It's Sunday/Monday: Check-In Time

Linking up with Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and It's Monday! What are You Reading? now hosted by Kathryn @Book Date. 

Bad blogger me ... and I think February is going to be hit and miss as my surgery that was going to be mid Feb is now Wednesday. Eek ... freaking out just a little, I wanted time to get organised. Recovery time could be a "nasty 2 weeks" (specialist's words #wth) with limited use of hands. Hoping she's one of those worse case scenario Dr's lol. Of course I'm visualising everything I might not be able to do ... this had so better be worth it!! 

It's been a drought on my blog, motivation sadly lacking and reading and reviewing has suffered but I do finally have a couple of reviews scheduled. I promise I'll get back into the swing of it ... eventually. But thanks to everyone for the happy hand wishes over the last 2 weeks. 

and here's a photo of my gorgeous granddaughter to brighten your Monday ... she makes me smile always. 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :)  

Yippee a good week for me, over target. I'm in again for February :)

Fitbit Steps:

Mon: 7057 steps 

Tue: 8796 steps ~ short walk with Bella

Wed: 11,167 steps ~ walk to community garden, gardening

Thurs: 12,393 steps ~ walk & swim

Fri: 8212 steps ~ swim

Sat:  13,097 steps ~ walk on beach esplanade

Sun: 8878 steps ~ 2.2km walk for hamburger :) 

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title) 

zip, nothing, nada

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Finished last week: 

rinse and repeat ;)

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This Week's Reading List:

I'LL SEE YOU IN PARIS by Michelle Gable

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP by Susan Mallery (MIschief Bay #2)

SUMMER AT LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (Little Beach Street Bakery #2) ~ audiobook.

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Reviews Coming: 

MISSING PIECES by Heather Gudenkauf ~ not the subtlety of previous work but great read.

NUMBERED by Amy Andrews & Ros Baxter ~ cried so much I got dehydrated. I know this will be on my favourite list at the end of the year. 

JUST SAY YES by Alyssa Goodnight ~ a sprinkle of magic and humour

THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachael Johns (audiobook) ~ over-long audio but still good

IF YOU COULD SEE WHAT I SEE by Cathy Lamb  ~ loved it, what a great way to start 2016.  It will be on my favourite list at the end of the year! Thanks Kathryn :)

THE EYE OF THE SHEEP by Sofie Laguna ~ strangely beautiful and it broke my heart

LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (audiobook) ~ fun. Looking forward to the next one. 

It's Sunday/Monday: Check-In Time

Linking up with Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and It's Monday! What are You Reading? now hosted by Kathryn @Book Date. 

A big week, the procedure on my hands mid-week went well and it's looking positive for a good result from surgery in February ... my birthday was Friday so that was the best birthday news!! The day kicked off with breakfast and this special gift from my granddaughter and I then proceeded to eat my way through the weekend haha

While I was resting up we finished watching the first season of The Last Kingdom, based on Bernard Cornwell's series The Saxon Stories. I've only read the first one ... because it was sooo boring I didn't continue. The TV series on the other hand is fantastic!! 

Having fun with Fat Mum Slim's Photo a Day challenge #fmsphotoaday. It really is inspiring, the prompts make you think, and I've always loved capturing the everyday and special memories. Find me on Instagram@teddyree if you want to have a squiz or join in the fun. And let me know if you're already participating :)

Brisbane city & pelican metal sculpture in the foreground 

Once again we have issues with our internet provider (Optus you are #shit) so it's taken me all day to get this post up *sigh* 

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :)  

Under target this week but I expected that with hospital and recovery. Sunday was lovely, we walked on the beach. 

Fitbit Steps:

Mon: 9110 steps 

Tue: 9247 steps ~ walk with Bella

Wed: 3515 steps ~ hospital

Thurs: 5992 steps ~ resting

Fri: 9123 steps 

Sat:  7717 steps ~ walk with Bella

Sun: 9042 steps walk on beach with Bella

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title) 

THE ROCK by Monica McCarty (Highland Guard #11) ~ guest review by Karen

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Finished last week: 

MISSING PIECES by Heather Gudenkauf ~ not the subtlety of previous work but great read.

NUMBERED by Amy Andrews & Ros Baxter ~ cried so much I got dehydrated. I know this will be on my favourite list at the end of the year. 

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This Week's Reading List:

I'LL SEE YOU IN PARIS by Michelle Gable

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP by Susan Mallery (MIschief Bay #2)

SUMMER AT LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (Little Beach Street Bakery #2) ~ audiobook.

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Reviews Coming: 

JUST SAY YES by Alyssa Goodnight ~ a sprinkle of magic and humour

THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachael Johns (audiobook) ~ over-long audio but still good

IF YOU COULD SEE WHAT I SEE by Cathy Lamb  ~ loved it, what a great way to start 2016.  It will be on my favourite list at the end of the year! Thanks Kathryn :)

THE EYE OF THE SHEEP by Sofie Laguna ~ strangely beautiful and it broke my heart

LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (audiobook) ~ fun. Looking forward to the next one. 

Review: The Rock by Monica McCarty

Title: The Rock
Author: Monica McCarty
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Guard #11
Publication Date: 29th December 2015
Pages: 416
Book Source:  Pocket Books & NetGalley

Synopsis: The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand. 

Karen's Thoughts: 

I’m a huge fan of the Monica McCarty Highland Guard series, but sadly I have to say that the The Rock is probably my least favourite. Don’t get me wrong, it is still an enjoyable read with regard to the history and Thom’s place in the Guard, but the romance side to The Rock fell short for me and it had nothing to do with Monica’s writing. I just didn’t like the heroine, Elizabeth.

Every time she said to Thom "Why are you trying to confuse me and make this so difficult?" I felt like strangling her.

Thom fell in love with the Scottish Princess for the first time when he was just a child. He grew up with Elizabeth and her brother and they were very close childhood friends. Thom had always held out hope that he would prove to Elizabeth that he was worthy of her love. What a true fairytale romance -- the Scottish Princess falls in love with the Blacksmith’s son! Elizabeth had other ideas.

For that one treacherous heartbeat, he thought she’d reconsidered. He was so overcome by the rush of emotion that when she looked up at him and said “I need you,” he heard, “I want you.”

Lost in the entrancing sea of her eyes, he’d felt himself falling.  His mouth lowered, and it was only when her eyes widened in shock at what he was doing to do that he snapped back to reality.

“I need your help,” is what she’d said.

Thom was such a strong character and even through Elizabeth’s rejection he still pursued his desire to become someone he believed was not only worthy for her, but for himself. Thom certainly proved he was a more than capable Knight, but also earned his place within The Highland Guard.

If only Elizabeth could have seen what was right in front of her a little earlier, I may have even liked her just a little bit.

I have loved reading this series, it has long been a favourite and one I will re-read many times over the years I’m sure. I can’t believe the next book in the series, book 12 The Ghost is going to be the last!

Guest review by Karen

Connect with Monica McCarty

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It's Sunday/Monday: Check-In Time

Linking up with Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer and It's Monday! What are You Reading? now hosted by Kathryn @Book Date. 

So this week when I should have been getting ahead with blog posts I joined Fat Mum Slim's Photo a Day challenge #fmsphotoaday. It takes me longer to do things but I really want to stick with it this time. Find me on Instagram @teddyree if you want to have a squiz or join in in the fun. And let me know if you're already participating :)

I'm having a surgical procedure on my hands midweek, it's a test procedure, meaning if there's some improvement it means I'm an excellent candidate for microsurgery on the nerves. No improvement = no point doing the bigger surgery. Wish me luck, it will either be the best birthday pressie ... or not. 

Not sure how much use I'll have of my hands after or what I'm allowed to do. I didn't ask the questions I probably should have; more than a little blown away to finally have another option that doesn't involve trialing useless medications. Still have to keep going with the hand & mirror therapy but that's not hard #justweird

#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About. FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :)  

An average week, very hot and humid early in the week, 36°c (96.8°F)  Only 2 'intentional' walks later in week after cool change came through. Surprisingly I still managed to make my target. Bella's skin has been appalling in the heat (poor thing suffers from canine dermatitis) so I won't drag her along for any more walks while it's hot.  

Fitbit Steps:

Mon: 8792 steps ~ swimming

Tue: 7019 steps ~ swimming

Wed: 8760 steps

Thurs: 10,384 steps ~ walk with Bella

Fri: 9448 steps

Sat: 7680 steps ~ walk to community garden with Mia, play in the park

Sun: 9513 steps 

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title) 

THE THINGS WE KEEP by Sally Hepworth ~ beautiful read, heartbreaking & heartwarming

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Finished last week: 

JUST SAY YES by Alyssa Goodnight ~ a sprinkle of magic and humour

THE PATTERSON GIRLS by Rachael Johns (audiobook) ~ over-long audio but still good

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This Week's Reading List:

MISSING PIECES by Heather Gudenkauf ~ 50% done. It's awful-good

NUMBERED by Amy Andrews & Ros Baxter

I'LL SEE YOU IN PARIS by Michelle Gable

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP by Susan Mallery (MIschief Bay #2)

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Reviews Coming: 

IF YOU COULD SEE WHAT I SEE by Cathy Lamb  ~ loved it, what a great way to start 2016.  It will be on my favourite list at the end of the year! Thanks Kathryn :)

THE EYE OF THE SHEEP by Sofie Laguna ~ strangely beautiful and it broke my heart

LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY by Jenny Colgan (audiobook) ~ fun. Looking forward to the next one. 

Review: The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth

Title: The Things We Keep
Author: Sally Hepworth
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 19th January 2016
Pages: 352
Book Source: St Martins Press & NetGalley

Synopsis: Anna Forster, in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease at only thirty-eight years old, knows that her family is doing what they believe to be best when they take her to Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. She also knows there's just one another resident her age, Luke. What she does not expect is the love that blossoms between her and Luke even as she resists her new life at Rosalind House. As her disease steals more and more of her memory, Anna fights to hold on to what she knows, including her relationship with Luke.

When Eve Bennett is suddenly thrust into the role of single mother she finds herself putting her culinary training to use at Rosalind house. When she meets Anna and Luke she is moved by the bond the pair has forged. But when a tragic incident leads Anna's and Luke's families to separate them, Eve finds herself questioning what she is willing to risk to help them.

My Thoughts:

My first time reading Australian author Sally Hepworth. I plan to make up for lost time after this beautiful read. 

There are few of us untouched by Alzheimers; our memories are a defining part of who we are, the essence of one's self. When names, experiences and memories are taken, Love may be the thread that sustains even though the thread may be as fine and delicate as gossamer wings. 

38 year old Anna has early-onset Alzheimer's. Sally Hepworth covers her cognitive decline with sensitivity and humour. But there's more to this story than the sadness of Alzheimer's. It's a love story, a story of hope and heart. 

In the assisted care facility Rosalind House, Anna and fellow resident Luke, a 41 year old with a variant of frontotemporal dementia fall in love.

... Nat King Cole's rich baritone notes fill the room. He and I stare at each other, expressionless. 

"This is a joke, right?" I say as the swell of tension gives way to laughter. "Unforgettable?"

"No," he says, even though he's laughing now, too. "I've listened to this record before, but I don't remember hearing this song."

You... don't - " A wave of hysteria hits. Now I'm laughing so hard, I can barely get the word out. "-remember?"

That sets him off, which sets me off again. Which sets him off again. And for the next few minutes, he and I are just two young people. Laughing. Kissing. And listening to Nat King Cole. 

The narrative alternates between Anna, widowed, single mother Eve, the new cook at Rosalind House and Clementine, Eve's seven year old daughter. 

Eve befriends Anna, her desire to help Anna and Luke may not have been the wisest move given her lack of medical knowledge but I empathised, you cannot help but form emotional connections when you work in a place like Rosalind House.

Anna's first person perspective as the disease progresses is heartbreaking to read. Sally Hepworth balances this, not with gratuitous humour but with Anna's dry wit and biting sarcasm, the quirky personalities of many of the elderly residents and Clementine's sunny nature. 

“Dr. Brain once told me that an Alzheimer’s brain was like the snow on a mountain peak—slowly melting. There are days when the sun is bright and chunks drop off all over the place and there are days when the sun stays tucked behind clouds and everything remains largely intact. Then there are days—spectacular days (his words)—when you stumble across a trail you thought had melted, and for a short while you have something back that you through was gone forever.”

I think I'd have felt better about my prognosis if he'd reworded a little. Something like, 

The brain is like a filthy, stinking pile of crap. When the sun comes out, it stinks worse than you can imagine, and when it’s cold or cloudy, you can barely smell it at all. Then there are the days that, if the wind is coming from a certain way, you might catch the cold scent of a spruce for a few hours and forget the crap is even there. 

With that analogy, at least we’d have been calling a spade a spade. Because the truth is, if you have dementia, your brain is crap. And even if you can’t smell it right this minute, it still stinks.”

I adored the elderly residents of Rosalind House, Bert who talks to his wife Myrna, who's been dead for 50 years, Clara and her husband Laurie, May and Gwen. They wormed their way into my heart, as did Clementine; she was a ray of sunshine. 

How wonderful that something as heartbreaking as early-onset Alzheimers is also warm and funny and hopeful. 

"I promise. We'll be together in the end. Batshit crazy. And together. I promise."

Connect with Sally Hepworth

Website

Twitter

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