Pink Magnolia in Amsterdam
Hello, My Lovelies!
It's been a minute since I last posted here. It has been a very eventful spring, y'all. We left for a European trip on our 37th wedding anniversary (March 19th) and while we were there, my mother called in distress. I'm an only child, so there isn't another sibling to help. By the time we got to her, her blood sugar was dangerously low. After an almost three week stay in the hospital, followed by an equally long stint in a SNF, we had to make the tough decision to find a smaller place for her to live, and we also decided to place her in a small apartment on an assisted living floor. We were lucky because the beautiful, historic building was in the process of being renovated, so her studio apartment is like brand new on one of the prettiest streets on Birmingham. That's the important part, y'all. She is no longer in my hometown but in Birmingham! I am sleeping so much better at night knowing she is no longer two counties away. She is so happy, and giggles every time I'm with her because she loves her new home so much.
We moved Mom in last week, and her apartment is so cute. The only thing she wanted from her old home was a pair of paintings she purchased in Paris. I decorated the entire apartment around the paintings! I feel so fortunate to have her near, and I'm able to see her often. We decorated her new home during the month she was in the SNF, so once she was discharged, we were able to take her straight to her new digs.
I read a lot this spring while traveling and while sitting at the hospital while my mom was resting. I also was able to take small drawing pads and watercolor bookmarks with me while caring for Mom and traveling.
I am making tag journals each month chronicling the books I read.
This is April's journal.
I will post about these later this summer.
This is an example of the bookmarks I'm painting and placing in my tag journals.
The stars represent the book's rating.
This is a tulip I drew on our trip to The Netherlands.
Are you going anywhere for Memorial Day Weekend? If so I have the perfect beach, lake, or staycation duology (The Cade Siblings Duology) by Baleigh Jayne for your reading pleasure.
The first book in the series is entitled Tied Together.
According to Goodreads:
In the bustling heart of Paris, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of romance, two friends find themselves tied together in an unexpected journey.
Alana Cade never thought her three year love story would end over a bowl of pasta, but after coming to the realization that her ex was kind of the worst, she’s sworn off men and thrown herself into her work at Impress Magazine. It’s been a full year of no dates, no swooning, and no complications. Now she can’t help but notice the strong and steady friendship she has in her coworker, Alex Ashford, and how it would be so easy to fall into something more.
Alex, one of Impress Magazine’s top editors, has never been able to take his eyes off of his witty and charming colleague, Alana. Her determination, focus and drive make her all the more attractive, but Alex has never made it out of the friend zone.
Bound by their shared passion for success, Alex and Alana embark on a business trip to the enchanting city of Paris. As they explore the city's hidden treasures, from cozy cafés to moonlit strolls along the Seine, Alex and Alana begin to see each other in a different light. With every stolen glance and lingering touch, their friendship blossoms into something more. But as they navigate the delicate balance between professional obligations and newfound desires, Alex and Alana must confront their fears and insecurities, risking it all for a chance at happily ever after in the City of Love.
Will they be able to overcome and fall into the timeless magic of Paris, or will the obstacles in their way keep them apart?
Tied Together is a low stakes, sweet romance that will tug on your heartstrings and remind you what it feels like to love again after heartbreak.
My Review:
I absolutely love Alana and Alex's love story. Of course I love the setting: Paris during Christmas can't be beat for a romance novel. It also has a few of my favorite romance novel tropes such as forced proximity (they are sharing an apartment with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower); he falls first; workplace romance; friends to lovers; and a Christmas activities list. One if my favorite scenes is something Alex does for Alana to help her get into the Christmas spirit. I don't want to tell you what it is because it would spoil it for you!
Another trope that is also fun is that they are vying for the same promotion, and both are hard workers and deserving of recognition. Could this professional (yet friendly) competition be the cause of a third act break-up? Hopefully not because Alex is such a total "cinnamon roll" hero!
Baleigh Jayne is my new favorite romance author. Her characters are so relatable and likable. I also appreciate that her romances are "closed door" and very sweet. Spoiler alert: Pay attention while reading this one because there are clues about shenanigans that might be playing out at home in New York in the second book in the duology, The Best for Last.
The second book in the series is Best for Last. At first I didn't think I'd like this one as well as the first, but I was mistaken. I loved it!
According to Goodreads:
Charlie Cade has spent his life on the ice, but with his contract up for renewal with the New York Rangers, the one thing he’s not prepared for is the spotlight. After years in the shadows, his agent insists he needs a picture-perfect relationship to keep his place on the team. Enter Cami Slate, his sister's best friend and the last person he ever imagined as his solution.
Cami’s life is in constant always changing, always in flux. Whether it's shoes, men, or her latest obsession, commitment isn't her strong suit. When her mom corners her about her love life and constantly asks if she's bringing a date to her sister’s wedding, Cami needs a quick fix. So, when Charlie asks her to fake-date him, it seems like the perfect (if not completely ridiculous) solution to their problems.
But as the two of them navigate the world of fake romance, they start discovering a few things they didn’t like how much they’ve always meant to each other, how much they want to mean to each other, and how hard it is to pretend when the chemistry is all too real.
Will Charlie and Cami’s love survive the pressure of pretending, or will they find that the real thing was right in front of them all along?
My Review:
This book is considered a hockey romance, and it is an immensely popular sub-genre. Charlie plays for the New York Rangers, and he really wants a contract renewal so he can remain in the city because his sister and close friend Cami live there. His agent's solution is to appear more likable by being more social with his teammates, dating, and community involvement. Cami agrees to "date" Charlie, and this storyline begins during December while Charlie's sister Alana and Alex are falling in love in Paris. Readers got a little bit of a hint that something was up with Charlie and Cami in Alana and Alex's book, Tied Together.
I do like the tropes in this one: friends to lovers; fake dating; opposites attract; best friend's brother; his grumpy to her sunshine; and a dual POV. Charlie's character is one of my favorite romance heroes I've read in a very long time. He has an interesting backstory, and there's a very good reason why his circle is so small. Cami is equally as likable because she is so kind, adventurous, and loyal to her friends. One of the very cutest hobby day and community service montages ever is featured in this book. Just picturing Charlie trying one of Cami's many tried-yet-abandoned hobbies was too much fun for me.
I was also pleasantly surprised because this is the first hockey romance I've ever read, and I really liked it. I know nothing about hockey: I'm Southern, y'all! But it was a lot of fun, and I think this book along with its sister book would be great additions to your beach or lake bag this summer. You are welcome!
I recently celebrated a big birthday, and I was gifted a Flower Arranging Workshop at Stone Hollow Farmstead. I will share what I learned next week.
Meet City the Cat. He was my friend during the workshop.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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