The Silence in the Sound

This book by Dianne Brailey, has easily become one of my top favorite reads. The main character Georgette, is a nurse who is living on Martha's Vineyard and taking care of a famous writer who is in his last stage of life. George is real and raw. She does what she thinks is right even when others disagree with her. She is hard on the inside but shows her weakness when alone, like we all do. She has self doubt and ignores her gut instincts. She is a girl from a broken home who grows into a woman with heavy choices to make. While she navigates figuring out her patient and providing the best care, she also finds an unexpected love whom she becomes infatuated with.

Dianne brings Martha's Vineyard nostalgia in waves and I loved every moment of that. Her story is one of hope, heartbreak and moving on. It remind us that we all see past flaws in sacrifice for love. Her story is relatable, being a north shore girl of Massachusetts myself and reading about the places I live made it that much more enjoyable. This novel also reminded me that everyone has a story and we all make it out in one way or another.

Dianne writes so beautifully. The details in this novel make you feel as if you are Georgette or right there with her. Getting immersed in Georgette's story will give you hope, break your heart and ultimately remind you what true love is and how sometimes, it leads you in directions you couldn't have planned for. This story will delight you and make you cry all in one sitting. This page turner should be paired with a cozy blanket, box of tissues and snuggly pet if possible!

How to Read Three Books at Once

I know this concept might automatically put some into an uncomfortable state. But don't leave yet. Before you freak out and think three books means three story lines, three plots and multiple characters all around. Let me explain why it is easier than you think.

Here is how I do it. I love to sit in a nice comfy chair with a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle up with a blanket and get lost in a story. I also love to listen to an audio book while my hands are doing something else like putting on my makeup, drive to the grocery store or even while I swing my infinity hoop around for exercising. This allows me to still engage in a book but I can also be doing something else. The third book, is on my kindle app. This is for when I am traveling light for example only with my phone or maybe even an ipad. This is when I am stuck in an unexpected wait somewhere, for a doctors appointment or just for a day when I don't want to lug my 20 lb purse around with my entire life in it.

And there ya have it. This is how I read three books at a time. To make it even easier, I tend to have my audio books as something more light and inspirational. For example, books on personal growth or finance. Something I can listen to but not have to remember character traits or plot lines.

I hear people all the time say "I don't have time to read. When would I do it?" Well, there are way more opportunities than you are letting yourself think of. I hope this helped!

It can be done

Try it!

23 Books for 2023

This year I have made a goal to read 23 books for 2023. Last year I did 22. To be honest, I would really like to exceed that amount!

Reading is one of my favorite past times! There are so many great stories out there and there is nothing like being able to use your own imagination to visualize everything the way you want it! (The movies never measure up!) In this blog I am going to share with you the six books I have already read so far this year!

Now because I am also a writer, this first book was recommended to me and I absolutely loved it! It is called "Bird by Bird" By Anne Lamott. She is a lovely writer who gives real insights about writing and how to motivate yourself to get started.

If you are looking for an inspirational reminder of how precious life is then I highly recommend this next one called "Tuesdays With Morrie" By Mitch Albom. Now I know this is not a new book but I've heard such good things about it I finally had to read it. It did not disappoint. This book reached all of the feelings in all sorts of ways. I wish everyone I knew would read this book. The world in fact, would benefit greatly of the reminders about how to live life.

This next one I actually had posted in my online bookstore and I sold it before I got a chance to read it. It is called "There is Nothing to Fix" By Suzanne Jones. Seeing as I was pressed for time and didn't want it to go before I read it, I sped read it in two days, just enough time to still send out the book on time. I am so glad I did. This book was very relatable to me and gave me new hope for new beginnings and the sense of what really matters and what is worth fighting for.

Spicy reading is really a thing and wow some books will get you in the mood so if you are not into that type of thing, then skip this next one, called "Ugly Love" By Colleen Hoover. Colleen is just one of those writers that keeps you reading all day long. I cannot put her books down. This spicy read is no different. colleen really brings her characters to life and in some cases, make you wish you could switch places with them, even if just for a moment!

Listen, if you have never listened to an audio book, I hope this next one can change your mind. "Girl, Stop Apologizing" By Rachel Hollis was for me, addicting. I like to listen while I put my make up on, or take a shower, even driving, (when I don't have the kids). Rachel Hollis is not afraid to put herself out there. She is relatable and funny and somewhat controversial these days but hey, she is true to herself so she is good in my book even if I don't agree with her.

I know classics are suppose to be amazing and a great form of literature, but for me, I couldn't get into this one. "Pride and The Prejudice" By Jane Austen, is a common classic that is suppose to be fantastic writing and a great plot. For me, it was too hard to get into, I hated the old language used and it just wasn't my thing. I do plan on watching the movie though and maybe that will change my mind about the story?

As for right now, I am currently reading "The Magician" By Colm Toibin and I am actually really liking it. It is a historical fiction book which isn't usually my thing but so far I would say it is written well enough to keep my interest. I am curious as to where the story is going. It follows the timeline of one main character Thomas. He is not someone who is easy to figure out and he has a very dysfunctional existence. I will report back when I am finished to see if I would recommend it or not! In the mean time, It is the selected book for the mini book club I am doing with my friend Lisa!

Reaching a goal of 23 books this year seems pretty achievable at this point as I am ahead of schedule. What is your goal for this year?