Rainy Days With Amanda

 The Talented Mr. Ripley is a story that captivated my curiosity in high school. I watched it once in my early twneties and haven’t seen it since. Fast forward, and I follow a very talented creator, Mina Le, who basks an online book club and this was the book of the month. I don’t know if I didn’t realize the story was a book or if that knowledge just escaped me, but once I heard that title once more, I knew I wanted to read it right away. Now, in my thirties, that curiosity for this psychological crime drama still remains. Here’s my book talk on The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith .  A Little Bit About Our Author Patricia Highsmith was an American novelist and short story writer widely known for her psychological thrillers, including her series of five novels featuring the character Tom Ripley. She wrote 22 novels and numerous short stories in a career spanning nearly five decades, and her work has led to more than two dozen film adaptations. Her writing was influ...

    HALLOW:  A FRACTURED FAMILY TALE A Black Orchid Enterprises Mystery, Book #5 by M.R. Dimond Mystery / Cozy Mystery / Lawyers & Criminals Humor Publisher: Rock Rose Press Pages: 321 Publication Date: May 30, 2024

  PORTER & MIDGE: PAWS AND PLAYTIME by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada Children's Picture Book / Pet Care / Dog Training Series: Porter and Midge series Publisher: Raise the Woof Press LLC Page Count: 32 pages Publication date: December 12, 2023 Scroll down for Giveaway! Discover the enchanting world of Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime - a rhyming children's book that follows the heartwarming bond between two furry friends, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their devoted companions, CJ and Lora. On a sunny day, CJ's thoughtful idea sets the stage for a joyful exploration of new ways to make Porter and Midge's days even brighter. Through rhythmic verses, follow their journey as they uncover imaginative games, canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports, all while strengthening their unbreakable connection. Click to purchase! Watch on YouTube Giselle Nevada has owned several mastiffs, acquired both from reputable breeders and ...

 So I've been into more cozy videos, cozy YouTube, TikTtok, you name it if it's cozy, I want to be there. What I have found is that people have varying definitions of what they consider to be cozy, the same with cozy books. A lot of people find chill science fiction books to hit the spot, while other find cute tomance novels. Both are valid and great reads. However, I think what I find cozy is mystery, especially when the mystery book makes you feel like you're reading an episode off the classic show, Murder, She Wrote .  About the Author Dorothy Gilman started writing when she was 9 and knew early on she was to be a writer. At 11, she competed against 10 to 16-year-olds in a story contest and won first place. She attended Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and briefly the University of Pennsylvania. She planned to write and illustrate children's books. She married Edgar A. Butters Jr, in 1945, this ended in divorce in 1965. Dorothy worked as an art teacher & t...

  SWEET COMFORT Comfort and Joy Trilogy, #1 by KIMBERLY FISH Women's Fiction / Later-In-Life Romance Second-Chance Romance /  Cozy Mystery Publisher: Fish Tales Page Count: 359 pages Publication Date: January 21, 2023 Scroll down for a giveaway! Welcome to the hometown everyone wants to call their own. Gloria Bachman, a retired bank executive, has eight weeks to flip a location on Comfort’s High Street into a boutique chocolate shop. Defying expectations for “women of a certain age,” Gloria rediscovers talents and a sharpening of skills. If only she could read people as well as she does a spreadsheet. Even with the renovation in good hands, the subsequent struggle to name the shop brings Gloria and her business partner into conflict with a shady citizen. While Gloria is capable of remaining in her retirement rut while opening a business, two competing social groups try to lure her into their networks, causing Gloria to wonder if she ever knew Comfort at all. A murder rocks th...

  STOLEN OBSESSION Annalisse Series, Book 1 Updated for 2022! by MARLENE M. BELL Genre: Romantic Mystery Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing Date of Publication: March 20, 2018, Revised 2022 Number of Pages: 284 Scroll down for the giveaway! PEOPLE DIE, BUT LEGENDS LIVE ON. Manhattan antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury dreams of a quiet life on the family farm among the sheep she loves, when her best friend is murdered. The police assume robbery is the motive because her friend’s expensive bracelet is missing. But the 500-year-old artifact is rumored to carry an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family—and Annalisse believes her friend is the latest victim. Weeks later, Annalisse sees a necklace matching the stolen bracelet at a gallery opening. Convinced the necklace is part of the deadly collection, Annalisse begs the gallery’s owner to destroy the pie...

  NO NAMES TO BE GIVEN By JULIA BREWER DAILY Categories: Women's Fiction / Vintage Fiction / Adoption / 1960s Publisher: Admission Press Inc. Pub Date: August 3, 2021 Pages: 334 pages Scroll for the Giveaway! 1965 . Sandy runs away from home to escape her mother’s abusive boyfriend. Becca falls in love with the wrong man. And Faith suffers a devastating attack. With no support and no other options, these three young, unwed women meet at a maternity home hospital in New Orleans where they are expected to relinquish their babies and return home as if nothing transpired. But such a life-altering event can never be forgotten, and no secret remains buried forever. Twenty-five years later, the women are reunited by a blackmailer, who threatens to expose their secrets and destroy the lives they’ve built. That shattering revelation would shake their very foundations—and reverberate all the way to the White House. Told from the three women’s perspectives in alternating chapter...

Hey Ya'll! I wanted to pop on the blog and let you all know about a really awesome and new bookish subscription service. This subscription service highlights small press and indie authors, such as myself. I was very intrigued about the subscription service and knew I wanted to support my small authors, s uch as myself . First off, the packaging is adorable. Your Book Lover's Delight is shipped in a blue box with a cute typeface on the front. It also comes with easy opening instructions, no scissors required. Inside you'll find your goodies wrapped in bright orange paper, ready for you to dive into!   I was happy to find fun bookish items along with a good looking book from a local author.  My first box included some lotion, a cute champagne flute, 3 fun drink recipe cards, and of course, a book I'm excited to jump into here soon!    So if you're looking for a subscription box, try one that supports local and indie authors. Book Lover's Delight

 Hey all! In honor of World Book Day , I wanted to provide a list of all the wonderful, independent bookstores around San Antonio. I love going to my mom and pop stores and supporting my local bookish people in the community. I hope this ist helps you the next time you're thinking of picking up a good book!   Angie K Books The Bookstore Boutique   Angie K Books offers a long range of genres to look through. If you can't make it out to the store, Angie will ship the books you want anywhere in the U.S.! On top of books, she also offers notebooks, journals, and other fun bookish frills. She also provides space for all authors, including Indie authors, and other local businesses in the community to showcase the community and all its creatives. Cheever Books    Cheever Books is the premier book shop for top quality used and rare books, including first editions and out-of-print titles. You'll always find something unique and exciting at this shop! Dead Tree Books ...