Friday Fun - October 22, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I'm starting Crazy for Christmas by Penny Zeller. This is the newest book in her Love in Cloverdale Falls series, and it just released this week.

I'm also starting Royal Chef's Kiss by Mandy Boerma. This is book two in her Nevive Castle series.

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my First Line Friday selections:

Crazy for Christmas by Penny Zeller:

"Nothing could ruin this day. Absolutely nothing."

Why did I have a feeling this day was going to be ruined somehow.

Royal Chef's Kiss by Mandy Boerma:

"Who would have guessed that sumac, not the poisonous kind, obviously, would be pleasant in mashed potatoes?"

Okay, so I didn't know there were different kinds of sumac. And, no, I would have thought of putting sumac in my mashed potatoes. I needed to find out more about this intriguing ingredient.

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here is my selection from page 56 or 56% of the way through the book:

Crazy for Christmas by Penny Zeller:

"Dad thumbed at his chest. 'Me? I'd never breathe a word to Maeve about scanners. Can you imagine?'

'As of now, I don't think she even knows they exist, but if she found out, her CFI business could be trouble. Can you imagine her showing up at every call?'

'Not every call,' said Kirby, 'just the interesting ones. Those three women showing up in that van hoping to get the scoop and offering to provide backup.'"

Royal Chef's Kiss  by Mandy Boerma:

"Warmth filled him. She liked mushrooms. They didn't swap cooking tips too much anymore, but that she was willing to try something different--as the children had made him feel like he was poisoning them when he made them soup--it made a difference.

Tucking his phone away, he headed to the kitchen. He'd respond later. For now, he had time to regroup. To savor her thoughtful words as he worked on new desserts for the competition."

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: What's the creepiest book you've read that isn't officially horror, but gave you chills?

My answer: I would have to say several of Jaime Jo Wright's books would count here. 

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

Last week I shared about two books. Here are my reviews:

Ghosts We Unmask by Chelsea Michelle

Secrets in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell

I also finished a book I shared about two weeks ago. Here is that review:

In Fairy Tales & Fraud by Heather Tabers

Friday Fun - October 16, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I'm starting an eARC of Ghosts We Unmask by Chelsea Michelle. This is the newest book in the Watson Twins Mystery series which releases on October 19th. This is the fourth mini mystery, but there are also full length mysteries in the series as well.

I'm also going to be starting Secrets in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell. This is the third book in the In the Castle Library series.

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my First Line Friday selections:

Ghosts We Unmask by Chelsea Michelle:

"I growled and stared at the overflowing trash can."

I can definitely relate. Though for me, it would be my children not doing their chores. I wondered who Michelle was upset at.

Secrets in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell:

"Melanie Tallebois blew out a long breath."

I wondered if there was something wrong, so I thought I would share the next line as well:

"The envelope she held in her hands could change everything - or nothing at all."

So, then I was wondering what was in the envelope and how it could change things.

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here is my selection from page 56 or 56% of the way through the book:

Ghosts We Unmask by Chelsea Michelle:

"'Looks like we could use more men. So I'll go.'

'I can't,' Kyle said.

'Too afraid?' Jenna asked with a teasing glint in her eye.

'No. It's Labor Day weekend. I have some extra security jobs lines up.'

'Okay, so that's all of us except two. That's a great turnout for a supposed haunted house.' I said."

Secrets in the Castle Library  by Ann Swindell:

"'He's a mind-numbingly professional man. Even the way he sits at a desk is proper.'

'Bothers you that much, does it?' Ellie's voice held a hint of a question. Or of laughter. Melanie wasn't sure which."

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: If you designed a book-themed escape room, what puzzles would be part of it?

My answer: So, I don't really know much about escapes rooms, except for what I read in a couple of books. I really like codes that are somehow hidden in books. Like discovering somehow which book a person has to find, and then finding the clue that discreetly shows which letters or words are needed from certain pages of the book to help solve a clue. Hubby suggests books on a shelf are arranged where a certain letter of each word of the title spells out the clue. Or a clue being found in books where the cover is a certain color. 

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

Last week I shared about two books. I'm still reading the one, but here is my review of the other:

Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl

I also finished a book I shared about three weeks ago. Here is that review:

The Marquess's Masked Archer by Abbey Downey

Friday Fun - October 9, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I read Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl. This is the third and final book in her Erin Delaney Mysteries.

I started In Fairy Tales & Fraud by Heather Tabers. This is the second book in her Words & War series which releases next week. 

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my First Line Friday selections:

Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl:

"Kaely's eyes fluttered open, and she tried to focus on her surroundings."

I knew the story was about her getting kidnapped, so I wondered if she was already captured here or if it was something else.

In Fairy Tales & Fraud by Heather Tabers:

"The only thing worse than a fussing woman is two fussing women and I have a pair of them frettin' over me something fierce."

Okay, why two women and who were they and why were they frettin'?

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here is my selection from page 56 or 56% of the way through the book:

Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl:

"After the last dream, when Grace pleaded with him to avenge her murder, he woke up sobbing. He knew he had to follow through. What could anyone do to him?"

In Fairy Tales & Fraud  by Heather Tabers:

"Adele works her lower lip between her teeth. 'I'm so sorry. Maybe I misunderstood. Maybe I heard wrong.'

I shake my head. 'It's alright. I'll head over to the airfield after our shift and find out what's going on.'

She nods, then drops her gaze to her lap, where she picks at her thumbnail."

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: Do you run more than one blog? If so, how do you manage your time?

My answer: Not anymore. I used to also have a homeschool blog and that one actually took up the majority of my time. And I have one where I shared my healthy eating, but that one went to the wayside too. 

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

Last week I shared about one book. Here's my review:

The One I Didn't Expect by Sara R. Turnquist

And here is the review for the first book I shared about above:

Fatal Finale by Nancy Mehl

Friday Fun - October 2, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I started an eARC of The One I Didn't Expect by Sara R Turnquist. This is the third and final book of the Fox Grove series and it releases next week, on October 6th.

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my First Line Friday selection:

The One I Didn't Expect by Sara R. Turnquist:

"Josephine Mercer looked at the clock for the millionth time. . . when would the day end?"

I wondered if she was just having a bad day or if she had special plans at the end of her busy day.

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here are my selections from page 56 or 56% of the way through the book:

The One I Didn't Expect by Sara R. Turnquist:

"'Traffic app?'

He glanced at her quickly. 'I mean. . . map app. Don't you have an app for directions?'

She shook her head, somewhat sheepishly.

'How do you find anything when you're driving?' He hated the frustration that seeped into his tone.

'I don't have a car,' she bit back just as forcefully.'"

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: As a book lover, what's your biggest fear?

My answer: That there is no way I am going to ever get to all the books I want to read. 

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

Last week I shared about two books. I haven't finished the one, but here is the review for the other:

The Accident by A.M. Heath

A few weeks ago I shared about the newest book in the Painted Wind series, here is that review:

Song of the Khan by J.J. Fischer

Friday Fun - September 25, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have two books to share with you.

I read The Accident by A.M. Heath

I'm starting The Marquess's Masked Archer by Abbey Downey. This is the first book in her Headliners and Heartstrings series.

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my First Line Friday selections:

The Accident by A.M. Heath:

"Chris 6:03pm:

I've been in a car accident."

Oh no, that's not good. At least Chris is able to text though.

 The Marquess's Masked Archer by Abbey Downey:

"Another summer on the island meant another round of unwanted suitors being paraded in front of her."

Didn't sound like she was looking forward to the summer.

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here are my selections from page 56 or 56% of the way through the book:

The Accident by A.M. Heath:

"Her actions deserve punishment (not on my account, mind you. I'm not bothered by her lying to me. But it's her ongoing relationship with a virtual stranger that scares us both and deserves the focus), but not your wrath. Not your silent treatment."

The Marquess's Masked Archer by Abbey Downey:

"A twinkly lit his eyes, and Sylvie had the distinct impression he was talking in riddles on purpose. But rather than feeling put out about it, an intoxicating lightness filled her chest, and an answering smile crept across her lips."

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: What's the best investment you've made for your blog.

My answer: Really, the only investment I've made it my time. Which is probably why I'm not a successful blogger.

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

Last week I shared about three book. I had finished my reviews for two of them last week, but I forgot to link them. Oops. I also finished the third book. So, here are my reviews, with the links this time.

Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin

Watched by Jerusha Agen

Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller

Also, I finished a book that I shared about several weeks ago. Here is that review:

Everlasting Love by Latisha Sexton

Friday Fun - September 18, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have three books to share with you.

I actually set aside the book I started last week, because I figured I could read a different book faster because it was a lot shorter. Plus, it released this past week and I wanted to have it finished before the release date. That book is Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin.

Then I started Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller. This is the second book in her Close Proximity series. It also released this past week. 

But then I realized I had a deadline coming up for another book I'm on the launch team for, so I set Deadly Schemes aside to read Watched by Jerusha Agen. 

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my First Line Friday selections:

Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin:

"Piper Haydn's book had fallen upside down into the grass, and music blared through her headphones as she dozed in the chaise lounge in her backyard."

Sounds like something I would do, minus being outside.

 Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller:

"What happened last night hadn't really need to happen."

That sounds like regret but maybe not, seeing as I remember in the first book of this series the first chapter is from the POV of the villain. So, I wondered what exactly had happened. 

Watched by Jerusha Agen:

"'I wished I was dead.' Carrie Mason dabbed the damp tissue below her eye to catch another tear."

I noticed Carrie was speaking in the past tense, and was glad to see the first word of the next sentence was "but." And I realized, seeing as the MMC of this book is a psychiatrist, this was possibly one of his clients.

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here are my selections from page 56 or 56% of the way through the book:

Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin:

"'I am not jealous. Take that back, Roosevelt Hale.'

'Oh, you are jealous, but I don't understand what set you off. Tell me now, otherwise I'm driving out to the airport to find out what happened.'

'You'll do no such thing.'

Rosie stood. 'Oh, I will. Care to try me? Tell me right now, or I'm outta here.'

Piper crossed her arms and glared."

Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller:

"Sondria folded her hands in her lap. 'this man named Mr. Lenz paid me a visit and wanted to buy my house.'

'Oh?'

'I don't want to sell, but it was like he didn't want to take no for an answer.'

'Did he threaten you?'

'No, not really, and I couldn't see his eyes behind his sunglasses, but he seemed none too happy with my answer. He visited me several times.'"

Watched by Jerusha Agen

"Robert grabbed Monty's attacker by the arm. 

Too late. He'd let go of Monty.

After throwing her over the railing.

Epinephrine surged through Robert, delaying his shock and the horror that tried to freeze him. 

The man in the black jacket and mask swung a punch."

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: If you could recommend one overlooked book, what would it be and why?

My answer: I really can't think of anything.

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

As I mentioned above, there are books I have shared on my past Friday Fun posts that I have not finished. However, I did finish two of the books shared above. Here are the reviews:

Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin

Watched by Jerusha Agen

Friday Fun - September 11, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: First Line Friday, Friday Book Snippets, and Book Blogger Hop.

This week I have one book to share with you.

I started Song of the Khan by J.J. Fischer. This is the third book in her Painted Wind series, and it released earlier this week.

      

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my First Line Friday selection:

 Song of the Khan by J.J. Fischer:

"The world always looked most beautiful when it was just about to end."

I wondered why someone felt like the world was about to end, plus what was making it so beautiful.

Friday Book Snippets    

 

Friday Book Snippets is the new weekly blog party that has combined Book Beginnings on Friday and Friday56. Participants can link up at either Bemused & Bookish with Olivia or Head Full of Books with Anne. Here are the instructions:

Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from a) the book's opening and b) page 56 (or another page) from the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

Here is my selection from page 56:

Song of the Khan by J.J. Fischer:

"'Have you already forgotten the way?' was his only reply, and when he turned, she caught her breath. His private courtyard, his respite from the endless demands of the court. They passed beneath the familiar stone arch, more floral scents tickling Isel's nose, along with the reassuring trickle of the fountain and the lazy tinkle of several metal chimes. Spring had arrived while she'd been asleep."

Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Billy over at Ranblings of a Coffee-Addicted Writer. The hop occurs weekly, starting on Friday and ending the following Thursday, featuring a specific book-related prompt each week. The main goal is to connect bloggers, encouraging them to follow each other, discover new titles, and grow their audience.

This week's question is: How much do online reviews shape what you pick up next?

My answer: These days, not much at all because I am reading so many ARCs. But if I am interested in a book I will usually look at the 1 and 2 star reviews and see if there are any huge concerns. Other than that, I usually go more by what the book is about.

And now it is time to share my current Reviews:

 

Two weeks ago I re-shared a few of the books I had been reading but hadn't finished yet. Last week I shared one review, here is the link again:

Braving Red Waters by Sarah Hanks

Since then I finished another one of those books, plus the book I shared about last week. 

Here are those reviews:

The One I Never Forgot by Mandy Boerma

The One Who Felt Like Home by Tammy Karasek