Hi all! I hope you're finding some time to relax and enjoy yourself during these busy times! I'm telling myself that too:)
READING- My reading has been super limited because I prepped for, recorded and am now editing the best books of the year episode with Katie - I think you all will love our conversation and maybe be surprised by some of the books that made our top 10. I'll get that out to you soon, lots of books to link then it will be ready:) But I will update you on THE DINNER PARTY by Viola Van de Sandt which I was reading last week- I ended up dnfing it. I just didn't have the patience for such a slow story and the back and forth time frames didn't help. I'm currently doing a print/audio combo read of LATE IN THE DAY by Tessa Hadley. This story about two midlife couples who have been best friends for years when one of the four suddenly dies has me interested in what might have been going on below the surface. The audio is British narration and very good. Next up for my reading - I'm going to try BEST OFFER WINS on audio and on my Kindle I just downloaded ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME 1 - this seems like it might be too experimental for me but it's short and if I love it there's 3 books already out and a total of 7 planned. Also, it's translated and as you'll hear in the best books episode, translated fiction worked well for me this year
TV - I finished all 3 seasons of ABSENTIA and I loved it so much. Talk about twists and turns galore and just a riveting series. Now I'm bummed I binged it too fast and it's over haha. I'm currently watching LANDMAN - love the addition of Andy Garcia who is a much needed breath of fresh air to this show. Also, I just started the new season of EMILY IN PARIS and the Rome setting is visually stunning! Love all the eye candy from the fashion, the city sights, the food, etc.
RECIPES - I've been making homemade Reese PB Christmas Trees and they are so easy and very delicious- I got the recipe from Mindfullymademotherhood on instagram -
Ingredients are: 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (I use almond butter)
2/3 cup almond flour - I've also used oat flour and that works just as well
1/4 c pure maple syrup
1/2 c chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
Mix- combine peanut butter, flour, and maple syrup and stir until smooth and dough-like.
press out the "dough" to your desired thickness onto parchment paper then place in freezer for 10 min. In a saucepan over low heat melt the chocolate and coconut oil together stirring until smooth. Remove dough and use a cookie cutter to cut out pieces and then dip each into the melted chocolate using a fork or spoon then place on a parchment lined tray or plate. Then put in freezer for 20 min. That's it! They're so good, enjoy! Not sure what I'll make next but I'm thinking Almond flour chocolate chip cookies
Renee I just noticed my copy of LATE IN THE DAY in my house last week! Maybe I will pick that up in the New Year. Will be interested to hear what you think!
Stay tuned because I'm not sure it's right for me at this time, it has a past timeline that's kind of boring or else I'm just too busy and lacking patience 😅
I'm planning to start Best Offer Wins next! I'll be curious to see if I can stick with it, since I haven't dipped into thrillers in some time... But it seems like it might be okay for scaredy cats! I'm also looking forward to starting Emily in Paris over the holidays—I'm excited it's set in Rome!
Renee, I wondered if you would like THE DINNER PARTY. I DNFed it early on for the same reason. But I did read the first two ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME and the third is here waiting for me to begin it. It's not normally something I would like but it sounded interesting. I ended up really enjoying both of them. I recently finished JOYRIDE by Susan Orlean and loved it. Currently reading the second in a trilogy by Penny Vincenzi (SOMETHING DANGEROUS), an older book. The series was recommended by Sarah's Bookshelves and it has my full attention. Next up, I' going to close by eyes and pick out a random, new TBR.
I think we're often on the same page about books Jan:) Knowing that you enjoyed On the Calculation of Volume makes me feel more confident that I'll like it too. And I have a copy of Joyride, glad to hear you loved it. I just looked up that trilogy you're reading, I saw the words "forbidden love" and I might be sold haha. Funny you mentioned Penny Vincenzi though because I've never read her but I picked up her book Another Woman at the library because I liked the cover and title and I've heard other readers love her books. Did you like book 1., No Angel?
Yes, I did like Book 1. I usually have a hard time keeping many characters straight but I had no problem in this book about an expansive family. I am at the part in the second book (50%) where Hitler is gaining power and the family is becoming heatedly divided on who they are supporting. Reminds me of the Mitford sisters and how the family split in different directions.
I have so many folx in my life who have been diagnosed with celiac disease that I love finding these fun holiday ideas. Before the chocolate topping, these sound a lot like those protein balls that you'd roll in nuts or oats (GF, of course).
I make those energy balls with oats too and these Reese PB cutouts are much easier and faster to make. They're both great for quick healthy snacks though
Hey everyone, I got the best books episode edited sooner than expected so I just dropped it! I figured maybe you all would like to listen while you're wrapping presents, doing last minute errands, baking etc. I hope you enjoy it!
I have had two more updates on this app so I hope I’m in the right place again. I have been dying to tell you that I just finished BEST OFFER WINS BY MARISA KASHINO and it lived up to the hype. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but ended up surprising myself and totally loving it. What a twist! I have 3 maybe more books lined up that I’m anxious to read. The very first one the list is A TOWN CALLED SOLACE BY MARY LAWSON. In January, I plan to dive into the chunky books and on that list I have THE ELEMENTS BY JOHN BOYNE. I also just learned about his book THE ABSOLUTEIST which is supposed to be very close to his beloved book HEART’S INVISIBLE FURY. Another chunky book that I’m anxious to read is THE LONELINESS OF SONJA AND SONNY. If I have time between now and New Year’s Eve I also want to squeeze in THE FERRYMAN AND HIS WIFE. It is only a four hour book in audio and I think it would be a great way to end this year. This weekend I am baking cookies to take to my stepson house Christmas Eve. On that list is Italian Wedding, Raspberry Jam Thumbprints, Russian Tea Cakes, Peanut Butter Cookies and Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark. Seasoned greetings, merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all!
Merry Christmas to you too! I've been hearing so many raves about Best Offer Wins that I went ahead and added it to my Spotify library yesterday so I"m glad to hear you thought it's worth the hype! If you get to Sonia and Sonny keep me updated, I feel like I might like it but it's too long for me to try during this busy month. Your cookies sound delicious! Ok, I have to tell you something about THE FERRYMAN AND HIS WIFE - I meant to do a PSA on that book and totally forgot but I tried it last month and I was really enjoying it until I got to a part where there's graphic details of dog executions - I'll tell you specifics if you want me to message you but I don't want to say it here because I'll save you from those visuals I wish I didn't have in my head. It was awful and there was no indication it was coming and I immediately dnfed the book because it looked like there were several pages of details about it. I say this here because I know you're a dog lover and so are many others in the group who might like to know this before they pick up this book.
Just got around to reading your full message. Was on my way out the door or maybe in the car when it came through. Thank you for telling me about that book and the dogs. I think I’m just going to pass. I can’t handle that.
I rarely give trigger warnings but I feel like I'm doing a disservice to other readers if they don't know that, I've never come across graphic details about dogs like that, wish I could unread it
Jan I hate that you bought it and are returning it but if those types of details would bother you I'm glad to have saved you from them, it was graphic.
I wasn’t going to try it but it was on sale on Audible so I bought it rather than use A credit to purchase it. When it started out it was funny and humorous, as a book went on it got to be a little bit overload on the extremeness, but by the end I was hooked and could not believe the way it ended. I would say read it and if you get to the middle and feel like I did just keep going.
Kathy, I finished this last night and really hope you are not like her! LOL!!! I loved it. A darkly funny thriller that reminds me of MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER . . . but lighter and funnier.
I assure you that I am not like her lol. I just know that I am very capable of standing there with a smile on my face while someone tells me something I do not wanna hear. The thoughts that go through my mind but do not come out of my mouth. It was a fun read.
I'm going to answer based on my print reading - Book I finished last was THE NAMES by Florence Knapp (really liked it), the book I'm reading now is TIME OF THE CHILD by Niall Williams (like it but it's going slow for me), and my next two reads will be THE RIVER HAS ROOTS and STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL. I'm 2.5 hours away from two weeks of winter break, so I'm planning to read some things that might take a little more focus.
I don't watch a ton of tv (for some reason I have trouble staying focused on it), but I'm looking forward to watching the Taylor Swift stuff on Disney Plus, the Counting Crows documentary on HBO, and the beginning of season two of Percy Jackson.
Kristin you're officially on winter break by the time I'm writing this!! I hope you have a relaxing break and get time to do whatever you'd like:) It sounds like The Names is one that slipped by me this year, many of you have mentioned reading it today. It's still on my tbr!
My last win was IS THIS A CRY FOR HELP. I’ve never read Emily Austin and worried that the quirky trope would get on my nerves but I loved it! Currently enjoying SO OLD, SO YOUNG and it’s a win so far! 2026 releases have really been working for me. Next up is THE ARTIST AND THE FEAST and I’m so excited to read it!
Not a recipe, but I’m loving this simple and divine appetizer from Pinch of Yum:
One Boursin cheese, spread on a plate
Top with chopped pistachios
Drizzle with hot honey
Serve with crackers and apple slices
These flavors should not work together but they absolutely do! I’m taking it to a gathering tonight, but this time, I’m using the hot honey and garlic Boursin and adding a spread of fig jam underneath the pistachios.
this is on my tbr and I’m happy to hear you liked it. I loved WE COULD BE RATS but really didn’t like EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM WILL SOMEDAY BE DEAD so I’m curious how I’ll feel about this Emily Austin!
I don't think I've heard of your last win, will look it up. I'm excited for that Grant Grinder, I haven't let myself dip into 2026 yet, for no good reason haha. Let me know what you think of The Artist and the Feast, I thought it sounded good--is it a sequel or am I confusing it with something else?
I don’t think it is? I’d read about it somewhere and can’t remember where and added it to my TBR. Then when Brett raved about it and compared it to Still Life I bought a hardback and put the audio on hold!
I finished it yesterday and I loved it! It’s just more literary and a slower more contemplative read than a lot of books with the theme of long-term friendships. And if you need likable characters, it will not be for you. But I thought it was super honest and very tender.
I’m telling you it no fail. I’ve made it twice with different flavored Boursin and with and without jam/spread. I’ve come home with a completely empty plate both times!
My current reads are FOX by Joyce Carol Oates which I am balancing with SIPSWORTH by Simon Van Booy. Too early for opinions on both.
My last reads were 2 Christmas themed books for book clubs.
We are currently watching the documentary Merchants of Joy about the competitive Christmas tree market in NYC and am really enjoying it. I love NYC so anything set there interests me. Has anyone watched the Netflix series The Staircase with Colin Firth that is based on a true story? It popped up on my rec list and I like him. It’s a few years old so I wondered if it was good.
Happy holiday week everyone! Sending blessings to everyone in this community I love so much! Renee I can’t wait to listen to your episode with Katie and I’m going to go back and listen to last years episode again to see what I may have missed last year!
Ashley happiest of holidays to you, your comment about this community brought tears to my eyes. 2026 will be my ten year anniversary of talking about books online and I was just remeniscing about all the amazing things that have come my way since I started and one of the very best surprises has been having this community of people I consider
friends ❤️ Ok, I haven't heard of competitive Christmas tree markets or that show but I must check that out. I really want to hear about what you think of Fox too
I just started Season 5 of EMILY IN PARIS and love the short episodes but man is it cheesy. I’ll watch it anyways 😆.
I’m debating my next read but currently sampling a memoir called LIFE AFTER AMBITION by AMIL NIAZI.
I binged THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND by JESSIE GARCIA and ultimately it felt a little hokey. An easy binge for this time of year though. It comes out in January.
I'm currently reading TWISTED by Steven Cavanaugh and I hope to start DEMON COPPERHEAD which I haven't read yet!!! And I want it to be my last book of the year, but it'll probably last and first because I don't think I'll have time to finish it lol
I just finished listening to SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE by Ann Packer. It was good, and I liked that the story was told by Elliott, the husband. I had lots of sympathy for him. I am currently reading in print THE NAMES by Florence Knapp. I have listened to this one and knew I had missed some things so I wanted to read it in print. Next, I plan to read THE SAFEKEEP by
Yael van der Wouden.
I recently watched the movie THE HOLIDAY…it is so good.
I am having a family event on Sunday and plan to try a new potato recipe…fingers crossed for success.
I love The Holiday too, I need to still watch that, The Family Stone and Home Alone, those are my rewatches every year. I'm glad you liked Some Bright Nowhere- it's a challenging story wouldn't you say? I would love to have a larger conversation about it with other readers. Good luck with your recipe Sunday:)
I've been slammed with work this past month, so I haven't done much reading for pleasure. I'm planning to start NEXT OFFER WINS this evening, and I'm also hoping to read THE SAFEKEEP by Yael van der Wouden, THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN by Scott Johnston, and THE WHITE HOT by Quiara Alegría Hudes over the holidays! My husband and I have been watching a newish sitcom, St. Denis Medical, and we've really liked it. It's incredibly lighthearted and silly, which has been perfect after long, busy days! The show is written by one of the writers from The Office. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! I'm looking forward to hearing your best books of 2025, Renee!
Thanks for the tv show rec, that's one I haven't heard of and my husband and I are often looking for funny shows to watch together, he doesn't like my dark shows haha. I'm excited for you to hear my top reads, coming very soon!! I hope you'll share yours too
I can’t wait to listen to your end of year reviews. I feel like we always have a few the same. My last read was BEST OFFER WINS and I absolutely loved it. My current read is WAIT For ME by Amy Jo Burns. I actually won it in a Goodreads giveaway and that never happens. So far it’s fine but I’ve only read about 100 pages. my next read will either be WINTERS BONE, THE GREAT MANN or WILD DARK SHORE. As for TV, I am still watching landman but it’s kind of turned into hate watching it at this point. And for movies, I’m finally going to see wicked 2 on Monday. I’m excited to see The housemaid and Song Sung Blue. It’s been a long time since there have been so many movies out that I really want to see. I’ve been slacking on the recipes although I made a very good vegetarian chili this week. Happy holidays 😊
You loved Best Offer Wins too! I do think I need to read it, I don't want to be the only one in the group who hasn't haha. Let me know if we have any overlap after you hear my best of list....I've got many backlist on my list this year! Congrats on winning a GR giveaway, that's fun! I've only ever won one and it was years ago. I want to see The Housemaid, maybe I can talk Darren into going tomorrow, I don't think the boys want to see that one. They went to Avatar tonight at 8:00 and we opted out, that's not at all my kind of movie and not only is 8:00 pajama time but that movie is 3 hrs 17 min - no way haha
I am having FOMO about BEST OFFER WINS as well Renee! I’m going to read it now! Maybe I will have Toby take me to The Housemaid tomorrow we have our annual Christmas date day! He binged that series in Mexico last year!
Last Read: The Wedding People; Alison Esbach. No rating yet. Combination print/audio
Current Read: Dark Ride; Lou Berney combination print and audio
On Deck: Sandwich; Catherine Newman, and The Painted Veil; Somerset Maugham
TV: 2 more episodes of MINDHUNTER(watching with my husband) to go. Thinking BROADCHURCH or ABSENTIA next, though I should let my husband pick. Watching THE BEAR on my own. 3 episodes into season 3. I like it, for the most part, but those screaming episodes really geek me out and I wind up turning those episodes off and completing them in 2 sittings(or treadmill sessions.)
RECIPE: One of my favorite post weight training meals is a protein pancake. I currently switch between a couple of different varieties. Here is the one I am loving this week:
.5cup of egg white, .5cup of cottage cheese, .5cut of rolled oats whizzed in a coffee grinder to make a flour, pinch of salt, .5tsp cinnamon, splash of vanilla extract and an sweetener you like, if you want it a little sweet. put all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, blend with a sick blender if you have one, or whisk thoroughly till smooth and well combined.
Prepare an 8" or smaller pan with a bit of cook spray and heat until a drop of water sizzles in the pan. pour about 1/3 of the mixture into the pan. cook and flip as you would any pancake.
Serve with syrup, jam, compote or as is.
Hit me up if you're interest in other protein pancake ideas.
Wishing all of the IBT&M fans a joyous solstice and new year.
Last read A WINTER IN NEW YORK by Josie Silver. Loved it! TENT FOR SEVEN BY Marty Ohlhaut. It was meh. Currently reading MARRIAGE AT SEA by Sophie Elmhirst and am fascinated by how they survived.
Currently watching old episodes of Jesse Stone series. (Tom Selleck is nice to watch. Sigh).
And have been watching women’s skating and couples skating as they are gearing up for Olympics. Alysa Liu and Chock and Bates are so much fun to watch.
Thanks for sharing about the Josie Silver, I'm adding that to my tbr right now. I loved One Day In December but haven't read anything else by her and I do love a New York setting. I'll never forget Marlyn and Maurice's story, It's amazing how they survived. I can't imagine being in that situation, I felt terrified for them.
My last book was ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' by Rick Bragg--5 stars and on my all-time favorite memoirs now! After some back-and-forth on if I wanted to read it, after talking to my local indie bookseller who has similar taste I bought THE ELEMENTS by John Boyne. It's definitely pulled me in but it's early days yet...
I did my annual rewatch of LITTLE WOMEN (2019 version) and may have to do the Winona Ryder version next while I finish my wrapping! Godspeed to us all in this final push before Christmas 🥰😅
Hi all! I hope you're finding some time to relax and enjoy yourself during these busy times! I'm telling myself that too:)
READING- My reading has been super limited because I prepped for, recorded and am now editing the best books of the year episode with Katie - I think you all will love our conversation and maybe be surprised by some of the books that made our top 10. I'll get that out to you soon, lots of books to link then it will be ready:) But I will update you on THE DINNER PARTY by Viola Van de Sandt which I was reading last week- I ended up dnfing it. I just didn't have the patience for such a slow story and the back and forth time frames didn't help. I'm currently doing a print/audio combo read of LATE IN THE DAY by Tessa Hadley. This story about two midlife couples who have been best friends for years when one of the four suddenly dies has me interested in what might have been going on below the surface. The audio is British narration and very good. Next up for my reading - I'm going to try BEST OFFER WINS on audio and on my Kindle I just downloaded ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME 1 - this seems like it might be too experimental for me but it's short and if I love it there's 3 books already out and a total of 7 planned. Also, it's translated and as you'll hear in the best books episode, translated fiction worked well for me this year
TV - I finished all 3 seasons of ABSENTIA and I loved it so much. Talk about twists and turns galore and just a riveting series. Now I'm bummed I binged it too fast and it's over haha. I'm currently watching LANDMAN - love the addition of Andy Garcia who is a much needed breath of fresh air to this show. Also, I just started the new season of EMILY IN PARIS and the Rome setting is visually stunning! Love all the eye candy from the fashion, the city sights, the food, etc.
RECIPES - I've been making homemade Reese PB Christmas Trees and they are so easy and very delicious- I got the recipe from Mindfullymademotherhood on instagram -
Ingredients are: 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (I use almond butter)
2/3 cup almond flour - I've also used oat flour and that works just as well
1/4 c pure maple syrup
1/2 c chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
Mix- combine peanut butter, flour, and maple syrup and stir until smooth and dough-like.
press out the "dough" to your desired thickness onto parchment paper then place in freezer for 10 min. In a saucepan over low heat melt the chocolate and coconut oil together stirring until smooth. Remove dough and use a cookie cutter to cut out pieces and then dip each into the melted chocolate using a fork or spoon then place on a parchment lined tray or plate. Then put in freezer for 20 min. That's it! They're so good, enjoy! Not sure what I'll make next but I'm thinking Almond flour chocolate chip cookies
Renee I just noticed my copy of LATE IN THE DAY in my house last week! Maybe I will pick that up in the New Year. Will be interested to hear what you think!
Stay tuned because I'm not sure it's right for me at this time, it has a past timeline that's kind of boring or else I'm just too busy and lacking patience 😅
I'm planning to start Best Offer Wins next! I'll be curious to see if I can stick with it, since I haven't dipped into thrillers in some time... But it seems like it might be okay for scaredy cats! I'm also looking forward to starting Emily in Paris over the holidays—I'm excited it's set in Rome!
Renee, I wondered if you would like THE DINNER PARTY. I DNFed it early on for the same reason. But I did read the first two ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME and the third is here waiting for me to begin it. It's not normally something I would like but it sounded interesting. I ended up really enjoying both of them. I recently finished JOYRIDE by Susan Orlean and loved it. Currently reading the second in a trilogy by Penny Vincenzi (SOMETHING DANGEROUS), an older book. The series was recommended by Sarah's Bookshelves and it has my full attention. Next up, I' going to close by eyes and pick out a random, new TBR.
I think we're often on the same page about books Jan:) Knowing that you enjoyed On the Calculation of Volume makes me feel more confident that I'll like it too. And I have a copy of Joyride, glad to hear you loved it. I just looked up that trilogy you're reading, I saw the words "forbidden love" and I might be sold haha. Funny you mentioned Penny Vincenzi though because I've never read her but I picked up her book Another Woman at the library because I liked the cover and title and I've heard other readers love her books. Did you like book 1., No Angel?
Yes, I did like Book 1. I usually have a hard time keeping many characters straight but I had no problem in this book about an expansive family. I am at the part in the second book (50%) where Hitler is gaining power and the family is becoming heatedly divided on who they are supporting. Reminds me of the Mitford sisters and how the family split in different directions.
I have so many folx in my life who have been diagnosed with celiac disease that I love finding these fun holiday ideas. Before the chocolate topping, these sound a lot like those protein balls that you'd roll in nuts or oats (GF, of course).
I make those energy balls with oats too and these Reese PB cutouts are much easier and faster to make. They're both great for quick healthy snacks though
Hey everyone, I got the best books episode edited sooner than expected so I just dropped it! I figured maybe you all would like to listen while you're wrapping presents, doing last minute errands, baking etc. I hope you enjoy it!
Just listened to some while I finished my wrapping! Now onto baking. Thanks Renee!!
I have had two more updates on this app so I hope I’m in the right place again. I have been dying to tell you that I just finished BEST OFFER WINS BY MARISA KASHINO and it lived up to the hype. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but ended up surprising myself and totally loving it. What a twist! I have 3 maybe more books lined up that I’m anxious to read. The very first one the list is A TOWN CALLED SOLACE BY MARY LAWSON. In January, I plan to dive into the chunky books and on that list I have THE ELEMENTS BY JOHN BOYNE. I also just learned about his book THE ABSOLUTEIST which is supposed to be very close to his beloved book HEART’S INVISIBLE FURY. Another chunky book that I’m anxious to read is THE LONELINESS OF SONJA AND SONNY. If I have time between now and New Year’s Eve I also want to squeeze in THE FERRYMAN AND HIS WIFE. It is only a four hour book in audio and I think it would be a great way to end this year. This weekend I am baking cookies to take to my stepson house Christmas Eve. On that list is Italian Wedding, Raspberry Jam Thumbprints, Russian Tea Cakes, Peanut Butter Cookies and Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark. Seasoned greetings, merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all!
Merry Christmas to you too! I've been hearing so many raves about Best Offer Wins that I went ahead and added it to my Spotify library yesterday so I"m glad to hear you thought it's worth the hype! If you get to Sonia and Sonny keep me updated, I feel like I might like it but it's too long for me to try during this busy month. Your cookies sound delicious! Ok, I have to tell you something about THE FERRYMAN AND HIS WIFE - I meant to do a PSA on that book and totally forgot but I tried it last month and I was really enjoying it until I got to a part where there's graphic details of dog executions - I'll tell you specifics if you want me to message you but I don't want to say it here because I'll save you from those visuals I wish I didn't have in my head. It was awful and there was no indication it was coming and I immediately dnfed the book because it looked like there were several pages of details about it. I say this here because I know you're a dog lover and so are many others in the group who might like to know this before they pick up this book.
Just got around to reading your full message. Was on my way out the door or maybe in the car when it came through. Thank you for telling me about that book and the dogs. I think I’m just going to pass. I can’t handle that.
I think you would've felt like I did when you reached that part
I’m so glad you told me about it. There are so many great books I have on my TBR to read that I don’t think I will miss that book. Thank you again.
I’m definitely glad to know and will skip it! It wasn’t a high priority anyway.
I rarely give trigger warnings but I feel like I'm doing a disservice to other readers if they don't know that, I've never come across graphic details about dogs like that, wish I could unread it
Uh Oh. Thanks for that, Renee. I think I'll just return it to B&N unread.
Jan I hate that you bought it and are returning it but if those types of details would bother you I'm glad to have saved you from them, it was graphic.
I keep debating Best Offer Wins…maybe I should try it.
I'm going to try it Katie!! I grabbed the audio on Spotify
I wasn’t going to try it but it was on sale on Audible so I bought it rather than use A credit to purchase it. When it started out it was funny and humorous, as a book went on it got to be a little bit overload on the extremeness, but by the end I was hooked and could not believe the way it ended. I would say read it and if you get to the middle and feel like I did just keep going.
I started BEST OFFER WINS last night and did not get very far but like her style of writing and her humor.
I loved her humor too. The thoughts in her head reminded me of me sometimes. Lol
Kathy, I finished this last night and really hope you are not like her! LOL!!! I loved it. A darkly funny thriller that reminds me of MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER . . . but lighter and funnier.
I assure you that I am not like her lol. I just know that I am very capable of standing there with a smile on my face while someone tells me something I do not wanna hear. The thoughts that go through my mind but do not come out of my mouth. It was a fun read.
Kathy I loved A TOWN CALLED SOLACE. I don’t know what I would call these types of books but they are my favorite. This is similar to Ethan Joella.
That is definitely what I thought as I’m listening to the book. I’m a little over halfway through the book and loving it.
I'm going to answer based on my print reading - Book I finished last was THE NAMES by Florence Knapp (really liked it), the book I'm reading now is TIME OF THE CHILD by Niall Williams (like it but it's going slow for me), and my next two reads will be THE RIVER HAS ROOTS and STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL. I'm 2.5 hours away from two weeks of winter break, so I'm planning to read some things that might take a little more focus.
I don't watch a ton of tv (for some reason I have trouble staying focused on it), but I'm looking forward to watching the Taylor Swift stuff on Disney Plus, the Counting Crows documentary on HBO, and the beginning of season two of Percy Jackson.
Kristin you're officially on winter break by the time I'm writing this!! I hope you have a relaxing break and get time to do whatever you'd like:) It sounds like The Names is one that slipped by me this year, many of you have mentioned reading it today. It's still on my tbr!
I’ll be interested to hear what you think of RIVER and STONEYARD when you’re done.
I'm picking up TIME OF THE CHILD at the library today as I read a review that it was perfect for this time of the year.
My last win was IS THIS A CRY FOR HELP. I’ve never read Emily Austin and worried that the quirky trope would get on my nerves but I loved it! Currently enjoying SO OLD, SO YOUNG and it’s a win so far! 2026 releases have really been working for me. Next up is THE ARTIST AND THE FEAST and I’m so excited to read it!
Not a recipe, but I’m loving this simple and divine appetizer from Pinch of Yum:
One Boursin cheese, spread on a plate
Top with chopped pistachios
Drizzle with hot honey
Serve with crackers and apple slices
These flavors should not work together but they absolutely do! I’m taking it to a gathering tonight, but this time, I’m using the hot honey and garlic Boursin and adding a spread of fig jam underneath the pistachios.
No effort and a huge hit!
this is on my tbr and I’m happy to hear you liked it. I loved WE COULD BE RATS but really didn’t like EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM WILL SOMEDAY BE DEAD so I’m curious how I’ll feel about this Emily Austin!
It’s the only one of hers I’ve read so I’m interested to see what I’ll think of another of hers!
I don't think I've heard of your last win, will look it up. I'm excited for that Grant Grinder, I haven't let myself dip into 2026 yet, for no good reason haha. Let me know what you think of The Artist and the Feast, I thought it sounded good--is it a sequel or am I confusing it with something else?
I don’t think it is? I’d read about it somewhere and can’t remember where and added it to my TBR. Then when Brett raved about it and compared it to Still Life I bought a hardback and put the audio on hold!
Gotcha, I didn’t remember him comparing it to Still Life but I loved that book!
I can't wait to read So Old, So Young! It sounds like a terrific premise.
Be prepared though- it’s not a quick read and you’d think it would be. I’m really enjoying it though!
Good to know!!
I finished it yesterday and I loved it! It’s just more literary and a slower more contemplative read than a lot of books with the theme of long-term friendships. And if you need likable characters, it will not be for you. But I thought it was super honest and very tender.
So happy to hear that you loved it. I absolutely plan to read it!
Love Pinch of Yum and have been eyeing that easy recipe for a gathering next week. I’m sold!
I've made it too and it's delicious!
You won’t regret it!
That sounds like a perfect recipe for the holiday a LeAnne! I’m going to make that this week!!
I’m telling you it no fail. I’ve made it twice with different flavored Boursin and with and without jam/spread. I’ve come home with a completely empty plate both times!
Happy Sunday before Christmas! 🎄🎅🎄
My current reads are FOX by Joyce Carol Oates which I am balancing with SIPSWORTH by Simon Van Booy. Too early for opinions on both.
My last reads were 2 Christmas themed books for book clubs.
We are currently watching the documentary Merchants of Joy about the competitive Christmas tree market in NYC and am really enjoying it. I love NYC so anything set there interests me. Has anyone watched the Netflix series The Staircase with Colin Firth that is based on a true story? It popped up on my rec list and I like him. It’s a few years old so I wondered if it was good.
Happy holiday week everyone! Sending blessings to everyone in this community I love so much! Renee I can’t wait to listen to your episode with Katie and I’m going to go back and listen to last years episode again to see what I may have missed last year!
Ashley happiest of holidays to you, your comment about this community brought tears to my eyes. 2026 will be my ten year anniversary of talking about books online and I was just remeniscing about all the amazing things that have come my way since I started and one of the very best surprises has been having this community of people I consider
friends ❤️ Ok, I haven't heard of competitive Christmas tree markets or that show but I must check that out. I really want to hear about what you think of Fox too
I absolutely adore the community you have built Renee!
I'm curious about that Colin Firth show too!
I just started Season 5 of EMILY IN PARIS and love the short episodes but man is it cheesy. I’ll watch it anyways 😆.
I’m debating my next read but currently sampling a memoir called LIFE AFTER AMBITION by AMIL NIAZI.
I binged THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND by JESSIE GARCIA and ultimately it felt a little hokey. An easy binge for this time of year though. It comes out in January.
I'm currently reading TWISTED by Steven Cavanaugh and I hope to start DEMON COPPERHEAD which I haven't read yet!!! And I want it to be my last book of the year, but it'll probably last and first because I don't think I'll have time to finish it lol
Can't wait to hear what you think of Demon!
I just finished listening to SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE by Ann Packer. It was good, and I liked that the story was told by Elliott, the husband. I had lots of sympathy for him. I am currently reading in print THE NAMES by Florence Knapp. I have listened to this one and knew I had missed some things so I wanted to read it in print. Next, I plan to read THE SAFEKEEP by
Yael van der Wouden.
I recently watched the movie THE HOLIDAY…it is so good.
I am having a family event on Sunday and plan to try a new potato recipe…fingers crossed for success.
I love The Holiday too, I need to still watch that, The Family Stone and Home Alone, those are my rewatches every year. I'm glad you liked Some Bright Nowhere- it's a challenging story wouldn't you say? I would love to have a larger conversation about it with other readers. Good luck with your recipe Sunday:)
For sure...those are all good movies. Yes, SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE was hard at times but I thought the ending was so well done.
I've been slammed with work this past month, so I haven't done much reading for pleasure. I'm planning to start NEXT OFFER WINS this evening, and I'm also hoping to read THE SAFEKEEP by Yael van der Wouden, THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN by Scott Johnston, and THE WHITE HOT by Quiara Alegría Hudes over the holidays! My husband and I have been watching a newish sitcom, St. Denis Medical, and we've really liked it. It's incredibly lighthearted and silly, which has been perfect after long, busy days! The show is written by one of the writers from The Office. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! I'm looking forward to hearing your best books of 2025, Renee!
Thanks for the tv show rec, that's one I haven't heard of and my husband and I are often looking for funny shows to watch together, he doesn't like my dark shows haha. I'm excited for you to hear my top reads, coming very soon!! I hope you'll share yours too
I can’t wait to listen to your end of year reviews. I feel like we always have a few the same. My last read was BEST OFFER WINS and I absolutely loved it. My current read is WAIT For ME by Amy Jo Burns. I actually won it in a Goodreads giveaway and that never happens. So far it’s fine but I’ve only read about 100 pages. my next read will either be WINTERS BONE, THE GREAT MANN or WILD DARK SHORE. As for TV, I am still watching landman but it’s kind of turned into hate watching it at this point. And for movies, I’m finally going to see wicked 2 on Monday. I’m excited to see The housemaid and Song Sung Blue. It’s been a long time since there have been so many movies out that I really want to see. I’ve been slacking on the recipes although I made a very good vegetarian chili this week. Happy holidays 😊
You loved Best Offer Wins too! I do think I need to read it, I don't want to be the only one in the group who hasn't haha. Let me know if we have any overlap after you hear my best of list....I've got many backlist on my list this year! Congrats on winning a GR giveaway, that's fun! I've only ever won one and it was years ago. I want to see The Housemaid, maybe I can talk Darren into going tomorrow, I don't think the boys want to see that one. They went to Avatar tonight at 8:00 and we opted out, that's not at all my kind of movie and not only is 8:00 pajama time but that movie is 3 hrs 17 min - no way haha
I am having FOMO about BEST OFFER WINS as well Renee! I’m going to read it now! Maybe I will have Toby take me to The Housemaid tomorrow we have our annual Christmas date day! He binged that series in Mexico last year!
Loved WILD DARK SHORE!
I’ve avoided it all year for no real reason but my step mom gave it to me so I’m viewing it as a sign to read it.
I’m looking forward to seeing Song Sung Blue too!
Last Read: The Wedding People; Alison Esbach. No rating yet. Combination print/audio
Current Read: Dark Ride; Lou Berney combination print and audio
On Deck: Sandwich; Catherine Newman, and The Painted Veil; Somerset Maugham
TV: 2 more episodes of MINDHUNTER(watching with my husband) to go. Thinking BROADCHURCH or ABSENTIA next, though I should let my husband pick. Watching THE BEAR on my own. 3 episodes into season 3. I like it, for the most part, but those screaming episodes really geek me out and I wind up turning those episodes off and completing them in 2 sittings(or treadmill sessions.)
RECIPE: One of my favorite post weight training meals is a protein pancake. I currently switch between a couple of different varieties. Here is the one I am loving this week:
.5cup of egg white, .5cup of cottage cheese, .5cut of rolled oats whizzed in a coffee grinder to make a flour, pinch of salt, .5tsp cinnamon, splash of vanilla extract and an sweetener you like, if you want it a little sweet. put all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, blend with a sick blender if you have one, or whisk thoroughly till smooth and well combined.
Prepare an 8" or smaller pan with a bit of cook spray and heat until a drop of water sizzles in the pan. pour about 1/3 of the mixture into the pan. cook and flip as you would any pancake.
Serve with syrup, jam, compote or as is.
Hit me up if you're interest in other protein pancake ideas.
Wishing all of the IBT&M fans a joyous solstice and new year.
-Shari
Thanks for this recipe, I’m all about protein pancakes! If you watch Absentia you have to let me know
Last read A WINTER IN NEW YORK by Josie Silver. Loved it! TENT FOR SEVEN BY Marty Ohlhaut. It was meh. Currently reading MARRIAGE AT SEA by Sophie Elmhirst and am fascinated by how they survived.
Currently watching old episodes of Jesse Stone series. (Tom Selleck is nice to watch. Sigh).
And have been watching women’s skating and couples skating as they are gearing up for Olympics. Alysa Liu and Chock and Bates are so much fun to watch.
Thanks for sharing about the Josie Silver, I'm adding that to my tbr right now. I loved One Day In December but haven't read anything else by her and I do love a New York setting. I'll never forget Marlyn and Maurice's story, It's amazing how they survived. I can't imagine being in that situation, I felt terrified for them.
Merry Christmas from Tucker and me a person wearing a santa costume and sitting on a chair next to a dog and a christmas tree + BRIGHT
My last book was ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' by Rick Bragg--5 stars and on my all-time favorite memoirs now! After some back-and-forth on if I wanted to read it, after talking to my local indie bookseller who has similar taste I bought THE ELEMENTS by John Boyne. It's definitely pulled me in but it's early days yet...
I did my annual rewatch of LITTLE WOMEN (2019 version) and may have to do the Winona Ryder version next while I finish my wrapping! Godspeed to us all in this final push before Christmas 🥰😅