Sandra's Place
All things Western and more.
Friday, August 8, 2025
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
IWSG Wednesday and Did You Know Thursday
The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.
Twitter handle: @TheIWSG
Hashtag: #IWSG
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the August 6 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Natalie Aguirre, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Olga Godim!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post.
These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience
or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it
inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional
August 6 question - What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
I'm not answering this question, but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on it.
July/August Reviews in no particular order.
* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.
BLOOD IS THICKER THAN MONEY by Joe Congel
This is #38 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.
Brandon Turner is a retired New York police detective who has moved to Magnolia Bluffs for peace, quiet and fishing, but somehow always seems to find himself embroiled in a murder.
When Ronnie Spatch’s father is brutally killed, the young man turns to Brandon to solve the crime. Brandon decides to make it official and becomes a PI. Ronnie being his first client.
Once again, the fishing has to wait while Brandon throws all his energy and formidable skills into catching a killer.
If you’ve followed this series, you’ll meet old and new characters alike as the former police detective, with the help of new pal Sergeant Investigator Palmer Kraus, track twisty-turny clues that lead not only to murder but other crimes as well.
BLOOD IS THICKER THAN MONEY is classic Joe Congel who is a master at developing gumshoes that have an edge to them and a kind heart. A great read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with an HEA ending. I certainly do😊
Available at Amazon
APEX by Tanweer Dar
I don’t normally read horror, but this one captured and held my attention.
Nikki, our protagonist takes a much-needed weekend getaway with her significant other and a couple of friends. What could go wrong on a camping trip in the English countryside? Turns out plenty.
As the story progresses the tension ramps up, with some unexpected twists.
In a horror story, there’s not going to be a happy ending for all the characters. One death in particular I found difficult and wasn’t sure how the author was going to get around it, but he did in a most satisfying way, ending the heroine’s portion of the story on a positive, hopeful note, while still leaving some spook for the reader. I’d easily recommend this story for Dar and horror fans or readers who just love a great yarn.
Thumbs up for a well-told tale.
Available at Amazon
A BOUNDARY OF STONES by Millie Thom
In this historic story, the author takes us back to the 1600s where the plague is killing villagers and religious leaders rule.
Rector William Mompesson has been sent to the village of Eyam in the Derbyshire countryside. He has been tasked with turning the villagers from their Puritan ways to the Anglican faith. The rector finds himself fighting on several fronts: antagonist villagers that have no notion of turning from their true faith and an embittered Puritan reverend. If that’s not enough, the plague hits. No one knows where it started in the village or how it is transmitted. Now he and the Puritan Reverend Stanley must join forces to keep the plague from spreading.
This book is a study in Puritan beliefs, the plague and how it was dealt with. A BOUNDARY OF STONES is recommended for readers who enjoy European and religious history. Followers of Millie Thom will not be disappointed 😊
Available at Amazon
WEEPING BOUGHS DON’T BREAK by Staci Troilo
This women’s fiction drama is about a woman who always tries to do the right thing but has reached a crisis of faith.
Ms. Troilo excels at her craft. The characters are well-developed and the world-building outstanding. She expertly takes the reader from one challenge to another while continuing to ratchet up the tension.
Highly recommended for readers of Women’s Christian Fiction and Contemporary Christian Fiction.
Available at Amazon
AND
Did you know, William Faulkner wrote the outline for A FABLE on his office wall?
150 Interesting Facts About Our Favorite Authors [Infographic]
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Ketch-Up Day
How are you?
We have gone (Thank you, David) from 100 degrees to temps in the 60s. Can't recall that one in August before.
The butterflies have arrived and are visiting here. They do love the Butterfly Bushes. So does the occasional hummer and hummer moth.
This little fellow indow, kept me entertained while I was in the dental chair:)
AND
Has anyone had the cranberry nut bread from Publix? Oh my goodness. It's so very good.
AND *Alert*
Just a heads up, so you don't stumble into the same thing I did. I visited Melody Jacobs site and when I hit continue, the bells and whistles began to shriek with warnings, letting me know I was in malware territory.
In case you need it, I found this article helpful.
What to do if you accidentally visit a malicious website
That's it for now.
Had any of that bread? Is your temperature fluctuating like crazy? Got butterflies? Stumbled onto one of those nasty sites?
Friday, August 1, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Writerly Wednesday and Did You Know Thursday
What's your synonym, definition or sentence for:
Example;) Grouse love popple (poplar) trees.
AND
Did you know, that one of the dirtiest items in a household is the coffeemaker? The reservoir grows mold and bacteria if it's not cleaned regularly.
Your Coffee Maker Is Full of Mold and Bacteria: Here's How to Clean It
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Ketch-up Day
How are you? How is your week going?
Okay, I'm going to start out with playing the blatant grandparent bragging card:) The eleven-year-olds participated in an entrepreneurship camp last week at ECU. They were some of the youngest members there, most of the participants being high school students. They had to develop an idea for a product, create a proposal and make a presentation. The winner getting a thousand dollars. The little girl won 😀 The HH and I are so thrilled. (I was also pleased with her brother's proposal. I thought it was a good one:)
AND
I finished my latest garden project: get rid of the grass and weeds around the grapevine and lay down mulch and pavers.
Let me tell ya, it was hard to get out of this chair, lots of obstacles in my way, but I managed:)
AND
Beautiful Canada.
Thank you, Ralph.
That's it from here. What's going on in your neck of the woods, friends?