Natalie
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abookandadog.com
Natalie
@abookandadog.com
I love to read and hang out with my dog. I blog about it at
https://abookandadog.com
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Happy Valentine’s Day from me and Nikolette! 💝🐾 Isn’t she the cutest reading companion? 💘

abookandadog.com

#booksky #dogsky
While I found many aspects of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek charming, it didn’t resonate with me as I had anticipated. The Pack Horse Library Project was impressive. The impact of books on the rural people was heartwarming. Learning about the Blue People was intriguing.

#booksky #dogsky
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (by Kim Michele Richardson) — A Book and A Dog
Living in Kentucky, it’s almost certain that a book set in Kentucky, written by a Kentucky author, will inevitably catch my attention in every bookstore I visit. Years ago, The Book Woman of Troubles...
abookandadog.com
February 15, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Happy Valentine’s Day from me and Nikolette! 💝🐾 Isn’t she the cutest reading companion? 💘

abookandadog.com

#booksky #dogsky
February 14, 2026 at 3:23 PM
‪I won’t be reading a Valentine-themed book this weekend because my book club is reading Pet Sematary this month. 🐾💝‬

#booksky #FridayReads
February 14, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is a beautiful literary novel that combines elements of a sweeping love story with the suspense and twists of a thriller. I was completely mesmerized by Hall’s narrative and emotionally powerful writing.

#booksky
Broken Country (by Clare Leslie Hall) — A Book and A Dog
I can be quite a mood reader. Sometimes, I put a library hold on an audiobook and have to wait for several long months before my turn. By the time the book becomes available, I’ve lost the…
abookandadog.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:12 AM
I finally made my February Amazon First Reads selection. I watched the ratings come in this time to help me make my decision. I selected The Water Women by Bonnie Blaylock.

#booksky
February 11, 2026 at 1:36 AM
I’m delighted to be engrossed in the Lonesome Dove series by Larry McMurtry. I’m reading the books in the order they were written, and Dead Man’s Walk is the third book in the series. It is the first chronological novel. I enjoyed spending time with the young Gus and Call.

#booksky
Dead Man’s Walk (by Larry McMurtry) — A Book and A Dog
I’m delighted to be engrossed in the Lonesome Dove series by Larry McMurtry. I’m reading the books in the order they were written, and Dead Man’s Walk is the third book in the series.…
abookandadog.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Don Winslow was expected to retire from writing books after completing the Danny Ryan series in 2024. Fortunately, he didn’t. In 2025, I discovered that he had written a collection of short stories titled The Final Score. The Poisoned Pen, sent me a wonderful signed first edition.

#booksky
The Final Score (by Don Winslow) — A Book and A Dog
Don Winslow was expected to retire from writing books after completing the Danny Ryan trilogy in 2024. Fortunately, he didn’t. In 2025, I discovered that he had written a…
abookandadog.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Enjoying ‪Dead Man’s Walk by Larry McMurtry on audio. Coincidentally, I recently started watching the Lonesome Dove miniseries. I also started Last Night by Luanne Rice on Kindle.

#booksky #FridayReads
February 6, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Reposted by Natalie
#writingcommunity, I'm teaching one of my favorite workshops @janefriedman.com next week—you can join us from wherever you are & it's only $25 if you register by 2/8! This webinar is full of examples to help you up your fiction game in ANY genre. Details: janefriedman.com/what-do-your... #writersky
What Do Your Characters Want? with Jessica Strawser | Jane Friedman
In this 90-minute webinar, learn how your protagonist’s motivations fuel the engine of your story, driving the action and enhancing the theme.
janefriedman.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I LOVED Tess Gerritsen’s The Spy Coast more than I anticipated. As a retiree, I was drawn to the sophisticated group of retirees who possess a remarkable talent for solving mysteries. The club of spies were incredibly likable, intelligent, and exceptional friends to each other.

#booksky
The Spy Coast (by Tess Gerritsen) — A Book and A Dog
I acquired The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen through Amazon First Reads. Since the book is set during a Maine winter, I planned to read it during that season. I regret putting it off for the past…
abookandadog.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:14 AM
In The Wrong One, Dervla McTiernan weaves a unique tale about a woman wrongfully accused of murder. The unexpected twists and turns make for an enjoyable mystery. However, I found the narrations by Neil Hellegers and Michael Crouch to be less than satisfactory.

#booksky
The Wrong One (by Dervla McTiernan) — A Book and A Dog
I’ve enjoyed Dervla McTiernan’s books and novellas, so I was pleased to find this novella, The Wrong One, included in my Audible membership. The story revolves around Clara Coleman…
abookandadog.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:44 AM
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse failed to meet my expectations. Despite its suspenseful elements, such as a renovated tuberculosis sanatorium and missing/murdered people, the story lacked intrigue and depth.

#booksky
The Sanatorium (by Sarah Pearse) — A Book and A Dog
The time had finally come for me to read Sarah Pearse’s The Sanatorium, a book that had been on my TBR for ages. High in the Swiss Alps, Le Sommet—a former tuberculosis sanatorium…
abookandadog.com
February 1, 2026 at 2:51 AM
This weekend I’m finishing up The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse on audio.

I’m also starting The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. She’s visiting a bookstore near me when the third book is released, so I must catch up on the series.

#booksky #FridayReads
January 30, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Forget You Know Me by Jessica Strawser delves into a multitude of themes, including the complexities of long-term friendships, the challenges of marital strain, the impact of chronic pain, the joys and struggles of motherhood, and the consequences of unspoken wounds. Wonderful!

#booksky
Forget You Know Me (by Jessica Strawser) — A Book and A Dog
Jessica Strawser’s books have been a constant source of joy for me, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting her at several Kentucky Book Festivals. While I haven’t had the chance to read all of her…
abookandadog.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:38 PM
I enjoyed reading My Story and gained a wealth of insights into Marilyn Monroe’s life. It was fascinating to read her life story from her own perspective, as if I were reading her diary. The book abruptly ends during her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio, leaving me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

#booksky
My Story (by Marilyn Monroe) — A Book and A Dog
Growing up, I was intrigued by the life of Marilyn Monroe, particularly her untimely death and the tragic circumstances surrounding it. Macabre facts about people and places have always…
abookandadog.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:52 PM
I found The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers unengaging. I didn’t connect with the characters or care about the plot. I considered quitting around 35%, but I persevered, hoping for improvement. The last few hours were interesting, with well-crafted twists and a satisfying ending.

#booksky
The Missing Half (by Ashley Flowers) — A Book and A Dog
Not long ago, I read Ashley Flowers’ debut novel, All Good People Here. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to place a library hold on her second book, The Missing Half. Ashley co-wrote the…
abookandadog.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:04 PM
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

~Edith Sitwell ❄️
January 27, 2026 at 2:03 AM
My husband and I ventured into downtown Lexington, Kentucky, and decided to explore Black Swan Books, a renowned used and rare bookstore. I was impressed by its quality books and the owner’s knowledge. Check out my blog post for more info.

#booksky
Black Swan Books in Lexington, Ky — A Book and A Dog
I absolutely adore spending my time browsing bookstores. Whenever we travel, we always make sure to look for bookstores. Fortunately, we have access to quite a few bookstores in our area.
abookandadog.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:35 AM
I live for Audible’s 2-for-1 sales, and this January sale has so many books I want to read! I decided on Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson and That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters. There are still 5 days left of the sale, so…😜

#booksky
January 25, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Tananarive Due masterfully weaves Southern Gothic chills, social commentary on racism and injustice, and family resilience into this gripping and page-turning masterpiece, The Reformatory. The story is exceptionally well-written, showcasing Due’s exceptional storytelling skills.

#booksky
The Reformatory (by Tananarive Due) — A Book and A Dog
I’ve been intrigued by Tananarive Due’s horror novel, The Reformatory, since its release in late 2023. The book’s popularity has surged over time, and Due’s own fame has grown as well. I’ve…
abookandadog.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:43 PM
I’m beginning to listen to The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers on audio. I hope to enjoy it. I’m recovering from a book hangover from Tananarive Due’s The Reformatory, which was so captivating that I’m hesitant to listen to anything less enjoyable.

#booksky #FridayReads
January 23, 2026 at 8:57 PM
I received book mail from The Poisoned Pen! I preordered Dean Koontz’s latest book, The Friend of the Family. I’m overjoyed to have a beautiful signed first edition. The endpapers of this book are simply stunning! I can’t wait to dive into its pages.

#booksky
The Friend of the Family (by Dean Koontz) — A Book and A Dog
Yay! I received book mail from The Poisoned Pen! For Christmas, I was thrilled to receive a generous gift card to my favorite independent bookstore in Scottsdale…
abookandadog.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel, and I loved it! Her storytelling talent is incredible. I was immediately drawn into Winter Garden. It’s such a beautiful narrative, even though it’s heartbreaking as it delves deeply into grief and the pain of losing cherished loved ones.

#booksky
Winter Garden (by Kristin Hannah) — A Book and A Dog
I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel! I’ve been wanting to read her books for a long time, since I consistently see praise for her work. I’ve acquired several of her books over the years…
abookandadog.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Camino Ghosts by John Grisham is a remarkable story. I’m captivated by the idyllic setting of Camino Island and the charming local bookstore. Grisham’s ability to craft significant and relevant stories is impressive. His characters are relatable and easy to care about.

#booksky
Camino Ghosts (by John Grisham) — A Book and A Dog
I’m participating in a new reading challenge on the Litsy app this year. It’s a popular and flexible monthly reading challenge called Book Spin, hosted by user…
abookandadog.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:13 PM
I reread King’s The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club, and it was delightful. It’s been so long since I first read it, that it felt like rediscovering it for the first time. It evoked a nostalgic feeling of reconnecting with some very old, dear friends.

#booksky
The Drawing of the Three (by Stephen King) — A Book and A Dog
I reread Stephen King’s The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club meeting. I wasn’t particularly excited about revisiting the Dark Tower series when it was…
abookandadog.com
January 18, 2026 at 3:29 PM