The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 11-21-21

Posted on November 21, 2021November 19, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

There’s a fine line between being happily busy enough and enjoying the sound of deadlines as they go whizzing by. A line I usually discover right after I’ve crossed it. And that would sum up things this weekend, as it seems like everything in the universe is due today or tomorrow. And the bathroom remodeling project isn’t quite done, although progress has certainly been made.

The cats have mostly hidden themselves whenever they hear the remodelers coming through the door. I think this picture sums up George’s opinion of the whole thing. He seems to be covering his face with at least two paws and a tail in a vain attempt to make the world go away.

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 10-24-21

Posted on October 24, 2021October 24, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

It’s only Sunday and it’s already one of THOSE weeks. Nothing terrible, just another epic book hangover and a late night followed by not nearly enough sleep. Some worlds are just too fascinating to leave in the middle and too traumatic to get over at the end. C’est la reading vie.

There might not be any giveaways going on this week, but don’t forget to save the date (NOVEMBER 24) for the Thanksgiving Week Giveaway Hop!

This week’s cat picture is George posing as “the most interesting cat in the world” in imitation of “the most interesting man in the world” meme. I think George wears it very well.

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Howloween Giveaway Hop is Rochelle

Blog Recap:

B+ Review: A Line to Kill by Anthony Horowitz
B Review: Fan Fiction by Brent Spiner
A Review: Sisters of the Great War by Suzanne Feldman
C Review: Flowers for the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn
A- Review: Insurrection by Nina Croft
Stacking the Shelves (467)

Coming This Week:

Brothers of the Wind by Tad Williams (review)
The Wedding Wager by Eva Devon (blog tour review)
All the Feels by Olivia Dade (review)
A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver (review)
Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 10-17-21

Posted on October 17, 2021October 17, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

This week’s schedule held up better than I expected. And that one will be back a bit closer to the publication date.

There’s an actual nip in the air here in Atlanta. It actually feels like “fall” enough to start wearing long sleeves. It’s lovely. But speaking of fall, the leaves are falling like rain – or like the leaves in the videogame Ghost of Tsushima. George actually watched Galen play – so did I, the game is gorgeous – but George was more interested in the leaves falling in the game than the action. He tried to catch them – not very successfully. His efforts did not help the gameplay one bit, as the leaping cat tended to block the screen at the worst times!

So here’s a picture of George leaf-peeping in real life. He can’t catch them through the window, but he’s absolutely fascinated watching them fall!

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Howloween Giveaway Hop (ENDS TUESDAY!!!)

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Scaredy Cat Giveaway Hop is Amber Y.

Blog Recap:

A Review: Nothing but Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
B Review: Along the Saltwise Sea by Seanan McGuire writing as A. Deborah Baker
B Review: The Hacker by Anna Hackett
A Review: Scandal in Babylon by Barbara Hambly
A- Review: The Route of Ice and Salt by José Luis Zárate
Stacking the Shelves (466)

Coming This Week:

A Line to Kill by Anthony Horowitz (review)
Fan Fiction by Brent Spiner (audio review)
Sisters of the Great War by Suzanne Feldman (blog tour review)
Insurrection by Nina Croft (review)
Flowers for the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn (audio review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 10-10-21

Posted on October 10, 2021October 17, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

Since I know there are people who are just here for the cat pictures, let’s start with this picture of Lucifer.

It’s not just that he’s giving me his best “Pouty McPout” face, although he certainly is. But the reason for his expression is even funnier. That ratty thing behind him is a catnip stuffed kicker toy. He’s protecting it with his best death glare. He won’t admit that he plays with it, although I’ve seen him do it, usually very late at night from very far away. He actually doesn’t seem to know how to play – or at least he’s a bit unclear on the concept. But he’s VERY protective of the toy. It’s adorable, it’s wonderful to see a 10-year-old cat still play, and it’s awesome to see him get more settled and feel safe enough to do it. While I wonder a lot about his history and how he ended up outside, I’m really grateful that he’s given us his love and especially his trust. Even if he doesn’t look very trusting in this picture.

I’m not really sure about this week’s schedule. The beginning of the week, yes. The end of the week, much less so. I had a terrible time figuring out what I actually wanted to read, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I change my mind by the end. We’ll see…

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Scaredy Cat Giveaway Hop (ENDS FRIDAY!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Howloween Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop is Crystal

Blog Recap:

A Review: Pets in Space 6 edited by Carol Van Natta
Howloween Giveaway Hop
A Review: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
B Review: Fixing to Die by Miranda James
A- Review: An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten
Stacking the Shelves (465)

Coming This Week:

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw (review)
Along the Saltwise Sea by A. Deborah Baker (review)
The Hacker by Anna Hackett (review)
Scandal in Babylon by Barbara Hambly (review)
Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 9-26-21

Posted on September 26, 2021September 25, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

First of all, today marks the start of Banned Books Week. Books get banned and challenged for a surprisingly more vast array of reasons than people usually think about. Not that topics of sex, race, religion, profanity and politics don’t usually top the list of such books every year. Requests to ban or restrict access to books comes from all sides and all perspectives. Every single year.

But speaking of things that happen on a regular basis, the annual Black Friday Hop hosted by Reading Reality and Caffeinated Reviewer, is expanding this year to a Thanksgiving Week Hop that will start BEFORE Turkey Day and last for a WHOLE WEEK. We hope you’ll join us!

And of course, I have a cat picture. Lucifer doesn’t exactly ban books, but there are plenty of times when he wants to stop me reading no matter what I’m into by getting between me and my book. But this picture is of George learning that if he wants to cuddle with his “older brother” he’ll just have to worm his way into where Lucifer is already fast asleep.

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or Book in the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the September to Remember Giveaway Hop is Megan

Blog Recap:

A Review: The Scholars of Night by John M. Ford
A- Review: Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather
B- Review: Witch, Please by Ann Aguirre
Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop Sign Up
C+ Review: An Impossible Promise by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets
A- Review: Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire
Stacking the Shelves (463)

Coming This Week:

The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes (review)
Gutter Mage by J.S. Kelley (review)
The Collector’s Daughter by Gill Paul (review)
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer (review)
Scaredy Cat Giveaway Hop

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 9-19-21

Posted on September 19, 2021September 18, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

First things first. This is a save the date announcement about saving the date to save the date. This Thursday, both Caffeinated Reviewer and Reading Reality will be posting the sign up for our Thanksgiving Week Hop. We’re going to expand out a little bit from our traditional Black Friday Hop to start before Turkey Day, so no one has to worry about prepping a post ON Turkey Day, and let it run for a week so there’s more time to enter.

Speaking of things to be thankful for, here’s a picture of Freddie, literally sleeping as snug as a bug in a rug. Or actually a blanket surrounded by his favorite person’s legs and feet. He’s just too cute for words sometimes!

Current Giveaways:

Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany (paperback)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the September to Remember Giveaway Hop (ENDS TUESDAY!!!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Falling into Leaves Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop is Francine

Blog Recap:

A- Review: Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany + Giveaway
A- Review: Digging Up the Dirt by Miranda James
C Review: Chance of a Lifetime by Jude Devereaux and Tara Sheets
Falling into Leaves Giveaway Hop
B Review: No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull
Stacking the Shelves (462)

Coming This Week:

The Scholars of Night by John M. Ford (review)
Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather (review)
The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes (review)
Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop Sign Up
An Impossible Promise by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets (blog tour review)
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 9-12-21

Posted on September 12, 2021September 11, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

Because one of this week’s books was a real disappointment, here’s a picture of George living his best, if slightly confused life. If you’re wondering what he’s doing, he’s doing his damndest to nurse from one of Galen’s shirt buttons. It looked hilarious while it was going on as it was obvious from his face that the whole thing was not quite working out the way he expected to. I was torn between laughing hysterically, worrying about the button breaking off and reflexively cringing just thinking about him trying to nurse from his mother with quite that level of toothy aggression!

Current Giveaways:

$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop (ENDS WEDNESDAY!!!)
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the September to Remember Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of Write My Name Across the Sky is Les

Blog Recap:

Labor Day 2021
September to Remember Giveaway Hop
B+ Review: King of Eon by Anna Hackett
C Review: Jekyll & Hyde Inc. by Simon R. Green
B Review: Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb
Stacking the Shelves (461)

Coming This Week:

Deadly Summer Nights by Vicki Delany (blog tour review)
Digging Up the Dirt by Miranda James (review)
An Impossible Promise by Jude Deveraux (blog tour review)
Falling into Leaves Giveaway Hop
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 9-5-21

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

I just discovered that, while I certainly prepped yesterday’s Stacking the Shelves post, I neglected to actually post it. My bad. Apologies. I knew I was a bit dain-bramaged that afternoon, but I didn’t know it was quite THAT bad.

I may have been a bit out of it, but here’s a picture of George just being a cute little man. He was obviously much more “with-it” than I was that day!

Current Giveaways:

Write My Name across the Sky by Barbara O’Neal
$10 Gift Card or $10 Book in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Old School Giveaway Hop is Carl

Blog Recap:

A- Review: Write My Name Across the Sky by Barbara O’Neal + Giveaway
B Review: The Inheritance by JoAnn Ross
Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop
A- Review: Unnatural Habits by Kerry Greenwood
B+ Review: Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
Stacking the Shelves (460)

Coming This Week:

September to Remember Giveaway Hop
Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb (review)
King of Eon by Anna Hackett
Jekyll & Hyde Inc. by Simon R. Green

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 8-1-21

Posted on August 1, 2021July 31, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

I posted this oldie but goodie on this same day last year. It’s still true. It’s ALWAYS true.

Another month ends.
All targets met.
All systems working.
All customers satisfied.
All Staff eagerly enthusiastic.
All pigs fed and ready to fly.

And here’s Lucifer’s opinion of the whole thing:

Winner Announcements:

The winner of the Sip Sip Hooray Giveaway Hop is Merysa

Blog Recap:

A Review: The House of Always by Jenn Lyons
A- Review: Hacking Mr. CEO by Anna Hackett
B+ Review: Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman
B+ Review: Pirate’s Promise by Lisa Kessler
A Review: Hold Fast Through the Fire by K.B. Wagers
Stacking the Shelves (455)

Coming This Week:

Paper & Blood by Kevin Hearne (review)
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (review)
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan (review)
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara (review)
The Godstone by Violette Malan (review)

The Sunday Post AKA What’s on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 7-18-21

Posted on July 18, 2021July 17, 2021 by Marlene Harris | Author : Marlene Harris | The Sunday Post> Virtual Nightstand> Winner announcement

Today’s picture is of a later session in last week’s boy cat convention. They seem to have resumed deliberation when the sun came out. I know the sunshine surrounding them makes them look like little angels, but I do believe they were planning a bit of deviltry during this discussion. Or at least the destruction of as many toilet paper rolls as they could get their paws on!

And again, the session broke up when I tried to get in closer. I’m obviously NOT supposed to hear whatever Freddie and Lucifer are whispering in each other’s ears!

I’ve pretty much arranged things so that I have all short books this week. I have two “secret” books that I have to finish and write reviews of, so I’m kind of squished. I am eternally grateful to Tordotcom because there are weeks – like this one – where I don’t know what I’d do without their marvelous novellas.

So many books, so little time!