On Mother’s Day, I was feeling a little weepy since it was my first since I lost Mom. But I did have some pleasant moments, too. My kids called and I learned how to “merge” their calls so the three of us talked together. My husband and I went for an early morning walk before it was hot.
We went to our favorite Carefree Coffee Roastery for breakfast. We got there early, believing we’d beat the crowd. No, there was a line waiting for the cafe to open! We got a table and didn’t have to wait too long. I had an everything bagel with cream cheese and lox. It was delish!
We had a lap swimming reservation later in the day and we had the pool to ourselves. The hour was booked with six swimmers, but we were the only ones who showed up! That was a treat in itself!
With nothing planned the rest of Mother’s Day, I dove into “Remarkably Bright Creatures” which was recommended to me by no less than three bloggers I follow. THANK YOU for the recommendation!
WOW! I was reading stretched out on the sofa in the casita with Olive the cat purring on my tummy. At eight o’clock I finished the book and walked into our bedroom in tears.
“What’s wrong?” my husband asked.
I sobbed and said the book was so good.
I’ve read two debut novels in May that were excellent. The other was “Black Cake” that I wrote about HERE.
Of course, I also loved Cheryl Oreglia’s “Grow Damn It” weeks before. A debut book by blogger of Living in the Gap fame.
I’m looking forward to reading the debut novel by Eve Marie from the blog CupCakeCache called “The Bayou Heist,” available on Amazon.
Other bloggers that I follow with books either coming out soon or released include Victoria, who has the blog Victoria Ponders and Wynne Leon of Surprised by Joy. Both write for The Heart of the Matter.
Victoria’s book called “Surviving Sue” is about her mother and will be released soon.
Wynne’s book about her father and her faith, “Finding My Father’s Faith,” is available on Amazon.
Eilene Lyon of Myrocopia has a first book coming out in September. It’s called “Fortune’s Frenzy: A California Gold Rush Odyssey.”
I’m looking for more remarkable books to read, so please give me ideas.
Also, if you’ve published a book, please tell us the title and a bit about it.
You’re a avid reader Elizabeth. So many books read. Thanks for the recommendation my friend.
I go through phases when I read a lot. Other times I don’t read much at all.
If only I had a reading phase too. I’m mostly writing all the time.
That’s fabulous to be writing all the time!
Yes I like writing but I should be reading too.
I should be writing more, working on revising my manuscript I wrote in November.
A friend of mine is writing a book too. Her daughter has made her a schedule for her to sit and write every day. I think it’s a good idea
What a supportive daughter!
Oh yes she is a gem. ❤️❤️❤️
👍🏼
I’m so pleased you picked up Remarkably Bright Creatures and enjoyed it!!
I absolutely loved it! I bought a copy for my children to share up in the Bay Area.
Remarkably bright!!! Love!
Fabulous!!!
Most of my fiction reading list is still in the queue from my library so I’m almost always behind with new fiction reads. I just started an ecological/naturalist themed book from a local writer- although the book has been around since 2009: Crow Planet by Lyanda Lynn Haupt. She has been involved with Seattle Audubon and writes on urban nature topics. I find it interesting but maybe not for everyone?
I’d find it interesting having grown up in the area.
Yes, I like that part 🙂
👍🏼
Oh…good picks! My book club loved “Remarkably Bright” sooo much that it’s going to take two gatherings to process all the delight it conjured. And…thank you so much, Elizabeth, for the shout out about “Surviving Sue”. We’re inching closer! I received the final proof from the publisher yesterday. Your enthusiasm and support of writers is wonderful. xo! 🥰
Great book recommendations and some from bloggers I’m familiar with. I’ll add these to my list. I wish I had a lot more time to read.
Sorry about your mom. It’s tough losing a mother. I lost mine a couple of years ago. I completely understand. Wishing you healing. 🌸
Thank you for your kind words about my mom. I’m sorry you lost yours, too.
Thank you for mentioning me! I just found a new writer to follow-Peter Blauner. He writes thrillers/mysteries. He has a sharp powers of observation and I am enjoying his books. By the way, I hope you will let me know what box you always wonder what happened to on my blog! I am so curious!
I’m excited to read your book. I’ll also take a look at Peter Blauner. I’m thinking about the box! 😊
Just finished reading “The Intruder.”
Okay! I’ll take a look.
I was thinking about you on Mother’s Day Elizabeth. The first one without your mom is the hardest. Sounds like you had a wonderful day. And now I need to read Remarkably Bright Creatures! I’m so intrigued, an octopus? interesting. Thank you so much for sharing my book along with some of my favorite authors, much appreciated. Sending some love and hugs your way, C
Thank you for your kind words about my mom and my First Mother’s Day. I also felt weird on May 1st because I would send her May Day flowers every year. That was pretty close to Mother’s day, so it’s been a melancholy time. Yes, you have to read Remarkably Bright Creatures. The octopus is an interesting POV. There’s also people who are remarkably bright, too.
I just ordered it! xxoo
I ordered a copy for my kids to share in Berkeley. My son told me that one of his girlfriend’s sisters is an octopi expert. I also loved that the story is set in the country where I grew up.
What a remarkably great title, Elizabeth! Now I’ve heard about Remarkably Bright Creatures from 4 people so I have to read it.
I’m sorry about your Mother’s Day. It’s so hard – I’m glad you had such lovely plans and a good book.
Thank you so much for the shout out about my book! I really, really appreciate it, Elizabeth!
I realized so many bloggers I follow have books! It’s so exciting, I had to share. Thanks for the kind words about Mother’s Day.
Aww, I’m glad you had an enjoyable Mother’s Day. I’m sure it was challenging this year. I love that so many of your friends are working on a book. There is so much incredible talent among us. Aren’t we lucky? Happy Mother’s Day, although a little late!
PS- I have that book on my TBR list, and you’ve just made me want to read it even more.
It is nice to be surrounded with so many talented people on WordPress! Thank you for the Mother’s Day wishes.
I love how you’re able to find joy amidst what is such a hard day to face without one’s mother <3
Kudos to you! May I ask for some more detail about the reservation of lap swimming? I've not heard of that before!
Thank you for your sweet comments about my first Mother’s Day without Mom. As for reservations for lap swimming? It’s a COVID shutdown phenomenon. Our city pool in Palm Springs shut down for quite awhile and then opened up with online reservations — with every other lap empty. I guess they didn’t figure out COVID doesn’t spread through chlorinated water! The pool here in Arizona has only three lanes and they stuck with the reservation system post COVID due to demand and they can only accommodate six swimmers (two per lane) at once.
What a fabulous idea!
On a personal note, I lost my mother last year, so this was my first Mother’s Day without her. I can’t pretend to know what you’re going through, I only know what I am, and I feel for you 💕
I’m so sorry you lost your mother, too. I’m sure we’re feeling much the same. My daughter told me my pain and grief would come in waves, much like the ocean and in sets. Then calm before the next set.