By Tessa Pulyer Posted on

Sunday Post 72 | Road Trip

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

We are on a road trip this weekend to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to see my youngest daughter’s last dance performance. I got a little misty eyed talking about it with one of my co-workers this week. Dance was such a huge part of both of my daughters lives from age 3 on through college, so of course it has also been a large part of mine and my husband’s life too. And this is the very last performance we will be attending. That’ll probably affect me more than graduation next month, if I’m being honest. It’s like an end of an era type of thing.

I was so excited that NetGalley FINALLY made some changes that many of us have been grumbling about for awhile. They added a withdraw request button for pending requests, and they will also now be putting the read now option on pending requests. For more information, here’s their blog post on it: Everything You Want To Know About Requesting Books on NetGalley. I’ve already had fun with the withdraw request button. NetGalley keeps trying to get me to request Berkley books and, like so many other bloggers, Berkley never approves me…ever… so those requests went away very quickly. To be fair, they had been pending for awhile, and I only requested them because I wondered if Berkley had changed their approval practices. As far as I can tell – they haven’t.

from NetGalley

Women’s Fiction
From the New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells comes an enchanting tale filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won’t let you go. Between the real and the imaginary, there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways. Right off the coast of South Carolina, on Mallow Island, The Dellawisp sits—a stunning cobblestone building shaped like a horeshoe and named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy. When Zoey comes to claim her deceased mother’s apartment on Mallow Isalnd, she meets her quirky and secretive neighbors, including a girl on the run, two estranged middle-aged sisters, a lonely chef, a legendary writer, and three ghosts. Each with their own story, Each with their own longings. Each whose ending isn’t written yet.
Mystery/Thriller
A woman hires a housekeeper to care for her aging parents—only to watch as she takes over their lives in this riveting novel from the New York Times bestselling author Samantha M. Bailey calls “an ingenious master of domestic suspense.” In the end, I have only myself to blame. I’m the one who let her in. Jodi Bishop knows success. She’s the breadwinner, a top-notch real estate agent. Her husband, Harrison . . . not so much. Once, he had big dreams. But now, he’s a middling writer who resents his wife’s success. Jodi’s father, Vic, now in his late seventies and retired, is a very controlling man. His wife, Audrey, was herself no shrinking violet. But things changed when Audrey developed Parkinson’s ten years ago and Vic retired to devote himself to her care. But while still reasonably spry and rakishly handsome, Vic is worn down by his wife’s deteriorating condition. Exhausted from trying to balance her career, her family, and her parents’ needs, Jodi starts interviewing housekeepers to help care for Audrey and Vic. She settles on Elyse Woodley, an energetic and attractive widow in her early sixties, who seems perfect for the job. While Vic is initially resistant, he soon warms to Elyse’s sunny personality and engaging ways. And Jodi is pleased to have an ally, someone she can talk to and occasionally even confide in. Until . . . She shuts Jodi out. And Audrey’s condition worsens—rapidly. Who is this woman suddenly wearing her mother’s jewelry? What is she after? And how far will she go to get it?
Supernatural Thriller (YA)
An ambitious, thought provoking novel perfect for fans of Louise O’Neill or the Netflix series The End of the F***ing World. Will Parks is being followed. Someone is watching him, feeding him glimpses of the future – steering him down paths he would never have dared to take alone. But these supernatural tip-offs are doing more for Will than just boosting his popularity, or keeping him out of trouble in the dead-end town he calls home. They have a purpose. Because a tragedy is coming. One that only Will can prevent. But only if he is ready to step up. Only if he’s prepared to become the man he’s meant to be.
Women’s Fiction
Sandy Gingras’s Paradise Girls features a broken engagement. A ruined vacation in paradise. One adorable little girl. The perfect recipe for the chance of a lifetime… It’s Christmas time, and Mary Valley is in a funk. She’s a writer for home magazines, but she’s lost touch with what home means. Her life seems meaningless. The last house she wrote about was a gazillion-dollar mansion with a moat! Plus, she’s estranged from her daughter, CC and granddaughter, Larkin and mired in a dead-end relationship with her boss. Daniel is a man adrift since his son Timmy was killed in Afghanistan. He’s living on a houseboat in Florida with Timmy’s three-legged dog, Tripod and taking tourists out on fishing charters. But his life is on the edge. He’s painting his houseboat black, and he can’t stop thinking about “getting lost at sea.” When Mary’s boss tells her he’s spending Christmas with his ex, she books a trip with her family to The Low Key Inn, a hotel on the edge of the Everglades. But things go wrong from the get-go. CC bails out of the vacation, and Mary is stuck with an unhappy Larkin. The hotel is dated and down-on-its-luck, and perhaps its owner is a witch. Then Mary meets Daniel, casts a hook into his head and wrecks his boat. This is the story of how wounded people can help each other heal, how lost people can help each other find their way home. How life can become a love story…
Mystery/Thriller
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the “claustrophobic spine-tingler” (People) One by One returns with an unputdownable mystery following a woman on the search for answers a decade after her friend’s murder. April Clarke-Cliveden was the first person Hannah Jones met at Oxford. Vivacious, bright, occasionally vicious, and the ultimate It girl, she quickly pulled Hannah into her dazzling orbit. Together, they developed a group of devoted and inseparable friends—Will, Hugh, Ryan, and Emily—during their first term. By the end of the second, April was dead. Now, a decade later, Hannah and Will are expecting their first child, and the man convicted of killing April, former Oxford porter John Neville, has died in prison. Relieved to have finally put the past behind her, Hannah’s world is rocked when a young journalist comes knocking and presents new evidence that Neville may have been innocent. As Hannah reconnects with old friends and delves deeper into the mystery of April’s death, she realizes that the friends she thought she knew all have something to hide…including a murder. “The Agatha Christie of our generation” (David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author) proves once again that she is “as ingenious and indefatigable as the Queen of Crime” (The Washington Post) with this propulsive murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fantasy – Norse Mythology (YA)
Sweeping adventure, breathtaking twists of fate, and immersive worlds based in Norse mythology are woven into this first volume of the Runestone Saga, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and Shattered Realms series. Ever since Ragnarok—the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos–the human realm of the Midlands has become a dangerous place, bereft of magic, where most lead lives of desperation. Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones. Between fishing, going vikingr, and working his modir’s farm, the family has remained prosperous. But Eiric stands to lose everything when he’s convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. Also at risk is his half-systir, Liv, whose interest in seidr, or magic, has made her a figure of suspicion. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove—the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery. Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reggin Eiklund has spent her life traveling from town to town, performing at alehouses all for the benefit of her master, Asger, the fire demon she is desperate to escape. Then after one performance that amazes even Reggin herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make her an irresistible offer: return with them to the temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger. Eiric, Liv, and Reggin’s journeys converge in New Jotunheim, the site of the Temple at the Grove, a paradise fueled by magic. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface, and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.

I’ve still been following March Madness and late last night, the Tar Heels made it to the finals. Go Heels!!!! (And since we played Duke, that meant a run on Franklin, which I mentioned a few weeks ago, and this is what that looked like last night ⤵️)

We weren’t sure about Moon Knight. From the trailers it seemed kind of DC dark rather than normal Marvel. Yet, we had to try it, right? It wasn’t dark but it was a bit confusing. I really liked the humor. And, I will be curious to see how it progresses.

  • Monday, March 28: Book Review of A Forgery of Roses by Jessica Olson (Mystery/Thriller and Fantasy, YA – 4.5 stars)
  • Tuesday, March 29: Book Review of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Women’s Fiction – 5+ stars)
  • Wednesday, March 30: WWW Wednesday
  • Thursday, March 31: Book Review of The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth (Domestic Thriller – 4.5 stars)
  • Friday, April 1: Book Blogger Hop
  • Saturday, April 2: Spotlight of BBNYA’s Bronze Winner: Accused by M.N. Jolley (Indie published * Supernatural Mystery) w/ review links
  • Monday, April 4: Book Review of The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton (4.5 stars – Cozy Mystery)
  • Tuesday, April 5: Book Review of Reputation by Lex Croucher (Twisted Romcom) and In A Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power (Epic Fantasy) – (both 4 stars)
  • Wednesday, April 6: WWW Wednesday
  • Thursday, April 7: Book Review of Crimson Summer by Heather Graham (5 stars – Crime Thriller)
  • Friday, April 8: Book Blogger Hop

How was your week – bookish or otherwise?

51 Replies to “Sunday Post 72 | Road Trip”

  1. WendyW says:

    Enjoy your daughter’s dance performance, I know how you feel, it’s wonderful and sad all at the same time. As soon as I finish typing this reply, I’m rushing over to NetGalley to see what I can do about that withdraw button! Thanks for letting me know!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. dinipandareads says:

    I’ve seen a lot about the “withdraw request” button on my TL—so many people are excited and ecstatic over it! I hope you enjoy your daughter’s final performance—I can imagine how bittersweet that must feel after having dance be part of your lives for so many years! Enjoy your trip and have a grand week ahead 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  3. kat says:

    Thanks for the info about the changes to NetGalley! It was so nice to hop over and finally get rid of a request that’s been pending for almost 2 years. Though I was kind of tempted to see how long it might take them to finally deny me. I hope you have a lovely trip and a great time enjoying your daughter’s performance! It’s also so hard when things come to an end.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. jessicabookworm says:

    Tessa, I hope your road trip and daughter’s last dance performance will be wonderful and good luck with all those new Netgalley books you’ve hauled this week! 😃 As for my own week, it has been a busy, tiring but fun one – I am really looking forward to the upcoming school’s Easter break! 💐 Take care and happy reading in the coming week.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Louise H says:

    Hope you enjoy(ed) the road trip. My daughter dances, though only at a “fun” level with a local dance troop. I’m not sure if this summer’s show will be her last one. It will definitely feel like the end of an era if she doesn’t continue. Have a good week x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      Whatever level it still becomes a big part of your life I think. We are on our way up at this moment. Can’t wait to see both of my girls ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  9. writerravenclaw says:

    I watched Moon knight the other day, it looked quite good. I’ve only watched the first episode because that’s all is on Disney Plus. I went to my daughters yesterday. She is doing some DIY with her boyfriend, and a two year old doesn’t mix with that. My son went with us, and helped out while I looked after my granddaughter. I was exhausted by the time I got home, it has been a while since my daughter was that age lol.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Janette says:

    It’s really hard when you have to say goodbye to those events that made up such a big part of parenting. There will be new events though😀
    I’ve already had fun with the withdraw request button. Love your books and definitely want to read the Ruth Ware

    Liked by 1 person

  11. harvee says:

    I’m reading a lot of ARCs from NetGalley. I was not approved right away for Ruth Ware’s new book so I withdrew my request! Hope you’re having fun in North Carolina!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. jennielyse says:

    That picture with the tulips is lovely. It’s the embodiment of spring and just makes my heart happy. I hope your daughter’s dance performance goes well. I’m sorry it’s so bittersweet. My husband and I going to start Moon Knight this week now that we’ve finished our binge watch of How I Met Your Mother. I hope you have a good week.

    My Sunday Post

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Carla says:

    I hope you enjoy your daughter’s last performance. I can see how it will be very emotional. I was quite happy to see that withdraw request button yesterday and I did just that with some that had been pending for a long time. I hope you enjoy all your upcoming books, Tessa.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Jonetta | Blue Mood Café says:

    Oh, you’ve got to have mixed emotions about your daughter’s last dance performance. Good luck!

    I told hubby to wake me if the Tar Heels won and since he didn’t, I woke thinking Duke had won. Turns out I had to wake him with the news. Can’t believe you braved Franklin!

    Just added Paradise Girls so thanks for that. Have a wonderful week💜

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Mischenko says:

    That’s so sweet about your daughter. I know the feeling exactly. I hope everything is beautiful and you have a safe trip. ❤️

    The news on NetGalley is wonderful. I saw that they were allowing the option to not review, which was huge for me. Every now and then, you get one you just don’t want to review. It was nice to have the option. I’m going to log in now to see the other changes you’re talking about.

    Adding the books too! Children of Ragnarok sounds awesome. 👍 Have a great week, Tessa.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Books Teacup and Reviews says:

    I hope you have great time. I didn’t know about it as I haven’t requested anything nor I browse NetGalley as I keep adding widgets publishers send me but I agree it’s good change that we all wanted for long time.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Teri Polen says:

    I know how you feel about your daughter’s last performance, Tessa. I felt the same way at my son’s last concert. It’s certainly bittersweet. I didn’t know anything about these new features on NetGalley, so thanks for the info! And I’m so jealous you got Children of Ragnarok. Even though my feedback ratio is over 90%, Harper turns me down almost faster than I can request their books. I also watched the first episode of Moon Knight and I’m hooked!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      Hmmm…I wonder why that is… I would think your stats would be pretty strong. The approval system can be such a mystery with some publishers.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Renee Nash says:

    I feel the same way about those Berkley emails I always get and stopped requesting a while ago when I knew it was a trap! Love that we can withdraw our requests now. I wonder if you are declined then a book becomes Read Now if that choice will be available?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      I wondered that too. It doesn’t address that in the article. But, to be honest, you can create a separate NetGalley account to grab Read Now books you’ve previously been denied for. I’m not sure if they have rules about that but I know a lot of people do it.

      Like

  19. nsfordwriter says:

    I didn’t know that about NetGalley (not sure if it will be the same for UK site), withdraw request will definitely be useful. Hope you have a great week 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      Very useful! When I go to the UK site, it’s on there but I don’t know if it’ll be the same for you. I’m thinking it will.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. D. Wallace Peach says:

    Aww. The end of an era, Tessa. I remember that when I attended my daughter’s last singing event in college. I hope you enjoy the show and celebrate all your daughter has accomplished as well as the new chapter in her life. Thanks for the peeks at your book haul. And my March Madness team (UConn Women) lost last night. Wah! Tar Heels are playing as I write this. Up by 1. So close. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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