Book Nerd Bites: Burritos

Friday, September 30, 2016



Book Nerd Bites is an original monthly feature created by some lovely book bloggers Becca, Cyra, Kristie, Natasha, and I as part of the Book Blogger Creativity Project hosted by Nori. Thanks to my team for coming up with a fun and creative way to satisfy both our book-- and actual appetites!  
Each month we will be sharing exciting recipes inspired by some of our favorite books. Feel free to join in, but please make sure you link your post back to us so we can enjoy your favorite bookish delights as well!

Don't forgot to use if you want to share your food inspiration with us on twitter or instagram!

Today for my post for this project, I will be featuring...PS I Like You!

Photo Credit: Good Reads
I got this book in the August Owl Crate box and finally had a chance to pick it up. If you enjoy a cute contemporary romance, this may be the book for you. This book features a mystery pen pal and how two people get to know each other through secret notes passed back and forth. They each learn about each other and about their own personalities. A good read!

For my recipe, I have decided to feature my Burrito recipe. Early in the book that about doing a Taco Bell run and it got me thinking about Mexican Food. This is a super easy recipe and it tastes yummy!

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup salsa
1 cup rice cooked
1 can refried beans
Tortilla Shells





Mix one cup cheese, salsa, rice, and beans. Put in tortilla shells. Cover with cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the teams posts for this week! :)

Monday – Cyra
Tuesday – Natasha (Me)
Wednesday – Becca
Thursday – Kristie
Friday – Valerie
Saturday – Nori

 Happy Reading and Eating!

#AmazingBookRace Book Challenge

Thursday, September 29, 2016


Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by to let you know that I am participating in the #AmazingBookRace Book Challenge hosted by the Book Voyagers.

Here are the details from their website (all credit to them):

Objective: To read as many books as possible in a country/state/region/etc depending on the route selected. This is a month long challenge, where each week has a different route and you can acquire points as you go.

Date: This challenge will start Saturday, October 1st and will end Monday, October 31st.

Points: to get points, you need to cross post your reviews to Amazon, Goodreads, or any other review area and then send it to thebooktravelers@gmail.com!  (Subject: TAR Challenge) You can send however many reviews you want, but one book = one point.

NOTE: They have to be new reviews, not old ones! So if you have been keeping an eye out for these books for quite a while, it's the perfect time to start them.

Routes: 
*We'll be putting some books you can choose from (but you can totally read other stuff!):

  • Week 1 | Ready, Set, Go! The first destination you guys are going is.... Hawaii!
The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

  • Week 2 | Next stop is.... the Philippines!
Interim Goddess of Love by Mina V. Esguerra
Tall Story by Candy Gourlay
One Crazy Summer by Ines Bautista-Yao
  • Week 3 | One more stop before the finish line and that country is... India!
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatram
The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
  • Week 4 | This is the last leg before the finish line, maybe you can even see it right now. You only have to go to one more country and you are there. The last and final stop is... Egypt!
Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz
A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar

Prize:
One person will choose ONE book from this list to win:

- Something in Between by Melissa de la Cruz
- A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatram
- Tall Story by Candy Gourlay
- The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
- A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar

This is international, of course. If The Book Depository ships to your country, you're so on. The winner will be the one with the most points in the race so get reading and reviewing *thumbs up*



Will you be participating? Happy Reading! 

10/13 update: I feel horrible, but this one has fallen off my radar for this year. I love the idea and I hope that you all still participate, but I am going to have to take it off my list for this year. Happy Reading! 

Waiting on Wednesday: LumberJanes Vol 5

Wednesday, September 28, 2016


Photo Credit: Amazon
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week I am excited to feature a book that is from an author that I met at the National Book Festival this last weekend! :)


Lumberjanes Vol 5: Band Together
Shannon Watters and Noelle Stephenson
Release Date: December 13, 2016


From Amazon:
The Lumberjanes meet rock n' roll mermaids!

Excited for the annual Bandicoot Bacchanal, Ripley recruits her friends to help her get ready for the dance. But before the Lumberjanes know it, something mysterious begins to bubble to the surface of the lake near camp! Will the Lumberjanes be able to bring peace to the lake in time for the Bacchanal?

This New York Times Best Seller and multiple Eisner Award-winning series written by Shannon Watters with Kat Leyh, and illustrated by Carolyn Nowak (Rungs), follows the Lumberjanes as they face new challenges in their friendships and embark on fantastical adventures! And ever wonder how the Lumberjanes first met? Find out in the story written by Noelle Stevenson (Nimona, Runaways), and illustrated by Brooke Allen (A Home for Mr. Easter), when they take a trip back to the first day of camp and witness how the Lumberjanes “friendship to the max” began! 


Happy Reading! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall TBR List

Tuesday, September 27, 2016



Hi Everyone! 

Just stopping by with another Top Ten Tuesday!  This week's topic is Top Ten Tuesday is the books on my Fall TBR list. This is a hard one for me to write because I actually have to admit to myself that I am behind in my reading. So much in fact that I have banned myself from the library (my most favorite place in the world). 

While I would love to be writing about all of the books that are going to be coming out this Fall, I will instead be offering some love to those books that I have picked up and have not had a chance to read yet. (To be fair a few of these are ARC's, but none the less, I need to catch up!) I am hoping to have a wonderful busy Fall and get caught back up again and to be able to resume my library trips! :)

Author: Sam Maggs

2) Understudy
Author: Cheyenne Young
 
Author: Maria Padian

4)  First Comes Love
Author: Emily Giffin

5) Jonathan Unleashed
Author: Meg Rosoff

6) New Orleans Carnival Krewes
Author:Rosary O'Neil

7) Pushing Perfect
Author: Michelle Falkoff

8) The Secret of a Heart Note
Author: Stacey Lee

9) Be Good Be Real Be Crazy
Author:  Chelsey Philpot

10) I'm Not Your Maniac Pixie Girl
Author: Gretchen McNeil

What are you planning to read this Fall?

Happy Reading!

Bookmark Monday: Wizard of Oz

Monday, September 26, 2016

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping today with a the new book meme that I learned about recently:  Bookmark Monday! This is hosted by: Guiltless Reading.

Here is what you do:
Do you have a bookmark you want to share? Just take a photo and link up in the linky!

Sounds pretty easy right?

I am excited to share with you this bookmark that I recently got:





Any other Wizard of Oz fans out there?

Happy Reading!

Review: Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Hi Everyone!

Today I am stopping by with a slightly different post than normal. I am stopping by with a review of a game that I got recently. This game is called Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers.

I first picked up the game because it seemed like a fun group game that could be played for a game night. The game itself says that it must have at least three players. This is how I played the game. I have to say that I think having more people could be beneficial because you can feed off the other people's energy and ideas.

I really like the layout of the game and the instructions. The game seems pretty straight forward, now you just have to think on your feet. The witty-er the better when it comes to this game!

I liked that the packaging is small and concise. It gives you an easy way to transport the game and take to events where there will be lots of people. I also like that you can create 'mystery surprise gifts' to give away as the prizes. The rules have all sorts of ideas and it seems like a silly/fun way to move things out of your house if you want.

All in all, I have to say that I enjoyed this game. I appreciated the chance to mix it up a bit. Thank you Blogging for Books for providing me this opportunity. While I was provided a copy of this game, all opinions are my own.


Happy Gaming! :)


Virtual Walk: Pacific Crest Trail

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Hi Everyone!

I know that I usually only post bookish related topics on here, but today I decided to mix it up. I wanted to stop by and talk with you about hiking. It is Fall and I love the beautiful weather. It gives me so much motivation to get out and take it all in.

However, when I am not hiking outside, I have been trying very hard to get my step count up. To that end, I have found a site that helps you track your path along a route. I have been virtually hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I have finally finished and I am so glad!

Do you track your steps? If you do, what type of device do you use? Would you recommend it?

Hope that you have a great Fall!

-Valerie

Book Review: Love, Life, and Logic

Friday, September 23, 2016



Author:  Uday Mukerji

Personal Review:
If you want a book to help you reflect on the bigger picture of life, this may be the book for you. I found this book to be an interesting read that looks at how the things in your life happen around you and how you make sense of it. The book is one for those who enjoy philosophical thinking.

In the book, we meet Rohan. As he goes through situations in his life, it helps him to capture his thoughts and reflect on what that means. I don't want to put any spoilers out there related to the book, but I do know that his road is not easy.

 I enjoyed the parts that had a romance twist in this book. The story was one that started to take shape for me after Rohan met Adeline. Learning to love again is hard, but sometimes it was worth it.

Thank you Uday for the chance to review your book. I found it an interesting read.


About the book: 
Set in Exotic India, Singapore, and in Central Europe, Love, Life, and Logic captures the individual struggle of a young man against the seemingly unnamed, unknown, anonymous power of the universe. In a shocking revelation of his innermost thoughts, the book depicts a painful account of his emotional turmoil arising out of his own confusions and dilemmas, and his personal developments through all that.

Rohan grows up in a middle class family in a small town in Goa, India. He asks himself many life questions like we all do every day. Is our life and death an end in itself, or do they have a much deeper implication in a gigantic universal process? Is each human life also someway connected to the chain of events unfolding every day in front of our eyes? We all have different thumbprints; but why? Are we all a part of big numbers game, or does each one of us really matter?

Chased by these and many such questions, Rohan leaves his lucrative job and his family in search of the truth. The journey gets complicated when he meets Adeline, a 23-year old vivacious girl in Vienna. Love, again? That brings him back to question his failed marriage. Is marriage an end of the road for love? Do all marriages come with an expiration date?
It’s the search and the road leading to his final realization that makes this book insightful and thought-provoking.
 

Happy Reading!

Book Review: A Sky With No Stars

Thursday, September 22, 2016




Hi Everyone!
I am excited to be here today to share with you a review of a book from a local to me author, Juliet Dillon! She is local to the greater DC area and I am so glad to have had a chance to connect with her about reading her book: A Sky With No Stars.


Author: Juliet Dillon
 
Personal Review:
Do you enjoy time travel books? Then you are going to love this one! This book is about Kari and her experiences in the world when this happens to her. A challenging place to be when you cannot make sense of what is going on around you or to get any help to explain why.

I could tell that Kari's character was one that felt things deeply and always wanted to know more. She has to demonstrate her inner strength throughout the book and I appreciated that her character was written the way she was.

The plot of the book is one that gets you wondering what is going to happen from the beginning, all the way through to the end. I enjoyed the writing style and the pacing. Even though there were sometimes interesting scenes, it didn't overwhelm and I appreciated that.

If you enjoy books that give you a chance to explore your imagination or just a good read, I would recommend this book. Thanks again Juliet for the opportunity to read your book!

AND NOW...the best part! You too can read her book! Juliet has graciously given me an extra copy to share with one lucky reader. To enter, leave a comment below and follow me on Twitter. (@hesaidbooksorme) Winner will be selected on Tuesday September 27th. Good Luck!

Happy Reading!

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Roald Dahl- D is for Dahl

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Photo Credit
Hi Everyone!

I am so excited to be here today to talk with you about Roald Dahl! The one, the only...the so talented! I was very fortunate to be chosen as part of the anniversary tour hosted by Hannah at the Irish Banana. 

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My Review: 
Today I am excited to share with you a little bit about D is for Dahl. In this lovely book, we get to go behind the scenes to learn more about the author and the wonderful stories that he wrote. I have to say I learned so much and it was such a fun interesting read. It goes through each letter of the alphabet and gives facts about Roald. It definitely makes me want to go to his museum in England!

Here are just a few of my favorite facts:
-He adored dogs, birds, and even goats. But he hated cats! (You guys know I don't hate cats, but it is interesting to hear that was his mindset!)
-When translated into Italian, the Big Friendly Giant becomes Il Grande Gingante Gentile. So in Italy the book is called GGG (instead of BFG!)
-Roald Dahl spent happy times working in the U.S. Capital in the 1940's.

Just so many wonderful tidbits about his life. Also, I really appreciated the illustrations throughout out this book. I recommend this book for anyone who has loved his stories to get a better understanding of the author! Happy Reading and thank you for the opportunity!

Purchase D is for Dahl


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About ROALD DAHL:
Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, successful and beloved storytellers. He was born in Wales of Norwegian parents and spent much of his childhood in England. After establishing himself as a writer for adults with short story collections such as Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected, Roald Dahl began writing children's stories in 1960 while living with his family in both the U.S. and in England. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated.


Roald Dahl’s first children’s story, The Gremlins, was a story about little creatures that were responsible for the various mechanical failures on airplanes. The Gremlins came to the attention of both First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who loved to read the story to her grandchildren, and Walt Disney, with whom Roald Dahl had discussions about the production of a movie.



Roald Dahl was inspired by American culture and by many of the most quintessential American landmarks to write some of his most memorable passages, such as the thrilling final scenes in James and the Giant Peach - when the peach lands on the Empire State Building! Upon the publication of James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl began work on the story that would later be published as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and today, Roald Dahl’s stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, have sold more than 200 million copies.
Roald Dahl also enjoyed great success for the screenplays he wrote for both the James Bond film You Only Live Twice in 1967 and for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, released one year later, which went on to become a beloved family film.  Roald Dahl’s popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans. 

Two charities have been founded in Roald Dahl’s memory: the first charity, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, created in 1991, focuses on making life better for seriously ill children through the funding of specialist nurses, innovative medical training, hospitals, and individual families across the UK.



The second charity, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – a unique cultural, literary and education hub – opened in June 2005 in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived and wrote many of his best-loved works. 10% of income from Roald Dahl books and adaptations are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities.


On September 13, 2006, the first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated, on what would have been the author’s 90th birthday. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually all over the world. September 13, 2016 is Roald Dahl 100, marking 100 years since the birth of the world’s number one storyteller. There will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and surprises for everyone.
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Giveaway:
1 winner can pick 5 books from the Roald Dahl collection! US Only.
Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Podcasts

Tuesday, September 20, 2016



Hi Everyone! 

Just stopping by with another Top Ten Tuesday!  This week's topic is Top Ten Tuesday is one in which you get to talk about your favorite Audio topics. This can be audiobooks, podcasts, bands, etc.  For this week's topic, I have decided to feature Top Ten Podcasts. I am always up for discovering others, so if you have any other suggestions that you think I should listen to, please let me know. 

Ones I have listened to and Enjoyed:
1) Serial
There have been two seasons so far and I am excited for the next! I love hearing details about a story and following it through week by week. 

2) Happier
This is by Gretchen Rubin and her sister. They discuss topics that make you think and give ideas for better living.

3) Magic Lessons
Liz Gilbert's (Eat, Pray, Love) podcast about creativity and all things wonderful.

4) This American Life
NPR's weekly podcast about a variety of topics. I don't always get a chance to listen, but when I do I really enjoy the conversation. 

5) The Project Management Podcast
In everyday life, I have a Project Management certification. In order to maintain that certification, I have to continuing education. This is a free and easy way to do that!

Ones I really want to listen to (but haven't yet)
6) Gilmore Guys
Two guys watch Gilmore Girls and discuss. 

7) Welcome to Night Vale
This was advertised at Book Con two years ago, but I still haven't had a chance to look into it.

8) Scholastic Reads
The topics always sound interesting, I just haven't had a chance to do listen yet!

9) Extra Pack of Peanuts Travel Podcast
I love to travel so this one sounds right up my alley!

10) Stuff You Should Know
Sounds like it would be good to know! I again just have not had a chance.

What am I missing? Do you enjoy any of these?

Happy Listening!

Bookmark Monday: Book Rug

Monday, September 19, 2016

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping today with a the new book meme that I learned about recently:  Bookmark Monday! This is hosted by: Guiltless Reading.

Here is what you do:
Do you have a bookmark you want to share? Just take a photo and link up in the linky!

Sounds pretty easy right?

I am excited to share with you this bookmark that I recently got:





It's a book rug! :) I thought it was really cute!

Have you ever heard of these?

Happy Reading!  
 

Book Review: Motorcross me and Supercross me

Sunday, September 18, 2016



Author: Cheyenne Young
 
Personal Review:
A few months ago, Cheyenne Young (the author) graciously offered me the chance to read a few of her novels. I am finally happy to have gotten around to reading Motocross Me and Supercross Me. Let me just start off by saying, I shouldn't have waited so long! I guess hindsight is 20/20. If you haven't read these books yet, please go read them.

I read both of these books in the course of two days. The characters were vivid and memorable. The writing was fun to read and I enjoyed the plot very much. I loved the love triangle (of sorts) in the first one and the heartbreak in the second. Both of these books were well written and I enjoyed them very much.

I have to say I think some of the reason that I didn't approach these books right away is because the topics of racing is one that is not in my traditional comfort zone. That said, I think that those people who are enthusiasts or those who are newbies (like me) can still both get something from reading these books. I have a better understanding of the sport, as well as introduced to a cute contemporary series.

If you enjoy romance with a little bit of an edge, I think you will enjoy these books. Thanks again Cheyenne for the opportunity to check these out!


Happy Reading!

Curiousity Day 2016

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Photo Credit


Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by a post to pay tribute to one of my favorite monkeys! Curious George. Today is Curiosity Day and I am excited to be here to help get the word out.

From their website: 
This is a very special day because 2016 also marks the 75th anniversary of this book.  Each year, bookstores and libraries nationwide are invited to join HMH Books for Young Readers and everyone’s favorite monkey in an event called Curiosity Day.

This initiative celebrates the magic of learning and discovery through reading as only George and The Man with the Yellow Hat can.

In honor of the special 75th anniversary of H.A. Rey’s classic tale Curious George, bookstores and libraries are once again invited to join the celebration by hosting an event around September 17th! Find an event location in your area by browsing our state by state list.

Additional Information can be found here.  

A Challenge For You:
My challenge for you today is explore your inner curiosity! Check out a book, google something you always wanted to know, learn something new!

Hope you have a great day!

Happy Reading! 

#CountdowntilGG (Gilmore Girls Readathon) Check Post #1

Friday, September 16, 2016



Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by with the first check in post regarding the Gilmore Girls Readathon! How has the first month of reading been going? Just want to leave a comment below with how you are doing or link me back to your blog post to let me know!

Here is my progress so far:


I have tried to pick books of the list of books that are mentioned in the TV show and so far I have read the following:

Rory-The Outsiders. This is in reference to when she calls herself Pony Boy.
Luke-How The Grinch Stole Christmas-How sometimes Luke a grinch, but sometimes his heart swells too.
Dave-Tuesdays with Morrie. A religious book for a religious guy :)
Christopher-Goldilocks and the 3 bears-Because it seems like he is never content.
Cinnamon the Cat-Stuart Little. Because he is a mouse and I just thought it seemed fitting :)

How is your reading going? Let me know!

Happy Reading!

Fall Bloggesita 2016

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Photo Credit

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by with a post about Bloggiesta. For those of you who don't know, this is an event that is hosted to help you spruce up your blog. This is being held from September 15-18.  

What you do is create a to-do list and then link it up to let others know you are participating!

Here is what I hope to accomplish:

1) Schedule posts ahead of time so that when I am gone (traveling abroad) there will still be new content on the blog. (At least 6 posts)1/2-3 Posts

2) Try to participate in the Twitter chat or at least comment on other people's blogs. (At least 1 chat or 5 comments)

3) Get current on my Master Review list and Good Reads lists.


Are you planning to participate?

Happy Blogging! 

Update: I am sad to report that I only made it about half way through my goals. I ended up with a bad cold and have been fighting that most of the weekend. 

Book Tour and Excerpt: Margaritas and Murder

Wednesday, September 14, 2016



Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by today with a quick review and excerpt for the Margaritas and Murder book tour.

Personal Review:


If there was one thing I needed when I got back from Labor Day, it was a vacation. I had so much fun returning to the ‘real world’ was hard. Luckily for me I was able to go to Mexico in Margaritas and Murder. I am not a huge mystery reader, but the cover of this book drew me in.

I enjoyed the book and the plot of this book. It seemed to flow and made you want to know what could possibly happen next. I have not read any of the others in the series, so I am not sure how it compares to the others.

As usual, the best part of this book was characters and the setting. I enjoyed that the author introduced us to a number of people who could be suspects. I also really appreciated that it was set in a small town. All in all, I have to say this was an interesting read.

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Excerpt:


MARGARITAS&MURDER: The Sunny Truly Mystery Series-Book 1

I climbed out and stepped into the street for a better view down the driveway. Yep, there it was. In the shadows, I could see a cottage in the rear. 706B. I figured it had to be a converted garage.
A light was on inside, although a bramble of bushes obscured the front window. I couldn’t really tell if there was anyone home or not. I didn’t see a car in the driveway or parked out by the curb. 

I remembered what Lila had said. Scary Carrie had been waiting for a bus when Lila picked her up. Maybe the girl didn’t have a car. My cell pinged again.

A text from Troy. She’s not on the sked tonight. Hmm. So she wasn’t working tonight. I had asked him to call The Celestial and find out if Carrie was on the schedule for tonight.
I contemplated my next move.

Of course, the smart thing to do would’ve been to call Cleve for back up, just in case. But I knew he was with Sam, and besides I just wanted to ask a few questions. Nothing to get nervous about.
Then again, what if Scary Carrie was a nutcase? Would she go into a rant? Or worse, get violent?
I grabbed my Surveillance Survival Kit and found a can of police strength pepper spray, the only weapon I had with me. I hadn’t yet qualified for a handgun. I’d been to the shooting range with Sam for a few lessons, which hadn’t exactly worked out since I tended to close my eyes when I squeezed the trigger.

I shoved the pepper spray into my pocket. “Stop being a paranoid loony. She’ll be nice. C’mon. You’re only asking questions.” 

I headed down the dark driveway. The high-pitched rasp of the cicadas put a knife to my already jittery nerves. I made myself calm down by breathing in the scent of honeysuckle from the vines surrounding the rear house.

I loved honeysuckle. The scent reminded me of my childhood. And with those memories came an image of little Joyce and little Lila, dressed like ballerinas in pink tutus, performing for me, Dad and Mom, in our back yard.

The memory dampened my fear. I had to do this for Joyce. At the front steps, my torso stiffened with apprehension as I croaked out, “Carrie?”

Seconds ticked by. I waited.

Nothing. Leaning forward, I tapped on the screen door. Nothing again, except this time I thought I saw a shadow crossing in front of a lamp inside. It was so fleeting, I couldn’t be sure. I called out again. “Hello? Carrie? Carrie Lynch?” 

I waited, with my stomach roiling. There was someone inside. I just knew it. “Carrie. I’d like to talk with you. Just talk. Could you open the door?”

Silence. I tapped the door again and tried a new tack. “I’m not selling anything. I just have a question about someone you know.”

The door cracked open. A face peeked out. 

“Howdy.” I pitched my tone high, girlish, super-friendly, hoping it would assure her I was harmless.
A sharp voice fired back at me. “Who are you?’

I couldn’t see much of her, but what I did see appeared pretty normal to me: a young woman with a long face, thin lips and intelligent brown eyes.

She had on a Hello Kitty tee-shirt. And didn’t look scary at all.

Maybe this wasn’t her?

“I need to talk to Carrie Lynch,” I cooed.

“Are you gonna tell me who you are?” she growled. Okay. Now she was a little scary.

“I need to ask Car—“

A scowl darkened her face and she slammed the door in my face.

I jumped back. “Hey!”

That ticked me off. She’d almost hit me with the door. I forced myself to calm down and put a smile on my face, hoping it would help me keep a lighter tone. “Look, it’s just a question. Please help me. I only need to…”

Someone switched off the lamp inside. The house went completely dark.

I gnawed on my lip and considered leaving. Maybe this girl was more than scary. Maybe she was dangerous. I decided on one more attempt to get her to talk, and if that didn’t work, I’d leave … in a hurry.

My hand trembled as I took out my phone and switched on the flashlight app. I aimed it at the door and called out, “Joyce is my friend. I know she’s yours, too.”

No response. I stepped back off the front porch, keeping my eye on the door, just in case she decided to open it.

After a minute of nothingness, I sighed and decided to retreat. I was on my way down the front walk when a noise made me halt. What was that?

I whipped around, searching for the source.


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Happy Reading!
 
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