Category: Virtual Nightstand

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 1-8-23

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand

I’m not terribly sure what I’m reading this week – at least towards the end. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are all set for one reason or another but the end of the week, not so much.

I’m equally unsure of exactly what George and Luna are looking at out the window. They’re clearly watching something on “Kitty Television” in the backyard, but we can’t see what. That one of their preferred perches for this activity is behind the human TV makes it all that much more inscrutable. But then again, they ARE cats.

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Winter 2022-23 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop

Blog Recap:

New Year’s Day 2023 (observed) You are the New Day (Guest Post by Galen)
23 for 2023: My Most Anticipated Reads for 2023
A- Review: Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz
A- Review: Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson
A- Review: Breaking the Circle by M.J. Trow
Stacking the Shelves (530)

Coming This Week:

Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire (review)
Welcome Winter Giveaway Hop
City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita (blog tour review)
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan (review)
Book Lovers by Emily Henry (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 1-1-23

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

ICYMI, today is New Year’s Day of 2023. (The holidays do have a tendency to sneak up on me, but by the time we get to this one it’s a bit hard to miss!)

Also a bit sad, as we look back on the year that was while also perhaps not looking forward to going back to the daily grind either tomorrow or Tuesday – depending on how fortunate you are in your work/holiday arrangements. The holiday weeks always provided a bit of a break for me, even if I had to work the days in between. But January 2 was usually a sharp shock, back to the grind, often in weather that blew big winter winds and vibes, and no break in sight from either for a while.

Here’s hoping that we’ll all have a happy, healthy, safe, sane and prosperous New Year!

And here’s Lucifer, looking just a bit disgruntled. It’s the companion picture to last week, when he was looking on with displeasure as all the beds on top of Galen’s dresser were filled with other cats. We put one up just for him on my dresser – it’s even heated to help his old bones! – and Luna jumped in first. (We have since put up yet a fourth cat bed which has finally ended the disgruntlement as Hecate prefers sleeping downstairs.)

 

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Winter 2022-23 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Holiday Ho Ho Ho Giveaway Hop is Will G.
The winner of the Dashing December Giveaway Hop is Aadel

Blog Recap:

Boxing Day 2022 and the detection of tsunamis (Guest post by Galen)
A- Review: The Gingerbread Cat by Stephanie Osborn
A- Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
B Review: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Best Books of 2022
Stacking the Shelves (529)

Coming This Week:

New Year’s Day (Belated Guest Post by Galen)
Most Anticipated Books for 2023
Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz (review)
Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson (review)
Breaking the Circle by M.J. Trow (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 12-25-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

Whether or not you believe that this is “the most wonderful time of the year”, today is Christmas. If this is your holiday, then Merry Christmas. If all you’re celebrating is a day off, like this household, then that can be plenty to celebrate. If you’re celebrating that you have heat and power and in your house after this week’s weather, that’s something pretty big to celebrate!

A tree fell on our house in the middle of the night on Xmas Eve Eve, so we’re definitely celebrating that last bit. The tree hit the back stairs and managed to do nothing more than barely scrape the side of the house and deck. But that sudden impact made for quite the shock at 3 something in the dark of the a.m.

It didn’t wake either the cats or myself, although Galen was up and about trying to see what the damage was in the middle of a rather interrupted night.

Something to celebrate on a very cold and wintry holiday.

p.s. The boys say Happy Holidays!

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Holiday Ho Ho Ho Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Dashing December Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Winter 2022-23 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop is Kelly
The winner of the Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop is Susan S.

Blog Recap:

B Review: Shenanigans by Mercedes Lackey
A+ Review: Look Closer by David Ellis
Winter 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop
A- Review: Sentinel Security: Striker by Anna Hackett
A Review: Eversion by Alastair Reynolds
Stacking the Shelves (528)

Coming This Week:

Boxing Day (guest post by Galen)
The Gingerbread Cat by Stephanie Osborn (review)
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (review)
In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan (review)
Best Books of 2022

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 12-18-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

Considering that the holidays are NEXT WEEKEND, I’m not quite sure whether my plans for this week are going to turn into my reality for this week when all is said and done. Although, as the saying goes, there’s usually a lot more said than done. As I just heard something crash in the distance as I type this, I’m reminded, forever and always, that the cats really run this house and the humans are just here to provide kibble and laps.

The picture below is Luna of course, looking EXTREMELY proud of her little self that she’s claimed my ENTIRE half of a queen-sized bed. Definitely a case of it you don’t snooze – or at least secure a location for snoozing – you lose!

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop (ENDS TUESDAY!!!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop (ENDS TUESDAY!!!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop is Cali W.

Blog Recap:

B Review: Into the West by Mercedes Lackey
A- Review: The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
A- Review: Secrets Typed in Blood by Stephen Spotswood
A Review: Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews
Dashing December Giveaway Hop
Stacking the Shelves (527)

Coming This Week:

Shenanigans by Mercedes Lackey (review)
Look Closer by David Ellis (review)
Winter 2022-23 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop
Sentinel Security: Striker by Anna Hackett (review)
Eversion by Alastair Reynolds (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 12-11-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand

It has been a misty, moisty very sleepy week around here. It’s been the kind of weather that makes a human want to curl up and take a nap. Apparently is also has the same effect on cats, because here’s Tuna shutting the whole world out while he naps on the cushy blankie. With a side – literally – of his sister Luna in the background doing the same.

Current Giveaways:

Signed hardcover of The Socialite’s Guide to Murder plus swag (US only)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop (ENDS THURSDAY!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Giveaway Hop

Blog Recap:

B Review: The Socialite’s Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden + Giveaway
Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop
A+ Review: Hide by Tracy Clark
B Review: Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London
Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Giveaway Hop
Stacking the Shelves (526)

Coming This Week:

Into the West by Mercedes Lackey (review)
The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings (audiobook review)
Secrets Typed in Blood by Stephen Spotswood (review)
Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews (review)
Dashing December Giveaway Hop

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 12-4-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

It’s a kind of misty, moisty weekend here in the ATL. Here’s a picture of part of the clowder watching the world drip by.

That’s Lucifer on the left and George and Luna on the right. This particular configuration gets along well. George and Luna are buddies and nobody messes with Lucifer. He’s the smallest of the five cats, but he has a tremendous amount of presence. And he was here first so the rest of them defer to his demonic majesty.

Between  The Twist of a Knife and A World of Curiosities this week, I ended up with some mystery television to watch. Magpie Murders was terrific. I won’t say it was better than the book, but it certainly made terrific use of its new medium. Three Pines, on the other hand, was not bad, and certainly better than an earlier attempt, but I have some reservations. They did a good job casting Gamache, but so much of what makes him so fascinating in the books is going on beneath the surface, which is not something that TV does well at all. But I’m curious enough to see how the series turns out.

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop is Lyzabeth
The winner of the In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop is Rebecca
The winner of the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop is Marisela

Blog Recap:

B Review: The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson
A+ Review: The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz
B Review: A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman
Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop
A+ Review: A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny
Stacking the Shelves (525)

Coming This Week:

The Socialite’s Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden (blog tour review)
Winter is Coming Giveaway Hop
Hide by Tracy Clark (blog tour review)
Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London (blog tour review)
Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Giveaway Hop

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 11-27-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand

I hope you had a wonderful Turkey Day, where the bird was moist, the sides were tasty, and the company was excellent. We had turkey by ourselves on THE DAY, and chili with friends on Saturday – so an excellent holiday weekend at Chez Reading Reality.

I also hope that you had an opportunity – or two or three – to visit ALL the stops on the Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop and enter as many times as allowed! I’m always thankful for books and reading – and laughing a bit that one of the gamification badges in this season’s Kindle Challenge is to “READ INSTEAD” of shopping this Black Friday weekend.

And here’s a picture of Miss Hecate. I should say she’s sleeping off HER turkey coma, but this is a picture of her regularly scheduled afternoon nap in Galen’s office. Hecate naps in Galen’s office while Luna naps in mine. Everybody has their own spot and that’s just the way they like it!

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop (ENDS TOMORROW!!!!!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop (ENDS TUESDAY!!!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop (ENDS WEDNESDAY!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop

Blog Recap:

Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop 2022
B+ Review: Mr. Clarke’s Deepest Desire by Sophie Barnes
A- Review: Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade
Thanksgiving 2022 (Guest post by Galen! – with Luna pictures!)
A Review: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan
Stacking the Shelves (524)

Coming This Week:

The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson
The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz (review)
Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai (review)
A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman (review)
Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 11-20-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

This is Thanksgiving Week. OMG how time flies when you’re having whatever the hell this year has been.

The annual Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop, hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and yours truly, starts tomorrow! YAY! (Insert Kermit Flail here!)

Not to literally insert a Kermit Flail, although it does fit with my mood about the whole thing. Thanksgiving seriously snuck up on me this year.

Instead, I’ll insert a picture of the Lovely Luna in one of her favorite poses and places, making her adorable upside-down-kitty-face from between Galen’s legs while on top of the cushy blanket.

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Thanks a Latte Giveaway Hop is Wendy

Blog Recap:

Spotlight: Under a Veiled Moon by Karen Odden + Excerpt
A+ Review: Cold Fear by Brandon Webb and John David Mann
In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop
A- Review: The Girl with the Emerald Flag by Kathleen McGurl
A+ Review: Death on a Winter Stroll by Francine Mathews
Stacking the Shelves (523)

Coming This Week:

Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop
Mr. Clarke’s Deepest Desire by Sophie Barnes (blog tour review)
Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade (review)
Thanksgiving 2022 (guest post by Galen!)
The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 11-13-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand

Everyone needs their own Spot, at least according to a print by Mary Engelbreit. Here’s George in the George spot at the end of the couch:

Sadly, this used to be the Freddie spot until Freddie went to the Rainbow Bridge. Occasionally, now it’s the Tuna spot, which sometimes ends in it being the spot where an epic battle takes place between George and Tuna over who gets possession of the spot. But it’s a very cozy spot, and I often end up reading on the couch with George in his spot near my feet. (Little does he know that I’m usually hiding my slippers under that blanket to keep him from chewing on them!)

Current Giveaways:

$10 Book or $10 Gift Card in the Thanks a Latte Giveaway Hop (ENDS TUESDAY!!!)
$10 Book or $10 Gift Card in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop

Blog Recap:

A+ Review: When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb
Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop
B+ Review: A Matter of Happiness by Tori Whitaker
A- Review: Conqueror by Anna Hackett
Veterans Day 2022
Stacking the Shelves (522)

Coming This Week:

Under a Veiled Moon by Karen Odden (blog tour spotlight + excerpt)
Cold Fear by Brandon Webb and John David Mann (review)
In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop
The Girl with the Emerald Flag by Kathleen McGurl (blog tour review)
Death on a Winter Stroll by Francine Mathews (blog tour review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 11-6-22

Posted on by Marlene Harris | Author : | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand

Galen has been away most of this week (he’s back now) which leaves me alone to tend to FIVE very demanding felines. Tuna is on overwatch every single time I prepare their food. This is literal, as his head is at my waist when he stands at the table next to me watching every step and scoop. It’s a bit daunting.

I swear I saw him acting as Lucifer’s food tester the other night as well. Not that Tuna scarfed the old boy’s food. That he watched me put it down, took a sniff and one nibble, then moved out of the way for our Elder Statescat to get his due. It’s adorable and disconcerting at the same time.

And I looked down to THIS the other day while I was peacefully working at my desk. (Tuna on the left, Luna on the right with her white feets.) Aren’t they adorable? And don’t you wonder what they’re really up to? I certainly did!

Current Giveaways:

$10 Book or $10 Gift Card in the Thanks a Latte Giveaway Hop
$10 Book or $10 Gift Card in the Fall 2022 Seasons of Books Giveaway Hop

Blog Recap:

A- Review: Lute by Jennifer Thorne
Thanks a Latte Giveaway Hop
A- Review: Mission: Uncovered by Anna Hackett
A+ Review: Steel Fear by Brandon Webb and John David Mann
B Review: The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
Stacking the Shelves (521)

Coming This Week:

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb (audiobook review)
Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop
A Matter of Happiness by Tori Whitaker (blog tour review)
Conqueror by Anna Hackett (review)
Veteran’s Day 2022 (post by Galen)