Coming soon....a review of Curious Minds by Evanovich and Sutton

Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton have a new book coming out on August 16th.  I am almost finished reading it.  Stay tuned for my review.  Here is a sneak peak video.

Reeling from a great loss

When this week started, I did not think that our community would soon be reeling from the terrible tragedy that struck a member of the Punta Gorda Library family. Mary Knowlton - wife, mother, teacher, librarian, book lover, volunteer, friend, and mentor - lost her life in a tragic accident.  The circumstances surrounding her death are so bizarre that it is hard to wrap your head around it.  News outlets have been hounding the community with insensitive questions such as, "What do you think about how she died?", "Where were you when it happened?", "Do you have any comments about the Police Department?" I know they are all looking for that "sound bite" that will get their story national attention, but these soul sucking vampires have put the sensational ahead of the humanity of the story.  While the reporters wait for more about the circumstances leading up to Mary's death, they finally started reporting on who Mary was.  I have learned so much about this wonderful woman that I didn't know about her.

I first met Mary Knowlton when I was transferred from the Port Charlotte Library to the Punta Gorda Library in February 2012.  At the time, she was the President of the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library Board.  She fought passionately for the Punta Gorda Library and the community and even after passing the baton to the current President, Katie Mazzi, remained fully involved in supporting the library, the library staff, and the patrons who use the library.

During a particularly stressful time at the library, Mary took me aside, put her arm around me and offered her support to me.  She told me to reach out if I ever needed something.  Her kindness toward me will never be forgotten.  

One of the things I admired most about Mary was how welcoming she was.  I have experienced her greeting homeless patrons at the library in the same manner that she greeted national best-selling authors who visited.  I keep expecting to hear her walk into the library and say, in her sing-song voice "Hi Kathy.  How are you?  What have you been reading lately?"

It is my hope that the world will remember her kindness, passion for education and libraries, and all of the things she did for the community.  My prayers are with her family and friends.

The Friends of the Punta Gorda Library posted a wonderful memorial to Mary on their website.  

Thanks for reading.

The Great Catsby ebook Amazon Giveaway

Because cats and books together I am having a #AmazonGiveaway for The Great Catsby.  I love cozy mysteries and when there are cats involved, I love them even more.  Good luck.

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/d23c299d1ddf8bc7

Cookbooks that I love

How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman was the first cookbook that I received when I got married.  My copy has been through it all.  I even set it down on a burner that was lit and it is now burnt.

Another favorite is the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.  I just picked this one up on clearance at the bookstore. 

Table for Two: A cookbook for couples by Chef Warren Caterson is a terrific cookbook and should be given to every newlywed or child going off to college.  Great practical tips and wonderful recipes.  You can also book Chef Warren for cooking demonstrations or to cook for your dinner party.

I hope you get a chance to look at these books.  Check your local library or independent bookstore.

The Girl From the Sea by Shalini Boland

A woman washes up on the beach and is found by a woman walking her dog. She doesn't know her name or how she got there...

This is how The Girl From the Sea by Shalini Boland begins.  When the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) gets a missing person's report and, upon further investigation, determine it is a match. The woman is identified as Mia James by her boyfriend, Piers Bevan-Price.  Mia still has no memories but Piers tries to spark her memory when he brings her home by acting like nothing happened.  Mia is just not ready to return to "normal" because she can't remember what "normal" is.

While Mia tries to rediscover her memories, she finds out that she loves rowing, she is extremely rich, and she is estranged from her mother and half sister.  Mia begins having a dream where a menacing woman comes towards her.  With Piers help, she figures out the the dream is set at the rowing club Mia belongs to.  She visits the rowing club to see if it will spark her memory and meets Jack, one of the rowing instructors.  She feels drawn to him as she feels like she and Piers are not meant to be together. As she and Jack get closer, more memories keep coming back until, finally, the truth behind what happened to Mia and the events leading up to this event are revealed.

If you like twist endings, you will enjoy this book.

You can order The Girl From the Sea at Amazon or check with your local independent bookstore or library.

Thanks for reading.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.

Thanks for reading.