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I’m alllll over the place right now. Preparing for our move to Alaska while being a solo mama for the next couple of months. Let’s just say I’m not on my A Game when it comes to reading. So I’m not going to do a traditional, in-depth book review right now.
Side Note/Small Rant: I recently saw someone “talking” about me on a scrapbooking forum and they said that I never share anything unless I’m making money off of it. Actually, she said this. “She is all about promoting herself, her reads to get free books, and clothing places online. Just not impressed at all.” She also said some tacky stuff about my creative skills, but I won’t share that part.
I’mma go off on a tangent for a minute here, y’all. I work on these posts for hours sometimes. Because I love sharing books I love and talking about reading. And yes. I am a book ambassador for BOTM. This has been a dream come true for me. I get the books for free. I am also an affiliate for BOTM, which I indicate at the top of these posts. If one of you subscribes I get $5. So maybe I get five dollars every couple of months.
I DON’T DO THIS TO PROMOTE MYSELF OR MAKE MONEY. I pay for all of the services and items I share for the most part.
Gahhh. Sorry about that, but this has been on my heart for months. If y’all ever wonder why I’m not around much anymore, it’s because of comments and emails like that one above. I get it. People say rude stuff. They do. I rarely mention it or call attention to it. 99 percent of the time I don’t say a word.
BUT.
It’s not okay. Words matter. And there are people behind these computer screens. Sigh. I always wonder if these women would say these things if we were face to face. If I’m always silent about it then perhaps these women think it’s okay to keep putting things like this out there in a public forum.
Anywho.
I love sharing and I love this record of my life so I’m going to keep doing it. Anyway, moving on.
Here’s a simple list of the books I’ve enjoyed the past couple of months.
The Flight Attendant // Chris Bohjalian
The Immortalists // Chloe Benjamin
An American Marriage // Tayari Jones
Before We Were Yours // Lisa Wingate
The Broken Girls // Simone StJames
This month I went with:
The Oracle Year // Charles Soule – Just finished this one last night. It was twisty and mind-bendy and fast paced and interesting. Parts of it were a bit weak and it didn’t always completely captivate me, but I really enjoyed it. Kind of reminded me a bit of Dark Matter.
Then She Was Gone // Lisa Jewell- I really liked this one too. It was kind of weird, in a good way. Not your basic thriller. I didn’t expect all of it, and that’s rare these days!
Circe // Madeline Miller
I LOVE these graphics that BOTM shares so I wanted to share here too:
Hope y’all found some books to add to your TBR pile today!
Tell me…what are you reading?
xoxo
S
Ugh, why do people have to be so nasty? Kindness is so much better. I, for one, love your posts – especially your book recommendations. Keep on posting
People can be so mean! Don’t let them get you down. I think you are a MARVEL for so many reasons! I so enjoy your posts. Keep up the good work. I just got Before We Were Yours and almost ready to start it!
Ignore the negative comments. The fact that anyone takes the time to actually write that mean and untrue stuff only shows they have a very shallow and sad life because no one is FORCING them to read your blog (or anyone else’s). You can rest assured that those of us who treasure your posts about WHATEVER you write are the ones who count. Please don’t hold back on posting unless you are just too busy with life to write! I love following your family adventures! TFS!
Our world has grown to.lack so much civility in the last 2 or 3 decades. People have always said mean and judgemental things, but once upon a time it was usually behind closed doors and to a small group of people. Now, it seems to be a public mud slinging free fo all.
On a happier note, I love, love, love your book reviews and posts. I have gotten so many great book recs from you and a few of my friends now follow you for the same reason.
My kiddos are also obsessed with watching Cora on InstaStories too. My niece is about the same age and live far away, so they get a kick out of seeing her hilarious videos. Thanks for keeping is entertained. If we lived closed I totally would have been over yesterday to help you fold laundry (a chore that I actually enjoy) and drink wine. 😉
Anyone who has followed you long enough knows that that statement is simply not true! When people don’t have to make their thoughts and comments face to face they can be so mean. I have a nook so I can’t join book of the month but I can tell you this, almost ALL of what I read lately is because of your book post and to me, I’d hand you $5 just for that!
Words do hurt and it’s not easy to ignore them but try. I love your posts and don’t feel like you are self-promoting at all!! I started following you way back before My Minds Eye and have loved your authenticity and hearing about your life, seeing your scrapbooking and have found wonderful books to check out at the library thanks to you! I read Home Fires based on your recommendation and LOVED it. Currently reading “Secrets of a Charmed Life” by Susan Meissner and am enjoying it. You are doing a great job in a hard spot right now being a single momma and getting ready to move across the country so ignore the mean people and remember there are those of us out here who you make smile and are rooting and praying for you.
Wow! I’ve been following you for years and can honestly say, I’ve only felt you put love and kindness out into the world. Anywho, currently reading (and enjoying), “Anatomy of a Scandal”. Keep sharing please
You will always be my favorite Stephanie. Last night was our monthly scrapbooking night at a local church and a friend of mine, who also loves you, and I were talking about your upcoming move to Alaska, how funny Cora Jane is, how excited we are that you’ve shared some layouts lately ..,and one of the women asked who we were talking about. She thought from hearing our conversation that you were someone we personally know. I just wanted to let you know that you make a difference in our lives with your honesty, creativity, integrity and humor. You are such an important part of my life that my little group of friends talk about you as if you are our friend. Thanks for making this world a better place
Sorry people are so rude!
I’m reading As Bright as Heaven. So far so good!
I know you’ve read it, because it get all my books rec mostly from you lol!
Hey, you read so fast and give so many different book reviews, you save me money by helping me narrow down what I might like. So if you make a few bucks off doing that, good for you and good for me LOL
I hope you don’t stop posting because I always love your posts. I think you are wonderful! And what I’ve discovered about miserable comments from jealous people is that so many people are unkind because they are unhappy or lonely or frustrated and they spew that ugliness electronically. This person was likely jealous of you–your family, your way with words, your travels, your kindness, what keeps us all coming back to read what you have to say. So, I hope you will filter that ugliness out and see it for what it is. Also, I do understand taking a break–my 6 weeks off of all social media was glorious! Thinking of you as you single-parent and make this big move. I am so inspired by you!
Just need to say that any time I see you have a new blog post, I get excited. I don’t even care what it’s about to be honest. Love hearing about your family, your moves, your books, your craftiness…anything really. You’re down to earth, honest and kind throughout your posts and true to yourself, all of which matter. Don’t let the bad guys bring you down! 🙂
I love your posts and get most of my reading recommendations through them. Ignore the haters! My mom always said,” if they’re talking about you, that means they’re giving someone else a break.” Meaning petty people are just petty. Keep posting!
I just wanted to say that I love your book posts and often bring them up when I am at the library. Plus you are amazing and authentic and I get a lot of joy out of following you and your fabulous family – if that does not entitle you to some money if someone happens to follow one of your links out of their own free will than this world is messed up.
I love all of your posts. I can’t wait to see how things are in Alaska. Your girls are adorable (I have 4 girls of my own a little older so I can relate!). Why shouldn’t you make money – it’s an awful lot of work. Forget the negative people.
Just finished One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus. I am part of a book club, if you will, and we all agreed to read this by May 1 to discuss it. It was very good. It’s an easy and quick read. I have been an avid reader all of my life and I can honestly say I did not see it ending the way it did.
I love to read and I love you sharing what you are reading. Don’t listen to the haters. I absolutely despise that this is how some people can be because it’s easy to hide behind a computer screen.
I’m reading The Immortalists right now. I’m really enjoying it. I’m on the waiting list for The Flight Attendant. Hoping it comes in soon! Keep posting. I think if people meg you irl they wouldn’t be so quick to judge. Hugs xx
I love your book reviews! I always look forward to them and add the books to my library list. I never feel pressured by you or feel like you’re being dishonest. Instead, I find your transparency refreshing and it makes me all the more likely to buy from your affiliate links. Keep up the good work!
Like the other commentors, I adore your posts here and Instagram and love to see wha you’ve written – about your beautiful crazy family, books, thirty one bags, Cora stories on Instagram Rec. All of it. Please keep writing and sharing. I love that you are transparent and real. Love your scrapbooking style and excited for you when you can do some creating. Why do people feel the need to be mean? Tell us where the post was and we will all stand up for you! There definitely are people who are just trying to make money from social media but I’ve never thought you were one of them. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinions about books and about your family. ❤️
Sorry someone is being so mean! You don’t deserve that! I love your posts, especially the book threads! They give me so many wonderful book ideas that my teen girls love too. So thank you so much for posts!
Sorry someone is being so mean! You don’t deserve that! I love your posts, especially the book threads! They give me so many wonderful book ideas that my teen girls love too. So thank you so much for posts! I have read The Last Mrs. Parrish (loved it), The Woman in the Window, The Secrets She Keeps, and I have lots more on pinterest. I recently found a great library near Univ. of Pittsburgh, where my daughter goes to school. I always check out books when I bring her home for the weekend. So fun to find a library that has a big selection.
I saw a post on Instagram today that really rang true to me. It said, “Just a reminder, there’s not two of you — Internet You and Real You. There is just one Real You, which mean if you’re not kind on the internet, you’re not kind.” I’m sorry that these unkind people have directed any of that toward you.
I absolutely love getting to see your family grow up, see the amazing places you’ve been, or see what you’re making and what you’re reading. If we lived near one another, I’d love to be real life friends.
I just started The Immortalists and hope to have some time tonight to read more of it. We just got back from a long car ride last night and I’m not “recovered” yet — we’ll see whether I can concentrate.
{{{hugs}}}
Please pay no attention to comments like these. I know it is easier said than done because people are all about negativity and hate using social media. It’s not easy doing what you do – parenting and preparing your big move, and blogging does take a lot of time. I love reading what you are willing to share, so ignore the single hater who may at times have a louder voice than your loyal (blurking) readers.
You’ve always been transparent if you have been sponsored, not that it matters to me – if you can make money from your skills, why shouldn’t you? It’s your blog, it’s your prerogative. You’ve always shared the real you, and that is what is amazing about you. Don’t change for anyone. Just change with the times when it suits you.
PS> Currently no time to read .. 🙁
I adore your book reviews. I sometimes feel like maybe you think I’m a book stalker because once you post it, it eventually shows up in my goodreads. I just have to wait for the library to get it. Speaking of which, my library card expires soon and they WILL NOT RENEW IT WITHOUT SEEING MY FACE. How rude. So, road trip. 🙂
I love your book review posts. I always add the suggestions to my books to read list. Thank you!!!
I LOVE all your posts and look forward to each one when you have the time to do them!! I have 2 girls and can’t find time to do the things I want/need and am in awe of you!! 5 girls, military life…moves to anywhere and everywhere, single married mom at times…YOU ARE AMAZING!! Do not forget!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing all you do!! When someone does something unspeakable or something I just don’t understand…I just say to myself over and over…people are crazy, people are crazy…there just is no other explanation sometimes. (Not all people mind you, but Wow!! why do people do such crazy, mean things??) Thank you for being real!!
I love your book reviews! I have read most of the books from you 2017 year end review while on my maternity leave this year (baby girl is now10 weeks, I almost feel like I am reading as much as you do). From your list, I didn’t love “An American Marriage” but LOVED “Before We Were Yours. On the waitlist for the Oracle Year at the library – excited to read that one. Keep doing what you love, good luck with the move and solo parenting (so tough!), and screw the haters. Hugs!
Crud, sorry some people suck! I noticed “Before We Were Yours” on your list. I read that recently and it was by far one of my recent favorites. Great and sad story. Good luck on being a single mom, nothing easy about that! And best wishes for a smooth move to Alaska!
Poop on them. You are 100% correct that they wouldn’t say it to your face!
I look forward to your book reviews and I know why you do it. Because you love to read! And readers love to share when they have read a good book. So what if you get a few free books here and there. I do too, I call it the library 🙂
Hang in there Steph and good luck on your new adventure. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Seriously, Steph, you may not believe this but it is entirely true and sincere. I just saw your blog post come up in my Bloglovin feed and was thrilled and told myself that I need to comment and tell you how much I appreciate your blog. And then, I read your blog post. Ugh!!! I will NEVER understand why some people feel the need to tear others down, to be hateful. I just don’t get it. You don’t have to put yourself out here and share your life with, mostly, strangers. So, here it is. I admire you with the highest regard. I love that you share your real self and life and family. It’s not sugar coated. I love watching your daughters grow, learning about the life of a military wife and family, and following your love of books and reading. I love you girl. Be you and do what you want. You know what you and your family need. God bless you!!! XOXO
Ugh haters going to hate. I am glad you get free books I love your reviews and often will add a couple of the books you review to my must read list. Other times I am like oh no that book is not for me so thank you. Obviously this person does not follow your blog and see your posts and see what you put into them. Please don’t let them get you down because this avid reader, scrapbooker, and mom of girls would miss your incites terribly. I am very curios at what you thought of Before We Were Yours, I just finished that one my self it might have involved a few tears.
I am saddened by people who must be mean. It must be a very lonely existence when the highlight of your day is tearing others down. And that is all the time I will spend on that subject.
I love the stuff you share. I am an avid reader and always take a look at what you are reading or have read. Doesn’t necessarily mean I am going to jump on them right away (my list is already so long), but I like knowing what others read and think of the books they come across.
I would not lose any sleep over rude people who are not worth your time (although I also know that it is often easier said than done…one bad apple can quickly trump hundreds of kind-hearted ones). There is nothing wrong with being upset – you are human! Just remember that there are many more of us who appreciate and enjoy your posts for what they are – your everyday life and musings 🙂
Luv ya, girl, and keep coming!
that should have said “keep ’em coming”. I am going to blame the keyboard on that one…
I love all your posts and you! Keep ’em coming! XO
I think you are a delight. I appreciate your honesty and the way you present life and all its chaos and I simply can’t tell you how many times Cora has brought a smile to my day. I agree one hundred percent that comment would likely never have been said face to face. I love your book reviews and I don’t care what you receive for telling me about a good book!!
Please ignore the nasty comments – they are a reflection of that person , not of you! I love your book recommendations as they’ve encouraged me to read books I normally would have passed on. I especially like your short synopses of why you did/didn’t like the books. I’m just envious of how fast you can read! Love seeing your precious girls growing up, too!
As the last person on earth who is NOT on facebook or instagram, I MISS your posts and would hate to see you drop this blog. I think you are such an inspiration, managing your full and beautiful life with so much class and grace. Your posts bring me joy- not to mention- great ideas and suggestions. And to anyone who questions you benefiting financially (or in any other way) from your blog, I just have to say… Girl. You have 5 kids and undoubtedly SO many other things you could be doing at any given time, other than posting here. If you couldn’t get something out of it that helps out you or your family, why would you do it? That’d be nuts. Haters gonna hate. I think you are fantastic and I appreciate how you share of yourself on this blog. I hope you never stop.
I also love all of your posts. Funny and honest and full of the real life stuff us mom’s go through. Please continue. I especially loved your posts from Italy and am looking forward to posts from Alaska. Real life meets amazing adventure makes for some interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Ughh ignore that person. I find that most people that make mean comments from behind the safety of a computer or phone screen do it because they are jealous or very insecure and they would never say the same things to that person’s face.
I just finished reading It’s Always the Husband which was such a page turner, and also Last Night at Chateau Marmont by the Devil Wears Prada author. It was cute, but could have had some more character development for supporting characters.
I truly feel that people who post mean things just want attention and that’s the only way they ever get it.
Besides, who cares if you make money off things, if that keeps you doing it – then make a ton of money, please! I love your posts. It’s hard to do what you do.