Without Warning by David Rosenfelt

I have read a couple of Rosenfelt's dog books before and liked them. Without Warning is a stand alone mystery, thriller maybe too strong of a description. I would still rank it with my cozy mysteries. This is good because cozy mysteries are my favorite reads for leisure. this is a book that keeps you guessing but you can read it alone at night and not have trouble going to sleep. I picked it up and to read anytime I had a free moment. Would definitely recommend.

The Four Agreements

Because of a recommendation on one of the blog I follow, I picked up The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz at the library. Over the next 2 days, I skimmed most of the first 24 pages but read the rest of the book. I liked the ideas presented so much that I bought the book and the companion book, The Four Agreements Companion Book: Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life (Toltec Wisdom). I feel this is a book that deserves rereading.

Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank

A nice, light summer "beach" read. Romance without the porn. The main character is a recently widowed nurse who served in Afghanistan.

The Accidental Book Club

I picked up this book and another by this same author at the library by mistake. I thought this Jennifer Scott was the same Jennifer L. Scott that wrote the Madame Chic books. On the first page of the novel I realized there was a definite difference in the language and style. But thought is was maybe the change from non-fiction to fiction. I didn't like the dysfunctional actions of the people but the characters did keep me coming back each night to read more. A bit like passing a car crash and not wanting to look but somehow you look anyway. The ending couldn't be described at "happy" but maybe "hopeful" would apply. Now whether I will read the other one sitting on my nightstand, the jury is still out on that one. But I do wish I belong to a book club and had these women for friends.

At Home with Madame Chic

I finished At Home with Madame Chic this morning. Liked this one also. Most of the guidance reaffirmed the cleaning regimes I already employ. It encouraged me to return to my meditation which is centering prayer. I also use a homemade vinegar cleaner but did not know about the addition of lavender or tea tree oil. So lavender oil is on my list. I have completed my summer 10 item wardrobe. I really need to update my closet which these books nudge me into doing. Got rid of 3 bags of clothes, scarves, and costume jewelry I didn't wear were bad purchases, or were worn out. I added 2 dresses, 2 new tops, a white tee, replaced my black flats, and some exercise clothes. Now I have some recipes for tea sandwiches.

Polish your Poise with Madame Chic

 

I have Jennifer L. Scott's first book Lessons from Madame Chic on my Kindle. I enjoyed it so when I discovered this new one at the library I picked it up only to discover there was one written between these two, At Home with Madame Chic. This one on poise was a refresher course, for me, of the first book with some additional ideas. It is a fast read at 271 pages but takes much more time to implement the principles presented. For me it was a reminder to check my posture; make sure my electronic devices (ie. IPad & IPhone) I own don't appear at the table during breakfast, lunch or dinner; and the need to review the 10 item wardrobe concept. I need to be present in the moment and enjoy the food, drink but most of all the people at my table. After all, if I cared enough to sit down with them to eat I should care enough to give them my full undivided attention. Polish your Poise with Madame Chic is definitely worth your time. So I am off the library to pick up the 2nd book, At Home with Madame Chic.

Summer Reading

I have taken a vacation in June from any serious reading. But have been enjoying some light reading material. I started off with Dorothea Benton Frank's, an author new to me, All the Single Ladies. I liked it enough to get a couple more of her novels but I think I might tire of this style shortly. Then I moved on to Rita Mae Brown's Tail Gate. It was better than her last two which I couldn't really get into and never finished. Then I enjoyed the Janet Evanovich's Tricky Twenty-Two. I always find her cast of characters entertaining.