What Are You Reading?

I finally have my reading groove back after a 2 year hiatus. Let me explain. During lockdown, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up on reading, right? Multiple attempts to begin a new book proved unsuccessful as I realized over time my brain was too busy processing what was going on in the world and figuring out ways to stay upbeat and positive. As the New Year began, I made it my goal to read a book a month during 2022. To my relief, I found it to be a welcome escape rather than a challenge.  As I spoke to friends and family, I realized I wasn't alone in lack of concentration the past couple of years. Are you enjoying reading again and if so, what are you reading?  Pictured below are a few of my favorites I've read so far this year. Visit and support your local book store, library or look for a Little Free Library online to find a world map to search for a neighborhood yard library near you.  Your local library offers web access, on demand streaming of movies and tv series, a music library allowing you to download music and so much more! 

 Happy Weekend📚

Are You Having Trouble Concentrating?

My home library shelves.

I love books. I love to read. I am the proud owner of a Little Free Library in our yard so I can share my books with neighbors and my community. I have shelves of books in our home as well as  baskets of paperbacks in bedrooms so family and friends can just pick up a book to read. Reading has always relaxed me. But during the Pandemic I have found myself struggling to concentrate. I buy the latest best seller that catches my eye and as I find time to begin the book, my mind wanders.  After several attempts, I put the book down. because I can't get engaged in it.  I am working on losing the guilt for not staying with it. 
We're all feeling anxious and stressed.  Anxiety reduces our ability to concentrate. 
If you can't concentrate, give yourself permission to put the book down to revisit another time. 
Not every book works for everyone, even when it is on the best seller list.
Find a book that is light in subject matter.  Easy to read and makes you feel good. 

Final word....if your brain needs a break, put the book away, turn on your favorite movie or head to the kitchen and learn how to make sourdough bread. There's something relaxing about kneading bread dough and having your home filled with the aroma of baking bread.  Revisit another book another time. 

What Are You Reading?

I am the proud owner of a Little Free Library and it gives me joy to see neighbors, friends and family, our grandson and daughter in law Lisa of (Balancing Lisa) finding a book to take home to enjoy. Do you have one in your neighborhood? If you don't, why not check into putting one in your yard?  Go to Little Free Library to check out the map to guide you to a library near you or the possibility of buying one for your home. We live in a neighborhood where there are so many neighbors out walking each day.  The first few weeks our library was up, I watched many look at it with curiosity as they passed by.  Eventually, they paused long enough to open the door and realize the books inside were free to take and enjoy.  Feel free to read and return for others to read or donate a book or two of your own to the library to share.  It builds a great feeling of community and inspires readers of all ages. Happy reading📚

Exciting New Book of the Summer!

Photo courtesy of DanielleLincolnHanna

 Please meet Danielle Lincoln Hanna, an author friend of mine who has just completed her new suspense mystery called  Mailboat Book One.  The story is based in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. I was privileged to have been asked to be an early reader for Mailboat Book One.  It's the first time in years I have read an entire book of over 200 pages in one night.  I couldn't put it down and I recommend it as one of the best reads of the Summer. 

The book opens with Bailey Johnson who is employed for the Summer on the historic Lake Geneva Mailboat as a mail jumper on Geneva Lake. Bailey'a job is   jumping off the boat as it is moving to deliver the mail in the mailbox at the end of each lakefront mansion pier.  One day after tumbling into the lake, Bailey discovers a dead body under the water which is only the beginning of this suspense and action packed mystery. 

Mailboat One becomes available Monday, August 1st on Amazon.  In the meantime, please check out Danielle's webpage at daniellelincolnhanna for a sneak preview of Mailboat Book One.  Click on My Books at the top of Danielle's page, and download a free sample of Mailboat Book One.  You can also check out Danielle's Twitter page @DanielleLHanna.  I plan on ordering several copies to place in and share in my Little Free Library at my home.  

Here's an exciting opportunity to meet Danielle in Lake Geneva on the actual Mailboat which also happens to be celebrating it's 100'th birthday this year.  

Saturday, August 20th at 9am meet at lakegenevariviera on the beautiful shores of Geneva Lake for an actual Mailboat cruise, have lunch with Danielle in downtown Lake Geneva, hear how Danielle was inspired to write her suspense thriller by her visit a couple of years ago to Lake Geneva.  And you will receive an autographed copy of Mailboat Book One.  There are only five tickets available so please go to http://daniellelincolnhanna.com/mailboat-cruise-with-the-author for more information.  Ticket's are $100.00 pp.  

Have a great weekend and happy reading!  

Is There a Little Free Library in your Neighborhood?

I have had a passion for bookstores since I was a young adult, and our children share the same passion.  I love the smell and look of bookstores, big or small.  Hence, over the years my book collection has grown to capacity. I remember reading about LittleFreeLibrary a few years ago and thinking to myself this is something I must do for our neighborhood and community.  Why not share the books I have read with others and vice versa?  

Littlefreelibrary was started by Todd Bol in his hometown of Hudson, Wisconsin, where he built the first library in 2009 as a tribute to his mother.  She was a former teacher and lifelong reader.  He put out a sign that read "free books".  There are now 25,000 libraries and stewards like myself worldwide providing hardcovers and paperbacks to their neighborhoods .  It makes me happy to see how it brings neighborhoods together and engages conversation with those walking by who happen to notice my library for the first time.  

See a book you like?  Take it home.  Do you have a book to share?  Add it to the library.  The books are always changing and I try to offer books for all ages and interests.  If you're interested in becoming a library steward, please check out the website LittleFreeLibrary for information on how to purchase your library or build your own.  

Lakehouse Lyn library open for business

Assembling the posts 

My husband hard at work helping me fill the library with fun reads

Before placing my library on the outside post

Yvonne loves one of my favorite authors, NoraRoberts.  Have you read her book Whiskey Beach?  It's a good Summer read!

Start one in your community and promote your love of reading this Summer.

~Happy Weekend~