July is here and it is time for me to start catching you all up on the amazing reading I have been doing. I love reading backlist books. First, there is nothing better than chipping away at my endless TBR. Second, backlist books are typically easier to get at the local library. And lastly, the paperback edition is usually out, making them cheaper to buy. Today I am sharing two backlist beauties to grab for your summer reading!
Enjoy sweet friends!
xoxo,
Kelly
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This was our May #DEARBASICBUDDYREAD selection and it did not disappoint. In my opinion, Shadows of Pecan Hollow sort of fell through the cracks when it debuted in 2022. This under the radar book should not be missed though. It starts off in the 1970s when Kit Walker is abducted at age 13 by Manny Romero. Sadly, Kit welcomes his sense of security and he becomes the closest thing to family she knows. Before long, Kit becomes his partner -in-crime—one robbery after another. Their robberies become famous in the area and they are referred to as the Texas-Twosome. Things get deeper between the two of them and Kit finally reaches a point where his darkness feels like a threat— leading her to not only abandon him, but to start fresh on her own in the small town called Pecan Hollow. Kit sinks into small town living and the close-knit community for thirteen years, making a life for her and her daughter until Manny shows up at her doorstep.
This book started off with a dark and gritty vibe. Lack of family, living on the go, robberies, and Kit and Manny’s relationship left me with an icky feeling. I had it in my head that this was the trajectory, but was surprised when the story shifted to more of a small-town story where everyone knows everyone and always has your back. Pecan Hollow had a “slight” Stars Hollow feel with a darker edge. Manny coming back into the picture wasn’t as dim as I imagined and the story progressed in a satisfying manner. Frost did such a great job of capturing the atmosphere throughout the story and having a unique group of characters that added their own flare to what was going on. I highly recommend this book. The audio version is also well-done!
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This was my first Katherine Center book and certainly not my last. What I thought would be a straight-up rom-com turned out to be so much more. An old crush turns up as the new school principal at Samantha’s school, where she is the librarian, but he is not the same guy she dreamed about each night before she went to bed. This once fun-loving guy was now an absolute straight-edge jerk, and Sam wants to know what happened. What I love about this story is that it has all the classic rom-com elements we know and love but with some added baggage. The beauty of romance books is that they follow a classic prescription of two people who are going to end up with one another in some way. But of course, before that happy ending, they need to get over the obstacle or obstacles that are preventing them from sealing the deal. What You Wish For most definitely has those roadblocks, and they are ones I haven’t read about in a rom-com. Center blended into her story health issues and tragedies that are sadly relevant and, in some cases—all too common. The biggest takeaway from this gorgeous story was to CHOOSE JOY…and that made me happy!
*Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC receives a variety of advance reader copies of books from publishers and authors throughout the year in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
Kelly Fredericks (left) & Katie Augustine (Right) in Dallas, Texas
May 3, 2023
Happy Wednesday, Book Friends!
Katie @basicbsguide and I are here to announce the #𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐃𝐘𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐀𝐘 & 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄. But first, I am so excited to share that after five years of being internet friends and over two years of Co-Hosting our online book club, we are 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒! That’s right! Last week we had a gorgeous lunch in Dallas, TX, and got to know one another on a whole new level! I am grateful for our friendship and can’t wait to spend more time together IRL in the future! ❤️❤️ 𝐌𝐀𝐘’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 by Caroline Frost. This book came out last February and has been on my TBR ever since.
~ 𝘚𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝟷𝟿𝟽𝟶-𝟿𝟶𝘴 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘴, 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳-𝘪𝘯-𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘥𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴 by Colleen Hoover. I am excited that we found a Hoover book that we both haven’t read yet. This book came out in August 2020, and I am pumped to read it finally.
~ 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴. This is an online book club held on Instagram. Please DM me @dearmrhemingway or comment below to join. We will be reading at our own pace throughout the months with an EPIC Instagram chat for each book at the end! xoxo, Katie & Kelly
Click on the book pick to purchase!
Click on the book pic to purchase!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
April Showers Bring May Flowers…but first, let’s talk about my March reading life. Four debut novels, tons of audiobooks, a favorite author, and some backlist beauties paired with a cozy cup of tea filled all my bookworm needs. Here are some of the books I read and where I landed with each of them.
Whether you read one or 21 books this March, I hope you feel delighted with all the words you consumed!
xoxo,
Kelly
George’s debut novel, Maame,absolutely stole my heart, and the audio version was fantastic. Maddie is a character that I want to hug through the pages of the book. This delayed coming-of-age story lived up to the hype and gave me all the feels.
SYNOPSIS:
“It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced-stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare, and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting. When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts” She finds a flatshare, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it’s not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family and the perils–and rewards–of putting her heart on the line.”
Here is the deal, Appiah’s debut novel will land differently with each reader—heavy themes relating to motherhood, marriage, and expectations in life are deeply explored. She did an exemplary job exposing the darker side of parenting by not sugarcoating Efe or Sam’s emotional journey. Be prepared to have profound conversations about this story.
SYNOPSIS:
“On a Spring afternoon in London, Sam hops the stairs of his flat two at a time. There’s £1,300 missing from his and his wife, Efe’s, shared bank account, and his calls are going straight to voicemail. When he finally reaches someone, he learns Efe is nearly 5,000 miles away as their toddler looks around and asks, “Where’s Mummy?” When Efe and Sam met as teens headed for university, it seemed everyone knew they were meant to be. Efe, newly arrived in the UK from Ghana and sinking under the weight of her parent’s expectations, found comfort in the focused and idealistic Sam. He was stable, working toward a law career, and had an unwavering vision for their future. A vision Efe, now a decade later, finds slightly insufferable. From the outside, they’re the picture-perfect couple everyone imagined, but there are cracks in the frame. When Efe and Sam are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, they find themselves on opposing sides. Fatherhood is everything he has dreamed of, but Efe feels stuck in a nightmare. And when a new revelation emerges, they are forced to confront just how radically different they want their lives to be. Already swallowed by the demands of motherhood and feeling the dreams she had slipping away once again, Efe disappears.”
Hello, filthy rich people. Bea is on a mission to marry for MONEY and have it all. Being a con artist is in her blood, so lying and scheming is as simple as an obnoxious air kiss with people you despise. I LOVED this debut. It was juicy and entertaining and the perfect distraction from the busyness of life.
SYNOPSIS:
“Like any enterprising woman, Bea knows what she’s worth and is determined to get all she deserves–it just so happens that what she deserves is to marry rich. Filthy rich. After years of forced instruction by her mother in the art of swindling men, a now-solo Bea wants nothing more than to close and lock the door on their sordid partnership so she can disappear safely into old-money domesticity, sealing the final phase of her escape. When Bea chooses her ultimate target in the fully loaded, thoroughly dull, and blue-blooded Collin Case, she’s ready to deploy all of her tricks one last time. The challenge isn’t getting the ring but rather the approval of Collin’s family and everyone else in their 1 percent tax bracket, particularly his childhood best friend, Gale Wallace-Leicester. Going toe-to-toe with Gale isn’t a threat to an expert like Bea, but what begins as an amusing cat-and-mouse game quickly develops into a dangerous pursuit of the grisly truth. Finding herself at a literal life-and-death crossroads with everything on the line, Bea must finally decide who she really wants to be. Like mother, like daughter?”
Another debut filled with grandiose living and the ins and out of being rich. Pineapple Street was delightful to listen to on audio. If you are in the mood to bop around inside someone’s head a meander around their life in gorgeous Brooklyn—this one is for you.
SYNOPSIS:
“A deliciously funny, sharply observed debut of family, love, and class, this zeitgeisty novel follows three women in one wealthy Brooklyn clan Darley, the eldest daughter in the well-connected old-money Stockton family, followed her heart, trading her job and her inheritance for motherhood but giving up far too much in the process; Sasha, a middle-class New England girl, has married into the Brooklyn Heights family, and finds herself cast as the arriviste outsider; and Georgiana, the baby of the family, has fallen in love with someone she can’t have, and must decide what kind of person she wants to be.”
None Shall Sleep was our #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS March selection. I am calling this Silence of the Lambs “light”—perfect for the YA reader in your life. I enjoyed this one on audio!
SYNOPSIS:
“In 1982, two teenagers–serial killer survivor Emma Lewis and US Marshal candidate Travis Bell–are recruited by the FBI to interview convicted juvenile killers and provide insight and advice on cold cases. From the start, Emma and Travis develop a quick friendship, gaining information from juvenile murderers that even the FBI can’t crack. But when the team is called in to give advice on an active case–a serial killer who exclusively hunts teenagers–things begin to unravel. Working against the clock, they must turn to one of the country’s most notorious incarcerated murderers for help: teenage sociopath Simon Gutmunsson. Despite Travis’s objections, Emma becomes the conduit between Simon and the FBI team. But while Simon seems to be giving them the information they need to save lives, he’s an expert manipulator playing a very long game…and he has his sights set on Emma.”
Laura Cathcart Robbins’ memoir, 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘩: 𝘔𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, is her unimaginable story of addiction and journey to sobriety. Page by page, she details what her daily struggles with Ambien and alcohol looked like back in the day. This book BLEW MY MIND! Incredible on audio!
SYNOPSIS
“After years of hiding her addiction from everyone–from stockpiling pills in her Louboutins to elaborately scheduling withdrawals between PTA meetings, baby showers, and tennis matches–Laura Cathcart Robbins settles into a complicated purgatory. She learns the hard way that privilege doesn’t protect you from pain. Facing divorce, the possibility of a grueling custody battle, and internalized racism, Robbins wonders just how much more she can take. Now, with courage and candid openness, she reveals how she managed to begin the long journey towards sobriety and unexpectedly finding new love. Robbins harrowingly illustrates taking down the wall she built around herself brick by brick and what it means to be Black in a startingly white world.”
Alexis and Logan stole my heart. They both truly came into their own as their stories unfolded. Their fake dating, political dilemmas, and personal baggage make them so much more than a hot politician running for governor and a small-town school librarian. EEEEKKKK…LOVED THIS! Out May 9th!
SYNOPSIS:
“As a shy school librarian, Alexis Stone is comfortable keeping out of the spotlight. But when she’s dumped for being too meek–in bed!–she decides she needs to change. And what better way to kick-start her new, more adventurous life than with her first one-night stand? Enter Logan, the gorgeous, foul-mouthed stranger she meets at a hotel bar. Audacious and filterless, Logan is Alexis’s opposite–and boy, do opposites attract! Just as she’s about to fulfill her hookup wish, the hotel catches fire in a freak lightning storm. In their rush to escape, Logan is discovered carrying her into the street, where people are waiting with cameras. Cameras Logan promptly–and shockingly–flees. Alexis is bewildered until suddenly, pictures of her and Logan escaping the fire are all over the internet. Turns out Logan is none other than Logan Arthur, the hotshot candidate challenging the Texas governor’s seat. The salacious scandal is poised to sink his career–and jeopardize Alexis’s job–until a solution is proposed: he and Alexis could pretend to be in a relationship until election day…in two months. What could possibly go wrong?”
WOW! Charlotte Perkins Gilman was the original feminist. If the history of mental health pertaining to women fascinates you—this is a must-read. The intense imagery blew me away, and Gilman captured her protagonist spiraling into “madness” with an eerieness that I just can’t shake. Freaking brilliant!
SYNOPSIS:
“The Yellow Wallpaper is regarded as an important early work of American feminist literature, illustrating attitudes in the nineteenth century toward women’s physical and mental health. The story also has been classified as Gothic fiction and horror fiction. The story is written as a collection of first-person journal entries written by a woman whose physician husband has confined her to the upstairs bedroom of a house that he has rented for the summer. She is forbidden from working and has to hide her journal entries from him so that she can recuperate from what he calls a “temporary nervous depression-a slight hysterical tendency,” a diagnosis common to women in that period.
Her husband controls her access to the rest of the house. In the end, she imagines that there are women creeping around behind the patterns of the wallpaper and comes to believe that she is one of them. She locks herself in the room, now the only place where she feels safe, refusing to leave when the summer rental is up.”
This story was wonderful. I loved Jimenez’s leading characters, Alexis and Daniel. They had plenty of chemistry, lots of steam, and developed backstories that added to their “relationship.” Jimenez always manages to write great love stories that have an extra layer of drama and difficult subject matters. This time around, she brought attention to domestic abuse. She did a fantastic job incorporating a heavy topic in a gentle and sensitive manner. The cherry on top was not only a happy ending but a baby goat in PJs! Another winner from this auto-buy author of mine!
SYNOPSIS:
“After a wild bet, a gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddling with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come–the complete opposite of sophisticated city girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable. While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And with every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people. Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him, either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?”
I threw in some personal development this month. Dr. Hyman has been around for quite some time now and he is the guru on clean and wholesome eating. Despite it being very repetitive, I took away some new tips and ideas for my own health and wellness.
SYNOPSIS:
“The key to losing weight and keeping it off is maintaining low insulin levels. Based on Dr. Hyman’s groundbreaking Blood Sugar Solution program, The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet presents strategies for reducing insulin levels and producing fast and sustained weight loss. Dr. Hyman explains how to: activate your natural ability to burn fat — especially belly fat; reduce inflammation; reprogram your metabolism; shut off your fat-storing genes; de-bug your digestive system; create effortless appetite control; and soothe the stress to shed the pounds. With practical tools designed to achieve optimum wellness, including meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists, as well as step-by-step, easy-to-follow advice on green living, supplements, medication, exercise, and more, The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet is the fastest way to lose weight, prevent disease, and feel your best.”
*I received some of today’s books as advance reader copies from the author/publishers in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
Happy Saturday! Katie @basicbsguide and I have selected the 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 & 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 #𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐲𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬—just a reminder; these book chats take place on Instagram. You do need to have an account to participate. We are embracing all things YA for the win! I don’t typically gravitate towards this genre (probably because I have a bunch of teenage boys roaming around my house 24/7), but these two books sound AMAZING and pretty much guarantee something to talk about! I can’t wait 😃!!!
Tiffany D. Jackson’s debut is Allegedly, and I’ve ONLY heard fabulous things about it. Katie put None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney on my radar, AND the sequel, Some Shall Break, comes out in June, so we will be READY FOR IT! As always, this is a read-at-your-own-pace situation with a private group chat at the end of each month. You can join us for both books or just one… it’s up to you! 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩~ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘚𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘉𝘐 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲~ 𝘖𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘺𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘺, 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘛𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘋. 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘉. 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘭𝘺. DM me over on Instagram @dearmrhemingway, or leave a comment to join!
xoxo,
Kelly
Click on the book pic to purchase!
Click on the book pic to purchase!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
FINDING ME BY VIOLA DAVIS (HarperOne) CLICK ON THE PIC TO PURCHASE
February 16, 2022
Hello Book Family,
I am so excited to announce that the #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS FEBRUARY SELECTION is Finding Me by Viola Davis! Katie @basicbsguide and I were excited to pick this book and THRILLED when Viola Davis won a GRAMMY AWARD for her audiobook narration.
#DEARBASICBUDDYREADS is an online book club held on Instagram. Everyone reads or listens at their own pace, followed by a lively discussion via an Instagram private chat led by Katie and me. If you would like to join us in reading this memoir, please message me @dearmrhemingway on Instagram, and I will add you to our fabulous chat.
Check out the synopsis from the author:
“In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever.
This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.
As I wrote Finding Me, my eyes were open to the truth of how our stories are often not given close examination. We are forced to reinvent them to fit into a crazy, competitive, judgmental world. So I wrote this for anyone running through life untethered, desperate and clawing their way through murky memories, trying to get to some form of self-love. For anyone who needs reminding that a life worth living can only be born from radical honesty and the courage to shed facades and be . . . you.
Finding Me is a deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self. My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.”
Happy Reading!
xoxo,
Kelly
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
I hope everyone is settled into the new year. Today I am sharing our January selection for the #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS online book club. We will be taking it back a decade and reading Pines by Blake Crouch, which is the first in a trilogy. I loved 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 and 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, so why not see what this author’s backlist beauty is all about!!!! As always, we will be reading our selection at our own pace this January, followed by a private Instagram chat at the end of the month. Check out the synopsis below and come visit me on Instagram @dearmrhemingway to join. Cheers to all the fabulous reading in 2023! xoxo, Kelly 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 “ One way in. No way out. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrives in Wayward Pines, Idaho, with a mission: locate two federal agents who went missing in the bucolic town one month earlier. But within minutes of his arrival, Ethan is involved in a violent accident. He comes to in a hospital, with no ID, no cell phone, and no briefcase. As the days pass, Ethan’s investigation turns up more questions than answers: Why can’t he get any phone calls through to his wife and son in the outside world? Why doesn’t anyone believe he is who he says he is? And what is the purpose of the electrified fences surrounding the town? Are they meant to keep the residents in? Or something else out? Each step closer to the truth takes Ethan farther from the world he knew, from the man he was, until he must face a horrifying fact–he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive.”
Click on the book pic to purchase.
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
You are here, and I am not even the slightest bit mad about it. I am not one to wish a week away or time in general, but this week was a DOOZY! I traveled for a wedding this past glorious weekend. Even though I felt refreshed from the alone time spent with my hubby away from the kids, I started the week with a significant sleep deficit. Throw in a sick kiddo home ALL week and a few abandoned (and much-needed) routines, and my week was a bit off-centered. Instead of focusing on the things that frazzled me, I am cherishing the beautiful things that kept me grounded and put a smile on my face (AKA…spending more time with my youngest). And in case it slipped your mind, FALL BACK this weekend and set the clocks back one hour. The plus side to daylight savings is that we gain one magnificent hour of much-needed sleep. This dark and cold season is the perfect excuse to cuddle up by the fire, sip something warm, and get lost in a cozy tale.
Cheers, Friday!
xoxo,
Kelly
SHHH…CAN’T YOU SEE I’M READING
Click on the book pic to purchase!
It’s officially November and a new month equals a new #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS selection. For Non-fiction November, Katie and I chose Stolen by Elizabeth Gilpin. This memoir sounds absolutely harrowing, and I can’t wait to dive in. Some early feedback from readers in our group is that the audio version (read by the author) is very good. At this point, I am leaning toward listening, but will keep you posted when I get started. Our private group chat is held over on Instagram, so be sure to DM me at @dearmrhemingway over there to join us. If you want to watch Katie and I reveal this month’s pick LIVE, CLICK HERE! Be sure to check out the synopsis and READ WITH US!
SYNOPSIS:
“At fifteen, Elizabeth Gilpin was an honor student, a state-ranked swimmer and a rising soccer star, but behind closed doors her undiagnosed depression was wreaking havoc on her life. Growing angrier by the day, she began skipping practices and drinking to excess. At a loss, her parents turned to an educational consultant who suggested Elizabeth be enrolled in a behavioral modification program. That recommendation would change her life forever. The nightmare began when she was abducted from her bed in the middle of the night by hired professionals and dropped off deep in the woods of Appalachia. Living with no real shelter was only the beginning of her ordeal: she was strip-searched, force-fed, her name was changed to a number and every moment was a test of physical survival. After three brutal months, Elizabeth was transferred to a boarding school in Southern Virginia that in reality functioned more like a prison. Its curriculum revolved around a perverse form of group therapy where students were psychologically abused and humiliated. Finally, at seventeen, Elizabeth convinced them she was rehabilitated enough to “graduate” and was released. In this eye-opening and unflinching book, Elizabeth recalls the horrors she endured, the friends she lost to suicide and addiction, and–years later–how she was finally able to pick up the pieces of her life and reclaim her identity.”
I CAN’T HEAR YOU…I’M WEARING
HEADPHONES
I am not typically one to “drink the cool aid,” but I decided to take a sip of Taylor Swift’s latest album, and I am OBSESSED! I’ve had MIDNIGHTS playing in the background since it came out, and I LOVE IT. It’s fun, moody, has a bit of an edge, and works for me 100%. MAROON and YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN, KID, have been my favorites, but I adore all the songs. The best news is that she is going on tour again, and I hope to see her because she makes me feel oh so YOUNG again, and that’s a good thing!
NETFLIX & CHILL
I am in between shows, so my hubby and I are re-watching VEEP…a political comedy starring Julia Louise-Dreyfus. This is pee-in-your-pants-my-stomach-hurts-from-laughing kind of funny, and it’s perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. It is WILDLY inappropriate, so consider yourself forwarned. Click here to check it out.
WHAT THE HELL AM I MAKING THESE PEOPLE FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
My answer to that question is NOT MUCH! My enthusiasm for cooking this week was lower than low. I kept it simple by making a few go-to meals such as pot roast and burritos and added in a pizza night to keep things exciting. Tonight my plan is for the five of us to go out for dinner and catch up as a family—all in one place with no phones or places to escape. Now, I may not have executed an epic weeknight meal plan this week, but I did make fresh bread, and that is literally the GREATEST. Not only was it a cinch to make, but it made my house smell homey and like someone baked in it for hours. The best part of this bread is that it is delicious and only has FIVE INGREDIENTS! Because of this, I would advise using the beer you love and high-quality honey for this recipe. It will make a difference. Also, be sure to grease your pan EXTRA EXTRA. I did not, and the bread was hard to get out. I think I will use parchment paper next time. HERE IS THE RECIPE! Happy Baking!
I WRITE THE SONGS THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD SING
Still no songs…sorry. As I mentioned earlier, this week didn’t “flow” well for me. Hiding away and reading is my number one way to re-center myself. But a close second is writing and creating. The past few weeks, I’ve spent some time withBefore You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz and The Parent Compass by Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick, MA & Jenn Curtis, MSW. I have always been very selective about what books I write about for my blog. Not only do I put my heart and soul into what I am writing, but also A LOT of time. These two books still linger in my mind and could not be any more different. Be sure to click the links above and read what I said.
MUST I PARENT THESE CHILDREN?
Click on the book pic to purchase!
YUP!!!!!! This is happening! For the love of GOD, I CAN NOT believe that I have entered this new-to-me arena of parenting. I just picked up this book from various parenting sites after reading about how wonderful it is. This is Fiske’s 39th Edition, so it’s safe to say it’s a good one. If you are beginning this process with your kiddo or will be in the next year or so, keep this book in mind. It has a 2-3 page write-up on almost every college in the United States. The information provided is the perfect combination of stats (acceptance rate, cost, financial aid, etc.), the primary focus of studies, student life, campus offerings, and more. I find this book easy to navigate, with digestible information that does not overwhelm me. It is also great for your college-bound kid to poke through. Because it is one “chunky monster,” it can be used as a doorstop once your teen gets into college!
FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE
Have you noticed an increase in junk mail lately? I am baffled at the waste whenever I grab the mail from our box. Junky advertisements, random papers, and piles of catalogs fill my poor mailbox to its breaking point. This, of course, does not include the essential pieces of mail, such as bills and cards—things I want to be able to find. As I thumbed through last night’s pile of crap, a few noteworthy catalogs caught my eye. Even though I’ve seen these stores and ordered from them occasionally, I usually don’t give them a second glance before sending them to the recycling bin. However, Halloween is officially behind us (PRAISE BE), and I am dreaming of the holiday season. So when I spied candy canes, ornaments, and whimsical garland on a glossy page out of the corner of my eye, my heart skipped a beat. I quickly nestled those magical-looking catalogs under my arm, grabbed a cozy glass of red, and beelined over to the couch. I flipped through every one of these catalogs reading through each description as if it was a holiday romance novel while allowing the sparkling images to occupy my mind. I sat cuddled on my couch dreaming about reindeer sheets and a poinsettia quilt draped on my bed, holiday lights dangling from every window, cozy fires created from perfectly stacked wood piles next to the fireplace (meanwhile, I have an electric fireplace), and Christmas trees decked out in various themes in EVERY room of my house (even the bathroom). Do I want to buy everything in these catalogs? YES! Will I buy anything from these catalogs? NO! Here is the thing— these catalogs provided me with 20 minutes of pure joy. And yes, after I finished swooning over the plaid blankets lined with faux fur and stockings hung with care on overdressed mantels, I delivered these bad boys straight to the recycling bin—but not without thanking them first!
I am so happy to announce our #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS NOVEMBER PICK. We will be reading Stolen, by Elizabeth Gilpin. There is no doubt in my mind that this memoir won’t spark the most intense conversations. Check out the WILD synopsis below and head on over to @dearmrhemingway on Instagram to join. If you want to watch Katie and I announce this pick LIVE, CLICK HERE. As always, this is a read at your own pace situation followed by a private Instagram chat at the end of the month. COME READ WITH US!
xoxo, Kelly 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 “At fifteen, Elizabeth Gilpin was an honor student, a state-ranked swimmer and a rising soccer star, but behind closed doors her undiagnosed depression was wreaking havoc on her life. Growing angrier by the day, she began skipping practices and drinking to excess. At a loss, her parents turned to an educational consultant who suggested Elizabeth be enrolled in a behavioral modification program. That recommendation would change her life forever. The nightmare began when she was abducted from her bed in the middle of the night by hired professionals and dropped off deep in the woods of Appalachia. Living with no real shelter was only the beginning of her ordeal: she was strip-searched, force-fed, her name was changed to a number and every moment was a test of physical survival. After three brutal months, Elizabeth was transferred to a boarding school in Southern Virginia that in reality functioned more like a prison. Its curriculum revolved around a perverse form of group therapy where students were psychologically abused and humiliated. Finally, at seventeen, Elizabeth convinced them she was rehabilitated enough to “graduate” and was released. In this eye-opening and unflinching book, Elizabeth recalls the horrors she endured, the friends she lost to suicide and addiction, and–years later–how she was finally able to pick up the pieces of her life and reclaim her identity.”
Click on the book pic to purchase!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
You are here again, and I am not mad about it. Monday holidays always throw me off and completely mess with my head. I basically had no clue what the date was or what day it was ALL WEEK. It all worked out because I began tackling my house. My goal for the next full year is to GET RID OF STUFF and to be more mindful of what we purchase and bring into our home moving forward. If it does not serve my family or me… it’s gone. I do not want to stare at odds and ends around the house. I do not want closets overflowing with all of our “things.” I do not want a basement bursting at the seams with crap we threw down there to avoid dealing with. I do not want my digital life to be so abundant that it needs to be stored in some imaginary cloud that I don’t know how to access. I want to feel lighter. I want my head to be clear. I want to be organized. I want an uncluttered life. This will take a lot of time, but I am determined! I also have three teenage boys, so please pray for me 😂😂. If you are looking for a great book on minimizing all the garbage in your life…check out LOVE PEOPLE USE THINGS.
Click on the pic to get it!
Ok…on with all the good stuff from the week!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
Kelly
SHHH…CAN’T YOU SEE I’M READING
Click on the book pic to check it out!
I am in the middle of reading The Chain by Adrian McKinty for the #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS October book. It is a super fast read with short chapters to gobble up. So far, the pacing is quick, and the storyline is holding my interest. Fingers crossed, it continues in this direction. If you are on Instagram, CLICK HERE for more information on how to join our online discussion this month. I am also FINALLY reading Zibby Owens’ memoir, Bookends. I am a big fan of Zibby, her passion for great books and authors, and all her contributions to the literary world. I also enjoy writing for her publication…ZIBBY MAG (formerly MOMS DON’T HAVE TIME TO) and being a part of the ZIBBY MAG writing community. Read my funny piece about “getting it on” in the middle of the day…RIGHT HERE!
I CAN’T HEAR YOU…I’M WEARING HEADPHONES
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
I am currently reading/listening to the final book in the Beartown Trilogy. Backman is hands down…one of my favorite authors. I received an advanced copy of The Winners last spring, and guess what? I couldn’t read it. I stared at it every day but did not want to read it because reading it would be the end, and I could not face the end of this story. I am sure the publishers were thrilled with this 😂. Anyway, I am s-l-o-w-l-y alternating between listening and physically reading this book. I am savoring EVERY moment, EVERY character, and EVERY sentence 🥲.
On an entirely different note, I listened to a fantastic episode from Jen Hatmaker’s For The Love Podcast titled THE MOST EMPOWERING THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX & YOUR BODY WITH EMILY NAGOSKI. I highly recommend this episode, but listen with headphones on 😂. It’s empowering, educational, truthful, eye-opening, and just plain fun! I am now interested in checking out Emily Nagoski’s best-selling book, Come As You Are. I mean, why not make sure we are doing everything and anything to have the most incredible sex ever. I’ll keep you posted.
NETFLIX & CHILL
So last week, I shared that I listen to Caroline Kepnes’ book, YOU. I just finished binge-watching season one of the NETFLIX version,and it did not disappoint. It followed the book mostly, with a few changes here and there. I am a big fan of Penn Badgley (Hello Dan from Gossip Girl). I am not allowing myself to watch the next season until I read the second book, Hidden Bodies. However, from what I gathered, you could probably just cut to the chase and watch the series and call it good if you do not feel like reading the books. There are only so many hours in a day.
Another show I must recommend that I caught up on this summer is PHYSICAL on AppleTV. One of my besties recommended this, and I’ve been hooked. In my opinion, this show is underrated and needs more attention because it is the absolute bomb! The 80s vibe is out of this world, and the characters are entirely nuts, 100% unreliable, and will drive you CRAZY! Despite their awfulness, though, you will fall in love with them. The show tackles eating disorders, sexual abuse, and so much more with the 80s mindset and diet culture front and center. If you are sensitive to this subject matter, then take a pass. If not, have at it. It’s a hoot! There are two seasons, and the episodes are under 30 minutes. For this one, you will probably want to dust off your old exercise videos, High-Top Reeboks, and VCRs!
WHAT THE HELL AM I MAKING THESE PEOPLE FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Today I am sharing a SLAM-DUNK RECIPE. It’s another dump-all-the-ingredients-in-the-crockpot situation and is a real crowd-pleaser. So this Instant Pot Short Rib Black Bean Chili can be made in an instant pot or a crockpot. I did the ladder, and it rocked! The short ribs give this chili a little “something-something” that separates it from your run-of-the-mill ground beef versions. At the end of the cook cycle, the short ribs shred effortlessly with the back of a fork. Chef’s Kiss! I highly recommend this for game day or busy week nights!
I WRITE THE SONGS THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD SING
I am sorry to say that I am still not writing any songs. However, I am waiting to hear back on a few more pieces I submitted for publication while writing many other fun things. In the meantime, I loved this piece by Fridrik Backman in the New York Times. And if you need a bit more Backman in your life, check out what I had to say about one of his leading ladies RIGHT HERE!
MY BODY’S A TEMPLE…BLAH, BLAH, BLAH
My body IS a temple, and I lifted weights this week to honor it four times. I will say that lifting weights makes me feel fantastic, and I enjoy doing it. Right now, I have a membership with BEACHBODY. There are tons of workout programs to choose from that are either single workouts or specific programs that last for a particular duration (i.e., 6 wks/5 days a week, etc.). I love the variety of programs, recipes, and nutritional plans they have and highly recommend this if you want to work out at home. They also have accountability coaches and private social media communities for inspiration and support if that’s your jam. This currently seems to work for me, so I am just going with it. I am severely lacking in the cardio arena, so that is my mission for next week. I must add that I do not work for BEACHBODY or am an affiliate for them. I’m just a happy customer sharing.
FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE
Friday I’m in love. Yes, I named this blurb after The Cure’s song. They are, after all, my favorite band ever! So what am I in love with this week? TEA! That’s right, good old fashion hot tea to sip on during the day because it is getting COLD here in Maine. One fun fact about me is that I am a collector of teas. I am a sucker for a new flavor, gorgeous packaging, and if it comes in a quaint tin can…I’m buying it! I own more tea than I can drink, and I love it! My latest find is CARMEL APPLE by The Republic of Tea. It is caffeine free and tastes like a cozy fall day in a mug. If I feel wild, I add a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk to elevate my tea-drinking experience. Can you say DELICIOUS? I sometimes find seasonal flavors like this one at TARGET or WHOLE FOODS. It is hit or miss. If your stores do not sell this flavor, you can always grab it RIGHT HERE!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
You are here, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share my days with you with my FIRST-EVER Weekly Love Letter. This week has been another lesson in “adapting” to the new school schedule for my boys while juggling the everyday tasks of working, managing homework, driving my boys EVERYWHERE (thank God one has his license), pretending to keep up with the ENDLESS piles of dirty laundry, and figuring out what to make for dinner AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. I swear, if the laundry crisis in my home doesn’t break me, coming up with dinner plans will. Oh, and did I mention…I adopted a duck?????
I was 100% on point the past few days ( not my typical reality) with planning, organizing, and executing new professional adventures for my reading and writing life. This weekly love letter is one of my latest creations. Here is the deal…Life is hard, and it doesn’t blink an eye when it drenches us with monotonous tasks and uninvited stress. And while I do not believe every day needs to feel like a trip to the Magic Kingdom, it is VITAL to experience sparks of joy throughout the day that nourish you inside and out.
It wouldn’t be human if I didn’t admit to saying that I, more often than not… look forward to the weekend. I mean, duh, of course, I do. But as crappy as some of my days feel, I DO NOT want to wish them away just to get to Saturday & Sunday. Number one, this ages me faster, and I prefer to remain youthful for as long as possible. And two, it is not living in the present moment, which I so desperately work on doing EVERY DAMN DAY (it’s wicked hard, people).
So without further ado, here is Dear Friday! I hope it brings you great pleasure and unexpected delight.
xoxo,
Kelly
SHHH…CAN’T YOU SEE I’M READING
I just finished reading Yellow Wife by Sedeqa Johnson for the September #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS, and it was 5-star fabulous. It’s a historical fiction novel set on a slave plantation/jail. Johnson’s book has a very strong sense of place and time. It is utterly heartbreaking and 100% maddening. The characters are raw and hauntingly beautiful, and their stories will linger in your mind long after you finish the last page. If you love The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, then Yellow Wife is for you. I CAN NOT recommend it enough. It is also under 300 pages, so it is not only quick but also packs a punch in a short period of time! Make this book happen. Also, grab a copy of The Chain by Adrian McKinty. It is our October Selection for #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS. Head on over to INSTAGRAM to sign up for our end-of-the-month chat.
I CAN’T HEAR YOU…I’M WEARING HEADPHONES
You by Caroline Kepnes has been on my TBR for a while now. I have been tailoring my reading to match the season, and I think “A Stalker” fits in beautifully with the spooky vibes of October. I do not put much stock into star ratings, but I believe this book fits the bill for 5 BIG ONES. It’s 100% literary, for one. Think quintessential NYC bookstore, writers bopping around the city working on their MFAs quoting famous writers, and reading THE NEW YORKER like it’s the Bible while completing the NEW YORK TIMES Sunday crossword puzzle in pen. The characters are needy, greedy, a tad bit narcissistic, and over-the-top messy. Kepnes’ book is a beautiful mix of sexy and creepy, and I could not stop listening. I am psyched that there are two more books in the series and a rumored 4th. You has also been adapted to the screen and is on NETFLIX. More on that later. Lastly, I enjoy listening to my books on Libro.fm because they support local bookstores. Feel free to use my referral code. I am not an affiliate, just sharing a great app.
NETFLIX & CHILL
Ok, so how about HULU & CHILL for today? Let’s be clear. There is no real “chilling” going on here. Just pure trying-to-get-through-one-episode-a-night-without-falling-asleep kind of watching, either alone or with my hubby. I just finished watching CANDY on HULU, and it was phenomenal. This mini-series is based on the 1980 murder in which Candy Montgomery was accused of murdering her friend Betty Gore with an axe 😳. Here is the scoop. Jessica Beil is sensational in this. The late 70s early 80s depiction was so freaking on point. The color palate was orange, yellow, brown, and avocado green. The eyewear was heavy and thick…think coke-bottle glasses. The characters were mysterious, raw, and totally depressing in the best possible way. The camera work was wicked cool and gave me all the DEXTER vibes. I thought the graphics were done exceptionally well, focussing more on the story itself and not on a ton of disturbing imagery. The “murder” was definitely…SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. I am still processing all the details. The best part of this show is that you are in and out in five episodes, and if you pay close attention…you may even spot Justin Timberlake in the cast 😮.
WHAT THE HELL AM I MAKING THESE PEOPLE FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
I have realized that I will be making dinner every damn night until I die unless we go out or get takeout…so basically, FOREVER! I am sharing a recipe I made this week that is SOOOO EASY. It’s a dump-in-the-crockpot-and-go situation, and it’s good. This Chicken Taco Chili is the bomb. Serve it over fluffy rice (or cauliflower rice if you are keeping it tight) with shredded cheese, guacamole, and a piece of cornbread for good measure. It tastes EVEN BETTER the next day and freezes like a champ. You are welcome! CLICK HERE AND START COOKING…I mean, dumping 😂
I WRITE THE SONGS THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD SING
Yeah, so…I don’t actually write songs. Instead, I write about books I love, life in general, and I’m maybe even working on a book or two 🤷♀️. Today though, I am THRILLED to share my latest piece published on Grown & Flown. It’s about my couch, seriously. Doesn’t that sound CAPTIVATING??? In all honesty, it is a love letter to all the messy couches out there and to all the moms who stress over keeping them tidy. Instead of focusing on catalog-worthy couches with gorgeous faux fur blankets and pillows strewn about, let’s pivot our mindset and appreciate the memories that are being made on this central piece of furniture and all the respite it provides us from our fast-paced world and over-scheduled lives. See…now you are intrigued 🥰! READ IT RIGHT HERE!
MY BODY’S A TEMPLE…BLAH, BLAH, BLAH
Oh my God, it kind of is, and I am TRYING to do all the things for myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s a process, friends. Two things for you this week. Number one, drink water! I am hit or miss with this one. I can say that when I drink A LOT of water each day, I see and feel a difference in myself. The numbers on the scale go down, and I am less hungry and feel less tired. I have zero clue about the science behind the whole “water” thing. Do we drink half of our body weight in ounces, or do we lug around a huge and, might I add, obnoxious GALLON water bottle with ridiculous reminders written on the side (which we apparently need)? I do not know. What I do know is that if you are consciously drinking water throughout the day and inconvenienced by MULTIPLE trips to the restroom (especially when you are driving), then you are probably drinking enough 🤷♀️!
I am also expanding my personal development reading these days. I am finishing up an Advance Reader Copy of The Book of Boundaries by the lovely Melissa Urban (CEO/Founder of the Whole30). I am beginning to believe that boundaries are EVERYTHING, especially as you get older. This book comes out next week and is one for your shelf. Big thanks to Random House for hooking me up with this gem. You can pre-order it RIGHT HERE!
FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE
That’s right, my sweet friends. It is Friday, and I am here to share what I’m in love with this week. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice…That’s What Dreams Are Made of. Am-I-Right? So I truly love making my coffee and have been playing around with making my cup align with the whole PSL season. I do not like sugary-tasting coffee, so most of my coffee-enhancing purchases have been failures. That all came to a screeching halt this week when I purchased Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Flavored Oat Beverage. I have found my winner. It is light with just a touch of sweetness, and I am 1000% obsessed with it. A splash of this in your coffee will bring you much joy…I promise! Make this “milk” happen!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
