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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November is Nikolette’s birthday month! 🐾🥳

We’re planning to celebrate all month long by spending lots of quality time together, reading books. ❤️📚

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“Lovers at the Museum” by Isabel Allende was just okay for me. I struggled to connect with the story and found the writing unimpressive. It’s not uncommon for short stories to fall flat for me, but this one nearly caused me to give up.

#booksky
Lovers at the Museum (by Isabel Allende) — A Book and A Dog
I acquired Isabel Allende’s short story “Lovers at the Museum” through Amazon First Reads, a feature included with our Amazon Prime Membership. The story unfolds in the locked fortress of…
abookandadog.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:24 PM
I participated in an author event at The Back Room. Authors James Dodson, Heather Gudenkauf, Vanessa Lillie, and Danielle Valentine engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it’s loaded with book recommendations.

#booksky
The Back Room - Brilliant Storytellers — A Book and A Dog
Another wonderful Sunday evening unfolded at The Back Room: Cocktails and Conversations with Your Favorite Authors, hosted by authors Hank Phillippi Ryan and Karen Dionne. This ….
abookandadog.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:17 PM
I enjoyed Orion Gregory’s well-crafted crime thriller, ‘Serves You Right.’ Sydney Livingstone, a former tennis star turned detective, finds her peaceful life shattered when a vigilante kills former defendants acquitted of murdering their spouses.

#booksky
Serves You Right (by Orion Gregory) — A Book and A Dog
‘Serves You Right’ by Orion Gregory is a crime thriller and the second installment in the Sydney Livingstone Detective Series. Sydney Livingstone, a former professional tennis star, trades the…
abookandadog.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:07 PM
I was completely unprepared for the level of creepiness that this story unleashed upon me. A family of strangers is merely the initial layer of this unsettling narrative. It delves deeper into psychological delusions, the supernatural, and the classic setting of a haunted Victorian house.

#booksky
We Used to Live Here (by Marcus Kliewer) — A Book and A Dog
‘We Used to Live Here’ by Marcus Kliewer piqued my interest with its gorgeous cover featuring a stunning Victorian house. The intriguing title immediately sparked my curiosity, and I promptly…
abookandadog.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
November’s Amazon First Reads allows a free bonus short read, The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger, plus a new book of your choice. Looking forward to this holiday read. I also selected The Night Watcher by Tariq Ashkanani.

#booksky
November 7, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Christine by Stephen King is the November selection for our in-person Constant Reader book club. I’ve seen the movie many times and first read it in 2018. While I enjoy the movie, the book dives deeper into Christine’s former owner, has more intense horror scenes, and a suspenseful ending.

#booksky
Christine (by Stephen King) — A Book and A Dog
‘Christine’ by Stephen King is the November selection for my in-person Constant Reader book club. I’ve seen the movie countless times and first read the book in 2018. During the recent…
abookandadog.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:41 PM
‪Excited to finally have my turn with We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer. It’s sooo creepy good. ‬😄🎧

#booksky #FridayReads
November 7, 2025 at 6:26 PM
‘Dietrich,’ a short story by Don Winslow, is set in New York City during the summer of 1977. Homicide detective Richard Dietrich, exhausted and on the verge of burnout, investigates a brutal mob hit his superiors want buried. This unexpected conclusion was captivating!

#booksky
Dietrich (by Don Winslow) — A Book and A Dog
I quickly devoured several short stories by the remarkable Don Winslow, all available on Audible. The final story I read was titled ‘Dietrich.’ Set during the scorching summer of 1977 in…
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November 7, 2025 at 1:17 AM
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel is a historical novel that intertwines World War II intrigue with a modern quest for justice. Set in 1940s Paris, it follows young Colette Marceau, inheriting her family’s centuries-old tradition of jewel theft from a lineage of outlaws.

#booksky
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau (by Kristin Harmel) — A Book and A Dog
I’ve been a fan of historical fiction novels for a long time and have always wanted to read a book by Kristin Harmel. When I saw her latest novel, ‘The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau,’ become…
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November 6, 2025 at 1:05 AM
‘Before She Was Found’ by Heather Gudenkauf is a chilling psychological thriller about three 12-year-old girls who venture out to an abandoned rail yard. Tragically, one girl is found alone and severely injured. The story unfolds through alternative perspectives.

#booksky
Before She Was Found (by Heather Gudenkauf) — A Book and A Dog
I’ve been wanting to read a book by Heather Gudenkauf for a while, and I was delighted to find that ‘Before She Was Found’ was in my Audible library. This book was a perfect choice for…
abookandadog.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:39 PM
November is Nikolette’s birthday month! 🐾🥳

We’re planning to celebrate all month long by spending lots of quality time together, reading books. ❤️📚

abookandadog.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Master storyteller Don Winslow’s short story, ‘The Heron,’ blends crime, dark humor, and revenge in his gritty style. A big-city accountant, nicknamed “The Heron,” leads a quiet life near San Diego until a hitman targets him due to his boss’s suspicion of theft.

#booksky
The Heron (by Don Winslow) — A Book and A Dog
Master storyteller Don Winslow’s short story, ‘The Heron,’ masterfully blends crime, dark humor, and revenge in his signature gritty style. The story follows a big-city accountant…
abookandadog.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Never have I ever had my irises bloom in October/November. I noticed new buds last week and brought the cuttings inside so they wouldn’t freeze. 🥶🌱

#gardening #bloomscrolling
November 2, 2025 at 10:56 PM
This book title perfectly describes my life. ‘I’d Rather Be Reading’ is a collection of essays that celebrates the joys and quirks of being a book lover. It explores the magic of reading, the chaos of overflowing bookshelves, and the personal connections forged through reading.

#booksky
I’d Rather Be Reading (by Anne Bogel) — A Book and A Dog
I don’t think there’s a book title that better describes my life preferences. ‘I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life’ by Anne Bogel has been on my radar for a…
abookandadog.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM
"Set wide the window, let me drink in the day."

~Edith Wharton 🌱

#fungi #gardening
November 2, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Set in San Diego’s surfing community, Don Winslow’s ‘Downward Facing Doug’ follows Doug, an accountant trapped in a soul-crushing job at a payday loan office. Married to his belittling wife, Doug finds solace in dawn surfing until a minor wipeout collision with ignites an unexpected brawl.

#booksky
Downward Facing Doug (by Don Winslow) — A Book and A Dog
It’s a delight to reunite with the Dawn Patrol and Boone Daniels in Don Winslow’s short story, ‘Downward Facing Doug.’ Winslow also penned two books, ‘The Dawn Patrol’ and…
abookandadog.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Despite today being Halloween, I’m listening to ‪The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel, a historical fiction novel. It’s a library hold, so I feel obliged to make it a priority. I’m loving it though. 💞

#booksky #fridayreads
October 31, 2025 at 2:57 PM
‘The Haunting of a Bourbon Town’ by Jeff Waldridge was recommended to me while visiting a bookstore in a small Kentucky town. The history and accompanying photographs piqued my interest. It recounts its origins, rise to prominence in bourbon, and notable downtown businesses and mansions.

#booksky 👻
The Haunting of a Bourbon Town (by Jeff Waldridge) — A Book and A Dog
Lawrenceburg, a charming small town nestled in Central Kentucky, is a frequent destination for us. Its historic downtown and vibrant local businesses make it a delightful place to explore.
abookandadog.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:39 PM
🎃👻🕸️📚 #Halloween
October 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
‘Free Billy,’ a short story by Don Winslow, follows Billy, an eccentric character who lives frugally by indulging in hotel buffets, self-serve fast food, beachside showers, and sleeping in his van. Seeking a sugar mama to change his life, Billy embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

#booksky
Free Billy (by Don Winslow) — A Book and A Dog
‘Free Billy,’ a short story by Don Winslow, follows Billy, an eccentric character who has discovered a way to live life without spending money. He indulges in hotel buffets, takes…
abookandadog.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Discovered this cool mushroom growing off the base of my hydrangea. 🍄‍🟫🍁🤎🌱

#gardening
October 30, 2025 at 12:52 AM
‘Tell Me Lies’ by J.P. Pomare is a gripping psychological thriller about family dynamics and deception. Margot Scott, a psychologist, believes she has an ideal life until a troubled client’s session turns sinister, leading to a chilling accusation that threatens everything she holds dear.

#booksky
Tell Me Lies (by J.P. Pomare) — A Book and A Dog
Thanks to the books Audible includes in my membership, I’ve developed a fondness for listening to J.P. Pomare’s psychological thrillers.
abookandadog.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
On Audible, the book cover of ‘The Chateau’ by Avery Bishop intrigued me. I read the description and added it to my library. The elegant chateau, serene lake, and hiking trails created a captivating atmosphere. The murder mystery was intriguing with an unexpected conclusion.

#booksky
The Chateau (by Avery Bishop) — A Book and A Dog
I’m incredibly grateful for my Audible membership. Besides the credits that come with it, there are always a plethora of fantastic books included for free. Recently, I noticed that the book ‘The Chate...
abookandadog.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:50 PM
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

~Frank Lloyd Wright 🌱

#gardening #bloomscrolling #photograghy
October 28, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Joe Hill, one of my favorite authors, has finally released his fifth novel, ‘King Sorrow.’ I eagerly preordered a signed first edition copy from his home-based independent bookstore, Water Street Books. I’ve shared details, photos, and his interview on CBS Saturday Morning on my blog.

#booksky
King Sorrow (by Joe Hill) — A Book and A Dog
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived! Joe Hill, one of my favorite authors, has published his fifth novel, titled ‘King Sorrow.’ I’ve been eagerly following his progress…
abookandadog.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM