Book Chat - 9/26/2026

I know today is not Thursday, but I’m going to talk about books anyway. 

Y’all! The Birthday season has begun, but it hasn’t been altogether celebratory yet. We had gone out of town for the month leading up to the Birthday Season. It was a great trip - a month on the British Isle - England, Scotland AND Wales. And then, we came home and found a water leak that had done a bit of damage to the tile and the wood floors upstairs.

For the first couple of weeks of the Birthday Season, there have been wet towels, fans, demolition of floors and walls. The jackhammer the other day added such a flair to the whole shebang.

I suppose I can celebrate that there are less noisy fans today than there were yesterday…

On to happier topics, here are the books I read in August:

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Kline

In Book 2 in the Cerulean Chronicles, we hear Arthur’s story. It was good.

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

In the little town of Troy, Georgia, Lula Dean is on a mission to remove inappropriately books from all the public libraries. She sets up a tiny library in front of her house and fills it with the books that made her a proper, Southern lady. The townspeople borrow the books and learn more than they bargain for. It was very good.

Famous Once by Jane Green

Astrid Lane, who used to be married to a famous rock star. Her daughter starts working on a retrospective about her dad. Before long, mother and daughter band together to unearth some family secrets. It was good.

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen

A biracial teen is sent to a small town in Alabama by his father to spend the summer. Luckily, the town oddball with a big heart befriends him. Together, they navigate life in a town that does not accept them. It was very good.

The I Hate to Cook Book: Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peg Braken

Originally written in the 1960s by a woman who hated to cook. The book has easy, fast recipes that allow you to get to the important stuff you’d rather be doing, whatever they are. Most of the meals reminded me of the types one can find in the midcentury editions of the Betty Crocker Cookbook. I enjoyed reading the introductory blurbs before each recipe.

The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich 

I really like reading just about anything Louise Erdrich writes. Her characters are everyday people. The central characters are involved in a love triangle. Kismet Poe is loved by two young men. It’s interesting to see with whom she ends up. I liked the book very much.

That’s it. That’s the list!

MK out.

 

Book Chat - 8/20/2026

Wowzers, People! I thought I was caught up with everybody on my book reading, and I have another LIST again. I read the following books in June and July.

Before I start, I have to give a shout out: Happy Birthday to Robert Plant!!! (Because he reads my blog, of course.)

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

This book keeps you guessing till the end. You have to keep reading just-one-more-page, because you want to know what is really happening. Two women come together in a seemingly benign way. As more of the story unfolds, it gets darker and more layered. It was good.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

This author also wrote The Help - a great story with great characters. I have to say that this book is as good. Two sisters, with different economic circumstances, join forces with others (awesome characters all) to try to save two family homes, and a little girl who was left at an orphanage. Oh my! It’s the second five star book for me this year.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins, Reid

The story is set in the late 70s, early 80s about women pioneers in the space program. I think TJR is a very good writer, and this book did not disappoint. It’s definitely a page turner, and it being set just up the road from my hometown made it more endearing to me. I loved it.

Kin by Tayari Jones

In this book, we watched two girls and their paths to adulthood after being left by their respective mothers. One goes on to be a people pleaser to the life she should. The other sets out to find her mother, no matter the cost. It was very good, although the story ended rather suddenly and subtly for my taste. 

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

A young girl suffers a trauma right before her freshman year in high school. We watch her heal as she navigates high school and all the indignities that come with it. It was good.

Wrecked by Catherine Newman

This book is the sequel to Sandwich. We pick up with Rocky and her family a few years down the road. They are still life-ing. It was good.

It’s already into August and I might have begun another list…

MK out.

Book Chat - 6/18/2026

I finished the 17th book of the year last week:

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Poppy and Alex met in college. They have nothing in common - she’s bright and sunny; he’s kind of beige - but they become best friends. Although, they live in different cities, they go on one summer trip a year together. After the eighth trip, something happened and they haven’t talked in two years. We get the whole story, carefully crafted by going back and forth in time. It was good.

I am reading another one right now…y'all may or may not hear about it soon.

MK out.

Book Chat - 6/11/2026

Hello, my pretties! I’m trying to stay caught up with sharing about the books I’ve read. Here are my most recent finishes:

Imperfect Women by Arminta Hall

There are three close friends since college. One of them is found dead. Who killed her? The husband? The lover? Who? It was very good and intertwined and it kept me guessing til the end. The book has been adapted into a streaming series on Apple. I plan to watch.

I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney

An obituary writer accidentally hits send on his own obituary that he wrote one drunken evening. Serious consequences commence (he can’t be fired since he is legally dead). While he waits for the outcome, he meets a stranger at a funeral who divulges that she frequents wakes and funerals of people she doesn’t know and invites him to join her. It was really good.

We are all now up to date.

MK out.

Book Chat - 05/28/2026

I read some books in April and this month. I’m here to tell you about them.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Someone overhears Finlay discussing the plot of her overdue draft with her agent and thinks that Finlay is a hitman. She tries to hire her for a job. Much mayhem ensues. It was a fun read.

The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief by Rena Pederson

There was a jewel thief in the 1960s and 70s who hit many homes in the Preston Hollow and Highland Park areas of Dallas. They were never caught. This book tells the story and also examines the seedy underbelly of Dallas during that time. I recognized many names and locations mentioned. It was interesting.

What She Saw by Mary Burton

A cold case reporter who has ties to the crime tries to find answers thirty years after four women disappeared from a music festival. It kept me guessing.

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

A mid-fifties menopausal woman looks forward to her family’s annual weeklong vacation on the Cape. Three generations get together to life, while she makes all kinds of sandwiches for their lunches. It was pretty good.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

This book has been adapted to a streaming series. Margo is barely an adult. She has a brief affair with one of her college professors. When she finds out that she is pregnant, she decides to keep the baby. But she has no income, and the baby’s father is no help because he is married and already has a family. What’s a girl to do? Why, start an Only Fans account, of course. It was alright.

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

If you like quirky characters, this book is for you. Strout’s latest book does not disappoint. A high school history teacher, who on the outside appears to be living his life fully and engaged is troubled. On the inside, he is questioning free will and the meaning of the life around him that appears to be becoming more ridiculous by the minute. It was very good.

This post brings me up to date. If you’re counting, I’ve read fourteen books so far this year. I’ve got another one on the go.

MK out.

Book Chat - 5/14/2026

And we’re back! I have a few books I’ve recently read to discuss.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evan’s

Former attorney/court clerk, Sybil Van Antwerp, sits down every day in her retirement and writes letters to friends, colleagues, and even celebrities. She’s lived a full and eventful life. The letters fill in the information about her past as well as serving to moved the story forward. There’s one recipient of her letters who remains a mystery until the end of the book. It was so good.

Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center

This book tells the story of Lanie Coates - a wife and mother who has spent her married life putting herself last. When she and her family make a big move for her husband’s career, she starts to remember that she once had dreams for herself too. She starts making a few changes, and pretty soon, people take notice. It was good.

Chasing Stardust by Erica Lucke Dean

Zoey’s mom has died. Her former music journalist grandmother has hinted that her grandfather was David Bowie. She sets out to spread her mom’s ashes along the 1972 Ziggy Stardust tour. It was cute.

Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore

In 1970s Ringgold, Georgia, Catherine Grace Cline is dying to escape. She’s the daughter of the Baptist preacher and is tired of her small town life. She and her sister go to the Dairy Queen every Saturday afternoon, eating Dilly Bars, while she plans her getaway. It was a quirky and delightful read.

And that’s it for now.

MK out.

Book Chat - 4/9/2026

I set a challenge to read 24 books again this year. I know I will read more, but I really don’t want to add deadline pressure to my life. I have plenty of  “have tos.” Reading’s supposed to be fun!

Let me tell you about a few I’ve read so far this year.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A graduate student, while researching an author of horror novels, since his evil spirits on campus. She remembers a story. Her grandmother had told her about their families encounter with witchcraft. Related? Perhaps.

Excuses Begone! by Wayne W. Dyer

Dr. Dyer proposes that by changing our negative/limiting thinking, we can improve our happiness and success in life. Try it.

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn

Hannah and Hilde were school friends, but got separated when Hannah‘s family moved away. Years later, they meet up again when Hannah is a Jewish prisoner in a ghetto and Hilde is a supporter of the Nazi cause. Each wants a favor from the other.

Bad Date by Ellery Lloyd

In this novella, Faye is a famous actress, raising a son on her own. She’s very unlucky in love, as every decent man she dates tends to disappear without explanation. She’s on a mission to figure out why.

Tune in next time - weeks from now - when I tell you about more books that I’ve read.

MK out.

Book Chat - 3/5/2026

I have been falling down on the job. I have been reading, but I haven’t been telling y’all about it. Following is the list of books I read between August and the end of 2025:

Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann

*The Names by Florence Knapp

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley

The American Wife by Christina Lucyk-Berger

The Toy Car: A Short Story by Rose Tremain 

The Chemistry Test by Georgina Frankie

The Likeness by Tana French

Both Things Are True by Kathleen Barber

*The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

*The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

*My Friends by Fredrik Backman

*A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

I read fifty books last year. The ones listed above with asterisks were very good and I would highly recommend.

I’ve read five books so far this year and I will tell you about them soonish.

MK out.

Book Chat - 11/13/2025

Do y’all ever read books and then weeks, years later, you hear about a book that sounds good; so, you add it to your list of books you want to read - not realizing that you’ve already read it? Or is it just me?

It’s November! And I mean, it’s two weeks until Thanksgiving! Time is passing faster than my hair is growing around here. I have such a list of things to do, but here I am at the beach as if I haven’t care in the world. I’m acting like there aren’t only six weeks before Christmas. Yes, you read that correctly. Six weeks!!!

I won’t think about that today. I’ll tell you about the books. I read in July instead.

Death Row by Frieda McFadden

A woman has been convicted of killing her husband. She’s on death row and she’s losing all her appeals. Time is of the essence. One day, She sees a man who looks exactly like her dead husband, leading her to believe that he isn’t dead. So, who is the person she allegedly murdered? It was good.

A Sky Full of Love by Lorna Lewis

After being held captive for quite a while, a woman is returned to her family. Much has happened while she’s been away. Something has been kept from her that will likely have devastating effects when she finally learned about it. It was very engaging.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Sometime in the future, the world has advanced so that illnesses can be bioengineered out of children, and their friends are so powered entities. Klara is one such AF (Artificial Friend). While waiting to be adopted by human family, she is a keen observer of her environment. When she is adopted, she soon discovers that her human is ill. Klara makes it her mission to cure her. It was good.

Abscond by Abraham Verghese

A young teen with a promising future in tennis has to grow up quickly, following a tragic event. It was very good.

Back to my lollygagging.

MK out.

Book Chat - 10/24/2025

People, time keeps marching on. I have been reading books fairly steadily, but how would y’all know? When we last talked about books, I had shared the ones I read in April and May.

Ha! I didn’t read any in May. I did read a few in June: 

Lola is Never Drinking Again by Maria Elena Sandivici

I loved this book because one of the characters is my beloved Galveston. Not really, it’s set on The G, but to me, it made The G come to life. A troubled woman returns to the island to help settle her newly deceased aunt’s affairs. She had to reckon with more than her past. It was good.

The House of My Mother: À Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke

I watched the documentary series, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke (and then promptly forgot to tell y’all about it) recently. The doc was about mommy blogger/Influencer, Ruby, and how she was convicted of child abuse. The book by her daughter tells us about how she escaped her mother‘s clutches and how she tried to save her younger siblings from their mother. It is a sad story.

Death Row by Frieda McFadden

This short story is about a woman who is awaiting her death sentence for killing her husband. It was very good.

I may tell you about the ones I read in July soon. I mean, it’s only the end of October…

MK out.

Book Chat - 6/27/2025

I read the following books in April.

Some Other Time by Angela Browne

A couple has become empty nester when their only child goes off to college. The wife is very unhappy and decides they should divorce. After a trip, to break the news to her parents and their daughter, things are very different when they return home. I didn’t find the book well written because the post trip part was clunky. It was aA couple has become empty nester when their only child goes off to college. The wife is very unhappy and decides they should divorce. After a trip, to break the news to her parents and their daughter, things are very different when they return home. I didn’t find the book well written because the post trip part was clunky. It was a little hard to follow. Some of the situations weren’t plausible, even if belief was suspended. It was all right.

The One That Got Away by Mike Gayle

Ruben and Beth broke up six months ago. He still has feelings for her, when he finds out six months later that she is getting married. He and his friends plan a day a very bachelor activities to describe him on the day of the wedding. Everything is all set, until he receives a phone call. Another one that was just all right.

The Sublet by Greer Hendricks

This short story is about a ghost rider who starts working for demanding client. Who circumstances, she said lease is an amazing apartment that will be more convenient for her work with this woman. She soon finds that she is in over her head. It was quirky, but I’m not sure it was in a good way.

American Housewife by Anita Abriel

Appearances were everything in the 1950s. A talented young woman becomes a popular television star. She had to watch her Ps & Qs because it was all about morality. It was good.

The Best We Could Hope For by Nicola Kraus

Three children are abandoned by their mother because she feels her older sister can best care for them. She returns years later and turns everyone’s lives upside down. When the children are older, they go looking for answers. It was pretty good.

And then, I read nothing in May.

MK out.

Book Chat - 3/27/2025

I read several books this month and I’m here to tell you about them.

Happy After All by Maisey Yates

Amelia left her big city life and bought a motel to overcome her painful secret. One day, a rather mysterious man with painful secrets of his own, checks in to the motel. Things heat up in more ways than one in this book. It was cute.

Broken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead

After a television interview goes bad and goes viral, Willa needs a change of scenery. She returns to the town where she spent her childhood summers to pick up some of her mother’s belongings and walks right into a murder mystery. It was good.

The Rules of Fortune by Danielle Prescod

A billionaire dies unexpectedly. His daughter had been investigating her father’s past for a tribute video, but then learns some things about his business that threatens to destroy the family’s legacy. It was pretty good.

The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

A widower takes in a foundling and introduces her into his world of books. They help each other navigate life. The book has been adapted into a movie. You can watch it on Netflix.) It was an enjoyable read.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

In a small town in Missouri, girls are disappearing. A local boy saves one from getting taken, but ends up getting snatched instead. It was dark, twisty and very good. I think it is the best book I’ve read so far this year.

Something Like Fate by Amy Lea

Two best friends take a trip to Italy - one looking for her soulmate and one getting over his recent breakup. It was a delightful read.

MK out.

Book Chat - 3/14/2025

The following are the remainder of the books I read in February. In full disclosure, I did have two long airplane rides, too short ones, and all that time riding in a car all over New Zealand. A girl’s gotta have something to do…

When We Were Friends by Jane Green

A fairly recent divorcée (Lucy) meets a younger woman (Elle) with shared interests. Baby, come fast friends. After introducing L to her friends, Lucy notices that things are not quite what they seem. It’s a short story, and it was good.

When We Were Widows by Annette Chavez Macias

Yessica is very successful in her field, but after an outburst at work, she is placed on leave and ordered to take grief counseling. Meanwhile, her mom and grandmother need a place to stay while their home is being repaired following a plumbing accident. Can the three women coexist without killing each other? It was cute. 

Grave Talk by Nick Spalding

A woman who has lost her husband visits the gravesite one day. She meets the brother of the person who is buried next to her husband. As they continue to meet yearly at the cemetery, we follow their friendship over the next 10 years. It was very good.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

The fifth book in the Amgash Series brings together my current favorite, quirky characters – Lucy Barton, and Olive Kitteridge. We are entertained with the stories they share with one another, and learn more about the usual suspects. I think I may go back and read more of trouts books. Insight into the “lesser” characters in this series might be gained. Anyway, I loved this book.

Nobody’s Perfect by Sally Kilpatrick

Vivian hosts a YouTube channel called Mom Scouts as a way to celebrate the small wins in life. Upon learning that her husband has been cheating and lying to her for a while, she gets rip-roaring, drunk and posts a video that goes viral. Then she starts dealing with the fallout, aided by her neighbors. It was a fun read.

MK out.

Book Chat - 3/6/2025

I read many books in the month of February. Here’s a few:

The Autumn of Ruth Winters by Marshall Fine

Ruth Winters doesn’t think there’s much for which to look forward in the remaining years of her life. She’s retired and widowed. To fill her time she has been babysitting for the young mothers in her neighborhood. Then, a couple of blast from her past come calling. It was such a delightful read.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jiminez

A woman with a stalker, meets her across the breezeway neighbor when a construction company mistakenly demolishes the staircase leading to their apartments. Spark start flying between between the two, while they wait out the days it will be before a new staircase can be built. I enjoyed reading this novella.

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout 

Covid is coming, and William, Lucy‘s ex, whisks her way to Maine to wait out lockdown. Lucy is grieving the death of her second husband, David William is struggling with the separation from his youngest daughter, Brigitte. Together, they forge a new relationship and enjoy the company of Bob Burgess and his wife, Margaret. We learn more about the foursome and the other usual suspects in the Amgash Series. It was good.

Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson

Ainsley, the perfect wife and mother, and Nikki, the perfect mess seem an unlikely pair. The two come together to solve a situation that has a risen in Ainsley‘s life. It was a fun read.

Bummer Camp by Ann Garvin

Cat is summoned back to put out fires in the family business, despite having spent years distancing herself from it. Can she save the day? It’s quite the tall order. It was cute.

In the Company of Men by Carolyn Finch

In this historical novel, Etta Lynne lands a teaching job that was supposed to go to a man. The previous teacher was seemingly abducted, and until her whereabouts are known, the town wants to safeguard the womenfolk. Can she maintain her position, while enduring all kinds of discrimination and harassment? It was pretty good.

Hopefully, next week I will tell you about more.

MK out.

Book Chat - 2/20/2025

I have so many books on which to comment. It’s a bit overwhelming. Let me tell you about a few now.

 

Oh, William! By Elizabeth Strout

The story continues. Lucy Barton and her ex-husband William embark in an adventure to find the family he never knew he had. I loved it.

 

The Answer is No by Fredrik Bachman

How does Lucas, an introvert, get sucked into leadership on hi homeowner’s board? All he wants is a night of video games and his favorite Pad Thai (which must have peanuts!), but then he answers his door. It was a cute short story. I liked it.

 

The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman

Isabel and Johnny have set their wedding date three times, but something always seems to get in the way of the event happening. Will they ever get married? It was another short story, and it was enjoyable to read.

MK out.

Book Chat - 2/13/2025

Y’all! I’ve read ten books since the last time I’ve written. Let me tell you about the rest of the ones I read in January:

 

Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

The second in the series is a collection of short stories that give more insight into many of the characters that were introduced in the first book. I enjoyed reading it.

 

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

The book is based on the life of the author’s grandfather. It’s a fictionalized account of how the US government tried to pull a fast one over the Indians, and how the Indians dealt with it. I always enjoy reading Erdrich’s books. Her characters are so well crafted and interesting. I liked it very much.

 

The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

I read a later book by this author a few years ago and I loved it because the story took place in my hometown. Plus, it was a good story. I learned that the author actually lives close to the G; so, I checked out her first book, hoping her story location stayed local. It did!Jenny’s fiancé leaves her the day before she goes into labor. She is left to pick up the pieces and go on with her life, while navigating single motherhood. It was cute and I’m planning on reading all this author’s books in order of publication.

 

Alrighty then, I’ll be back someday to tell y’all about the books I e been reading in February.

 

MK out.

 

 

Book Chat - 1/16/2025

I only have one book to discuss today that I finished in the last week. I’ve already started the second one in the series of four.

 

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

Lucy is a grown woman who came from a humble, yet abusive background. She overcame her troubles and moved away. Now, she’s lying in a hospital bed in a prolonged recovery and her estranged mother comes to stay with her for a few days. There are tensions between the two, and some are examined. However, they mostly spend their time gossiping about people from the past and giving the nurses silly names – all the while talking around the substantive issues. I liked the quirky characters. The book is by the author who also wrote Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again. It was good.

 

We’re supposed to get colder weather again next week. Yay.

 

MK out.