LadyoftheLodge Reads in 2025 Part 2

My name is Cheryl. I have been a member of LibraryThing since 2010, and my Thingaversary is in September.

Although I am retired from full time work in public education, I teach online college classes in Leadership Theory, as well as the Sciences, for several universities. I also write book reviews, and articles for our community newsletter. My husband and I volunteer at the private library in the retirement community in which we live. We also serve as "shepherds" to mentor and assist residents who are new to our retirement community.

I live in a small town and have two lovable cats. We enjoy theater and music venues. Our travel lately has been limited to bus trips to the symphony and also day trips. Both of us are voracious readers, however our reading tastes differ immensely.

My library occupies one room of my house, although books reside in every room of my home. I read cozy mysteries, classic mysteries, assorted fiction, historical mysteries, children's books, and occasionally biography or memoirs. I enjoy reading print materials as well as e-books. (I like being able to carry all those e-books with me whenever I go anywhere.) My two "reading cats" enjoy reading with me every night before we all go to sleep. They have not yet expressed any specific reading preferences, although both of them approve of The Imitation of Christ (Dover Thrift Edition) by Thomas a Kempis and show a special fondness for the cover.

Challenge Hosting Commitments for 2025:
MysteryKIT--January--winter mysteries DONE
ColourCAT--March--pink DONE
CoverCAT--May--two or more elements on the cover—DONE
RandomKIT--July--DONE
NatureKIT--August--weather & climate DONE and December--wild card - DONE

"Just CATS and KITS this year."

RandomKIT

January--Food and Beverages--Tiny Tilda's Pumpkin Pie by Susan Kantor
February--Time--Little People, Big Dreams: Vincent van Gogh by Maria Vegara
March--Wish--Oh, How I Wished I Could Read by John Gile
April--Prime numbers--Wild Scottish Beauty by Tricia O'Malley
May--Punctuation--Who Stole Mona Lisa? by Ruthie Knapp
June--Invasions—Hula for the Home Front by Kirby Larson
July--Sound of Music--The Sound of Murder by K.L. Montgomery
August - A Writer - A Novel Murder by E.C. Nevin
September - Cardinal Direction - Murder on the Sugarland Express a Southern Ghost Hunter mystery by Angie Fox
October - Childhood - Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
November - Villains - Bookshop Dreams and Murder Schemes by A.R. Winters
December - Endings/beginnings - New Beginnings and Grand Openings by A.R. Winters

MysteryKIT

January—winter mysteries - Death on a Winter’s Day by Verity Bright
February—vintage mysteries - The Golden Ball by Agatha Christie
March—espionage--Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters
April--paranormal--Wild Scottish Beauty by Tricia O'Malley
May—mysteries not set in my country--The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters
June—LGBTQ+ detectives—Report for Murder by Val Mc Dermid
July—series sleuths--Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase
August—legal thrillers - Walden of Bermondsey by Peter Murphy
September—silver age mysteries - Faculty of Murder by June Wright
October--police procedurals - Friends are Forever by Mike Martin and A Meditation on Murder by Robert Thorogood
November--psychological mysteries and thrillers - A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith
December--cozies - The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds by Karen Charlton

NatureKIT

January - Sheep & Shepherding--Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon
February - Forests, Farms & Grasslands--Little People, Big Dreams: Vincent van Gogh by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
March - Landscape --Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters
April - Flying Creatures --Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin
May - Plant Kingdom --The Promise of Palm Grove by Shelley Shepard Gray
June - Oceans & Rivers--The Golden Gals' French Adventure by Judy Leigh
July - Inner Lives of Animals--Hugo the Hippo by Thomas Baum
August - Weather & Climate - A Child’s Calendar by John Updike
September - Urban Nature - The Forgotten Garden by Caroline Repchuk
October - Endangered Species - Will We Miss them? Endangered Species by Alexandra Wright
November - Effects of Nature on Humans - Barn in Winter by Chambrae Griffith
December - Wild Card - Song of Sweetbrook by Patricia Voelz

ColourCAT

January – Green--Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon
February – Gold—The Golden Ball by Agatha Christie
March – Pink--Close to Famous by Joan Bauer
April – Brown--Villa Mirabella by Peter Pezzelli
May – Red--Who Stole Mona Lisa? by Ruthie Knapp
June – Yellow--The Golden Gals' French Adventure by Judy Leigh
July – White--Hugo the Hippo by Thomas Baum
August – Grey - A Child’s Calendar by John Updike
September - Silver - Sunrise with the Silver Surfers by Maddie Please
October – Black - Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
November – Blue - Good Night, Little One by Robert Kraus
December – Purple - The Mystery of the Skelton Diamonds by Karen Charlton

CoverCAT

January - something involved in a tea party--Tiny Tilda's Pumpkin Pie by Susan Kantor
February - a tree--Caps for Sale by E. Slobodkina
March - farm animals--Barn in Winter by Chambrae Griffith
April - a road - Villa Mirabella by Peter Pezzelli
May - more than two elements/objects - Brush with Greatness: Van Gogh by Michael DeMocker
June - something with wheels--The Golden Gals' French Adventure by Judy Leigh
July - a fruit pictured - Apple Strudel Alibi by H.Y. Hanna
August - includes a photograph - The Gift of Joy by Kristen McKanagh
September - dogs and/or cats - Arson at the Ashmolean by Lynn Morrison and Falling in Love with a Traveling Cat by Juno
October - something that will fit in your pocket - A Meditation on Murder by Robert Thorogood
November - celestial objects - Good night, Little One by Robert Kraus
December - something you would like for a Christmas present - A Very Coral Christmas by Jan Moran

AlphaKIT

January-- S O - Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon and You’re Only Old Once by Dr.Seuss
February--L G - Little People, Big Dreams: Vincent van Gogh by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
March--U A - Upon the Midnight Clear by Tasha Alexander
April--K E - Limu the Blue Turtle and His Hawaiian Garden by Kimo Armitage and Esio Trot by Roald Dahl
May--I D - The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters and Nancy Drew Diaries: Once Upon a Thriller by Carolyn Keene
June--C Q - Fat Cat Takes the Cake by Janet Cantrell and Amish Quilting Circle: The Amish Teacher’s Heart by Sarah Miller and Irene Glick
July--W T - What Were the Roaring Twenties? by Michele Mortlock
August--N J - A Novel Murder by E.C. Nevin and The Gift of Joy by Kristen McKanagh
September--B M - Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood
October--F P - Friends are Forever by Mike Martin and Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
November--Y H - The Dough Must Go On by H.Y. Hanna
December--V R - A Very Coral Christmas by Jan Moran and A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler

All Year--X and Z

Welcome to my new thread! Happy to see you here!

I am currently reading A Novel Murder by E.C. Nevin and Joy by Danielle Steel, both for reviews, and Her New Amish Family by Carrie Lighte for something a bit "lighter."

I finished Commonwealth for our community book group and found it compelling, although I was disappointed in the ending, which seemed to just ....stop.

We went with a group to see Oklahoma! at a small dinner theater and it was great fun. I was in the ensemble for that play when I was in high school, so of course I had to mentally sing along. This theater has been taken over by new management recently and this time it was much better overall than last summer's visit.

I turned in my letters of retirement to the two Christian colleges for whom I have been an online adjunct faculty member for 14 years. I have not had a teaching assignment since last year, yet I was supposed to complete six online faculty development courses for one of the colleges (unpaid, on my time). I seldom heard from my supervisors at either college, and felt as if they no longer knew who I was. I have been trying to decide when to retire, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity, as this makes 50 years of serving as an educator.

I have enough to do with my work as the library chair person and with processing and cataloging new books for our community library, so I will not miss the teaching online.

Enjoy retirement! I retired last July, and I’m loving all the extra time I have for reading.

Congratulations on making a decision...that is always the hardest part. Best wishes for your next chapter.

Happy new thread and happy retirement!

Happy new thread! Enjoy your retirement.

>10 Charon07: >11 beebeereads: >12 christina_reads: >13 MissWatson: Thank you for stopping by and for your support and kindness.

Just finished A Novel Murder which I ended up liking, although it took awhile to get going. The ending had quite a twist! I hope there are more in this series.

We had a fun day at the minor league baseball game on Wednesday. It was hot but we were under cover. Our home team unfortunately lost the game. We refrained from eating a bunch of ball park food which is expensive and not healthy, but I bought a little baseball bat as a souvenir. It was a long day and our bus was caught in late afternoon traffic on the way out. Still a good time was had by all (especially by the ladies sitting behind us on the bus who talked nonstop nonsense on the way home).

I just finished The Rushworth Family Plot which kept me up until late last night as I raced to discover the ending, which then falls off the cliff and leaves the reader wondering how things will resolve! Wait until the next book ……

I think we are finally getting the loose ends tied up from leaving our apartment. Our truck has been registered and hubby’s new drivers license sorted out, insurance changed and utilities canceled. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything is done.

Yesterday we took a bus trip with 15 other people to a state park and had lunch in the dining room there. It was nice to be able to see the park without being the driver!

I just finished What a Ghost Wants. a Beechwood Harbor Ghost Mystery by Danielle Garrett, which is quite a hilarious and clever cozy mystery. I don’t usually read paranormal novels but this was a light choice. It’s the prequel to the rest of the series.

I have been on a reading streak this week,
Her New Amish Family by Carrie Lighte
The Faith in the Frosting by Irene Glick and Sarah Miller

A few members of our community reading group met to select the books we will read for the next year. Whether this works out or not depends on their availability through the Council for the Humanities, since book groups can borrow book sets for free.

Hubby had dental surgery today so we are staying in and reading.

Murder on the Marlow Belle
This novel in the Marlow Murder Club series finds the three ladies involved in helping to solve a murder that occurred during a boat ride on the Thames River. Although they are supposed to stay out of it, according to the police. Judith cannot help working to find the killer. She becomes part of the Marlow Amateur Dramatics and takes a role in their latest play. Tarot card predictions, secret lives, and celebrity identities all play a role in this puzzler. Readers who enjoy amateur sleuthing will find this an interesting addition to their reading repertoire. Although it is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. There are no intimate scenes or events of overt violence in this novel.

Falling in Love with a Traveling Cat Mofusand's First Illustration Book
I read this manga for NetGalley. The artwork of adorable cats makes this such a fun read. It is also a great way to learn about Japan culture: foods, festivals, locations. The kitties help readers learn. Readers of any age would enjoy this book. It was a bit difficult to read on my phone because the pictures were small; better to read on a tablet or print version. Very enjoyable!

Jackie by Dawn Tripp
This book about Jackie Kennedy gives readers the feeling of looking at the world and events through the eyes of Jackie herself. Her love for Jack shines throughout the book. The author has done her research very well and includes a forward to tell readers how and why she wrote the book. A final note at the end includes the sources used for the book. I would love to read this book with my reading group, as it would result in a great discussion! I think it is especially meaningful for those of us who lived through the assassination of Jack Kennedy and thought of Jackie as royalty. She was a magnificent woman.

My Thingaversary is on September 2. It is hard to believe I have been on LT for 15 years! Thanks to all my LT friends all over the world for being part of my life. I think of you and speak kindly of you often.

>23 LadyoftheLodge: I'm adding this one to my wishlist. I am far too young, but my mother often speaks about how the day after the assassination, she and her teenage friends persuaded the head master of her (West-German) school to lower the school's flag to half-mast, and how they stood around the flagpole with faces lowered while it was done.

>24 LadyoftheLodge: Congratulations! LT is a special place for sure.

>24 LadyoftheLodge: Happy Thingaversary, I am taking a BB for >22 LadyoftheLodge:

Congratulations on your upcoming Thingaversary, Cheryl!

Happy Thingaversary to you!

Happy Thingaversary!

>25 MissBrangwen: >26 lowelibrary: >27 DeltaQueen50: >28 thornton37814: >29 Tess_W: Thank you all for your kind wishes. Hubby says buy whatever books I want to celebrate my Thingaversary. Going shopping!

>25 MissBrangwen: I was in 4th grade when JFK was assassinated. I remember our teacher coming into the classroom and telling us that our President had been shot. I watched the funeral on TV.

>30 LadyoftheLodge: You have a nice hubby when he allows you to purchase the Thingaversary haul! It's getting to be quite expensive. I'm not sure I really hit mine so I'm probably going to start purchasing in January so I have a better chance of getting to 19 plus one to grow on for my end of March 19th Thingaversary.

>32 thornton37814: I bought all digital copies and they weren’t too pricey. I will have to post the titles here.

The Merry Matchmaker
This sweet Christmas novel reminded of the classic "Emma" by Jane Austen. Frankie is only too willing to try matchmaking those around her, although she believes she will never find a man as wonderful as her dear departed Ike. Why even try? Some of her efforts backfire, and it takes some rivalry for Frankie to realize that her own new love is right by her side all the time. The secondary characters in this novel also make it a thoughtful and enjoyable read. The Christmas time and village setting evoke the holiday spirit. Readers will find that they are rooting for the ladies in the story and of course for the little boy who only wants Santa to bring him a mommy! Be ready to visit the Christmas holidays and settle in for a Hallmark variety sweet and cozy read, with a happy ending for all.

Recovering this weekend from dental surgery on Thursday. It was unpleasant but I survived. The gel ice pack they gave me was wonderfully effective, and I can take over the counter pain meds. I have to go back in three weeks for a follow up visit. This is just the start of a probably year long journey to better dental health, ending with implants. I am just glad the initial phase is over. My dentist/specialist was compassionate, professional and quick! I was appalled that my blood pressure was so high to start with but it was automatically monitored throughout and it came down as time passed and the procedure progressed. I guess I had to get over the initial anxiety and anticipation. I had a nice quiet afternoon on Friday just lying on the sofa and reading.

>35 LadyoftheLodge: Get well soon!

>36 MissBrangwen: Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

>35 LadyoftheLodge: Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping the subsequent dental procedures are smooth sailing.

>35 LadyoftheLodge: Hope you heal quickly!

>38 christina_reads: >39 Tess_W: Thank you, I am trying to eliminate the pain killers completely and expand my food choices a bit.

We did get out to an art museum trip for a few hours yesterday and that was fun.

I finished reading Murder on the Sugarland Express which is a paranormal mystery set on (of course!) a train. The ending had some thrilling scenes that were rather unbelievable. I don’t usually read ghost stories but the ghosts in this one are humorous rather than scary.

Recent finishes for NetGalley:
Friends are Forever by Mike Martin
I always enjoy visiting with Winston Winflower and his family and colleagues. In this novel, he is investigating a crime ring that involves high tech, well planned operations. When I read these novels, I feel as if I am part of the family and community. They are comforting and comfortable reading, as well as interesting crime stories and glimpses into the lives of the locals.

Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop by Kiley Dunbar
The idea of a repair shop that helps people recover their damaged property seems like a very interesting concept. This concept forms the basis for this novel. Ally and her family and friends start up the shop, but along the way broken hearts are mended and new relationships begin. The characters are quirky and fun. I liked the idea and the setting of the story but not the cliffhanger ending. Non Scottish readers should be aware of some potentially unfamiliar vocabulary since this is set in Scotland. There is one spicy scene in the novel which I didn’t think was necessary to move the story forward.

I have been trying to catch up with book reviews for NetGalley lately.

We went to another paint and sip event on Friday. We painted mini pumpkins which was great fun, although we are not great artists! I used the acrylic paint pens which seem easier to control. Live music, wine, and small plates were included.

We also attended the Coffee Classics symphony on Thursday for a wonderful performance of Dvorak’s New World Symphony and ate lunch afterwards.

Library staffers had a meeting on Friday morning and we are planning for the Christmas Tea already! We are also planning the featured displays into 2026. Our donation task force will meet next week to sort through the donated books and decide which ones to keep.

I recently finished Murder at Midwinter Manor which was fun but seemed to drag in some spots. There were also some plot holes that should have been caught by a discerning editor, and I felt as if the ending did not quite wrap up. I had a laugh at myself though: in the car chase at the end of the book, an automobile stopped at an angle on the edge of a ditch, right side up in the air. The occupants climbed out the driver's side--huh? Oh right, it was set in the UK, so driving wheel was on the right! Took me awhile to think that through, but hubby caught it right away.

I also read A Meditation on Murder which had a very cool and twisty ending that I did not see coming.

Revenge, Served Royal
This latest installment of the Lady Petra novels features a new twist: a baking contest! This fun idea made the story interesting for me. The author has researched and studied her history quite thoroughly, and she explains this in her end notes. The setting at Windsor adds interest to the story. There are some suggestive innuendos but no overt sexual content. Readers who enjoy their historical fiction with mystery and lots of descriptive details will find this a fun romp. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, but the many names and titles of characters can be confusing

Dinner Parties and Dangerous Enemies by A.R. Winters
The characters make this book a very humorous read, the mystery seems secondary. There were also several people whose names started with the same letter and the proofreader (if there was one) failed to catch several mix ups that affected the outcome of the story and were very confusing to the reader. The author took numerous chapters to finally get to the big reveal of who the killer was.

Dear Miss Lake by A.J. Pearce
This is the last book of a series of four about a magazine publishing group set during World War II. I have enjoyed all four of the novels, which can be read as standalones, and I am sorry to see the series end.

We had a busy few days, with cutting back some plants in our garden, doing general housework (!! no fun) and cataloging new library books for our community library. I got a good report of healing from my recent dental surgery, so that was good news.

One of the younger residents in our retirement community is moving to a group home with other fellows with disabilities, so there was a fun farewell party for him--I think he was overwhelmed! His favorite foods were served (pizza, Sprite, chocolate donuts--not the most healthy choices, but oh well! All in good fun!) and the balloons/ table decos were green, his fave color. He was a friendly and well-liked member of the main building residents and those of us in the cottages, and will be missed by all who knew him. The party was well attended, a testament to his many friends and his outgoing personality. We had dinner with him at the hibachi in the main dining room too.

Temps during the night are in the low 40s Fahrenheit, so we had to turn on the furnace. Kitties love it, and we are cozy.

I attended a workshop on how to turn composition books into journals using scrapbooking papers and a few other supplies. Now I am on the crafting binge and ordered several kinds of papers and other stuff to try my hand at making them and giving them for gifts. I also plan to send some to my sister to sell in her second hand shop.

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan
It took me awhile to get into this book, after an intriguing start. Way too much detail about the castle. I ended up skipping to the end and reading the last few chapters. This book reminds me of a fairy tale, which the author says, in her notes, that was what she had in mind. A lost treasure, spooky old castle, threatening storms, crashing waves, family secrets: these are part of this novel. It would probably make a good film. Too bad an unnecessary explicit sex scene was included.

I finished reading Mary Poppins which fit several challenges this month. It was not as enjoyable a read as I remembered from my childhood. I guess I remembered the film better--lots of cool songs (that I can still sing!) and Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.

>46 LadyoftheLodge: My library has the first 2 in the series. I think I'll check them out for my sister. Although she has alzheimer's she still reads but lighter books are best.

>50 clue: I hope your sister enjoys the books as much as I did.

Just checking in! Temperatures are dropping so we are definitely heading into autumn. We have had a lot of running errands and goofy stuff like that, and there seems to be more of that coming up over the next few days. Kitties went to the vet and got their shots and check ups, and hubby had an unplanned trip to the dentist to replace a crown that fell off. It is hard to imagine we are nearly at the end of the month and soon launching into November.

We refrained from attending two used book sales in October, one public library sale and the other a huge sale to benefit local food bank. Both of these have been favorites of ours over the years and we would come home with a car load. However, we are running out of room for books. . .I guess. . .

Finished Bookshop Dreams and Murder Schemes which was a light fun read, lots of quirky characters which make the book interesting. I guessed the perpetrator part way through the book, and as usual, the author took several chapters to get to the big reveal.

We attended a fabulous performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, complete with narration provided by the conductor, a guest violinist, and a slideshow projection featuring artwork as appropriate to the music. Then our group of 15 ate lunch at a local diner, again with excellent home cooked style food. Overall it was a great experience.

Clocks “fall back” here tomorrow morning at 2 a.m. It’s hard to believe we are into November.

>49 LadyoftheLodge: I loved the book and the movie when in my early teens, was even in the musical at school. However, when I revisited it a few years ago, I could barely get through it!

>53 LadyoftheLodge: Sounds like a fun day! I really like Vivaldi, especially the Four Seasons.

I am so happy about the time change, since it involves an extra hour!

This week involves quite a few appointments. Eye exam and teeth cleaning, hair appointment, nails and pedicure, then symphony pops on Friday. We worked our session in the library and have been cataloging some new acquisitions. Whew, I need a break!

The wine advent calendars I ordered for my husband were delivered this week. They are waiting inside their boxes for Advent. I ordered them for him for the past two years and he appreciated them. We ended up with two because I didn’t write a note to myself as a reminder that I had already ordered one!

I just finished reading The Dough Must Go On by H.Y. Hanna for the AlphaKit challenge. I have read most of the Oxford Tearoom mysteries and they are good fun.

Just returned from symphony pops, which was a rendition of songs by ABBA, many of which I didn’t remember. The sound was very loud and sometimes distorted the vocals. We had lunch at an Italian restaurant afterwards.

I have been working on getting through the pile of books I will review for NetGalley. Here are some that I recently reviewed.
Claws Out! by Cate Conte
The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan
The Forever Cottage by Jill Steeples
The Marigold Cottage Murder Collective by JO Nichols

These were DNF but I read enough to give a decent review.

Today was a busy day with beautiful weather! I worked outside in the garden to cut back plants that were wilting due to the snow and cold temperatures recently. The garden is ready for a sleep.

I also got my solar watch back from the jewelry store with its new solar battery. I took some jewelry with me for ring resizing and custom work on a few pieces.

Also I am making my reading plans for 2026 and reviewing the category challenges. It should be an interesting year for reading!

I feel that we got a lot done today.

I just finished reading Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights by Carole Matthews. It had a satisfying ending and was a page turner and good story.

A Case of Mice and Murder
I rarely award five stars, but this book deserves them. Gabriel Ward is tasked with an internal murder investigation within the hallowed realm of the Temple, the legal system in London. He is also preparing for a case involving a publisher and a woman claiming to be an author of a renowned book. The story carefully and thoroughly examines means, motives, and opportunities, drawing the reader along to the surprising conclusion. This was a page turner that held my attention long into the night. Readers of well drawn mysteries wouldn’t want to miss this story.

>62 LadyoftheLodge: I am glad to hear you enjoyed this, I just picked this up at my bookshop because the blurb appealed to me.

>62 LadyoftheLodge: I'll take a BB on this one, luckily my library has it!

>62 LadyoftheLodge: I'm taking a BB for this, too. Great review!

>63 MissWatson: >64 clue: >65 MissBrangwen: Thanks, I hope this book lives up to your expectations.

I read Peril at End House by Dame Agatha. What a twist at the end! I never saw that coming.

Just finished a new novella A Very Coral Christmas. The story was fun and light, but suffered from too many characters to keep straight. They no doubt appeared in previous novels in the series, but didn’t all need a part in this novella. I almost gave up on the book early on because it was so confusing, but I persisted. It seems that novellas suffer from trying to cram too much into not a lot of pages.

>67 LadyoftheLodge: One of my favorite Christies!

A Ruff Royal Christmas
This sweet fairy tale romance features a mischievous dog, as well as a royal family and Christmas celebrations. Ava, princess of Skydovia, manages her life according to duty and rules. Her mom, who is the queen of Skydovia, prizes spontaneity and romance--and her newly adopted naughty dog, Stormy, who lives up to his name. Princess Ava discovers the most important things in life, as well as some romance and love.

I liked the emphasis on doggie adoptions, and the ideas of how women can be strong leaders. This is the author's latest offering in her series of Christmas stories, all of which are standalones. This delightful and touching novel represents a thoughtful read for the holidays. Is it a sweet and clean read, without descriptive violence, intimacy, or strong language.

I finished Hercule Poirot’s Christmas which was much more violent and horrifying than Dame Agatha’s usual writings. Not my favorite, gave me nightmares. That one is a book off my bookshelves.

Yesterday the library staff hosted a Christmas Tea in the library of our retirement community. It was fun and we had good attendance. At first we thought we would not have enough cookies but everything turned out well. I think it was a “loaves and fishes “ kind of day!

In the evening hubby and I attended a “paint and sip” event which was also fun. Each of us received a plastic ornament which could be painted or filled with tiny sparkling beads, crystals, and electrostatic dots. Ours turned out great although we opted not to paint them. Each attendee also received an individual cheese tray and a dessert, a glass of wine, and a cup of hot chocolate with Bailey’s. We had quite an amazing day overall.

We attended the Yuletide Symphony yesterday which is a beautiful orchestral performance with the orchestra, singers, dancers, humor, and fantastic costumes and scenery. We had very good seats and attended with our friends and others from our retirement community.

We also attended a Tree of Hope service at our retirement community chapel, in remembrance of loved ones who passed away during 2025.

Just finished reading New Beginnings and Grand Openings in the Tiffany Black mystery series.

>72 LadyoftheLodge: >73 LadyoftheLodge: You've been busy! All three sound like fun, or at least enjoyable, events.

>75 NinieB: Thanks for stopping by. I think we are about finished with the activities leading up to Christmas and church.

Today we had a short get together with our pen pals from the local school. My two guys have been my pen pals for three years and will go on to high school in 2026. I have enjoyed corresponding with them and seeing them grow into young men. It was fun to see them in person and carry on a conversation.

I'm hoping to get a few Christmas books in if I can. (You had several on here.) I think I have some downloaded on Kindle if I can't get the ones through the library's ebooks that I want to read.

>78 thornton37814: I like to read Christmas stories all year. I hope you have time to read a few this Christmas season.

>79 LadyoftheLodge: I do too, but the biggest problem around Christmas is finding them not checked out!

>80 thornton37814: I recently inherited a selection of Christmas books from my sister who passed away. She had a nice collection.

>72 LadyoftheLodge: >73 LadyoftheLodge: All of your Christmas events sound really nice!

I really like Christmas books, too, although I only read them in December.

Wrapping up the reading year:
A Child’s Christmas in Wales
Her Surprise Christmas Courtship
A Death in Diamonds for NetGalley, DNF
Homicide at Holly Manor
Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned From A Little Golden Book
Peanuts Countdown to Christmas
In Time for an Amish Christmas

I wish I'd read more Christmas books, but I just ran out of time--or, the ones I wanted were checked out.

Goodbye to 2025! Hoping for a great new year ahead!