’m in the middle of your book too!
Great week, Bonnie! I hope you have another great week.
Same! Have a great week!
Good luck with your cookie decorating practice, I’m useless at it sadly.
Wishing you a lovely reading book
Thanks. I’m going to watch lots of videos and maybe try on parchment paper first
Thanks for reading Amanda in Ireland. I look forward to your review. I’m glad the hearing aids are working for you. Have a super week.
I’m working on the review now. Should be up Wednesday. EDIT: Thursday evening now. Sorry for the delay.
Thank you for the shout-out for The Weight of Snow and Regret! I greatly appreciate your review!! The only Christmas book I can think of off the top of my head is Sketchy Santas. It’s very Christmassy—but not in a good way.
Ha Ha! I’ll have to see what Sketchy Santas is about but the title makes me think they rob a bank or something!
Not quite. A different kind of sketchy!
We finally got some cooler weather this last week. Hurray!
I hope you will share any good light Christmas novels you run across.
I’m thinking something historical so I can have that old fashioned Christmas
I hope the baking is enjoyable and delicious! I like the novella OMG! Christmas Tree by indie author Stephanie Scott. It’s a read in one sitting sweet romance.
Thanks Victoria. I’ll check that out.
Looks like some good books! I still need to read Lynn Austin. I keep saying I will but haven’t yet. I’ve been on such a mystery kick.
Your baking plans sound really good. I’m one of the only pumpkin pie fans in my house so I like the idea of making individual pies. I hope you get some answers about your hearing or the hearing aids continue to help.
Have a great week!
I really have liked all of her books. Thanks for the good wishes on the hearing aids.
I enjoy Lynn Austin’s books, so will have to look for The Lumber Baron’s Wife. I am one of those adults who enjoy the Amanda series.