DeltaQueen Does Bits and Pieces in 2026 - Part Part 3

BITS AND PIECES

_____

Welcome to my third 2026 Category Challenge thread. My name is Judy and I love to read. I am a senior citizen living with my husband in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia. We are lucky enough to have both of our daughters living close by and we have been gifted with two grandchildren, one male, one female that help to keep our lives interesting. We have experienced some health concerns in recent times so we live a quiet life. I spend a lot of time reading although I also enjoy puzzle building, and probably watch far too much television. I have been participating in the Category Challenge for a good number of years and it suits my reading perfectly. I enjoy participating in reading challenges both from here at Library Thing and imported from various places. This year I have included some challenges both in and as my categories.

In this third thread I will continue to report on my reading year which is going really well so far. I find that the older I get, the more books I seem to find that I want to read. I have given up any hope of controlling my book buying. These days I mostly buy e-books and audio books – it’s so easy to just push that button.

My Bits & Pieces theme is working well with the books that I am reading. I do enjoy having company drop by to check out my reading progress or simply to pass on greetings. I enjoy book discussions and/or any other subject that comes up. I still have my fingers crossed for peace, harmony and health for everone.

2026 Bingo



1. Microhistory
2. Fairy tales or myth: Winter's Child by Cameron Dokey
3. From a LT Legacy Library: Three Men on the Bummel by Jerome K. Jerome
4. Published before you were born: High Wages by Dorothy Whipple
5. Indigenous Author: River Hore by William Least Heat Moon
6. Set At Sea: The Enemy Below by D.A. Rayner
7. Difficult to caregorize: Watson, a Cat in a Zombie Apocalypse by Mauro Croche
8. Transportation in title
9. beautiful cover: The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands
10. set in state or povince bordering your own: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets
11. Something alive on Cover - Wreckage Ridge by Barbara Barker
12. Female author's debut novel: The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman
13. Read a CAT or KIT: Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
14. Great First Sentence: A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn
15. Classic from another literary tradition: Graphic Novel Grande Prairie with an "e" by Stefano Jun
16. dead author: Anna and Her Daughters by D. E. Stevenson
17. new-to-you author: Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchell
18. book of poetry: The Lyrics 1961-2012 by Bo Dylan
19. road trip: We Don't Sacrifice Kids to Zombies by Courtney Konstantin
20 award winner: We Begin At The End by Chris Whitaker
21. onomatopeia: Crashed by Timothy Hallinan
22. senior citizens: The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo
23. "end it"
24. "green" book: Stories on the Front Porch by Elmer Towns
25. tree on cover: Scrublands by Chris Hammer

1. SHRINK THE TBR - Read a book to fit the following prompts



January: Animal in Title - Wolf by Mo Hayder - 4.2 ★
February: Supernatural Story: The Small Hand by Susan Hill - 4.0 ★, The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood - 4.1 ★
March: First Book in a series: The Waking Land by Callie Bates - 3.7 ★
April: Time Travelling: Transcendence by Shay Savage - 3.4 ★
May: A short book (250 pgs or less): The Killing Hills by Chris Offutt - 4.3 ★
Father of the Bride by Edward Streeter - 4.0 ★
June: Apocalyptic: Edge of Madness by Kyla Stone - 4.0 ★
July: A Dark Creatures: Claw by Katie Berry - 3.9 ★
July: Space: Redshirts by John Scalzi - 4.1 ★
August: Dystopian Setting
September: Non-Fiction
October: All the vowels in title
November: Short Story Collection
December: Book to make you merry

2. SERIES, ON-GOING & NEVER ENDING



1. Liar, Liar (4) by M. J. Arlidge - 4.1 ★
2. Crashed (1) by Timothy Hallinan - 4.0 ★
3. The Carter of "La Providence" (2) by Georges Simenon - 3.8 ★
4. Off the Grid (6) by P.J. Tracy - 4.2 ★
5. The Murder of Harriet Krohn (7) by Karin Fossum - 3.6 ★
6. The Marco Effect (5) by Jussi Adler-Olsen - 4.2 ★
7. The Last Dance (1) by Mark Billingham - 4.3 ★
8. Need You Dead 13 by Peter James - 4.2 ★
9. Jimmy The Kid (3) by Donald Westlake - 4.2 ★

3. TITLE BUZZ WORDS – Read a book in which a title word fits the prompt



January: Begins with “A”: Animals & Other People by Louis Bromfield - 4.2 ★

February: Numbers: Eight Faces At Three by Craig Rice - 4.2 ★

March: Travel: The Last Ride of the Pony Express by Will Grant - 4.0 ★

April: Award: 2021 Gold Dagger - We Begin At the End by Chris Whitker - 5.0 ★

May: Location: Meet Me In Paris by Sasha Hart - 3.5 ★

June: Light: The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman - 5.0 ★

July: Ghosts: Topper by Thorne Smith - 4.0 ★

August: One of the 5 Ws

September: Animals

October: Weather

October: Pronouns

November: Big

December: Color

4. THE FABULOUS FIFTIES – Books published during the 1950s. One of my favorite decades.



1. Anna and Her Daughters by D. E. Stevenson - 4.5 ★
2. A Night to Remember by Walter Lord - 4.1 ★
3. Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchell - 4.0 ★
4. The Bad Seed by William March - 4.2 ★
5. After the Funeral by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★

5. INDIGENOUS MOONS – Read a book that fits under the monthly designated moons



January Wolf Moon: A Stand Alone Book: Beartooth by Callan Wink - 4.1 ★
:
February Snow Moon: A Winter Scene on Cover: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets - 4.0 ★
:
March Worm Moon: A Cozy Mystery: Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie - 3.7 ★
:
April Pink Moon: A Female Author: Paris and My Love by Mary Burchell - 4.0 ★
:
May Blue Moon: Chosen by a family member:
Camille - The House of Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey - 3.0 ★
Clayton - The Guns of Mars by Chuck Dixon - 4.0 ★

June Flower Moon: A Romance: The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands - 4.0 ★

July Strawberry Moon: New-to-you author: Trash by Andy Milligan - 4,2 ★
In Royal Service to the Queen - Tessa Arlen - 4.1 ★

August Fish Moon: Book with a dark cover
:
September Falling Leaves Moon: A connection to music
:
October Buck Moon: Male author
:
Early November Hunter’s Moon: A mystery
:
Late November Beaver Moon: 5 or more word title
:
December Frost Moon: Endings in story or title

6. HUGS & KISSES - A little romance to warm the soul



1. The Spring Bride by Anne Gracie - 4.3 ★
2. High Wages by Dorothy Whipple - 4.5 ★
3. Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose - 2.0 ★
4. A Governess of Distinction by M C Beaton - 4.0 ★
5. Crazy Imperfect Hearts by Samantha Christy - 3.3 ★
6. Under the Rainbow by Susan Scarlett - 4.3 ★
7. Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey - 3.7 ★

7. OPPOSITES – choose one of the two offered prompts



1. Land or Sea: Land - The Complete Land That Time Forgot by Edgar Rice Burroughs
2. Hot or Cold: Cold - Winter's Child by Cameron Dokey
3. Up or Down: Down - The Enemy Below by D.A. Rayner - 4.0 ★
4. Truth or Fiction - Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey - 4.3 ★
7. Light or Dark - Last Dance On the Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird - 4.2 ★
8. War or Peace: The Trouble with Peace by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
9. Girls or Boys
10. Black or White
11. Wet or Dry
12. Past or Future
13. East or West Coast
14. Festive or Humbug

8. KINDLE UNLIMITED



1. Wreckage Ridge (3) - Barbara Barker - 3.8 ★
2. A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii by Kate Quinn, etc. - 4.5 ★
3. Echoes From the Past by Peter Rimmer - 4.2 ★
4. The Last Mailman: Neither Rain nor sleet nor zombies by Kevin J. Burke - 3.4 ★
5. Under An Endless Sky by Carlo Auriemma & Elisabetta Eordegh - 4.0 ★
6. We Don't Sacrifice Kids to Zombies by Courtney Konstantin - 4.2 ★
7. Killer's Choice by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
8. Such Quiet Girls by Noelle West Ihli - 3.2 ★
9. Six Weeks in Reno by Lucy H.Hedrick - 3.3 ★
10. Last Night With Tokyo Rose by Alexa Kang - 3.3 ★

9. OUT OF THE PAST - Historical Fiction



1. The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.0 ★
2. James by Percival Everett - 5.0 ★
3. Farther Afield by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
4. Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott - 3.5 ★
5. Across the Seas by Griff Hosker - 4.0 ★
6. Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor - Rosina Harrison - 3.6 ★
7. Song Yet Sung by James McBride - 4.5 ★
8. So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell - 4.5 ★
9. Canada's Death March by John Howorth - 3.4 ★
10. The Return of Kid Cooper by Brad Smith - 5.0 ★
11. Spring Comes to Emmerdale by Pamela Bell - 4.0 ★
12. 21 Months a Captive by Rachel Plummer - 4.0 ★
13. All the Light there Was by Nancy Kricorian - 4.2 ★
14. Wolves of Eden by Kevin McCarthy - 4.0 ★
15. The Sins of Men by Danny J. Bradbury - 4.0 ★
16. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell - 5.0 ★

10. ALPHABET - 2 letters per month – matching with 2026 Alphakit letters



A He Arrived At Dusk by R.C. Ashby
B The House of Wolfe by James Calos Blake
C
D
E A Painted Doom by Kate Ellis
F Day of the Dead (8) by Nicci French
G
H Scrublands by Chris Hammer
I
J Do the Creepy Thing by Graham Joyce
K
L
M
N
O Hunters in the Dark by Lawrence Osborne
P Ridgeline by Michael Punke
Q
R A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn
S
T An Elderly Lady Must Not be Crossed by Helene Tursten
U The Investigation by Dorothy Uhnak
V Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin
W Thunder God by Paul Watkins
Y

11. VINTAGE CRIME



1. The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham - 3.5 ★
2. The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton - 3.4 ★
3. Death of a Busybody by George Bellairs - 4.0 ★
4. Where There's A Will by Rex Stout - 3.6 ★
5. The Case of the Dancing Sandwiches by Fredric Brown - 4.1 ★
6. Fear For Miss Betony by Dorothy Bowers - 3.3 ★
7. Burglars Can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block - 3.5 ★

12. LIBRARY



1. When the Apricot Blooms by Gina Wilkinson - 4.0 ★
2. At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier - 4.5 ★
3. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson - 4.0 ★
4. The Old Woman with The Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo - 4.2 ★
5. The Lyrics ; 1961-2012 by Bob Dylan - 5.0 ★
6. What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad - 4.2 ★
7. Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell - 4.1 ★
8. Grande Prairie with an "e" by Stefano Jun - 3.8 ★
9. The Valley of Lost Children by David Barbur - 2.3 ★
10. The Winter Orphans by Kristen Beck - 5.0 ★

13. HERDING CATS – a place for books that fit a Cat or Kit but there may not be room in a Category for them.



1. Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates - 4.0 ★
2. Old Mother West Wind by Thornton Burgess - 4.0 ★
3. The Man in High Castle by Philip K. Dick - 3.2 ★
4. Three Men on the Bummel by Jerome K. Jerome - 3.8 ★
5. Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild - 4.2 ★
6. Do Let's Have Another Drink by Gareth Russell - 4.0 ★
7. Watson, a Cat in a Zombie Apocalypse by Mauro Croche - 2.0 ★
8. The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley - 2.3 ★
9. River Horse by William Least Heat Moon - 3.6 ★

2026 Hosting Duties

January: Hosting Decades Cat -50s
February: Hosting SFFKit - Romance
March: Hosting Reading Though Time - Slavery in the Antibellum South
April: Hosting Scaredy Kit- True Crime
May: Hosting Home Cat - Front Porch
Hosting RandomKit
June: Hosting MysteryKit - Police Procedural
July: Hosting ColoredCover Kit - Pink Cover/umbrella
Hosting Scaredy Kit - Monsters & Creatures
Hosting HomeCat - The Nursery
August
September
October
November
December

Happy new thread, Judy!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Judy!

>17 mstrust:, >18 Jackie_K: & >19 MissWatson: Thanks, it took me awhile to figure out how to set this up without the "continuation" button. At my age change always throws me.

Happy New Thread

>21 lowelibrary: Thanks, April!

Book Number 61

The Lyrics 1961-2012 by Bob Dylan - 5 ★
Category: The Library
2026 Bingo: Poetry
April TIOLI #4: A Year in the Title

Happy new thread, Judy!

> 24 Thanks Meg!

Happy New Thread, Judy! I too feel that the older I get, the more books I find that I want to read. And LT doesn't help that much. Your Bingo card is looking good. My reading seems to be falling off and I'm having trouble keeping up with all I plan to read. I have a bunch of quilt projects that keep calling to me and even though I try to do audio books while I'm sewing, I can only listen when I'm cutting as the machine is too loud. (Oh - maybe I should try with my ear buds.)

Happy new thread, Judy!

>26 dudes22: I, too, am finding that my reading is slipping. I alredy know that I will have to put a few back on my TBR - the trouble is choosing which ones. I've tried to cut May's list back to a more managable number. At least you have a valid excuse with your quilting, I think my problem is too many medical appointments and I just don't read as fast as I used to. Good luck in getting to all the books you want to!

>27 Dejah_Thoris: Hi Dejah!

Book Number 62

Do The Creepy Thing by Graham Joyce - 4.2 ★
Category: Aplhabet: J
April AlphaKit: J
April TIOLI #9: Title is an ominous Warning

Book Number 63

Do Let's Have Another Drink by Gareth Russell - 4.0 ★
Category: Hearding Cats
April RandomKit: From Queens to Knights
Apil TIOLI #15: Written by aQueer Author

>30 DeltaQueen50: The book about the Queen Mother looks like a good one, Judy.

>29 DeltaQueen50: & >30 DeltaQueen50: Dang, Judy, you got me with two BBs in a row!

>31 Familyhistorian: It was a fun look at the woman who was part of history for suh a long time, Meg.

>32 mstrust: Hi Jennifer, good choices. Both books are very good in their different ways. My only quibble with Do the Creepy Thing is that I would have liked more of the girls actually doing their creepy thing.

Book Number 64

Ridgeline by Michael Punke - 5.0 ★
Category: Alphabet - P
April AlphaKit: P
April TIOLI #11: Author whose first and last initials are from the 13 least commonly used letters of the English Alphabet

Book Number 65

What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad - 4.2 ★
Category: Library
April TIOLI #8: One of the 5 Ws in Title

Happy new thread, Judy!

Being another huge fan of Dylan, I went immediately to Libby and looked for Lyrics. No luck. But! It's available at my brick-and-mortar library (the one I love going to because it is so beautiful and cool), so I'll be making a library run to pick it up this week.

You also got me with What Strange Paradise and maybe Do the Creepy Thing (no Touchstone?), though I'm not a fan of YA or coming-of-age. Well, I'll give them a try anyway.

Have a lovely weekend!

Hi Mary, enjoy your Dylan fest. I spent days with the book and searching YouTube for live performnces! I hope you enjoy the others as well.

Happy new thread, Judy.

I am also a big Dylan fan, and this book sounds like one I would like. Have you read his Philosophy of the Modern Song? He writes about songs that influenced him. As a fan, you might like it.

The Omar El Akad book sounds good. I have only read his nonfiction. I have American War on my shelf, so I will probably try to read that first.

Hi Beth, yes, I read Philosophy of Modern Song last year and really enjoyed it. I also remember American War and I hought it was very well done as well.

Book Number 66

Spring Comes to Emmerdale by Pamela Bell - 4.0 ★
Category: Out of the Past
April Reading Thru Time: Spring
April IOLI #2: 2025 Nebula nominee or a book with title words that match

Book Number 67

Death of a Busybody by George Bellairs - 4.0 ★
Category: Vintage Crime
April TIOLI #5: Birth or Death mentioned in title

Book Number 68

Under An Endless Sky by Carlo Auriemma & Elisabetta Eordegh - 4.0 ★
Category: Kindle Unlimited
April Color Cover Kit: Yellow with a celestial body
April TIOLI #7: "Sky" in title

Book Number 69

Paris And My Love by Mary Burchell - 3.6 ★
Category: Hugs & Kisses
April TIOLI #11: Author's initials are two of the least used letters in the alphabet

Happy new Thread Judy!
Assuming I can still say that at approaching post 50!!

>43 DeltaQueen50: I'm right there with you in terms of Paris and My Love - it just wasn't as compelling as Under the Stars of Paris. When I read the latter, I really didn't know who she'd end up with - there was no doubt in Paris and My Love. Am am looking forward to reading more of her books, though. Let me know when you're ready for another!

>44 Helenliz: Thank you Helen - it's never to late for new thread greetings!

>45 Dejah_Thoris: I'm not sure when I will get to another Mary Burchell, but's it's nice knowing she's in my future!

Book Number 70

Where There's A Will by Rex Stout - 3.6 ★
Category: Vintage Crime
April MysteryKit: Private Eye
April TIOLI #2: 2025 Nebula Finalist or shared title words

Happy new thread, Judy!

>30 DeltaQueen50: And right away, you got me with a BB!

>48 VivienneR: Thanks Vivienne. Happy to have gotten you with a BB!

>49 DeltaQueen50: I just mentioned one BB, but after catching up on Part 2 of your thread, and this one, there were too many BBs to mention! Thanks, Judy!

>50 VivienneR: You are most welcome - Enjoy!😊

I came across this today and thought you might like it.

"Even when reading is impossible, the presence of books acquired produces such an ecstasy that the buying of more books than one can read is nothing less than the soul reaching towards infinity... we cherish books even if unread, their mere presence exudes comfort, their ready access, reassurance."
--- A.E. Newton

>52 JoeB1934: How wonderul, Joe. Brought a huge smile to my face. A I sit here surrounded by filled bookshelves and with four loaded kindles I am very comforted.

I have been weeding out my books over the last week but when it come to my Kindles, I keep finding books that I forgot to list as owning so actually I am going to end up with more books that I started with!

>52 JoeB1934: This is certainly true for me! I can no longer read actual books (really bad eyesight), but having bookcases filled with books gives me such a feeling of peace and joy. It's weird, in a way, as my daughter constantly reminds me, but true.

>54 Storeetllr: I agree! Peace, joy, contentment just being amongst my books.

You reminded me that there are a lot of Nero Wolf books I haven't read yet. I don't believe that I've read Where There's a Will or, if I did, it was so long ago that it will be like reading a book I never read before anyway. Good luck weeding through your Kindles.

Book Number 71

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell - 4.1 ★
Category: Library
May Random Kit: Dance Like No One is Watching
May TIOLI #1: Dance in the Title

>56 Familyhistorian: There are so many Nero Wolfe stories, I am having fun working my way through them!

Book Number 72

21 Months A Captive by Rachel Plummer - 4.0 ★
Category: Out of the Past
May Reading Through Time: It Happened in May
May TIOLI #11: Published before 2000

>52 JoeB1934: Perfectly said!

>60 VivienneR: Totally!

Book number 73

Watson, a Cat in a Zombie Apocalypse by Mauro Croche - 2.0 ★
Category: Herding Cats
2026 Bingo: Difficult to categorize
May TIOLI #1: A four-legged animal in title

Book Number 74

The Marco Effect by Jussi Adler-Olsen - 4.2 ★
Category: Series
May TIOLI #6: Book From a Serie that has more than 7 books in it

>63 DeltaQueen50: - This is the next book up for me too in this series. I just checked and it's been 3 years since I read the last one, so I think I should plan on this for later this year.

>64 dudes22: It was about the same for me, too, Betty. It just slipped from my mind but I really like this series and I am glad to be back to it.

>63 DeltaQueen50: I just finished the series last year, Judy. It ends with a bang!

Book Number 75

Meet Me In Paris by Sasha Hart - 3.5 ★
Category: Buzz Words - location
May TIOLI #2: By a Woman, About a Woman

>66 BLBera: I have a few more to get through, Beth, but I look forward to that last one!

Book Number 76

The Killing Hills by Chris Offutt - 4.3 ★
Category: Shrink the TBR - A short book
May MysteryKit: Noir/Hard Boiled
May TIOLI #10: Follow the Borders from the Book Above

>69 DeltaQueen50: The Killing Hills caught my attention, Judy. I think I'll check this author out.

Book Number 77

Bunny Lake is Missing by Evelyn Piper - 4.2 ★
Category: The Fabulous Fifties
May TIOLI #1: A four-legged animal is in the title

>70 Familyhistorian: Good choice, Meg. I have read one of his stand-alone novels called Country Dark and I thought it was very well done as well.

>71 DeltaQueen50: taking a BB for this one

>73 lowelibrary: I hope you like the book. There was a film made by Otto Preminger in 1965 starring Carol Lyndley and Keir Dullea, it received very good reviews but apparently it is very different from the book.

>66 BLBera: - Are you sure it's ending? Fantastic fiction shows a new book coming out in Sept.

>75 dudes22: Thank you for that information Betty, for some reason I thought the last book was really the last one.

Book Number 78

Stories on the Front Porch by Elmer Towns - 3.0 ★
Category: Herding Cats
May HomeCat: Front Porch
2026 Bingo: A Green Book
May TIOLI #13: Rolling Challenge - Fergus

>76 lsh63: - Oh good! I'm glad you were wrong ;) I really like this series, although I'm still way behind. (I don't think that's the right emoji but your get the gist?)

Book Number 79

Thunder God by Paul Watkins - 4.1 ★
Category: Alphabet
May AlphaKit: W
May TIOLI #8: Vikings

Book Number 80

He Arrived At Dusk by R.C. Ashby - 3.7 ★
Category: Alphabet
May Alphakit: A
May Decade Cat: 30;s (1933)
May TIOLI #11: Published Before 2000

Book Number 81

The House of Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey - 3.0 ★
Category: Indigenous Moons - Blue Moon - chosen for you by a family member
May Colored CoverKit: Turquoise/jewelrey
May TIOLI #2: By A Woman About Woman

>79 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like a book I perused at a Renaissance Festival or similar event. Viking-inspired stories can either be bloodthirsty epics or fascinating looks at sea-faring folks.

>81 DeltaQueen50: Mercedes Lackey can be hit or miss with me. Thank you for your honest review of this book.

And Happy New Thread and hope your reading continues with such variety in the Merry Month of May!

>82 threadnsong: Hi Threadnsong. I have a soft spot for Viking stories, love reading about them! I think the poor response to The house of Four Winds put an end to the idea of a series about the sisters.

Book Number 82

Last Dance On the Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird - 4.1 ★
Category: Opposites - Light or Dark
May Randon Cat: Dance Like No One is Watching
May TIOLI #7: Dance Like No One Is Watching

Boo0k Number 83

We Don't Sacrifice Kids to Zombies by Courtney Konstantin - 4.2 ★
Category: Kindle Unlimited
May ScaredyKit: Reanimation of the Dead
2026 Bingo: Road Trip
May TIOLI #5: A Q or Z in the Title

Book Number 84

Grande Prairie With an "e" by Stefano Jun - 3.8 ★
Category: Library
2026 Bingo: In|Another Literary Tradition

Book Number 85

The Case of the Dancing Sandwiches by Fredric Brown
Category: Vintage Crime
May Random Cat: Dance Like No One is Watching
May TIOLI #7: Dance

>87 DeltaQueen50: I only discovered Fredric Brown this year and the book by him that I read (The Murderers) was excellent. I need to track down his other books.

>88 RidgewayGirl: Hi Kay, I hope all is well with you. The Case of the Dancing Sandwiches was a gret read! I have another one by Fredric Brown called The Fabulous Clipjoint and I am eger to get to it.

Book Number 86

The Valley of Lost Children by David Barbur - 2.3 ★
Category: Library
May TIOLI #4: Cover says Mystery or Detective Story by a new-to-me author

Book Number 87

Guns of Mars by Chuck Dixon - 4.0 ★
Category: Indigenous Moons - Blue Moon - chosen for you by a family member (grandson)
May SFFKit: Western Themed
May TIOLI #13: Rolling hallenge based on FERGUS

Looks like the books are keeping you busy, Judy. Hope that all is going well for you.

>92 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. Yes, I have been getting through a lot of books this month but instead of shrinking my TBR I have been adding too many books to it! Next month is my 18th Thingaversary so that's a pile of books to add in as well.

Book Number 88

The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley - 2.3 ★
Category: Herding Cats
May TIOLI #18: A Classic



In parts a political tract, a scientific satire, and a Christian parable as well as a children’s fantasy, Water Babies by Charles Kingsley is an uncomfortable book when read as child, and is even more unsettling when read as an adult. It emerged from a sense of social outrage, took on the big questions of belief and biology, and is eye-catching for a work by a 19th-century vicar who managed to write a moral fable, a response to the theory of evolution and a satire on Victorian attitudes toward child labor and religion.

The story follows Tom, a young chimney sweep who falls into a river and transforms into a small bug like water-baby, and then embarks on a weird educational journey. A word of warning in that even as the author takes Tom on a moral journey with the purpose of teaching him to be an upright Christian boy, he still manages to include some negative portrayals of Jews, Americans, and the poor. He also uses Tom’s transformation as a way of discussing some of the social problems of his day such as the brutal treatment of children and other labor issues. After Tom helps his former master repent of his sins and change his ways he is granted a return to human form by his three fairy spiritual guides.

I was thoroughly confused and rather impatient with this heavy-handed and strange story. I know it is considered a classic of Victorian literature but I think it is just too far out of date to be relatable in this day and age. Water Babies is certainly a product of it’s time, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone today.

Book Number 89

All the Light There Was by Nancy Kricorian - 4.2 ★
Category: Out of the Past
TIOLI #3: Fancy Nancy



All the Light There Was by Nancy Kricorian is the story of the Armenian community in Paris during World War II. The author obviously did her research and the story pulls no punches when it comes to describing the German occupation. The book’s main character is Maral Pegorian who is fifteen at the beginning of the war. She, along with her family endure the dark days when her aunt dies, her Jewish friends are taken and then the boy she loves and his brother are arrested was resistance activities and deported to Germany. Unfortunately when the war is over only one brother comes home.

I was totally engaged by this book, Maral was a heroine worth rooting for. Her sense of duty and honor carried her above the norm. Her family’s effort to save a little Jewish girl was uplifting and touching.

I found All the Light There was to be an emotional read with realistically rendered characters that learned to adapt to the outrage of having their city occupied. I also learned a lot about the Armenian culture, their way of life and their traditions, food and history. I have read a lot of books that are set during WW II and All the Light There Was proved to be one of the better ones.

Book Number 90

The Last Dance by Mark Billingham - 4.3 ★
Category: Series
May RandomKit: Dance Like No One is Watching
May TIOLI #7: Dancing

>96 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I enjoyed this book as well. I just wanted to mention if you don’t already know that book number 2 is currently available through Kindle Unlimited. The third book will be released in July. One of these days I need to get back to the Tom Thorne series.

>97 lsh63: I am the same, I don't want to overlook the Tom Thorne series as I have been invested in it for years! Now I am off to Kindle Unlimited to check out the next Declan Miller!

ETA: Unfortunately the 2nd book isn't offered on Kindle Unlimited here in Canada but I did get it at a reduced price. 😊

>96 DeltaQueen50: - I've managed over the years to avoid a BB for the Tom Thorne series from you by saying that I didn't need another series. (Plus - I was so far behind in the series before I even considered starting) But I think I'll take a BB for this. Miller sounds like an interesting character.

>99 dudes22: Excellent idea, Betty! Miller is a great character that is going to be fun to read about.

Book Number 91

Wolves of Eden by Kevin McCarthy - 4.0 ★
Category: Out of the Past
May TIOLI #21: Post WW II British Prime Minister's name is in title or author's name

Book Number 92

Father of the Bride byEdward Streeter - 4.0 ★
Categoy: Shrink the TBR - a short book
May TIOLI #23: Title refers to but does not name the main character

>102 DeltaQueen50: I've never read the book the films are based on - how cool! I'm going to have to add that to my TBR.

Hi Judy! I missed that you had started a new thread - bad Katie!

Happy to be (mostly) caught up now, and I'm so glad you liked What Strange Paradise. I read it last year and it has stayed with me.

>103 Dejah_Thoris: Father of the Bride was a nice relaxing read. I particularly love the original film that starred Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and a young and beautifulEliabeth Taylor. That version was the one that stuck the closest to the book.

>104 katiekrug: No problem, Katie. I know how tricky it is to keep on top of all the threads! I also remember enjoying Omar El Akkad's American War as well.

You've reminded me that I have a few of Mark Billingham's books on my shelf unread. I started one of his books that was set in a mental hospital, I think. It didn't appeal so the rest of his books in my collection remain unread but, if some of them are mysteries, then those should suit me better.

Hi, Judy! I hope everything is going well for you.

>106 Familyhistorian: Mark Billingham has written quite a few Tom Thorne mysteries, they are set in London and the character of Tom Thorne is quite interspective and likes to get the full picture behind the crimes that he works on but they are very good and creative police procedurals.

>107 mstrust: Hi Jennifer, things are pretty good right now I recently went through all my books both on my TRB shelves and loaded on my Kindles and have rededicated myself to reading as many as possible. It's a never-ending task as I can't seem to read more than I buy.

>108 DeltaQueen50: I have the same issue of never keeping up with the books I buy, even though I read constantly.

>109 LadyoftheLodge: It's definitely an addiction!

Book Number 93

The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands - 4.2 ★
Category: Hugs & Kisses
2026 Bingo: Beautiful Cover
June TIOLI #4: In the Format of ___ ____ of ______

>108 DeltaQueen50: I've pulled one of the Tom Thorne mysteries off the shelf so I hope to get to it soon if it can catch my attention with all the library books crowding around. Have a wonderful week, Judy!

Book Number 94

An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Turten - 4.5 ★
Category: Alphabet
June AlphaKit: "T"
June TIOLI #13: Seattle Bingo - Hard to Love Protagonist

>112 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I hope you are having a great week as well. I am spending a lot of time sitting outside with my book. June is off to a great start, I've already read some really good books. Fingers crossed that the good books keep coming!

>113 DeltaQueen50: - I have the first one in that series on my library list, Judy. Sounds fun!

Book Number 95

Fear For Miss Betony by Dorothy Bowers - 3.3 ★
Category: Vintage Crime
June TIOLI #9: Book has a rating of 3.5 + and 15 of less reviews

>113 DeltaQueen50: An earlier book in the series is An Elderly Lady is Up To No Good (2018).

Excuse me, I see that you are already aware of that book.

>117 sallylou61: I loved both of the "elderly lady" books. This second one makes her seem more thoughtful and aware of what she does and not much of a psycho.

Are the Elderly Lady books a series of short stories or one continuous story, Judy? The library has "Stories" written under the title.

>120 DeltaQueen50: I have seen them labelled as a series of stories as well but I thought it read more like one continuous novel. The books have covered her early years and her current years so now I would love another book that deals with her middle years.

Book Number 96

Scrublands by Chris Hammer - 4.5 ★
Category: Alphabet
June AlphaKit: "H"
2026 Bingo: Tree on Cover
June TIOLI #13: Seattle Bingo: A World Cup Fifa Country

>113 DeltaQueen50: OK, I'm intrigued enough to look for the first in the series. I'm no 88 (yet!) but I could sometimes resort to murder, be good to know how to get away with it. >;-)

>122 Helenliz: The books make for a fun read! I will watch to see what you think of them.

Book Number 97

Killer's Choice by Ed McBain- 4.0 ★
Category: Kindle Unlimited
June MysteryKit: Police Procedural
June TIOLI #7: Have read author at least 3 times before

Book Number 98

Winter Orphans by Kristen Beck - 5.0 ★
Category: Library
June TIOLI #9: A LT rating of 3.5+ and less than 15 reviews posted

>120 DeltaQueen50: Thanks for the clarification, Judy. I'm not a fan of short stories but if they read like a continuous story that's more my speed.

>126 Familyhistorian: I think you would enjoy the Elderly Lady books, Meg. They are both well written and humorous.

Book Number 99

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman - 5.0 ★
Category: Buzz Words
2026 Bingo: Female author's debut novel
June TIOLI #13: Seattle Bingo - Buddy Read

Book Number 100

Crazy Imperfect Hearts by Samantha Christy - 3.3 ★
Category: Hugs & Kisses
June Colored Cover Kit: Purple + something to eat
June TIOLI #13: Seattle Bingo - A HEA or HFN book

Either my computer or LT is giving me troubles this morning with trying to post double messages!

>128 DeltaQueen50: I agree very strongly with your appraisal of this book.

>131 JoeB1934: Thanks, Joe. This is a book that will linger in my mind for some time. I am sorry that I waited so long to pick it up.

>128 DeltaQueen50: >131 JoeB1934: I read this book in 2014 and gave it a full throated 5* rating. I continue to think about it all the time. I guess that means its going on my all time favorites list. I really appreciated the skill of the author as she set up the moral dilemma and then followed it through with sympathy and understanding for both mothers. If I were a rereader, I would defiitely revisit this book. Since it lives in my brain a lot of the time, I am revisiting it regularly.

>133 beebeereads: I am excited to see that M.L. Stedman has a book out now. It's called A Far Flung Life and it sounds good. I'm not much of re-reader either but I can certainly see that I will be thinking about The Light Between Oceans often.

I was so lucky to have had two 5 star reads back to back. But now I am having trouble settling into a book - they all seem so ordinary!

>135 DeltaQueen50: I know the feeling, Judy. It's hard to follow up a great read.

>134 DeltaQueen50: Thank you for the heads up...I missed this one. I've added it to my Libby holds...the list is looong!! The list is shorter for the physical book so I'll see what happens.

>136 BLBera: Hi Beth, having a 5 star read is so rewarding but the next few books suffer from comparison for sure!

>137 beebeereads: Good luck with getting A Far Flung Life soonish. I see my library also has a long waiting list so I might just purchase myself a copy.

Book Number 101

Such Quiet Girls by Noelle West Ihli
Category: Kindle Unlimited
June TIOLI #1: Author has 3 parts to their name

>139 DeltaQueen50: That doesn't sound like it compared well with the 5 star reads, Judy!

I really appreciate your searching for books using a very unique approach! The discussion about M. L. Stedman and Australia brought to mind two books by Paul Howarth also about Australia in the earliest days of settlement there. They are both 5-star books for me with writing comparable to Stedman. The plight of the aboriginal population integration into the life of the settlers is portrayed with great understanding.

>140 Familyhistorian: It certainly didn't, Meg, and my current read doesn't quite hit the mark either. I read on, ever hopeful that a 5 star read is on its way!

>141 JoeB1934: Thanks, Joe. I have read both Only Killers and Thieves and Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth. I loved both of them. Another Australian author who is well worth looking into is Kate Grenville. Her Secret River was a 5 star read for me.

Book Number 102

Six Weeks in Reno by Lucy H. Hedrick
Category: Kindle Unlimited
June RandomCat: Number in Title
June TIOLI #6: Number in Title

Book Number 103

The Sins of Men by Danny J. Bradbury - 4.0 ★
Category: Out of the Past
June TIOLI #10: About the American Revolution

>144 DeltaQueen50: Was that the 5 star read you were looking for, Judy?

>145 Familyhistorian: No, I enjoyed the read as it was interesting, with lots of action but not a 5 star read for me. I will follow up with the next book in the series at some point and I continue my search for that elusive 5 stars.

Book Number 104

The Bad Seed by William March - 4.2 ★
Category: The Fabulous Fifties
June ScaredyKit: Evil Children
June Decade Cat: Choose Your Decade (1950s)
June Home Cat: Garden (seed)
June TIOLI #13: Seattle Bingo - Reader's Choice

It's a good one, quite chilling in how cold-blooded Rhonda is.

>148 mstrust: It certainly pulled me in!

Tomorrow is a big day for me. I celebrate my 18th year as a Libray Thing member. I have purchased 19 books over the last 4 - 5 months to help me celebrate my Thingaversary.

They are:
1, The Demon Seekers #1 by John Shors
2, The Demon Seekers #2 by John Shors
3. The DemonSeekers #3 by John Shors
4. The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
5. The Caller by Karin Fossum
6. Absalom's Daughters by Suzanne Feldman
7. The Fame Thief by Timothy Hallinan
8. Wildwood by Elinor Florence
9. Finding Flora by Elinor Florence
10. The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh
11. The Return by Rachel Harrison
12. Tall Oaks by ChrisWhitaker
13. Beneath a Jasmine Sky by Sara Sheridan
14. The First Actress by C.W. Gortner
15. HMS Ulysses by Alistair MacLean
16. Fire & Brimstone by Michael Punke
17. Killing in The Shadows by Kate Ellis
18. The Goliath Run by Bard Smith
19. The Telling by Jo Baker

So one for each year and one to grow on!

A Happy Thingaversary to you!!! I loved The Bookwoman's Daughter. I listened to it and the Appellation accent really brought it to life. The Elinor Florence book is also calling to me.

Happy Thingaversary

Happy Thingaversary, Judy! My oh my, that is a long time. But I bet the years just flew by reading, didn’t they? I am looking forward to your comments on your haul.

Happy Thingaversary! I recently realized that I just passed my 20th...hard to believe this community has been around for two decades!

>149 DeltaQueen50:, >154 christina_reads: I had my 19th anniversary in Feburary and forgot all about it! Since I've been taking care of my sister I've been less involved and have less reading time but I've recently been able to return to my book club meetings and that has been great. I also read to her most afternoons, she's unable to read now, and we both enjoy that.

Judy, the Jo Baker title above is going to the wrong book. This is one of hers that I didn't know about and I'll put it on my sometime list.

>151 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I am looking forward to The Bookwoman's Daughter, I really enjoyed the first book.

>152 lowelibrary: Thanks, April. We are so lucky to have such an excellent site to hang around in.

>153 MissWatson: Thanks, Brigit. I must caution you - please don't hold your breath while you are waiting for me to review my haul. I fiind that from buying a book, to actually reading it often takes 3 or more years. I have so many books that I will never get to before my time runs out.

>154 christina_reads: Thanks, Christina. I still remember setting up my first thread here at the category challenge - you were one of the first to welcome me. Although I joined LT in 2008, it took until 2009 until I stopped lurking and set up my own thread.

>155 clue: Thanks, Luanne. it's been a delightful 18 years and I hope to have many more. I have fixed the link to The Telling, I was blown away by Longbourn and I have The Midnight News on my Kindle so hopefullly I will be reading her in the near future.

We have had terrible news. One of my husband's sisters has been told that she has 3 to 6 weeks left to live. She is a wonderful person and this has knocked the family sideways! One of my husband's brothers is coming tomorrow and he will stay with us over the weekend and then another brother and his wife arrive early next week. The brothers are the oldest in the family followed by the three girls and then 2 more boys. The older brothers are taking it very hard as they all thought they would go before any of the sisters. Life is never easy. So I may be around a little less in the next little while as we plan on spending as much time with her as we can. She is also a reader and we have spent a lot of time discussing books.

>157 DeltaQueen50: Oh no! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Hope you are all able to make the most of your remaining time with her.

>157 DeltaQueen50: Oh, that is so hard, Judy. My comforting thoughts and best wishes go out to you and your extended family.

I'm so sorry Judy, that is really tough. I hope that this time you have left with her brings you many happy memories.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Judy. My prayers will be with you and your family during this time.

>157 DeltaQueen50: I'm so sorry, Judy. I'm glad you get to spend time with her though. Being able to say good-bye is so important.

>157 DeltaQueen50: So very sorry to hear your family is going through this sadness. Take strength in your time together.

>157 DeltaQueen50: I’m so sorry to hear about your sister in law Judy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

>157 DeltaQueen50: I am so sorry to hear this, Judy. What an awful shock. I hope you the time you can still spend with her will ggive you good memories.

>156 DeltaQueen50: I know. Looking at the books I have to pack and knowing that some will remain unread is a bit unsettling.

>157 DeltaQueen50: I am so sorry, Judy. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Judy, keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks to everyone for your kind wishes. We had a very good visit with Ken's sister yesterday. Tomorrow (Monday) she is being moved to Hospice care which I really think is the best idea for her right now. Although there are nurses visiting her twice a day, plus palliative care helpers who come three times a week, her husband has run himself ragged looking after her, the house and all the guests. Once she is in care, he can just be her husband which is what she really needs right now. We are hoping to visit with her again on Tuesday provided she is up for company.

Although my husband is struggling with his emotions right now, it is Father's Day here. We are going out to brunch with the eldest daughter and our lovely granddaughter which will make both of us happy.

Wishing everyone a lovely day.

So sorry to hear this news, Judy. I think you and your sister-in-law discussing books is a good, healing time for you all. Hospice care is a great thing and I wish the best for you and your family during this difficult time.

I'm very sorry, Judy. I hope your sister-in-law is kept comfortable and her family is able to be with her.

>169 threadnsong: Thanks, Threadnsong. We arejust waiting tohear that he is settled into her new digs.

>170 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. It's very encouraging how the family has rallied around. Unfortunately, one of her sons has moved to Australia and won't make it home to see her, but she talk to him almost every day.

Book number 105

The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
Category: Opposities - War or Peace
June TIOLI #7: Have read author at least 3 times before

I have been in hospital since June 25 and am now home. I was having episodes where I would pass out, apparently when I was under my life line would go flat for 10 - 15 seconds. They found out that it was to do with the electrics of my heart and even though I have A-fib with a rapid heartbeat, these faulty electrics caused my heart to slow right down. My local hospital transferred me to a larger hospital and they installed a temporary pace maker by putting a wire though an artery in my neck and until I could get a permanent one installed I had to lay completely flat and finally on July 2nd, they put the permanent one in. All that bed rest left me very weak and so back to the first hospital and had physio work on me to get me able to come home. So I am now home and my daughter, who is a nurse is staying here today and tomorrow. I hope to get stronger and stronger so that I can drive again soon.

As you can imagine I had lots of reading time and it may take me awhile to catch up with all the reviews but this gives me something to work on.

Book 106

Need You Dead#13 by Peter James - 4.2 ★
Category: Series
June MysteryKit: Police Procedural
June TIOLI #7: Have read this author at least3 times before

>173 DeltaQueen50: So sorry to hear about this health issue, Judy, but I hope you are now on the mend! Glad to see you back on LT.

>173 DeltaQueen50: So sorry to hear what you have been going through. I am thankful that your daughter is there to give you aftercare as you get back on your feet. Book reviews are good to read any time. Just post as you feel up to it. We'll always read your reviews with interest.

You certainly have had a hard time of it lately, Judy. I can't imagine lying flat on my back for an extended time. Glad to hear you are home and don't try to do too much too soon. Not the best way to get in more reading time.

>175 christina_reads: >176 beebeereads: & >177 dudes22: Thank you for your good wishes and kind thoughts, I admit that I was very frightened and am thankful to still be here!

Book number 107

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell - 5.0 ★
Category: Out of the Past
June Reading Thru Time: Love & Marriage
June TIOLI #10: A Book you are ashamed to not have reader sooner

>173 DeltaQueen50: That is a very scary thing to live through, Judy, I am so glad you are on the mend and still able to enjoy books. All the best!

>173 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. Passing out is indeed very scary. I’m glad that you are on the mend and that your daughter will be helping to take care of you.

So sorry to hear about your hospitalization and the reason for it. I'm glad you are back home, and I'm sure you'll be much stronger in no time!

I sorry you've had to go through this, Judy. I know you must be exhausted.
I wish you a fast recovery. We're all rooting for you! 💐💐💐

>180 MissWatson: >181 lsh63: >182 katiekrug: >183 mstrust: Thank you all so much. It does my heart good to have so many warm and caring people thinking about me. ❤️😊

Book Number 108

Under the Rainbow by Susan Scarlett - 4.2 ★
Category: Hugs & Kisses
June TIOLI #5: Rainbow in title or pictured on cover

I just discovered these new posts Judy and I am truly astounded at the ordeal you described! Few people would have survived these events without excellent medical care and an incredibly strong will-to-live.

While we all love your reviews it is you and your well-being that is most important to us. Please don't do too much too soon.

>186 JoeB1934: Thank Joe, it was an emotional journey. My daughter is a nurse and she was by my side through it all. The other daughter looked after my husband, making sure he was eating, brought him for hospital visits and kept track of his medications. I don't know what we would have done without our girls.

Book Number 109

Edge of Madness by Kyla Stone - 4.0 ★
Category: Shrink the TBR - Apocalyptic
June TIOLI #8: A Word in title based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Book Number 110

Jimmy the Kid by DonaldWestlake - 4.2 ★
Category: Series
July Decade Cat: the 70s
July MysteryLit: Less Than Lawful
July TIOLI #5: Fits at least 2 previous 2026 TIOLI Challenges

Congrats on blazing past 100 while I've been mostly away. I'm glad I found your thread since it wasn't continued from the previous one!

Hi Judy, I just tuned in to your threads. I’m so sorry to hear about your challenges with health, but so glad you are on the mend. Praying for you.

Book Number 111

The Investigation by Dorothy Uhnak - 4.3 ★
Category: The Alphabet
July Alphakit: "U"
July TIOLI #11: One of the author's names end in a 'Y"

So glad to hear you are able to be up and about and leaving reviews. You've been through a lot with hospitals in the past year, and so glad that one of your daughters is a nurse who kept an eye on you.

Thanks for keeping your reading up and chiming in on challenges and reviews and reading such a great selection of genres.

Looks like you had lots of books to keep you occupied while you were in the hospital, Judy. Nice to see that your daughters stepped in to help both you and your husband out during this latest health issue.

I am glad to see you back, Judy. I hope the pacemaker works well for you for a long time, so you are done with hospitals. I love Maggie O'Farrell. I am really looking forward to Land, her new one.

>193 threadnsong: Thank Threadnsong, I don't know what we would do without our daughters or my books!

>194 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg, luckily the books were plentiful and the daughters willingly jumped in. We have certainly seen enough of hospitals over the last year - I'm sure you feel the same!

>195 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Pacemakers do have a long life so hopefully we can avoid hospitals in the foreseeable future. I love Maggie O'Farrell although (hangs my head in shame) I have yet to tackle Hamnet.

Book Number 112

Claw by Katie Berry - 3.9 ★
Category: Shrink the TBR - Dark Creatures
July ScaredyKit: Creatures and Monsters
July TIOLI #1: One Word Title & Author’s name starts with a letter from the first half of the alphabet

Book Number 113

Topper by Thorne Smith - 4.0 ★
Category: Buzz Words - Ghosts
July TIOLI #5: Fits at least 2 previous 2026 TIOI Challenges

>198 DeltaQueen50: This is a terrific find. It sounds like exactly what you could use, along with others of us out here. That TV show has been a favorite of mine also and have watched it numerous times.

Judy, I'm glad you're home and gaining strength. What a reassurance having that pacemaker must be.

>199 JoeB1934: Thanks, Joe. I am definitely enjoying some lighter reads right now but I do know that soon I will be looking for something with a little more substance.

>200 RidgewayGirl: Hi Kay, you are right. I do feel a lot safer now that the pace maker has been implanted. Tomorrow I am going to the doctor and hope to get my dressings removed.

Book Number 114

Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey - 3.7 ★
Category: Hugs and Kisses
July Colored Cover Kit: Pink on cover and an umbrella
July TIOI #16: A Beach Read

I just want to congratulate you on the way you are dealing with these recent medical events.

I just turned 92 yesterday and I don't have any of your situations. My challenge is to avoid falling, two of which have already caused me going to rehab and PT off and on for 2 years.

Reading and deep research into my reading profile have kept my brain active and provided incentive to battle through the physical challenges.

What you are doing is so important and the strongest indication that you will conquer everything within your power.

I don't know if you have balance issues but make sure you slow down and not hurry around like I did.

I am so sorry to hear about your health issues and your hospital stay. Thanks for updating me, over on my thread. Somehow, your thread was unstarred and I missed the news. I sure hope you are on the mend and getting your stamina back. 🙏🙏

I recently finished and loved Land. Now, it looks like I NEED to get to The Marriage Portrait.

When I saw the news that you have not been feeling your normal self and have had a pacemaker fixed I had to rush over to let you know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers dear Guru.

>203 JoeB1934: Wow Joe! Happy birthday and what an impressive age.

Yesterday I saw my GP and she removed the dressings. My neck has healed completely and the pacemaker area is swollen, bruised and sore. She thought it looked very good so I am hopeful that it will continue to heal. My worst problem, (if you can call it that) is my hair. Normally it takes a lot of styling which I am unable to do right now so I am going around with flat and fly-way hair.

>203 JoeB1934: Thanks, Joe and a very happy birthday. I hope you had a very good day. My mom made it to 100 so I have a lot to to live up to. I do have some balance issues and have been warned to take it carefully, which I try to do. I am on blood thinners so want to prevent any bleeding. I also drink plenty of milk to keep my bones strong.

>204 msf59: Hi Mark and welcome. I really thought The Marriage Portrait was well done although very dark and sad. I don't mind the dark reads, in fact, I usually prefer them to lighter reads. So far my favorite Maggie O'Farrell is The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox although I have yet to read Hamnet which seems to get rave reviews. Perhaps we should do a Maggie O'Farrell group read where everyone reads a MO'F that they have missed.

>205 PaulCranswick: Thank you so much, Paul. I don't get over to your thread as much as I should but I have been keeping a distant eye and lurking somewhat.

>1 DeltaQueen50: Wow 115 read, I am impressed! Thanks for sharing.

Book Number 115

Trash by Andy Mulligan - 4.2 ★
Category: Indigenous Moons - Strawberry Moon - New-to-me author
July TIOLI #9: A Carnegie Medal Winner

Book Number 116

Burglars Can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block - 3.5 ★
Category: Vintage Crime
July MysteryKit: Less Than Lawful
July DecadeCat: the 70s
July TIOLI #15: Rolling Challenge - Philadelphia Freedom

Book Number 117

River Horse: A Voyage Across America by William Least Heat Moon - 3.7 ★
Category: Herding Cats
2026 Bingo: Indigenous Author
July TIOI # 4: America in title

Book Number 118

Last Night with Tokyo Rose y Alexa Kang - 3.3 ★
Category: Kindle Unlimited
July RandomKit: WW II
July TIOLI #15: Rolling Challenge - Philadelphia Freedom

Hi Judy, I am glad to hear you are on the mend. Blessings and peace to you.

>212 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks Cheryl. I am feeling stronger every day.

Hi, Judy! I thought I had posted here a couple of days ago, but apparently I was merely dreaming. Anyway, I came over to catch up and am so glad that you are recovering so well from your ordeal! Thanks for your kind words over on my thread. It's funny: one sister (the nurse) was all for me getting the procedure, while my other sister was all "are you sure? it sounds scary."

Anyway, hope you and your hubby have a good weekend!

>215 DeltaQueen50: We are having a quiet but very good weekend, Mary. I am almost back to full health and have started thinking about ending my daily visits from the nurses. I will a wait a bit as my balance isn't quite back to normal yet and I don't want to take a fall. My biggest difficulty now is cooking and that is mostly deciding what easy dinner to have. Don't have to worry about that tonight as we are going with Chinese. Yum!

I'm sorry to hear about your recent health scare, but glad that you're getting back to full health. What a relief that your daughters were around and able to give such practical help.

Book Number 119

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★
Category: The Fabulous Fifties
July TIOI #15: Philidelphia Freedom

So sorry to hear you are having health issues, especially so soon after your sister-in-law's diagnosis. Don't try to do too much, take it easy, enjoy your books! I'll be thinking about you.

>218 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne. Sadly on July 14, 2026 my sister-in-law passed. She is remembered with love.

>219 DeltaQueen50: I'm so sorry to hear that. She, and her family, had so little time to prepare.

>219 DeltaQueen50: I'm so sorry to hear this, Judy. I'm sure she knew how much she was loved.

>220 VivienneR: & >219 DeltaQueen50: We were very lucky to have had her in our lives. Thank heaven that all her children and their families got here to see her in time. One son lives in Australia, while the others in Alberta. Her husband is now thinking of moving back to Alberta where most of his family and two of his own kids live which I think will be better for him.

>222 DeltaQueen50: Yes, I can understand his choice. Having family around is so very important. I often wish I'd had more than one child - not that he agrees.

My condolences for your sister-in-law, Judy. You have had a tough time lately. Take care.

>196 DeltaQueen50: Yes, we have seen too much of hospitals this last while. I feel like I've had a tour of a lot of the hospitals in the Lower Mainland having gone to Eagle Ridge, Surrey Memorial, Royal Columbian and Vancouver General. Not a tour that I was really interested in taking but it seems to be over now (fingers crossed). I hope that it's the same for you, Judy.

>223 VivienneR: Family is certainly the most important thing!

>224 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.

>225 Familyhistorian: Yes, we have both had our fair share of hospitals over the past year. Let's pray that our positive outome continues.

>219 DeltaQueen50: My condolences on your sister’s passing. That is a hard loss, but it’s good to know that you have your family around you.

>209 DeltaQueen50: I was a big fan of Lawrence Block back in my crime novel reading days. This one was a lighter series and I preferred his Matthew Scudder books. Eight Million Ways to Die is one of my all-time favorite crime novels. Have you read that series?

How are things going, Judy?

>227 MissWatson: Thank you, Brigit. One o the hard parts of aging is having to say farewell to many of your friends and contemporaries.

>228 msf59: Hi Mark. I loved the Matthew Scudder books. I was a huge fan and yes, Eight Million Ways to Die was one of the best! Things are going well, I am recovering my strength and today, I am going to do something just for myself. I have an appointment at the nail spa for both a manicure and a pedicure.

Book Number 120

Redshirts by John Scalzi - 4.1 ★
Category: Shrink the TBR
July Science Fiction Fantasy Kit: Humorous
July TIOLI #8: Red, White or Blue in title

Hi Judy, I’m glad you’re getting your strength back and my condolences on your sister in law’s passing.

Yay to the manicure and pedicure! It’s something that I just started treating myself to and I love it.

My sympathy on the loss of your sister-in-law, Judy. It sounds like she was very lucky to have an amazing family around her.

>228 msf59: & >229 DeltaQueen50: Another Matt Scudder devotee here!

>231 lsh63: My visit to the nail spa was great. I felt much more myself after my visit. I'm still not brave enough to experiment with colors, I usually stick with pink tones. This time I combined a pink with a glitter around the bottoms.

>232 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer, she was indeed a special lady.

>233 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, because the Matthew Scudder books were darker and more violent than my usual reads, they opened a whole new avenue of crime stories for me.

Book Numer 121

In Royal Service to the Queen by Tessa Arlen - 4.1 ★
Category: Indigenous Moons - Strawberry Moon - New-to-Me author
July Home Cat: Nursery
July TIOLI #15: Philidelphia Freedom