tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88427918791472655282024-03-14T02:28:00.072-04:00C.J. MillerMostly romance novels and my thoughts on writing, with mom and life stuff thrown in.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-47863783736229781902021-12-15T21:22:00.001-05:002021-12-15T21:22:09.933-05:00#TBRChallenge December - Festive<p> Last #TBRChallenge book of 2021!</p><p>I stuck with the #TBRChallenge through the year and only missed 1 month. That's pretty good for a year that was filled with changes and challenges.</p><p>This month, I read one of the stories from my Radish App, which is the new way I've been reading. Radish Fiction is stories posted as episodes (instead of chapters) and it's <i>addicting</i>. So addicting that I have close to twenty stories I've started reading and I decided to finish one.</p><p>I read And This Christmas by Bri Stone. It's 9 episodes long, which is pretty short for a Radish story.</p><p>Overall, I liked the story, but due to its length, it lacked character depth. Two surgeons hook up for a weekend while on an employee vacation. Good, steamy times and a cute HEA.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I have a Radish Christmas story available - <a href="https://radish.app.link/oLA03Ptu1lb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here Comes Santa Claus</a>. 12 chapters of sexy Santa Claus fun. Give it a read!</p><p>I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-47392686545865622482021-11-16T22:39:00.001-05:002021-11-16T22:40:02.043-05:00#TBRChallenge November 2021 - Competition<p>This month's #TBRChallenge is Competition. I chose a contemporary romance novel with a sports theme, even though I'm generally not big on sports as a setting for a book.</p><p>I read <u>Dare to Tease</u> by Carly Phillips.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CPb242zUI2Y/YZR5HuYL4DI/AAAAAAAALSE/U_YesgmxcOAgb1753uMPR69Wixa92KSigCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CPb242zUI2Y/YZR5HuYL4DI/AAAAAAAALSE/U_YesgmxcOAgb1753uMPR69Wixa92KSigCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br />This is a novel in the 1001 Dark Nights series, which is a collection of novellas. I didn't realize it was last in a series written by Carly including 3 full-length novels, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of this one.<p></p><p>The main trope is Brother's Best Friend and like most of Carly Phillip's books, it was a delightful, easy read. </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-51085671753166452452021-10-20T08:57:00.000-04:002021-10-20T08:57:25.992-04:00#TBRCHALLENGE October 2021 - Gothic <p> For this month's #TBRCHALLENGE the theme is Gothic.</p><p>I actually had to look this up in Amazon and turns out I didn't have a single book in my TBR that matched the description. I went ahead and ordered A Lesson in Thorns by Sierra Simone. (Which negates the purpose of the challenge, I know, but I was intrigued by the theme and wanted to stick with it).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjsWRPRSqqo/YW96m4d-sSI/AAAAAAAALRE/OeiN9mj6TCwrUG72SVBb4HON47jqoUCkwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="145" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zjsWRPRSqqo/YW96m4d-sSI/AAAAAAAALRE/OeiN9mj6TCwrUG72SVBb4HON47jqoUCkwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I have read this author before and enjoyed her. This book was a bit different and I would not classify it as a romance, more like a paranormal mystery with some kink tossed in. There are four books in the series.</p><p>Thornchapel is a mystical ruin that six children find one summer. When they are reunited as adults, they decide to participate in a ritual together. Where I got lost is understanding why these people made these decisions and seemed to have intense feelings about their relationships, even though most hadn't been in touch since that summer.</p><p>I think there was SO MUCH going on with each character and their connection to the other five. Maybe the book needed to be split into multiple books and the characters fleshed out more for me to connect with the story.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-62329305564380823822021-09-15T20:40:00.006-04:002021-09-15T20:43:37.681-04:00#TBRChallenge - September 2021 - Unusual<p> What's more unusual for this month's TBRChallenge than an ice planet millions of miles from Earth?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7024d4p1S4/YUKSJvFC3gI/AAAAAAAALPw/7qGtI3udUKEaNOI_Hn5RntASLkN0MOWhQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="234" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7024d4p1S4/YUKSJvFC3gI/AAAAAAAALPw/7qGtI3udUKEaNOI_Hn5RntASLkN0MOWhQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="162" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>After hearing endless good things about Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet Barbarians series, I gave book one a try. I loved it. It was totally escapist romance at its finest.</p><p>This is one of my first Science Fiction Romances (I think?) and this might be my gateway book into that genre.</p><p>I loved it so much I immediately bought book 2 and can't wait to tear through the rest of the series.</p><p>For some reason, it reminded me of Clan of the Cave Bear (one of my all-time favorite novels). </p><p>It was shorter in length and I read it in a night. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-73123113535521302342021-07-21T09:26:00.001-04:002021-07-21T09:26:29.777-04:00#TBRCHALLENGE For July 2021 - Secrets and Lies *REVIEW*<p>This month's #TBRCHALLENGE is Secrets and Lies. One of my favorite Harlequin category lines is Desire, which are great for secrets and lies.</p><p>This month, I read Blame it on the Billionaire by Naima Simone. Ms. Simone is a new to me author and I've loved almost everything I've read by her. Blame it on the Billionaire is part of the Blackout Billionaire's series, and I enjoyed each book of that series.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IgB8TOa2W0/YPggLloJG4I/AAAAAAAALNE/OqFfcgLb9sggz_waJaYfnlmbNTycVXkhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/BlameItOnTheBillioniare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IgB8TOa2W0/YPggLloJG4I/AAAAAAAALNE/OqFfcgLb9sggz_waJaYfnlmbNTycVXkhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BlameItOnTheBillioniare.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p>In this book, after a tryst during a blackout, the heroine doesn't tell the hero that she's an employee at his company (lie #1). The hero and heroine end up in a fake engagement (lie #2). Both the hero and heroine have secrets that could tear them apart, but their sizzling chemistry keeps them coming back together.</p><p>This author is expert at writing emotion. The pacing is tight and the characters are delightful. I highly recommend this book!</p><p>If you want to participate in the #TBRCHALLENGE, the details are <a href="https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2021.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-77974055734644819142021-06-16T09:33:00.006-04:002021-06-16T09:37:52.436-04:00#TBRCHALLENGE For June 2021 - Book with One Word Title *REVIEW*<p>CW: suicide, priest sexual abuse (not by the hero)</p><p> I had shockingly few choices for this month's #TBRCHALLENGE - book with a one-word title.</p><p>I read Priest by Sierra Simone. This book has been recommended on the romance podcast Fated Mates.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QtKj3ibDp5s/YMn8z3nj_jI/AAAAAAAALLs/D8rVUMDviMsoXhCSMbE_Ffzi5OvombY0gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QtKj3ibDp5s/YMn8z3nj_jI/AAAAAAAALLs/D8rVUMDviMsoXhCSMbE_Ffzi5OvombY0gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="150" /></a></div><br />As a former Catholic, there were a lot of things in this book that made me gasp (Catholic guilt digs in deep). The priest is the hero of the story and he uses his sacred items to perform sexual acts on the heroine. Explicit events happen in the confessional. Chrism oil is used. His rope belt is used. So this is not the right book for someone who'd find this blasphemous.<p></p><p>The book also deals with the problems in the Catholic Church with sexual abuse of children and how this has broken the trust of many people and ruined lives and families.</p><p>On a personal note, I have an uncle who left the priesthood for a woman (an adult, consenting woman). It's a very hush-hush thing in our family that doesn't get spoken of often, but essentially my uncle met a parishioner who sang in the choir, fell in love with her, and left the priesthood. It was scandalous for certain members of our family who believed he was/is now destined for hell (I don't believe this at all cause honestly, he's an awesome person). The priesthood is lonely and the Catholic Church is controlling. But that's a convo for another day.</p><p>Back to the book.</p><p>I'd recommend this for mature audiences. This is a very spicy, explicit book. I don't know if the love scenes were extra hot because of the forbidden nature of the relationship. But this author can write angst to the max. I also appreciate the HEA. I've been picking up too many books billed at romances that end on cliffhangers. This one ends really cute and happy for most everyone. </p><p>Join the #TBRCHALLENGE <a href="https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2021.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-53572685709003651512021-05-18T22:32:00.004-04:002021-05-21T09:02:56.859-04:00#TBRCHALLENGE May 2021 - Fairy Tale or Folktale *REVIEW*<p> Welcome back to the #TBRCHALLENGE for May 2021. This month's theme is Fairytale or Folktale, but I didn't know how to search my books for that particular theme.</p><p>I picked the next closest thing I had - <b>Dukes!</b></p><p>This month I read (most of) Duke I'd like to F... A Historical Romance Anthology.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go9bRHsmX7k/YKR5I0WH82I/AAAAAAAALIo/ugS5urXOsRQt7jHrBlcIkwlUjw6sf71EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s218/DUKEIDLIKETOF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-go9bRHsmX7k/YKR5I0WH82I/AAAAAAAALIo/ugS5urXOsRQt7jHrBlcIkwlUjw6sf71EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/DUKEIDLIKETOF.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I bought this anthology last year. I was unfamiliar with most of the authors. I don't read many novellas because I have a hard time connecting with characters when the format is so short. Each novella was so different, so I want to comment on them individually.<p></p><p><b>The Chasing of Eleanor Vane by Sierra Simone</b>: This novella is the first in the anthology and I had a hard time connecting with the premise. I wasn't convinced that the hero and heroine would actually wind up with a happy ending despite their strong physical, instant attraction to each other. The world in which the duke wanted to live was so far removed from the heroine's life.</p><p><b>Duke for Hire by Nicola Davidson</b> - This was my favorite story in the anthology and I've discovered an author I love who is now a MUST BUY. The dialogue, the teasing between the hero and heroine, the witty characters, and the fun premise were so well done. I enjoyed every word of this story.</p><p><b>An Education in Pleasure by Eva Leigh </b>- I enjoyed this story. It kicks off strong with an older woman, younger man couple. She teaches him a thing or two. Pretty hot.</p><p><b>The Duke Makes Me Feel by Adriana Herrera</b> - I love stories about healers, so this one had a great premise. I felt like the relationship between the hero and heroine was a little stilted and there were some very non-historical phrases that jolted me a bit. The heroine seemed so free and forward-thinking and the hero uptight. Lots of dirty talk and my fingers were crossed for this couple.</p><p><b>My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe</b> - Lost some sleep reading this book. TBH I've read this author before and didn't connect with the characters, but this novella was great. Hot, to the point, and unputdownable. Older man, younger woman, and I loved that the heroine, despite being innocent, wasn't naive and shy. She knew what she wanted and she went for it. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-22396094861034190292021-04-21T10:12:00.003-04:002021-04-21T10:17:56.025-04:00#TBR Challenge April 2021 - Old School *REVIEW*<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kc-zbxumDxA/YIA0DzUeVLI/AAAAAAAALGU/qPROlLUbZuQxwD6yGc82tjFGEuv33IFIgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kc-zbxumDxA/YIA0DzUeVLI/AAAAAAAALGU/qPROlLUbZuQxwD6yGc82tjFGEuv33IFIgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="150" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For the #tbrchallenge for April, I read an Old School novel. I chose A Hunger Like No Other, which was published in 2006.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd read this book before and I loved it every bit as much the second time.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's such a compelling, dramatic, fun, sexy read.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those new to paranormal romance, the hero is alpha to the extreme. The heroine is a little of a Mary Sue at the beginning of the book, but she finds her own and figures herself out by the end. There's quite a bit of violence on the page and the hero is the definition of torrid and tortured. Having read the rest of the series, I could see the groundwork being laid in the world and met a lot of future heroes/heroines in this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Want to participate in the #tbrchallenge? Details <a href="https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2021.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-4768818640678812352021-04-13T22:15:00.000-04:002021-04-13T22:15:05.099-04:00#TBR Challenge April 2021 - Old School<p> I had to change my original pick for this month. I tried reading a historical romance and I could not get into it ... I think I overdid it on historicals in 2020 and I've burned out on them.</p><p>Instead, I've decided to do a re-read of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0758DV4FV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series</a>. I've been saving the <a href="https://fatedmates.net/the-books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">first season of the podcast Fated Mates </a>until I could do a refresher on the books. I read them so long ago, a lot of the books are meshing together in my head. From what I recall, there's a fairly complex world of immoral beings with different rules and skills. </p><p>I'll be reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GCFCXW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Hunger Like No Other</a> originally published in 2006. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZYtrg8uPyY/YHZPx88PuLI/AAAAAAAALFM/vAT_qi6-AXgz1Z_FRzPhAzIoyeYDX4lcgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="188" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZYtrg8uPyY/YHZPx88PuLI/AAAAAAAALFM/vAT_qi6-AXgz1Z_FRzPhAzIoyeYDX4lcgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="150" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-11348267810909909632021-03-17T00:51:00.000-04:002021-03-17T00:51:04.936-04:00#TBRCHALLENGE March 2021 - Book by a Favorite Author *REVIEW*<p> For March's #TBRCHALLENGE - book by a favorite author, I read Tessa Bailey's <u>Getaway Girl</u>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bc5u4UK9cek/YFFT3qOMn3I/AAAAAAAAK5s/u3qS7EdfmXcuYpYun4njvK0gKNnLSUOrgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bc5u4UK9cek/YFFT3qOMn3I/AAAAAAAAK5s/u3qS7EdfmXcuYpYun4njvK0gKNnLSUOrgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I enjoyed Tessa Bailey's Hot and Hammered series and this book did not disappoint. It had all the hallmarks of a Tessa Bailey book - sassy & strong heroine, dirty-talking hero and heroine, and a winding, twisting, romantic road to their HEA. So many great lines in this book and the conversation between the hero and heroine was playful and poppin'.</p><p>Addison returns to her hometown after her grandmother's death to wrap up her affairs. When she sneaks into her cousin's wedding, she doesn't expect to be the getaway driver for the jilted groom, the future mayor and man who is powerful, rich, and unbearably sexy. He just wants an escape and finds comfort in Addison's world.</p><p>I liked that they started out as friends and made the switch into lovers after getting to know each other. </p><p>I'll be reading more of Tessa Bailey's books in the future.</p><p>Find out more about the #tbrchallenge <a href="https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/2020/11/sign-up-for-2021-tbrchallenge.html" target="_blank">here!</a> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-81511110758237080282021-03-01T00:30:00.000-05:002021-06-01T03:44:22.823-04:00#TBRCHALLENGE March - Book by a Favorite Author <p>I loved Tessa Bailey's Hot and Hammered series, so my pick for March's #TBRCHALLEGE Book by Favorite Author is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079MFHSMN" target="_blank">Getaway Girl</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9V0g1ol4e4w/YDxf6uvmNZI/AAAAAAAAK48/df2n8OE5Ts0rAYwh32-_91jk0v9GBJBBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/%2523TBRCHALLENGE%2BMARCH%2BBook%2Bby%2Ba%2Bfavorite%2Bauthor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9V0g1ol4e4w/YDxf6uvmNZI/AAAAAAAAK48/df2n8OE5Ts0rAYwh32-_91jk0v9GBJBBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/%2523TBRCHALLENGE%2BMARCH%2BBook%2Bby%2Ba%2Bfavorite%2Bauthor.png" /></a></div><br /><p>Want to join the challenge? Details <a href="https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/2020/11/sign-up-for-2021-tbrchallenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>When I look at the books that I haven't read, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. What I love about it this challenge is it helps me to categories my books and pick one by a certain date. Review to follow on March 17th (St. Patrick's Day!).</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-30791776437671342282021-02-17T00:03:00.007-05:002021-02-17T00:58:48.602-05:00#TBR Challenge Februrary 2021 - New-To-You Author *REVIEW*<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVDj7v73A5E/YCywhtJiR8I/AAAAAAAAK4Q/fgWe16lzENgTtcrYpODK-_GiySO8HfbzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s218/TAKING%2BTHE%2BHEAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="138" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVDj7v73A5E/YCywhtJiR8I/AAAAAAAAK4Q/fgWe16lzENgTtcrYpODK-_GiySO8HfbzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/TAKING%2BTHE%2BHEAT.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I purchased Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl last summer. I picked it up half a dozen times and could not get into it, but so many romance readers rave about it, so I promised myself I'd finish it. This book took off at 15%. There are so many great things in this story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The main characters have friendships, hobbies, and jobs they enjoy. The heroine has left NYC after learning it was not for her. I feel like so often heroes/heroines seek city life as an accomplishment, and as someone who loves the quiet of suburbia, I enjoyed reading the opposite. The hero is a hot librarian who likes to read, rock climb, and is very into pleasing his heroine. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">They both have issues with their families that they work out and I enjoyed seeing them find strength from each other and within themselves.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The chemistry is hot, and the romance is on point.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">CW: bullying, suicide attempt </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-70814327209397730112021-02-01T22:04:00.001-05:002021-02-01T22:04:31.399-05:00#TBR Challenge Februrary 2021 - New-To-You Author <p> In 2020, with so much time at home, I got into podcasts. I'd put on my wireless headphones and go out into the garden and weed, water, and plant. Most of the podcasts I like are romance novel related and one, in particular, Fated Mates, recommends a lot of different authors. They are responsible for at least a dozen books on my TBR.</p><p>This month's #TBRChallenge pick is a New-To-You Author. I've selected Victoria Dahl's <u>Taking the Heat</u>. </p><p>I only started using <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7371486" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GoodReads</a> a couple of years ago, but I have no other Victoria Dahl books there, and none of her titles seem familiar. I've started this book several times and had trouble staying focused, but this is the month!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nw8QA-XnUg/YBjA0hD-6UI/AAAAAAAAK3U/UfiMwgjNGXI8Aqu5f9a2nIBdoNd_trlOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/%2523TBRCHALLENGE%2BFEBRUARY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nw8QA-XnUg/YBjA0hD-6UI/AAAAAAAAK3U/UfiMwgjNGXI8Aqu5f9a2nIBdoNd_trlOACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/%2523TBRCHALLENGE%2BFEBRUARY.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-17807056130305356682021-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:002021-01-20T00:38:01.235-05:00#TBRChallenge January 2021 - Comfort Read *REVIEW*<p> <u>His Bride for the Taking</u> by Tessa Dare is a historical romance novella that's been on my Kindle for awhile. It's surprising because Tessa Dare is one of my favorite romance authors so this is one I overlooked. She's the author who brought me back to reading historicals after a LONG time away from them.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQEAeNhfOfs/YAd15OBNn9I/AAAAAAAAK2o/E4WYYGXYhjATDBd4iHHi1-wHXMAs3OuVACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQEAeNhfOfs/YAd15OBNn9I/AAAAAAAAK2o/E4WYYGXYhjATDBd4iHHi1-wHXMAs3OuVACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><br />I love Tessa Dare's writing style. She's easy to read, one chapter flowing to the next, gracefully fleshing out her characters and their conflicts. In a less skilled author's hands, this story would have been predictable. Certainly, the tropes are common: childhood crush, woman left at the altar, hero with daddy issues, JUST ONE BED... but she has enough surprises that the story is fresh and wonderfully comforting.<p></p><p>Thanks to SuperLibrarian for hosting this 2021 challenge. If you're interested in joining in - please do! The details are here: https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/2020/11/sign-up-for-2021-tbrchallenge.html</p><p>CURRENT KINDLE TBR COUNT: 90 books.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-23873468870039512662021-01-01T01:44:00.002-05:002021-01-01T01:45:19.817-05:00#TBRChallenge January 2021 - Comfort Read<p>To kick off the 2021 #TBRChallenge, I've selected His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare for my Comfort read. Tessa Dare is the author who started me reading historical romances again after a long time away from them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2GLnfhgj10/X-7Ek8-av2I/AAAAAAAAK04/lkZ-h8s2AMQSNfPdfErR3o8a9HFJLrXqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/2021%2B%2523TBRChallenge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2GLnfhgj10/X-7Ek8-av2I/AAAAAAAAK04/lkZ-h8s2AMQSNfPdfErR3o8a9HFJLrXqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021%2B%2523TBRChallenge.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'll have more to say about it on the 20th, after I've read it, but I'm sure it will be delightful!<div><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-4244602599979643912020-12-13T20:58:00.000-05:002020-12-13T20:58:00.496-05:00The Misadventures of SuperLibrarian 2021 #TBRChallenge<p>I have way, way too many books in my TBR pile. (TBR means "to be read.") At last count, I have 92 books waiting to be read. </p><p>In 2021, I'll be participating in <a href="https://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/2020/11/sign-up-for-2021-tbrchallenge.html" target="_blank">The Misadventures of Super Librarian #TBRChallege</a>.</p><p>Each month, I'll pick a book from my pile that matches the theme, read it, and post about it on the 3rd Thursday of the month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oicm6UAyAU/X9bFhfwb1tI/AAAAAAAAKyM/NJ4dFC5MW5Mlbjh76ubLyIFiE7skiSz4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/TBRChallenge2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="400" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oicm6UAyAU/X9bFhfwb1tI/AAAAAAAAKyM/NJ4dFC5MW5Mlbjh76ubLyIFiE7skiSz4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h228/TBRChallenge2021.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>January is Comfort Read. I'll need to check my pile and post about it soon.<div><br /></div><div>I'm guessing if I focused on it, I'll clear at least half the pile in 2021. If I read the first twenty pages of a book and I don't like it, I abandon it and look for something else. I rarely leave a review if that's the case. I only actually read 1 in 5, or on bad weeks 1 in 10, books that I start.<br /><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-44727583346291020752020-11-30T20:16:00.003-05:002020-12-13T20:23:07.304-05:00Best Books of 2020<p> My family and I track our reading on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7371486?" target="_blank">Goodreads account</a>. Our goal for the year was 400 books. Thanks to the pandemic and long hours in quarantine, we've met and exceeded our goal. We're currently at 765 books and it's possible that we'll get to 800 by the end of the year.</p><p>Here are my top books of the year in no particular order. Note that these books weren't necessarily published in 2020.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdqUSkOoK14/X9a-awE2ThI/AAAAAAAAKx4/RmJwu7CKsNgVKj7duGwHk-_ZUfY7DK3CACLcBGAsYHQ/s654/128561414_1000048707146662_2874430860469927808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdqUSkOoK14/X9a-awE2ThI/AAAAAAAAKx4/RmJwu7CKsNgVKj7duGwHk-_ZUfY7DK3CACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/128561414_1000048707146662_2874430860469927808_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Fiction: </b></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3mppNAT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Invention of Wings</a> by Sue Monk Kidd </p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2JzVjxa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hill Women</a> by Cassie Chambers</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3lp17XN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circe</a> by Madeline Miller </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Romance: </b></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2JwsnpQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Highwayman</a> by Kerrigan Byrne</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3mqp1n7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd</a> by Paula Quinn</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/39wbUx8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upstairs Downstairs Temptation</a> by Janice Maynard</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2JzKawn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie</a> by Jennifer Ashley</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Middle-grade fiction</b>:</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/36o2n98" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The List of Things That Will Not Change</a> by Rebecca Stead</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3o93bF4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Taken</a> (Foxcraft Series) by Inbali Iserles</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/39C22lc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One and Only Ivan </a>by Katherine Applegate</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3qfcSnk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Because of the Rabbit</a> by Cynthia Lord </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-44315547383564054512020-10-05T22:51:00.010-04:002021-05-30T12:03:23.347-04:00All the Romance Tropes (that I can think of)<p>*** Most books contain several or many tropes ***</p><p>/* updated 5/30/2021 */ </p><p>Accidental Cuddling (see also Only One Bed)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Accidentally falling/tripping into one another <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">Accidental text / email or
phone call<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">Action / Adventure </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">Adopting a baby/child<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">Affair </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">Age Gap </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in;">Alien <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alpha Hero<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amnesia/Fugue state <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Angels </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anti-hero<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Apocalypse </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Arranged Marriage <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Artist </p><p class="MsoNormal">Athlete </p><p class="MsoNormal">Auction</p><p class="MsoNormal">Avenging a Death</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p>Back to School</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Baby On The Doorstep: this might be an actual baby left for hero or heroine, or someone close to the hero/heroine leaving them unexpectedly in charge of a child<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bad Boy / Rebel</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bachelor Auction<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Bad girl </p><p class="MsoNormal">Beards </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best Friend’s sibling<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Beta Hero </p><p class="MsoNormal">Big City </p><p class="MsoNormal">Big family and lots of family dynamics </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Billionaire (Golden Sand by C.J. Miller)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36zePU2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPxzBukq7Es/X3vdA7ZAJYI/AAAAAAAAKuM/BgfX-C5bJZguehjPilTENb0Uq6-wXrkTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/Golden_Sand_200x300.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bodyguard <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Books Ends (location): have the book start and end in the same place, but the hero/heroine are drastically different from the start of the book<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Boss/Employee</p><p class="MsoNormal">Break up </p><p class="MsoNormal">Bridesmaid / Groomsman Affair </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Broken Hero/Heroine: may feel unworthy of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bromance <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Brother's Best Friend </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bullying Support / Bullying in the Past <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Camping: great outdoors, sleeping bags zipped
together - the modern version of sleeping in a tartan<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">CEO Boss </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cinnamon Roll Hero: a hero who will take care of heroine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Christmas/ Holiday theme<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chef / Food (Exquisite Sand by C.J. Miller)<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3d24a5s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97nCZfCl-k8/X3vcCaLB70I/AAAAAAAAKt4/OK-FSMr17u8xzS2EHkZjmxg_7-7c6HxkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/Exquisite_Sand_200x300.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Childhood sweethearts</p><p class="MsoNormal">Chronic Illness <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Class differences</p><p class="MsoNormal">Cougar (older woman, younger man) </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cowboys / Westerns: quiet confidence, wild and untamed <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dad’s Best Friend or Best Friend’s Dad <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dancing: one cuts in on another's dance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Damsels in Shining Armor / Dudes in Distress <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Darkness confession - make a confession in the dark, but the other is already asleep</p><p class="MsoNormal">Demons </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Destined to be Together: imprinting <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Destructive: hero or heroine thinks they are too garbage to
be loved <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Disasters: snowstorm, blackout, tornado<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Divorce </p><p class="MsoNormal">Doctor </p><p class="MsoNormal">Dragons </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Drinking: hero/heroine drinks or is destructive, doesn't feel good
enough for the heroine, self-loathing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Drunken mistake: tries to go into the wrong house, Vegas
wedding<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Dystopian </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Elves </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Enemies to Lovers</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fairy tale retelling: giving someone an apple, dress
makeover, escape from the wicked stepmother</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fairies / Fae <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fake Engagement <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 148.5pt;">Fake Relationship<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 148.5pt;">Falling for Friend who was helping
with a makeover to win over another<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 148.5pt;">Falling in Love with Family’s Enemy <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 148.5pt;">Family Reunion with Secrets Reveals (wedding, funeral)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 148.5pt;">Famous Person falls for Normal Person <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fated Mates <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Firefighter</p><p class="MsoNormal">First kiss </p><p class="MsoNormal">First love </p><p class="MsoNormal">Fling </p><p class="MsoNormal">Football player </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Forbidden Love <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Forced Proximity<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Found Family </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Friends to Enemies to Lovers or Friends to Lovers<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Futuristic </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Ghosts </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Girl Next Door </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Given up on love </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Good Girl / Good guy </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Grand gesture <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Groups of men/brothers/ friends: often each given their own book and HEA<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Groveling/Begging for Forgiveness: in proportion to
the size of the screw-up<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Grumpy - but not grumpy at key times, like while sleeping</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Handcuffed Together<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Healthcare Workers / Medical <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hidden Baby <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">High Society </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Highlanders</p><p class="MsoNormal">Hockey player </p><p class="MsoNormal">Holiday </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hometown: returning to a hometown to reclaim a lost love <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Home: orphan, foster care, never felt at home, or home was
abusive and terrible. Finds home in the LI<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Immigration Status: marriage due to this, but then becomes more</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Insomniac: he can only sleep when she is with him <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In Uniform: military, police, firefighter<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kidnapped /Captive <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Knights </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Lawyer </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Learning at the Feet of the Master <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Left at the Altar</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let’s Just Get it Out of Our System <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Love / Hate </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Love Triangle <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Longing: aching to reach out, but holding back <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Loveless marriage </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Mafia / Organized Crime </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Magic Dress: Putting on this dress makes the heroine feel
beautiful and everyone sees her as beautiful (like in Cinderella)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mail-order Bride <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Masks / doesn’t recognize, only HE recognizes: masquerades <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marriage in Trouble<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marriage of Convenience<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Match-Making gone wrong <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">May-December (age difference)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Medical or Sickbed: hero/heroine nursing the other back
to health <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Menage </p><p class="MsoNormal">Mistaken Identity </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mistress Contract <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Military man/man in uniform<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Missing Someone They Claim They Don’t Love<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Morning after - sneaking out or accidentally waking the other </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mortality Chain <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Motorcycle Club </p><p class="MsoNormal">Musician</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mutual (but secret) Pining <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Mythology </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Navy SEAL <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Next Door Neighbor </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nickname: calling LI first name while others use title,
calling hero/heroine by their last name when everyone else uses a title, a nickname no one
else uses, use their name when everyone else uses a nickname<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Nightmare - brings about a character revelation </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not Like All the Others: the hero/heroine is different
in the eyes of their beloved<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Office romance </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Older woman, younger man </p><p class="MsoNormal">Only One Bed <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One Night Stand Shows Up Again <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Opposite Attract <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Opposite Occupations: arsonist / firefighter, environmentalist/oil executive, country/city </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Orphan: aunt or uncle caring for orphaned niece or nephew <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Parenting: struggling, divorced, blended families <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Partner in Danger <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pining hero/heroine <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pirate<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Playboy </p><p class="MsoNormal">Point of View: hero/heroine sees the other as no one else does</p><p class="MsoNormal">Politician </p><p class="MsoNormal">Polyamory </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Poor as a child, Now Rich<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pregnancy <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pretend boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance</p><p class="MsoNormal">Professor / teacher </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Quirky hero or heroine </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rags to Riches<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Reformed Rake <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Regency </p><p class="MsoNormal">Reverse Harem </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Road Trip <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rock Star (Starlit Sand by C.J. Miller)<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/34vTs3x" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnJj-PpCDS0/X3vcj0lmJBI/AAAAAAAAKuA/A4iQbjd--dwZWNh5cqJEzXpbRP4gIbVSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/Starlit_Sand_200x300.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rogue Cleaning Up : changes to win over the heroine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Royal <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Runaway Bride / Groom</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sarcastic banter<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Scottish hero - kilt-wearing</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Secret baby<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Secret Identity <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Second Chances <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sexual Concerns: hero or heroine need something specific
for sexual satisfaction that only that person gives them <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Shifter <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sibling's Best Friend <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Single Parent </p><p class="MsoNormal">Sleeping (see also insomnia) together, falling alseep together, big spoon, little spoon, can only fall asleep with you, holding you close in sleep, arms tightening around </p><p class="MsoNormal">Small town / rural </p><p class="MsoNormal">Smart hero/heroine (or nerdy hero or heroine)</p><p class="MsoNormal">Soulmates </p><p class="MsoNormal">Sports romance </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Starchy Hero gets Unstarched <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Star-Crossed Lovers</p><p class="MsoNormal">Stranded Together / Snowbound</p><p class="MsoNormal">Stripper </p><p class="MsoNormal">Stuck together </p><p class="MsoNormal">Student </p><p class="MsoNormal">Sugar baby </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sunshine and Grumpy </p><p class="MsoNormal">Supernatural </p><p class="MsoNormal">Surprise Baby (Midnight Sand by C.J. Miller)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36AzXJJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLgKprrLlms/X3vdktVNjAI/AAAAAAAAKuU/Fg3tzz6XviM7tvJ-E_CoHA8cvLOU-lGgACLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/Midnight_Sand_200x300.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Surrogate </p><p class="MsoNormal">SWAT Team <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Switched / Swapped babies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Taboo </p><p class="MsoNormal">Tattoos </p><p class="MsoNormal">Time Travel <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Traitorous bodies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Transformation: Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Twins / Triplet Pregnancy<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Twin Switch / Mistaken Identity </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ugly Duckling <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Up Against the Wall (kissing)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unintentional Touching: hands brush and there’s a
spark <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Unlucky in love </p><p class="MsoNormal">Unrequited Love </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Vacation </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Vampires </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Victorian </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Vikings </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Virgin or Never been kissed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vampire <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wagers: to date or sleep with the other person <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Waking up alone - but other is in the shower or went out for coffee/muffins</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wedding: someone needs a date for a wedding, hiring an escort or pretend boyfriend<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Werewolves </p><p class="MsoNormal">Western </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Will: has terms and conditions <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Witches </p><p class="MsoNormal">Woman in Jeopardy </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Workplace: boss suddenly sees his/her assistant in a new
light (The Maestro by C.J. Miller)<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36zectE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TueFV_r_dzc/X3vbRZ4zHqI/AAAAAAAAKtw/zg4GRsCZfT0WBoNwuzpDnyxE6RQ0UjinwCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/The_Maestro_200x300.png" width="133" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Wrong brother / Mistaken Identity</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Zip: Will you zip me up?<o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-85081518333717133982020-09-27T21:11:00.003-04:002020-09-27T21:11:49.398-04:00Tiny Library Story<p> My 100-word tiny library story was posted to the<a href="https://blog.prattlibrary.org/2020/09/22/tiny-stories-of-library-love-part-1/" target="_blank"> Enoch Pratt Library blog</a>.</p><p>Let me know what you think! </p><p>What's the shortest story you've written?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-53333530984930995642020-08-17T00:28:00.003-04:002020-08-17T00:30:07.981-04:00Homeschooling Resources: Best Educational Shows on Netflix<p>Our Favorite Educational Shows on Netflix for Elementary aged Students:</p><p>1. Brainchild</p><p>2. Sid the Science Kid</p><p>3. If I Were an Animal</p><p>4. The Magic School Bus and the Magic School Bus Rides Again</p><p>5. The Who Was? Show</p><p>6. Disney Nature Oceans </p><p>7. Growing Up Wild </p><p>8. Leap Frog: Letter Factory, Number Land, Phonics Farm, Sing-Along, Read-Along</p><p>9. Ask the Storybots </p><p>10. The Cat and the Hat Knows a Lot About That </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-83097844270108410472020-08-17T00:22:00.005-04:002020-08-17T00:24:59.630-04:00Homeschooling Resources : Websites Where Kids Can Listen to Stories for Free <p>Websites where kids can listen to stories for free: </p><p> <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/the-good-and-the-beautiful-storytime/" target="_blank">The Good and the Beautiful Bedtime Stories</a></p><p><a href="https://stories.audible.com/start-listen" target="_blank">Audible Stories for Kids </a></p><p><a href="https://www.storylineonline.net/" target="_blank">Story Online </a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-23636179502299078662020-08-17T00:13:00.011-04:002020-08-17T00:40:24.474-04:00Homeschooling Kindergarten on a DimeLike many American parents, I find myself unexpectedly homeschooling. My oldest children will be distance learning with their school (that's a whole separate post) and I will be homeschooling my kindergartener. <div><br /><div>In my state, I need to provide rigorous, thorough instruction in 8 subject areas:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>English</li><li>mathematics</li><li>science</li><li>social studies</li><li>art</li><li>music</li><li>health</li><li>physical education</li></ol></div><div><div><br /></div><div>My highest priorities for kindergarten are math and English/Language Arts (ELA). I want my daughter to have a strong foundation before moving into 1st grade. I also did not want a fully online course, as she seems to prefer working on paper. </div><div><br /></div><div>Reading : I taught my daughter to read using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-Read-Lessons/dp/0671631985" target="_blank">Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/" target="_blank">The Good and the Beautiful</a>: I chose this curriculum for Math and ELA. Right now, the first four weeks are free via PDF from The Good and Beautiful website so you can try it out or get started right away. We tried both courses, scrolling through the PDF on the computer and loved them. The math course uses a box of manipulatives for hands-on learning. I've ordered Level K for <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/pre-k-8-language-arts-course-set-level-k/" target="_blank">language arts</a> and for <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/pre-k-8-math-course-set-level-k/" target="_blank">math</a>. Not surprisingly, many of their courses are out of stock at the moment, but they expect they'll be available in a couple of weeks for shipping.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://discoveryk12.com/dk12/" target="_blank">Discovery K12</a>: The basic courses are free, all 180 days. This program covers Reading/Literature, Language Arts, Spelling, Math, History/Social Studies, Science and Visual/Performing Arts. I will be using their History/Social Studies and Science program.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy</a>: A full, free curiculum, but for kindergarten, it's more limited in that it doesn't have instruction in all 8 areas at her level. My daughter found the Science and History programs too difficult, but my older students tried EP and loved it. We will be using EP for PE and health.</div><div><br /></div><div>Music:</div><div>We pick a few songs from <a href="https://www.waldorfschoolsongs.com/overview-of-songs/">the Waldorf School of Songs</a> and follow along with the notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.bcpl.info/">BCPL</a> gives patrons access to Lynda.com , which has instruction on singing and many other skills. Find it under Books and More --> Research Databases.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure if my 5-year-old is ready to learn piano yet, but my older children are learning to play piano with <a href="https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/" target="_blank">Hoffman Academy</a> (free 30 day trial).</div><div><br /></div><div>Art:</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzjCPQv3y8">Lunch Doodles with Mo</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MarkKistler">Sketching with Mark Kistler </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's our plan to start the year! I'm sure it will change as it already changed several times over the summer, but that's the beauty of homeschooling - the flexibility to meet your child where they are!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-65414398550678855182019-05-09T22:24:00.003-04:002020-08-17T00:33:59.179-04:00Book Recommendations for New Readers (K-1st)I'm always on the lookout for great chapter books for my daughter to read. <br />
<br />
Here are her favorites: <br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1534429085/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1534429085&linkId=b8f677580cb655e2f096937535dca56d">The Adventures of Sophie Mouse</a> <br />
<br />
2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1536203602/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1536203602&linkId=c5e27be3210f420f41f8535047cf7a6b">Judy Moody</a><br />
<br />
3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545855764/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0545855764&linkId=4554b8d5ccf19a09c193c683c7c01385">Whatever After</a><br />
<br />
4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492641774/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1492641774&linkId=67dc1f065b174f2d9a849604e346c3ea">Little Legends </a><br />
<br />
5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545509130/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0545509130&linkId=0b4c3b6b8845702b3fab97d310788efe">Rescue Princesses</a> <br />
<br />
6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681193264/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1681193264&linkId=5d96ba2ec1a2f339aaf939e0b2c858a1">Unicorn Princesses</a><br />
<br />
7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1338144316/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1338144316&linkId=e0d629bb3ffa75e1b62b67e86bf23a77">Owl Diaries</a> <br />
<br />
8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0736435999/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0736435999&linkId=e272767d636425fb71c5810c6b4398e8">Finding Tinkerbell</a><br />
<br />
9. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0736431411/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0736431411&linkId=9c805634f872d930dc01bfb08f3d607f">Never Girls</a><br />
<br />
10. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375849912/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cjmilaut-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0375849912&linkId=02c9424e69884ab1771d6d4832867f2f">Magic Tree House</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-38033706457438763862019-04-06T15:52:00.001-04:002020-08-17T00:33:20.461-04:00The Maestro by C.J. Miller <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEgJDRQWjWw/XKkCdCw6iBI/AAAAAAAAIa8/SwnMInZFyvAJE_kmhhhroazlghtx1PoIQCLcBGAs/s1600/The_Maestro_200x300.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEgJDRQWjWw/XKkCdCw6iBI/AAAAAAAAIa8/SwnMInZFyvAJE_kmhhhroazlghtx1PoIQCLcBGAs/s320/The_Maestro_200x300.png" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Cover Art: <a href="https://www.sweetnspicydesigns.com/">Sweet and Spicy Designs</a><br />
Editing: <a href="http://lindaedits.com/">Linda Edits</a><br />
<br />
Amazon: <a href="https://amzn.to/2WSzCKu">Get it now!</a><br />
<br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Maestro Kieran Gallagher is a symphony brought to life.</strong></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><strong><br /></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><em>Hauntingly beautiful.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><em>Filled with breathtaking talent.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><em>And tragically untouchable.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;">Rae Davis considers it the opportunity of a lifetime to work as the assistant to the virtuoso, until her feelings for him swell into an unrequited love. Unfortunately, the Maestro lives for his music, leaving him oblivious to all else. Pained by his clueless rejection, Rae throws away her dream and walks away.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">Only then does Kieran realize the passion to compose left with her. Without Rae, both his music and his life are barren and empty. Can he orchestrate a way to win her back? Or will the melody in his heart be silenced forever?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8842791879147265528.post-11165160146384896192018-12-27T23:46:00.001-05:002018-12-29T00:13:11.069-05:00Peanut Oral ImmunotherapyI was hoping to get this post out sooner, but this year has been crazy busy and has flown by! I wanted to share our experiences with peanut oral immunotherapy in hopes it helps someone else. Before starting this journey, I read everything I could and a lot of what I read helped to guide our decision.<br />
<br />
<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><br />
<br />
Please note, I am not a medical professional, just a mom. Everything below is just our experiences and this process should only take place after consulting with a qualified allergist and under her supervision.<br />
<br />
<b>BACKGROUND:</b><br />
<br />
My seven year old son has a peanut allergy diagnosed at 18 months by an allergist (scratch test). He had his first reaction around 16 months after eating peanut butter. Over the course of the next 6 years, scratch tests and a blood test showed he was unlikely to outgrow his allergy. Strict avoidance gets difficult as my son gets older. Birthday parties, weddings, potlucks, school parties, and school lunches become places were he could have an exposure and subsequent reaction. He carries an epi-pen and benadryl at all times. We use a <a href="https://amzn.to/2VapBIx">runner's belt</a> for this purpose (designed for a phone).<br />
<br />
<b>INITIAL CONSULTATION</b><br />
<br />
Our doctor reviewed my son's medical record including previous scratch tests, blood work - IGE levels and component test, and performed a scratch test in the office. She asked us questions about seasonal allergies, other food allergies, and explained the process. She gave us plenty of opportunities to ask questions.<br />
<br />
The most common side effects of OIT are itching around the mouth and stomach ache. There is a chance of more serious side effects. <br />
<br />
If our son were to become ill, especially if he has a fever, we'd need to call the allergist to ask about how to proceed. Illness can affect his body's ability to metabolize the peanut.<br />
<br />
Our goal at the end of 1 year (twice monthly visits) will be that our son should be able to consume 1-2 peanuts without going into anaphylaxis or having an adverse reaction. He will still have a peanut allergy and he will still need to carry his epi-pen and benadryl. (Since he turned 6, we've switched to the <a href="https://amzn.to/2VhsqYn">dissolvable pill form of benadryl</a>, which is smaller and doesn't spill.)<br />
<br />
Why we wanted to do OIT:<br />
1. We won't have to worry about cross-contamination in restaurants. He will be able to eat at bakeries and ice cream stores.<br />
2. He will be safer at school. His school is NOT nut free and there is peanut in the classroom daily. Keyboard, books, and toys may all be contaminated with peanut.<br />
3. Travel will be easier. We won't have to stress about nuts on airplanes or peanut in hotel rooms, on amusement park rides.<br />
4. When he goes out with his friends, he can relax and have fun without worry in movie theatres, at diners, at the school cafeteria, in college. <br />
<br />
<b>HOW MUCH OIT COSTS</b><br />
<br />
Every insurance plan is different, so I can't tell you what it will cost out of pocket. <br />
<br />
We received a paper from the doctor with the charge codes they use to bill insurance. We called our insurance to confirm what this process would cost.<br />
<br />
<b>SCHEDULING </b><br />
<br />
We spoke to my son's school about this process and needed to work out with them how he'd make up work he'd miss when going to these appointments. We'd be "up dosing" in the doctor's office Thursday afternoons, which means he'd miss half a day of school every other week.<br />
<br />
<b>FIRST DAY OF PEANUT</b><br />
<br />
We were at the office for 5 hours. The doctor took our son's height, weight and vitals, and had him perform a breathing test (when the patient blows into a tube as hard as he can).<br />
<br />
We brought lots of carbs with us. After eating, the doctor dosed our son with 0.1mg of peanut (looked like 3-5 grains of salt in a cup) along with water and more food. He was monitored for an hour, then given 0.2mg of peanut protein following the same food, water and rest procedures. Then an hour later, he was given 0.4mg of peanut.<br />
<br />
<b>FOLLOW UP</b><br />
The day after the 5 hour appointment, we returned to the office. <br />
<br />
Our son was again dosed with 0.4mg and monitored. We left with enough doses (one per day and an extra in case we spilled) to last until our next appointment, in about 2 weeks (this would be the same process every two weeks after that - leaving the office with the new daily doses, enough to last until the next appointment).<br />
<br />
The doses cost $2.50 per dose and are not covered by insurance. The doses are the same as given in the doctor's office. We do not increase the dose at home. "Up dosing" only occurs in the doctor's office where the patient is monitored.<br />
<br />
<b>THE NEXT 10 MONTHS</b><br />
<br />
Every day, after school, we give our son his peanut dose.<br />
1. He takes his <a href="https://amzn.to/2LAi7da">probiotic</a> when he arrives home. (we've tried the various flavors of Nature's Way and my son says they all taste the same)<br />
2. Give our son carbs, like a muffin, bread, cookie, whatever he wants.<br />
3. Mix the peanut dose with 1/4tsp of water. Stir to dissolve.<br />
4. Drop 1TBSP of applesauce (or pudding or yogurt) into the cup. Stir to mix well.<br />
5. Give the mixture containing peanut to our son.<br />
6. Drink water to make sure none sticks in his mouth.<br />
7. Eat again.<br />
8. Rest for 2 hours. This means homework, movie, video games, reading, etc. No exercise or hot showers (no increase in core body temperature). <br />
9. Record information on log provided by the doctor.<br />
<br />
Every two weeks, we go to the doctor's office to increase the dose (up dose).<br />
<br />
<b>RESULTS</b><br />
<br />
We expected the process to take at least 1 year. At 10 months, he is eating 4 peanuts (or 5 peanut M&M's daily). He's not had any adverse reactions. He's not had any stomach aches.<br />
<br />
<b>COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCHOOL</b><br />
<br />
This is the letter we sent to his school which updates them to his progress.<br />
<br />
To Whom It May Concern:<br />
<br />
[STUDENT NAME] has completed an initial course of peanut oral immunotherapy. While [NAME] is still allergic to peanuts and will carry his auvi-q/epi-pen, the following changes may be made to his 504 educational plan or equivalent: <br />
<br />
Not safe:<br />
- peanut <br />
- peanut butter<br />
- candy containing peanut – like peanut M&Ms, Reece’s Cups, Snickers bars <br />
- anything [NAME] feels “weird” about eating <br />
<br />
Safe:<br />
- bakery foods that do NOT contain peanut such as Dunkin donuts / munchkins<br />
- grocery store bakery foods that do NOT contain peanut or peanut butter <br />
- foods that list “May Contain Peanut” are okay <br />
- foods that are “Made in a facility with peanut” are okay<br />
- foods that are “Processed on shared lines with peanut” are okay <br />
- buffet foods / catered foods that do not contain peanut (but may have had minor cross-contamination) are okay<br />
<br />
[NAME] should still ask an adult about foods that are handed out during classroom parties, birthday parties, super kid parties, classroom treats, or similar.<br />
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Any allergic reaction should be treated as described in his FARE Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan on file with the school nurse.<br />
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<br />
<b>PROS OF OIT</b><br />
<br />
This could be a massive list. <br />
<br />
Holidays parties were much less stressful. After completing this round of OIT, the number of times he couldn't have something were slim. Before, we had to pack a lunch for him everywhere we went since we could never be sure what was safe. Now, it's usually pretty clear if something has peanut butter or peanuts. Previously, so many foods were off limits because every ingredient couldn't be checked and it wasn't worth the risk.<br />
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Now, we've eaten bakery foods. We've eaten at dunkin donuts.<br />
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My son is no longer excluded from classroom birthday parties (his school does not have a policy about safe food and allows students to bring whatever they want to celebrate their birthdays...and yeah, I have a HUGE chip on my shoulder about this and about parents bringing peanut into the classroom because it could've killed my child and they knew it and did it anyway...)<br />
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My stress level is lower. I don't worry about accidental exposure.<br />
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<b>CONS OF OIT</b><br />
<br />
We had to follow the protocol every day. This sometimes took scheduling, planning ahead, and forgoing plans to make sure that OIT was not interrupted. My son wanted to go outside and play with his neighborhood friends, but couldn't while "on dosing" (the two hour window after dosing).<br />
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My son will also be on maintenance - 4 peanuts and a probiotic - for the foreseeable future.<br />
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OIT is not a "cure" for a peanut allergy. He still has a peanut allergy.<br />
<br />
<b>THE FUTURE <br />
<br />
</b>At any point, my son can return to OIT and continue up-dosing. There's a concept of free eating, which means raising the level of peanut tolerance to the point that anything could be eaten. This requires dosing up to 20 peanuts, a food challenge and a daily maintenance dose of 8 peanuts. I don't know if we'll take this path, or if more options will open up with the <a href="https://www.allergicliving.com/2017/11/16/hope-remains-for-the-viaskin-peanut-patch/">peanut "patch"</a> or AIMMUNE, but I believe a true cure is coming.<br />
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But until then, the world is a safer, happier, more inclusive place for my son.<br />
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If you have any questions, feel free to post below. Allergy parents always stick together.<br />
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