My Reading Blog

Goodreads Summary:  "Love can redeem a man...but secrets and lies can condemn him. A handsome stranger comes to the sleepy New England town of Salem Falls in hopes of burying his past: Once a teacher at a girls' prep school, Jack St. Bride was destroyed when a student's crush sparked a powder keg of accusation. Now, washing dishes for Addie Peabody at the Do-Or-Diner, he slips quietly into his new routine, and Addie finds this unassuming man fitting easily inside her heart. But amid the rustic calm of Salem Falls, a quartet of teenage girls harbor dark secrets -- and they maliciously target Jack with a shattering allegation. Now, at the center of a modern-day witch hunt, Jack is forced once again to proclaim his innocence: to a town searching for answers, to a justice system where truth becomes a slippery concept written in shades of gray, and to the woman who has come to love him." Another thought provoking Picoult novel about a very touchy and prominen...

In December, I received a letter from Social Security stating that my check would be deposited into my bank account.  I thought, "well that's silly that's where it has been deposited for the past four years!"  I put the letter aside and didn't think any more about it.  Christmas happened and then... I checked my bank account and no check had been deposited.  My heart dropped and I felt sick.  I could only think that someone had stolen my identity.  Monday morning we went to the Social Security Office in Illinois (we were visiting the kids).  Fortunately, we didn't have to wait too long before we met with a rep.  I explained my situation and he started doing some checking.  He found that a certain bank had sent a request using my SSN instructing them to send my check to a different bank account.  He asked questions, I answered and he assured me that he thought someone had put in a wrong SSN and there was no fraud.  Made me feel...

Goodreads summary:  Attorney Carmel Loan is beautiful, intelligent, ambitious - and used to getting what she wants. When she becomes infatuated with fellow barrister Hale Allen, she isn't going to let a little thing like his being married get in the way. So, through the contacts of an ex-client, she hired professional killer Clara Rinker to get rid of Allen's wife. Smart, attractive Rinker is the best hitwoman in the business - but things go wrong, and the shooting of a witness, a cop, brings DI Lucas Davenport into the case. Carmel Loan and Clara Rinker team up to clean up the loose ends - which includes getting Davenport off their backs by whatever means necessary. A good mystery.  John Sandford always has a good story. Finished:  Feb. 4, 2015

As I sit here looking out the window this morning, I see snow and feel the cold temperature.  We've been very fortunate this winter here in the Ozarks until yesterday.  Still not much snow, but wind and temperature has us shivering.  I loaded my pictures from Florida onto my computer yesterday and thought today when we are all freezing that some pictures of flowers and peaceful settings were in order and will help all of feel better.  These were taken at the Bok Tower and Gardens (last week's slice).  Enjoy! Hope you have a little more peace and warmth in your day!

When I was growing up, my grandparents owned a home in Kissimmie, FL.  I remember visiting during Christmas breaks and at some time I remember going to Bok Tower, but I don't "remember" a lot about the visit.  This year, hubby and I decided to visit the tower and gardens. All I can say is "Wow".  The tower is an awesome site to see and the Carillon Music is unbelievable.  The tranquility and beauty of the gardens are amazing.  We walked, took pictures (to be shared at a later date), meditated and enjoyed the peace and solitude of this beautiful setting.  Another of God's beauty to behold. The quote upon entering the gardens is one that I want to share: "Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it."    Edward Bok 1929