Sam and her family went to Minneapolis today so Finn and Ivy spent the afternoon here at the farm. Moe, Telly, Hazel, Keeper, Finn and Ivy – what a ride on the wilderness trail!
And it was 60 degrees here!
Remember those flower garden blocks I’m cutting down? Here are those scraps:
So I cut them up and here’s what I’ve got so far:
I don’t know where it’s going from here.
Another women’s basketball game tonight with a disappointing ending – Texas clobbered Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship. Both teams played in the championship in 2023 and Iowa State won that game so now it’s even.
Speaking of basketball:
Book Club tomorrow morning and I just finished a good one this afternoon while I watched the dogs play.
Just look up what Amazon has to say – I did not figure it out until nearly the very end. And I was shocked. I want to read more from this author.
Should we talk good books? Not classics that you’ve posted here in the past but one book you’ve read recently – give me the name and author of the best book you’ve read in the past 6 months. I’ll post as I receive them. Not 4 books – 1 book. Not 5 years ago – within the last 6 months. Those are the rules.
The Things We Leave Unfinished – Rebecca Yarros … I’m a big fan of historical fiction & I’ve been reading quite a bit of WW2 era novels in the past few years, so this was right up my alley w/ parallel story lines. Loved the ending so much that I had to go back & read the last few chapters again. Definitely recommend!
I grabbed This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger off my bookshelf to have something to read at a doctor’s office, and I can’t put it down. I also just finished listening to Fifty-Four Pigs by Philipp Schott, a mystery with a main character who is a veterinarian. It was good and I expect to read his next book, Nine Llamas.
Idea for your pieced leftovers from flower blocks: use as part of border at corners of quilt. Karla T’s “old postcard” quilt pictured on 3-11 used HST this way in her border with all the pink. Aren’t some borders called piano key when there are multiple thin strips used? Your quilts always look like you planned them out, sure it will be another fine finish.
We are greatful for the bit of rain we’ve had here overnight in north Iowa. Hopefully the fire hazard warnings are done at least. Now you get to deal with the muddy paws, though!
Have a great day, Mary.
Last month I read the first in a series: The Star and the Shamrock by Jean Grainger. Need to go the the library and get the next one in the series. And, I need to read The Women by Kristen Hannah, must be good if several have liked it!
The Lost Hours, by Karen White
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall was recommended to me as a “must read” and it did not disappoint. I have read many excellent books in the past year—hard to pick just one when I want to recommend several! I’ll be making note of the other suggestions here!!
Forgot to say, my husband went fishing today on Lake St. Clair near the Selfridge Airforce Base. At five pm, they played the National Anthem and it could be heard by many on the lake. My husband said he stood up in his boat and removed his cap as did other fishermen. Isn’t that great?
Sunflower – yes, that is sooo great!!!
My Dad was stationed at Selfridge in the 50s!
Patricia,
There is great fishing there in Lake St. Clair. About 45 minutes from where i live in Lake Orion.
Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
Mary,
Wow, great list of books. I noted several to get from library and put several on hold. Thanks! And I loved the basketball cartoon.
Beautiful day here. Biscuit and I thinned out the raspberries and set some aside for my daughter’s garden. He wasn’t actually very helpful! And he went into the pond and so was stinky!! He had an exciting day, starting with seeing the kids at the bus stop and received many hugs and pets. Later, we walked to the police station to drop off some expired medication from my mom’s house. The station is an old church and Biscuit was happy to go in and say hello! Then we worked in the garden and greeted the chickens several times. He’s a little afraid of them so they’re safe, plus they’re fenced in.
I’m continuing with my Easter table runner but the garden is really calling!
Take care everyone.
Mary, have you read Dog Gone It by Spencer Quinn?
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
I thought this was a very enjoyable read from an unexpected point of view.
The Good Daughter by Karen Slaughter
5 stars
I just finished reading the book West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. It was very good.
I just finished “The Words Between Us” by Eric Bartels, published 2019. It kept my attention, and I will be looking for others by this author.
For Christmas this year, my Dad gave me a book that I am REALLY enjoying! It’s not a novel, so I’m not sure if this really counts, Mary!!
It’s called “The One Year Christian History” by E. Michael & Sharon Rusten. It’s obviously a daily reader. Very interesting page & a half each day about well-known, unknown, and everyday people! Very well written!
I read Mistress of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles which is the last of three in the series. I have read a lot of her books and have enjoyed them very much.
The Judge’s List by John Grisham
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller
5 stars!
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
I’ve never read a story told this way and it was fascinating. I “read” it on audiobook — twice in a row! I literally started over as soon as it ended – and I STILL missed some clues to the mystery!
The Women by Kristen Hannah
Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.
There was a great movie made from this book as well.
I would have to say my favorite that I have read this winter is…My Sister’s Keeper. It is a 20-year-old book by Jodi Picoult, a New York Times best seller that was made into a movie, which I have not seen.
I was happy to see so many have read West With Giraffes. I read it too a while back and love it.
Mary…I love what you are doing with the left-over vintage fabrics.
I love virtually anything by Jodi Picoult ! I found My Suster’s Keeper so interesting as it really wrestled with some important ethical issues.
I Know A Secret by Tess Gerritsen
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. About a boy with ocular albinism who faces bullying, friendship, and faith. Finished last month definitely a Five Star rating.
Looks like everyone had a fun day on the Wilderness Trail.
Spring feeling in New England this week, daffodils are popping and the singing Wren’s are back.
Sheila in MA
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah historical fiction about the Vietnam war nurses, heavy read!
I’m excited to read your book. I read your blog daily, just don’t reply a lot.
Thank you!
Just finished reading Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. A historical fiction about a midwife in Maine back in the 1700. Based on a true life. A 2024 release, and it took a while before I got it from the library.
Barb K – I just received this book yesterday from Amazon
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Ooo, books!! The list of book titles peaking my interest is longer than the number of quilt projects that catch my eye. In both cases not all will be done, and some that no longer interest me are dropped from the list . . . where new ones appear. A few comments on books already listed:
Donna Jo, the first book I read by Amor Towles was A Gentleman in Moscow – absolutely loved it. Other books by him have paled for me.
Shirley, the first book I read by Marie Benedict was The Only Woman in the Room – impressive, smart woman. Since, I’ve read several more, enjoyed all, and will return to read more by her.
Mary H. , thanks for the title West with Giraffes, which I will pass along to a friend, who loves giraffes and is an avid reader. Likewise, The Women recommended by several, a title I’ll pass along to another friend, as well as going on my list.
Lessons in Chemistry was a good read that goes beyond just science.
Kathy H., already ordered from the library: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry. Love C.S. Lewis, fan of the Narnia series, and Oxford, England.
Sorry to be so long winded. My recommendations: All the Beauty in the World by Peter Bringley, Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh, and the Highland Bookshop Mystery Series by Molly MacRae that takes place in Scotland. (I think this one came from a recommendation on this blog awhile ago.)
Thanks Mary, for spending time doing the blog about so much.
Jan E.
Jan – did you read the directions? One book for this list
Jan A Gentleman in Moscow is coming out as a movie on one of the streaming services.
Hi MAry,
Recently read “The Women” by Kristin Hanna. Very engaging, fast read.
I love to read almost anything, but one of the best books for me was Gather by Kenneth Cadow, a Young Adult novel about a kid and a dog.
Go as a River by Shelley Read
The Women by Kristin Hannah
One of the very best books I’ve ever read! Viet Nam era.
I can’t believe it’s only been 10 years since you closed the shop! Happy 10th retirement anniversary! Are you busier now than you were then?🤣
I read Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and loved it. It takes place in MIchigan.
I’ll have to recommend that to my sister! She’s a librarian in MI!!
Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. I had tears at the end. 5 stars!
I liked this one too, and want to read more books by Anne Napolitano. I could somewhat relate to it because I have three sisters of which I am the third of four, but our growing up was quite different. I’m very close to all my sisters and try to see them as often as I can get down to Florida . we all grew up there, but I didn’t move back as I can’t take the heat!
Loved this book!!!! I read “Dear Edward” too, very moving reads.
‘The Girl from Guernica’ by Karen Robards. Based on history (WWII) Robards and Linda Howard are my favorite authors
First Lie Wins was such a fun read. The author is Ashley Elston and two others. Highly recommend!
West with giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
How clever of you to use your flower garden scraps
Book, The Only Woman In The Room, by Marie Benedict.
Excellent. And you like me may not figure something out till later in the book.
Shirley if you have Netflix, there is a documentary about Heddie Lamar called Bombshell. Very good.
Lessons in Chemistry
Loved this, read it for book club!
Another favorite of mine!
Loved the series on TV, too!
I just finished Kristin Hannah’s new book ‘The Women.’ I had a hard time putting it down. It’s a long overdue historical fiction of a young woman’s experience in Viet Nam as a nurse. Heart wrenching, powerful, horrific, deep friendships and REAL patriotism. Those nurses were heroes. A roller coaster story that left me in tears several times. My husband is a Viet Nam vet and still talks very little about his experiences. The book gave me better insight into his experiences 50 years ago.
Reading this now for book club, and it’s great but heavy!
I also had a hard time putting The Women by Kristin Hannah down ! A very insightful look back in time!
Abandoned by Anya Peters
A little graphic at times but mesmerizing to read & understand how dysfunctional some families are behind closed doors.
The Family Across the Street by Nicole Trope.
Took me awhile to figure this one out too. I have read several of her books. Always leave you guessing.
Brenda Ks – I don’t know when I’ve read a book that kept me completely baffled until the end. I will look for more by this author.
Everyone I have read kept me guess until the end.
My recent favorite book: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry
I just finished The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel. WWII France – wonderful book, made me cry, and I haven’t cried at a book for a couple years. Jo Kramer had recommended it in her blog.
Next up was The Cottage at Glass Beach. Good read, but the ending left me hanging. too many loose ends left to MY Imagination.
Enjoying spring break with my grandkids. Such nice weather, we can play outside. I SO want to clean out flower beds, but know better. I have a small flower bed outside my sewing room that is going to get new edging this year. I could do that while the weather is nice. Supposed to be bad storms tonight. As usual, we shall see. lol
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
This is my choice, too. Great story, and wonderful writing!
I totally agree, The Women by Kristen Hannah. An excellent book that even my husband couldn’t put down.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I liked this one too, and have read some other things by her that were good. We read it in our neighborhood book club too.
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. This was the best I’ve read in some time.
I loved this book, too.
I also loved this book.
I LOVED West With Giraffes!!
The Covenant of Water
Abraham Verghese
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This is my reccomendation also. Enjoyed the book.
I’m listening to this book right now and it’s so good. I graduated in nursing in 1973 so I missed out on Vietnam opportunities. I think I would have joined the service if I had graduated in the 60s earlier. But it went right from school into ICU nursing so I can appreciate some of this young nurses shock. I lost 15 pounds in three months of working! But I loved the work.
I read her book the Nightingale a few years back and loved it as well.
We are reading it right now for book club! Great book!!!!
The Women by Kristin Hannah is my recommendation too.
Great Book: Bee Sting by Paul Murray
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.
That’s on my list to read Rosalie! I finished A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and just started Rules of Civility by him. Have you read these yet?
Didn’t much like Rules of Civility, but loved Lincoln Highway
The Ride of Her Life byElizabeth Letts
I loved this book, we read it for my book club, great read!
I agree; that was a good true story.
I read “The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer. Loved it! It’s about a young woman, hired by families to help a family member die peacefully. So thought provoking!
Overkill by Sandra Brown
The Caretaker by Ron Rash.
The Rail Splitter and Old Abe, both by Cribb. Old Abe is probably my favorite book of all time!
The Friendship Bread by Darien Gee
Once Upon a Town by Bob Greene.
I love reading about history, especially since my Uncle Norman, while in the Army, helped test the bomb.
San / Murphy, N.C. / Sunny and warming up. The pear trees are blooming.
Genesis: God, Creation, and Destruction by Dennis Prager. Absolutely fantastic, his logic is sound, and his writing is easily understood. I mostly read mysteries but I literally could not put this down.
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is my best book.