July was definitely a month of highs and lows. It was the last full month before my daughter leaves for college and she seemed to be constantly on the run. We adopted our sweet Piper who is keeping us on our toes. Let me tell you – puppies are a whole lot of work but she is pretty cute 🙂
My uncle suddenly got very sick in July and we found out that he had cancer. My uncle came to my daughter’s graduation party at the very end of June and seemed like he was having some back trouble and maybe getting a cold. Who knew that just two short weeks later he would be admitted to the hospital and never leave. I did learn that he was in quite a bit of pain at my daughter’s party but really wanted to go so he held off on taking any pain pills so that he would be able to attend. It was the last event that he would ever go to. My family is really close and this has been a rather tough loss for everyone.
The blogging community also lost one of our own in July. Grace from Rebel Mommy Book Blog lost her battle with cancer. I have struggled with what I could possibly say about her loss that would do her justice. I have been pretty floored by the news and have cried plenty of tears but I don’t want to make this about me because this is about Grace. It is so heartbreaking to think of her three children having to grow up without her. She was so young and had so much left to do on this earth. The whole thing just seems so unfair. I will always treasure the time that Grace spent chatting with me through our blogs and I am honored to have had the chance to get to know her over the years.
The things that I am taking away from the month are to cherish those around you and take the time to tell people what they mean to you. Also, think twice before adopting a puppy.
I truly value every single one of the friendships that I have made through blogging. Thank you so much for everything you do.
I am linking this post to the Monthly Wrap-Up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction.
The Old
(Past Due ARCs)
Serpentine by Laurell K. Hamilton
The Ugly Stepsister by Aya Ling
The New
(Current ARCs)
Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep – Review
Under Currents by Nora Roberts – Review
Black Sheep by Meghan March – Review
Mom’s Perfect Boyfriend by Crystal Hemmingway – Review
Love in an Undead Age by A.M. Geever
The Anything
(Whatever I felt like reading)
The Pet Set Duet by Ann Omasta – Review
New World by Kate L. Mary – Review
Forgotten World by Kate L. Mary – Review
An American Weredeer in Michigan by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus – Review
Print Books: 2
Re-Reads: 0
NetGalley: 2
Edelweiss: 1
Direct from Publisher/Author/Narrator/Publicist: 6
Purchased/Freebie: 1
Kindle Unlimited: 2
Borrowed/Library: 1
*some books may fit into more than one category
Challenges
Goodreads: 99/100
Blogger Shame: 2 read towards the challenge in July / 25 total for the year
Audiobook Challenge: 5 read towards the challenge in July / 50 total for the year
New Release Challenge: 5 read towards the challenge in July / 44 total for the year
End of the Month NetGalley Stats
Feedback Ratio: 87%
545 Approved | 473 Feedback Sent
End of the Month Edelweiss Stats
8 books to review (7 unread) | 84 downloaded
my july was quiet i didn't get much reading done.hopefully august is better
You did have a heck of a month. So sorry to hear about your Uncle but how special that he was able to attend your daughter' party. Also so sad about Grace. Her loss has definitely been felt in the blogging community.
On the book side, at least you had some good reads. I'm excited for The Passengers too and it seems to be getting a lot of hype. Boy that puppy is really adorable!
I’ve been really sad about Grace, too. Our community lost someone very special. I also agree with you about thinking twice about adopting a puppy. I've raised 3 of them, and they’re little terrors!
Aj @ Read All The Things!
Cancer is an evil disease. Our family have seen our fair share of it. I'm glad he was able to come to that special family event before he went to hospital. I'm afraid I didn't know Grace at all.
Piper is the cutest little thing isn't she! I love the puppy pics!
Your uncle sounds like a class act and what a special thing that he came to the party even though he didn't feel well.
You did a nice piece about Grace. Her loss has impacted so many. I didn't know her, but knew of her and its still leaves me sad.
Not bad for your books and your Net Galley score is really coming up. 🙂
So sorry about your uncle and about your blogging buddy.
I adopted Falcor when he was 6 months old and he had no training at all. Didn't even know how to walk on a leash. It took some time but it was worth it. I hope you get a chance to read Serpentine because that was a good one.
Yes cherish those close to you
((HUGS)), Carole. It was a tough month for you, but that's some good advice you gave up there. Piper is precious. Those pictures brought a smile to my face, so, thank you for that.
Puppies are SO much work haha but Piper looks adorable. 🙂
I'm so sorry about your uncle, but what a selfless thing to do to make sure he attended your daughter's party. And so true about Grace- it's so hard to believe, she was so young!
You have some great looking books on tap. Have a nice weekend 🙂
I feel so behind on things and hope August is a better month for both of us!
Anne – Books of My Heart
Highs and lows indeed. I am so sorry for the two losses you have experienced. And I also think it is great that Piper is settling in well. I hope you have been able to cherish the time you had with your daughter!