Vacation Reads...

I'm not sure what it is, but when I'm on vacation inevitably I enjoy whatever it is I'm reading. Actually I finished the Quinn and Barton after we got back, but my brain is still in vacation mode. I probably wont write full reviews for each, but here are a few thoughts...

• Never Lie to a Lady by Liz Carlyle -- There are a handful of authors that always work for me, Liz Carlyle is one. I am a huge fan of Liz Carlyle's writing style and voice. Once again she delivers a winner, with smart and interesting lead characters and visits from some old favorites. And honestly, is Kemble not one of the best secondary characters in romances today?
• Son of the Morning by Linda Howard -- I reread this one after my husband finished it. He's promised to come up with a review. I think he liked it--he gave his brother a detailed synopsis and made it sound very interesting, so much so it was screaming for a reread. His last comment to me "The ending was predictable." I pointed out it's a romance it's supposed to be predictable.
• The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn -- I didn't know what to expect when I read this one. I didn't particularly like the last two books in the Bridgerton series. I'm starting to think I was in Bridgerton burn-out, because even though I didn't like the stories themselves, I still thoroughly enjoy her voice and style. This one worked for me.
• Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton -- This was my first Beverly Barton. I haven't decided whether or not it will be my last. Which may seem odd as I liked the book, but didn't particularly like the hero--a little too alpha for me. Which in and of itself is rather for me as I've not yet met an alpha I didn't like on some level. For those who didn't like Dante in Raintree Inferno you probably wont like Judah either. I'll leave it at that as I'm probably going to write a review/commentary on the entire series.

That's it for now, hoping the hubby will have something to post in the next day or so.

Have a good one and happy reading.

We're Back: The Good and The Bad

The Good--we had a fabulous time on vacation. Very relaxing, the weather was perfect, the beach was beautiful. We arrived at the Aquarium early enough to avoid the crowds. And, the breeze off the Connecticut River at the Seaport was amazing.

The Beach:



Mystic Seaport:



Mystic Aquarium:



The DH's brother and SIL moved to Rhode Island in November of last year. This was our first visit. And it was wonderful, they live 5 minutes from the beach, in a beautiful and fairly rural area. Their home is incredible, like visiting a B&B. We're hoping to go back before the end of the summer at least for a weekend.

The Bad--My sister's MIL passed away on Monday. The funeral is today. She'd been chronically ill for quite a while. We also found out my dad has a blockage in his carotid artery. Tests today and if it requires a procedure it will be done by the doctor that saved his life when the aneurysm ruptured in his abdomen.

More later...

PS--The DH finished Son of the Morning more to follow :)

Getting ready *edited*

I'm supposed to be packing. Instead I find myself Googling "Paul Potts". He's all over and yet I can't help but want to post his audition for Britain's Got Talent. I cry every time I play it.


A few other things before we leave,

1. The DH doesn't seem to be in love with Son of the Morning. I wont repeat the comments I've heard so far--none of them good.
2. The DH surprised me by coming home yesterday with To Kill A Mockingbird and announced he'd never read it.
3. The Child is bringing the stuffed animals from his bed. We're not really into them and never bought him that much. As a baby/toddler he didn't show a particular attachment for them. But it seems he likes the ones that sit on his bed... Snoopy, Teddy, Anthony Bear, Sean, Mr. Nobody, Big Froggy and Little Froggy have all found their way into the toy tub.
4. The child wants to go whale watching while we're in Rhode Island. I talked to the SIL and there aren't any close by this weekend. But we will be going to Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. We haven't been there since before The Child was born.
5. I'd like to go to Newport, but have a feeling the DH and the Child wont be as interested as I would be. I'd also love to take the ferry across to Long Island and head out to Montauk, which may sound a little strange considering we live in NY and will travel hours to reach the Adirondacks or Lake George, but it would take us 5+ hours to drive to Montauk and there's no way the hubby is sitting in Long Island traffic to get there.
6. I have no idea what books are coming with me. I'm going through a real dry patch nothing interesting me. I did get a call from the local bookstore yesterday some of the books I want are in. Maybe I'll pick them up, since the 200+/- on the TBR pile hold absolutely no interest for me.

We're leaving early tomorrow morning and should be back sometime during the week, but I do think I may be able to get on-line, so there might be some pictures and thoughts as we go.

***ETA*** The Best Friend's Mom called and invited Junior for the day, they're just back from vacation. The child has already been delivered w/bike. And I get to pack in peace :)

Have a great week and I'll catch up with everyone soon.