TBR 2026

61. The Tower and the Ruin - J.R.R. Tolkien's Creation by Michael D.C. Drout nonfiction. My oldest brother and Sister-in-Law gave it to me for Christmas because I asked for it. I asked because I've had the privilege of attending workshops given at a Lord of the Rings gathering by Professor Drout. He kept us mesmerized and delighted by stories of his research into our favorite English Professor. The book could be used for a college class with a great deal of technical information. Titles of chapter include: Origins, Frame, Texts, Patterns, Emotions, Threads, Tapestry, and Conclusion: Fathers and Sons. As another reviewer said, "It isn't a light read." It is a fascinating read. It helps if you've read The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. This is literary criticism enriches one's appreciation for Tolkien's work. Blessedly, one of my friends read it before I did and suggested keeping a marker in the notes so you can flip back and forth between the chapter and the notes. Drout's sense of humor flashes in a couple of places, in the notes. Glad I didn't miss them. The book is reminiscent of Tolkien's work, a lot of detail, delving into difficult subjects, and though sad also somehow hopeful. 

62. A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey historical romance. King Alfred rules Wessex. Fascinating look at England in late 800s. Learned several new things, the battle with the Vikings and King Alfred's intriguing solution. At the end of the book, I loved discovering all the details that were facts. A keeper. 

63. Spring at Tribbley Hall (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Sian Ann Bessey historical romance. So sweet and heartwarming! Loved the characters, including puppies and lambs and of course, for me, horses. Keeper. 

64. Love of My Heart (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Sarah M. Eden historical romance. Sweet little lamb, Shadow, is adorable. I want to live in Scotland now. 

65. Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire (Her Country Gentleman Timeless Georgian Collection Book 1) by Rebecca Connolly historical romance. More sheep! I wonder if the authors agreed to include sheep in this collection. Fun. I like the heroine and the hero and the delightful country community. Loved this collection.

 

JRR Tolkien Quote from The Hobbit

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." ~ Thorin

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cooling down

~ A/C, fans, ice

~ Refreshing salads

~ Visit with my sister

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

All those screaming "Totalitarianism!" might want to check how many fingers are pointing back at them. 

TBR 2026

56. Operation Protector (Cutter's Code series Book 19) by Justine Davis suspense romance. Another favorite. I recognized "the mother" doing so many things my own did. It's been a while since she passed. This gave me an opportunity to explore painful memories from a distance. It doesn't change what happened, but I'm able to better understand myself and why I do some of things I do. I love the new characters, and I loved the story. 

57. The Horse and His Boy (Narnia Chronicles Book 5) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Occurs during "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." I will be moving it in my own collection. 

58. The Magician's Nephew (Narnia Chronicles Book 6) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. While this comes in at number six in the series, it's actually the story of the beginning. I'm re-arranging my books for the next time I read them. 

59. The Last Battle (Narnia Chronicles Book 7) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's never easy to say goodbye at the end of the series. Until my next read through. 

60. Healing Hearts (Savage Wells series Book 2) by Sarah M. Eden historical western romance. A very different twist. Loved it. Now I want to read the other books in the series. 

Parable - Story

I heard this years and years ago. I looked for an original but found nothing. I think it more and more relevant every day.

A king went to visit a faraway country. On the journey, he met Death along the way.

Death told him, "I'm on my way to your kingdom with a plague." 

The king accepted the proclamation and asked, "How many will you take?"

"Five hundred."

"So be it." The king sorrowed as he went on his way but knew he could change nothing. However, when he returned to his kingdom 5,000 were dead. He confronted Death and demanded, "You said you would only take 500."

"I did as I said," replied Death. "Fear took the rest." 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ A couple blessedly cool days

~ Visits with friends

~ Grill Night - yummy

~ Books

~ God's grace          

Brain Dump

2 April 2026 Popular Mechanics posts a story that cloning from a clone ends with disastrous results. Well, duh. Stargate had a whole story line about that with the major ally, the Asgard, facing extinction because their cloning was deteriorating. Once again, Sci-Fi proving science before science proves science. 

Quote to ponder

Your actions speak so loud 

I can't hear what you're saying. 

Loved this - friend shared in her blog

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cool enough to not need A/C

~ A/C and fans when needed

~ New book by a favorite author

~ Unexpected smell of rain

~ God's grace