Top 5 Warning Signs that an Elderly Parent May Have Developed Dementia

 

Obviously and indeed, quite wonderfully, every single human being on the planet is entirely different, both in terms of genetic make-up and their own character, personality, and likes and dislikes. 

This means, therefore, that behavior in one older adult, could be entirely normal and in keeping with who they are and what they have done in the past, whereas the same behavior in another could be an indicator of an issue. 

So, with that being said, here are the top five warning signs that an elderly parent may have developed dementia or another memory-based illness.

 

1. Withdrawing from Social Events

One of the key ways in which people notice a change in a parent who is in the early stages of dementia is that their loved one no longer wants to partake in social activities and events with the rest of the family. 

This disinterest in socializing and meeting up with friends they have been close to for many years is not on its own an issue but may well be worth looking into further. 

 

2. Basic Mathematics

 

Another possible indicator that your parent may need to see their doctor to undergo a test for dementia is if they are now struggling with basic mathematics, like adding up the cost of bills or counting money when shopping. 

A reduced ability to solve simple problems such as this, or forgetting what pedal to press when they are driving, is certainly something that should be investigated further. 

 

3. Memory Loss

 

Perhaps the most common sign and symptom of the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is the difficulty in recalling information that your parent was once entirely familiar with. Starting to forget where you placed your glasses, for example, is no cause for concern on its own, but forgetting things on a more regular basis may well be. 

If you do decide that you would like to discuss making an appointment and visiting your parent’s doctor together to discuss your worries, remember that there is a myriad of different care options for now and the future, from at-home care to private care homes such as stpetersbury.com. 

 

4. Struggling in Conversations

 

The fourth major thing to look out for, if you even slightly worry that your parent or parents are showing symptoms of dementia, is if they are starting to struggle to hold a conversation. 

Issues with writing and speaking occur in people in the different stages of dementia, and it would also be prudent to look out for a decline in their grasp of the English language in terms of grammar, spelling, and the words they use. 

 

5. Personality Changes 

 

The final sign that it may be best to make an appointment for your parent with the doctor is if they have started to demonstrate changes in their mood and personality. 

Again, everyone naturally changes with wisdom and experience as they age, but if your parent is starting to become frustrated easily and have a tendency to become irritable or angry, then this could be that they have experienced the onset of dementia. 

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

 

3 Perfect Gift Ideas for Music Fans

 

Almost everyone has a close friend, loved one, or family member who is a huge music fan. From the uncle who never misses his favorite band’s gigs or latest album releases to the teenager who is just taking their first major steps into music and finding out about modern music, music inspires all generations. It can be a source of excitement when going to see a band play live, and music can also help to educate and allow personal reflection to take place. Put simply; music is the soundtrack to many people’s lives. 

If you have a passionate fan of music who is close to you and they have a birthday or anniversary coming up, a music-themed gift could be the ideal present for them. In this article, three distinct gifts for music fans will be explored. These presents can cover a wide range of tastes in music and may prove to be the perfect gift idea for those who are passionate about music.

First electric guitar

 

For big occasions such as a landmark birthday or special anniversary, a first electric guitar could be the ideal gift. Teenagers may express a desire to play the guitar as they grow older and find out more about the world of music. In addition, it should be recognized that you are never too old to learn the guitar, so it can be the ideal present for people of all ages. 

Clearly, an electric guitar is quite a big purchase, so it may be suitable for the most special of celebrations. When shopping for such an instrument, it is important to recognize that a starter guitar package could be the ideal option. Today’s entry-level instruments are far better made than those produced years ago. Click here to see some of the best examples of budget starter electric guitars that will play well and help musical passions to develop.

Band clothing

 

If an entry-level starter guitar package is out of your price range, another great idea is to buy the person an item of band clothing. An uncle with a passion for English classic rock will surely love one of the many rolling stones t-shirts that can be purchased online or from dedicated music stores. Try to find out what favorite bands and artists your loved ones enjoy if you are unsure of their tastes in music, and then buy a suitable item of official merchandise clothing. T-shirts and hoodies can make an excellent choice for music fans of all ages.

Concert tickets

 

As a final gift idea for those with a moderate budget for gifts, a concert ticket can be ideal. As with band clothing gifts, find out what artists or groups the intended recipient likes to listen to and then search online for gig or tour dates of these bands. You can find a comprehensive list of tour dates for bigger bands and artists on sites such as Ticketmaster. Ideally, the gig you choose will be within a suitably short travel distance from the person’s home address so that they can get there without the need for excessive planning and preparation. 

 

Living With An Autistic Young Man

He won’t let me take his picture! 

My son has always been one of the best people I know. He is kind, considerate, loves his family, can talk to anyone and knows everyone on the block. All our neighbors find him polite and sweet. While he is all these things he is also not interested in anything unless it is his interests, doesn’t understand many things, is a gamer who only socializes with fellow gamers but only online. He doesn’t have any “real” friends who are looking for him to do anything except game. The social pragmatic communication disorder is his biggest hurdle. 

This weekend we had an argument. We were in the car while I was driving him to his training. He will be working on the weekend starting this weekend. He went through a lot of money in the past three months. ALL of his money from savings and checking. He spent it on what else; gaming. I made him put $100 in each of his accounts using cash he had in his bank so that there would be something in his account.  We have talked about his spending before but I saw that he was starting to take money out again knowing he would have a paycheck soon.

I asked why he was taking money out and he said for lunch. I reminded him that he told me the business provides lunch on Tuesday. He said “Yes, they do provide it but I have to pay for it.” I told him that provides in this context would mean they give you lunch.” Him being able to understand basic things is where his disability is most seen.

He didn’t want to talk about it at all. “You don’t understand”, “You don’t get it.” “I’ve already told you?” “I know what I am doing, etc. I explained that saving his money is important and that although he should be able to spend some on his interests if he ever wants to have his own place, buy things for himself, support himself he will have to learn how to budget and asked him to once again explain what he is spending his money on.

We got heated when he decided not to explain, insisting that he already had and that I don’t understand. My husband is an undiagnosed autistic. I only understood this after my son was 15 and realized that the things I was seeing in my son was also what I was seeing in my husband. The things that my husband said and did that used to break my heart weren’t because of him being an asshole but his social pragmatic issue. 

The conversation was heated, my daughter was at a sleepover so I had spent the night with two guys who were not talkers and sit on computers all night. My head hurt from the conversation and the loneliness of being without my daughter so a silent night. I told him that I needed conversation and it was alright to answer my questions, that I am his mother and was asking a legitimate conversation and wanted to understand his side. When he got louder and kept telling me that he was done talking. I said (something I am not proud of) “you know what, I am tired. I cannot live with two people who don’t talk unless they want to. That I understand you both don’t like to talk about things that aren’t interesting to you but I need more conversation. Neither of you  want to do anything but sit at your computer. Neither of you are loving or affectionate.  When your sister leaves, I should just go with her and let you guys figure it all out on your own.”

He told me that was fucked up and I shouldn’t say that. I knew we were getting closer to his job so I tried to de-escalate his mood by telling him how I worried about him and want him to have a good life where he is doing what he wants, his money, friends, a nice place to live. 

We had calmed down a bit. It was time for him to get out of the car. He got out and said, “Something you said really fucked up my head!” He slammed the door and walked away.

I want him to be upset. I want to know that he understands the words that I am saying, paying attention to life and not just existing. He heard me. Was it the best conversation we have ever had. NO! I know that. But parenting is not always quiet and perfect. Sometimes it is friggin hard and loud. Sometimes we cannot pussy foot around. He is a 20 year old man in two months. He needs to get out of his little boy bubble where mommy and daddy take care of everything and he just does whatever he wants. 

As I drove away, I thought whelp that was something. I had Siri text quick to find out his pick up time and he wrote back 2:30 THEN….

Him: IDK I feel disgusted with myself with how I walked away. That was unnecessary of me. 

Me: It’s okay! Don’t worry about it. We were heated and mad. We can talk later.

Him: It’s my own fault.

Me: Sometimes people need to talk honey. They can’t make changes and understand each other without communication.

Him: I Understand but I like care about you deeply. If someone said anything about you I would step in and put them in their place. I love you mom but you don’t have to apologize, it’s not your fault.

(I know this was his understanding about me saying he isn’t loving.)

Me: Thanks honey. We were both heated and not in the best character. I love you and will see you later. Have a good day.

Him: I love you too. Thank you. You too.

The text message warmed my heart because it was such a mature thing to do. We were not talking about what had happened. We were talking about a pick up time. It was important because I know he understood the conversation. He heard me. Really heard me. 

When he got in the car later. We hugged. I told him his text was very mature and how proud of him I was that he was able to see that this conversation wasn’t an argument like he thinks all conversations are. That we need to have conversations so we can understand each other. 

When we got home we went our separate ways doing the things that needed to be done. He checked in with me a few times. Hanging outside with me. Hanging in my room with me. Conversing about weather yard work, the cats. It is a baby step but I LOVED every moment of our time together. His birth was the best day of my life. He is one of the best people I know. He speaks from his heart and that already is a step above most people.

Good Morning

 

Fog is my weakness. When I see it I must get my camera out.

Easy, Fun App To For Photos and Videos - Prequel

 

Prequel offers over 2000 AI effects. Visual filers and templates. 
Why should the Kardashians have all the fun with their filters? I loved changing my face to suite the standards of beauty but more fun than that was changing my preschool kids into anime. This app kept them busy for at least 45 minutes until we had to get the bus. Everyone loved watching their photos change. 

         With this easy to navigate app any user can personalize their content with amazing results. Yes, there are amazing other apps out their that you can learn if you have the time to sit, research, play, but honestly in our busy life I need easy and quick results.  

Here is my photo done three different ways.

I animated a photo of my daughter

These photos of the kids are perfect. They loved them and we especially love that it changes the background and their clothing based on the AI you choose. Each one of them downloaded the Prequel onto their tablets and phones. 

If you love playing with editing apps or need an easy to use and learn editing program for your socials, this is the one. I highly recommend it.

Disposable Curtains are an Integral Part of Infection Control in Hospitals

Hospitals have a duty of care to their patients to prevent the spread of infections. They use many tools to do this, with one of the most important of these being disposable curtains. These curtains are so important because they provide an environment difficult for bacteria and other pathogens to colonise. They also provide healthcare professionals with an option that doesn’t require constant cleaning like other curtains.

Caring for Susceptible Patients

We saw heavy use of disposable curtains during the height of the pandemic. Still, it is important to understand that these curtains are crucial for preventing the spread of other pathogens. A class of pathogens that worries doctors is “Super Bugs” which are resistant to all or most of the medications available to treat similar pathogens. 

These bugs, like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are typically harmless until they find an environment that allows them to multiply. This environment could be a hospital curtain without antimicrobial properties or that should be cleaned more often.

Once they have this environment, they can infect susceptible patients. Because they do not have a cure or are very difficult to treat, these bugs present serious illnesses in these susceptible patients. This situation gets even more complicated in care homes where most residents are seniors who are very vulnerable or whose health has declined as they have aged.

Use of Disposable Curtains in Hospitals

Every hospital uses curtains, disposable or not, in various ways. One of these is to provide patients with privacy. Such privacy is desired when undergoing procedures, family visits, talking to their doctor, or the patient needs to rest.

Some of these disposable curtains also do a great job of creating cubicles without splitting the hospital or ward into permanent cubicles. The disposable curtains from medical-supermarket.com do this perfectly while also being available in various colours and sizes. These temporary and disposable cubicles ensure healthcare and care home professionals can easily transport patients and medical equipment.

Since they are removed and disposed of as soon as they are soiled or their utility ends, any pathogens on them are carried out with the curtains, a much better situation than carrying the pathogens to the laundry room. The risk is that laundry can sit for some time before being washed, leading to the spread of pathogens, especially in cases where a facility does not have proper cleaning procedures. 

Use of Disposable Curtains in Other Healthcare Settings

Healthcare professionals also use disposable curtains outside hospitals. For example, smaller healthcare centres and GP offices require partitions, especially if they have different sections dealing with different types of patients. You may find someone with a sprained ankle being treated alongside someone with a cough. In such a situation, there is a high likelihood of the spread of infection.

Disposable curtains are becoming popular in healthcare settings, especially where there is a high turnover of curtains; or the high risk of infection needs to be minimized as much as possible. They are also used in other settings, such as care homes and smaller healthcare settings where privacy and infection control are critical.

Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-blue-scrub-suit-helping-woman-sitting-on-bed-3985301/

Family Movie Night Has Never Been So Yummy With These Movie Inspired Snack Boards

Celebrate your favorite films with delicious cheese boards, creative charcuterie platters, and movie-themed snack recipes in this punny and tasty cookbook.

Introducing Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood: 50 Movie- Themed Cheese Platters and Snack Boards for Film Fanatics by editors of Ulysses Press, with food ideas and photographs by Rachel Riederman [ISBN: 9781646044092; $19.95; Ulysses Press; February 2023]. This unique full- color cookbook stars 50 different snack board ideas, from timeless cheese boards and charcuterie to candy platters and cocktail pairings, all themed around iconic movies.

Whether you’re streaming an AFI classic or classically bad movie, munchies are a must-have. With gorgeous flat-lay photography for every movie-themed board, Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood outlines everything you need to create cheesy cinematic pairings (and even cheesier puns) like:

• May the Fromage Be with You (Star Wars)

• Draw Me Like One of Your French Gruyères (Titanic)

• I’ll Harvarti What She’s Having (When Harry Met Sally)

• Here’s Looking at You, Curd (Casablanca)

• Brie-king Dawn (Twilight)

• Roquefort Horror Picture Show (Rocky Horror Picture

Show), and many more!

“If you love movies and you love cheese, this is the book for you,” says photographer and recipe developer Rachel Riederman. “As you settle in to watch your favorite film, don’t merely serve popcorn, but rather a perfect selection of cheeses, meats, candies, and snacks, all perfectly paired to complement whatever 90- to 180-minute adventure you’re about to embark on.”

What goes better with a Lord of the Rings marathon than a “second breakfast”–inspired spread? Can you even watch Monty Python without shrubbery crudités nearby? Why not a Twilight rewatch with a selection of apple slices and salami rosettes.

The 411:

I love this book so much and cannot wait to go shopping for our own movie inspired snack board. The hardest part is picking a movie that four of us want to watch. I am looking into The Lord Of The Rings because I think the movie has something for all of us but truly I would love to do a Sound Of Music board based on the photo in the cookbook. 

There is a photo for each board for each movie idea as well as information about the movie, how many it will serve, the ingredients, assorted accompaniments and how to set up the board. For instance Nobody Puts Babybel In The Corner is obviously based on Dirty Dancing which came out in 1987. The board is inspired by a bagel brunch at Kellerman’s Resort which is a real place that was featured in the movie.

The Twilight Saga: Brie-King Dawn pairs apple and flower imagery by making rosettes out of salami and using apples and since the Cullen family were cooking “Italiano” for Bella the board has many Italian elements like Crostini, breadsticks, Biscotti, and more.

Anyone who loves to eat while watching a movie will definitely love this book! My dream would be just setting up a movie night every weekend and working your way through the book. 

My Year Of Dicks - Relatable Minus The Lose My Virginity Quest #myyearofdicks

I woke up last night at 2:50 and couldn’t go back to sleep so I got out of bed at 3:15 and went to the very uncomfortable couch, flipped on the TV ready to search for something that wasn’t going to keep me awake so that I could go back to sleep. Just something that bored me into sleep mode again. 

The first thing I landed on was My Year Of Dicks on the first screen of Hulu. Short Film!? Animated?! Talking about Dicks?! Not boring but let’s check it out. Ok…let’s see short film might be perfect and it is the perfect time to watch since everyone was sleeping. No chance of a kid walking in. 

Synopsis:

It’s 1991, and Pam is trying very hard to lose her virginity, but it sure doesn’t match up to her fantasies.

Always searching for her ultimate paramour, this old soul swimming in new puberty will struggle between the real world and her grandiose fantasies by exploring a relatable variety of boys of yore-- goths, skaters, indie film snobs, straight edge poseurs-- all while trying her best to avoid being grounded. Luckily she has her best friends by her side, who’d like to keep her from cementing a mistake.

This charming, animated, retro-romantic-comedy pulls no punches with its female-forward look at sexual awakening.

Created by Pamela Ribon from her critically-acclaimed memoir

The 411:

I loved it. It was truly relatable. As a now older young girl of 56 who remembers finding myself in situations that I wish I wasn’t.

 It is handled in 5 different crushes.  Pam is 15, with a sense of sexual awakening who wants to lose her virginity but it must be with the RIGHT boy. As a young girl you do find yourself in so many scenarios where you think wait a minute is this really what I want?! Thankfully Pam has a good sense of herself, advocates for herself and gets out of things when she has a change of heart. Who is the perfect boy to give something of yourself that you will never ever be able to have again?  

Pam is every girl yet not every girl. I wish I was Pam when I was 15. I was not in a quest but often found myself in situations I wish I could get out of without hurting someone’s feelings or feeling bad about myself.I love this version of a young girl and I think she is what I would want every young girl to do for herself. Put yourself first! You are the most important thing in your life. Making yourself a priority and screw what anyone else thinks.

I love Pam, I love her friends. I love how she stops things not worrying about anyone else’s feelings when she put the breaks on. She respects herself and that is everything.

In the end we are left wondering where things will go but we do know she is happy and feels safe!

Be Their Safe Space

This weekend I had a conversation with a friend. She is going through some things and was saying that she wished that her current boyfriend who she is having a great time with would buy her a house so she could escape her family's home. She just wants to get out from her parents' house. I tried to tell her that she should want to make her own way. When we count on people to be there for us, we are often times disappointed, find ourselves in situations we have a hard time getting out of or just feel stuck. I reminded her that she is in a new relationship and that life has a way of making us think we are on a certain path and then detouring. She is smart, beautiful and has her life in front of her. 

Why do we all allow ourselves to feel we have found our forever? I believe it is because we are all looking for that safe place to fall. We all just want someone to tell us we are special enough for them. That we are their person because deep down we feel like we are not enough. I have tried to let me son and daughter know that they are special without making them think they are better than anyone else. 

I do daily affirmations with my class and one of them is "I am not better than anyone else." also "No one is better than me." It is an important message. 

Maybe if we raised our sons and daughters to know they can do anything they want. There is nothing they are not capable of. Give them a safe place to fall where they know their mistakes are things that happen but don't define them as well as letting them know that we want them to fly and live their lives in a safe space but will always be there if they ever feel themselves falling, they will not be in a rush to get love, adoration or even escape the safe place they have right now. 

When to Consider Moving Your Elderly Relative to a Residential Home

Many seniors would rather spend the rest of their days at home than within a residential home. However, for yoursenior’s health, it is not always the right decision to stay living independently. As such, if you are struggling with the decision of whether to move your elderly person into a residential home, here is when you should consider rethinking theirliving options again. 

• When They Are Struggling to Stay Independent 

One of the greatest reasons why people decide to move into a residential home is because they are struggling to stay independent. If you have modified their house and still find that they are finding it difficult to complete simple tasks, such as washing, cooking and cleaning, you should consider whether it is the right time to sell their home. This is especially the case if they do not have the extra support they need from friends or relatives, or if they have started to need more constant support than home help can offer you. However, first, you might investigate home adaptations such as stair lifts that could allow your senior to stay put. 

• When Their Health is Declining 

As your senior gets older, they may begin to develop more health issues that may make it hard for them to live well and enjoy life. As such, if their health is impacting their mobility and cognitive function, you should consider whether it might be time to move them into a residential home. This is especially the case if their health is expected to worsen or if the nursing home in question has expert staff and facilities that could help them to live alongside their health issue, such as dementia care. As such, if their health is buckling, you should consider looking at the nursing homes near you. For instance, at bailyhouse.co.uk, they can offer your loved onespacious and modern rooms with en-suites that can give them the facilities that they need to thrive while offering themsupport for their health condition. This will then ensure that you do not have to constantly worry about the decline of their health and how they can handle this at home. Before you do this, though, you might look into home alarms and other devices that could improve their health and help them to look after it at home. 

• When Their Home Has Become Dangerous 

Sometimes, the home that they love and have always felt safe in can start to become dangerous to your senior. This is especially the case if they have a condition such as dementia. For instance, you might start to find that they have more slip-and-fall accidents, or that they trip more easily on rugs and on your stairs. As such, if their home has started to present hazards to them and if you have started to worry about their safety when living at home, you should consider looking at residential homes that have been designed specifically with seniors and those with health conditions in mind. In these homes, they will also be able to get instant medical care if they find that they slip or have an accident.

Photo Credit

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-jacket-wearing-black-headphones-3831645/

Books I've Read So Far In 2023

 

All but one book was from the Amazon First Reads thanks to being part of Amazon Prime.

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson
354 Pages
Started January 15 
Ended January 19

Synopsis:

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

The meet-cute award goes to dog groomer Juliet Nolan. It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest nights when she volunteers as a seat filler and winds up next to movie heartthrob Noah freaking Douglas. Tongue tied and toes curling in her pink Converse, she pretends that she doesn’t have a clue who he is. It’s the only way to keep from swooning.

She’s pretty and unpretentious, loves his dog, and is not a worshipping fan. No way Noah’s giving up on her, even if his affectionate pursuit comes with a bump: Juliet has a pathological fear of kissing and the disappointments that follow. What odds does romance have without that momentous, stupendous, once-in-a-lifetime first smooch? Patient, empathetic, and carrying personal burdens of his own, Noah suggests a remedy: they rehearse.

The lessons begin. The guards come down. But there’s another hitch they weren’t betting on. As for that cue-the-orchestra-and-roll-credits happy ending? It might take more than practice to make it perfect.

The 411:

Movie Star Noah and dog groomer Juliet meet at an awards show where she is a seat filler and he is her childhood crush. She tells him she has never heard of him because she sees him as pompous. I loved the characters and couldn't wait to get back to reading when I wasn't. 

I loved the way they met and how she was every girl getting to live out her dream of meeting and having her star crush fall in love with her. I enjoyed how they got to know each other. It's a fairytale romance and I was 100% there for it. 

There were times I had to remind myself that the main characters weren't teens. The conversation seemed juvenile at times. 

A Year At The French Farmhouse by Gillian Harvey

380 pages

Started January 20 

Ended January 28

Synopsis:

Escape to France with this warm, witty romantic read.

After ten years of loyal service Lily Butterworth has been made redundant. Like any clever woman, she knows the cure to redundancy is a little too much wine and her best friend.

Only the next morning, Lily has more than a hangover . . . she has a whole new house – in France!

Seeing this as an opportunity instead of a disaster, she’s excited about finally moving to France, just as she and her husband always dreamed of. However, Lily is in for another surprise. Despite planning to move there for over 20 years, her husband never actually intended to go.

So begins a year in France, alone, renovating the gorgeous old farmhouse that is held together by wallpaper and wishes.

Will a year at the French farmhouse be just what Lily needs? Or could it be the previous owner, Frederique, that is the answer to Lily’s dreams?

The 411:

When Lily gets let go from her 10 year position, she sees it as an opportunity to move to France. She and her husband have talked about it for years so why not go a little early? There is only one problem, her husband never intended on going. 

She buys a house sight unseen while drunk and surprises herself and him the next morning. He decides not to go and she decides it is now or never. 

She renovates the house, makes friends and gets slowly past the fact that her husband had lied to her for years but is this really what she needs?

I loved the first few chapters and was very invested in it. The separation seemed so selfish to me at times. I felt like they gave up on each other so quickly. The French parts that I couldn't read and had to skip over annoyed me. I hate skipping but I refuse to attempt any other language. I was thinking okay, just get through this book but then things changed!!!! I really enjoyed the main character's rebirth and ability to change her life even though it wasn't what she originally wanted and was swamped with roadblocks at every turn. She just kept her head up and kept doing what she intended making it work for her.

While the ending was expected but there were times, I thought I was wrong which kept me reading (a sign of a good author).

Loved it!

Movie Star by Jessica Simpson

28 Pages

Started January 28, 2023

Ended January 28, 2023

Synopsis

A short and true story about a world-famous actor and a fantasy Hollywood romance gone wrong by Jessica Simpson, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Open Book.

In 2006, after the end of her marriage to the first man she ever loved, Jessica Simpson wonders who she really is. Exploring what she truly wants in a relationship, Jessica begins dating again. This time her only vow is not to leap for the fairy tale. Don’t overthink. Just enjoy the moment. But when an A-list childhood crush invites her on a romantic getaway, it’s impossible for Jessica not to swoon.

In this introspective and funny confessional—one she never thought she’d share—Jessica confronts the limits of her experience and her sense of self as she’s nearly swept right off her feet.

The 411:

A short, true story Jessica Simpson and how her Hollywood and the actors we all swoon over really aren't worthy. 

At the end of her marriage to Nick the first man she ever loved Jessica wonders who she is. It was a fun read watching her figure out what she wants from herself and her relationships. It was funny and confessional. I was reveted and wish there was more.  I have since read that the man she discusses was Mark Wahlberg but I don't know. Interesting anyway.

The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson

347 Pages

Started January 28, 2023

Ended February 7, 2023

Synopsis:

True love requires a little research and development in a funny, heart-racing romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Paid Bridesmaid.

How can Anna Ellis, a geeky, brilliant, and hopelessly smitten cosmetic chemist possibly win over Craig Kimball, the man of her dreams—who also happens to be her boss? The answer is Craig’s empathetic (and handsome) CEO half brother, Marco. The makeup mogul knows Craig for the ridiculously competitive rival he is. Whatever Marco has, Craig wants. That can be Anna, if she’s game to play.

All Anna and Marco have to do is pretend they’re falling in love and let the rumors begin. If the experiment in attraction works, a jealous Craig will swoop in and give Anna her happily ever after—if it weren’t for one hitch in the plan. There’s more to Marco than meets the eye. With every fake date, Anna’s feelings are starting to become dizzyingly real.

Blame it on chemistry. It’s unpredictable, exciting, and occasionally combustible. If Anna and Marco are really falling in love, who are they to argue with science?

The 411:

Anna is a budding cosmetic chemist and in love with her boss Craig. She is bursting with good ideas all which are shot down by her manager. She quits because Craig tells her that there is no fraternizing on the job and she wants to woo him and get him to love her and her ideas. 

Anna is a nerd and I loved her. She invites herself to the company party to approach her crush. His engagement announcement sends her running for the nearest bathroom to sob where she meets Craig's brother and CEO of the company Mark.  She and Mark decide to start a fake romance to help her get Craig and the story starts!

You complete know that these two will end up together but that's fine I was still invested. As I got to know the characters I wondered what Mark saw in Anna and what Anna saw in Craig but it works. 

I enjoyed all the chemistry talk as Anna describes what her body is feeling and enjoyed all the pop culture references. Fun Read!

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

352 Pages

Started February 8, 2023

Ended February 19, 2023

Synopsis:

He has a heart of ice...but for her, he'd burn the world.

Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can't escape.

Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart.

But when he's forced to look after his best friend's sister, he starts to feel something in his chest:

A crack.

A melt.

A fire that could end his world as he knew it.

***

Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can't remember.

But despite her broken past, she's never stopped seeing the beauty in the world...including the heart beneath the icy exterior of a man she shouldn't want.

Her brother's best friend.

Her neighbor.

Her savior and her downfall.

Theirs is a love that was never supposed to happen-but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both...and everything they hold dear.

Twisted Love is a brother's best friend/opposites attract romance with a hint of suspense. It's book one in the Twisted series but can be read as a standalone.

WARNING: This book contains a jealous/possessive antihero, explicit sexual content, and profanity. Recommended for 18+

The 411:

I was told I had to read this by a friend and that I would want to read the whole series. I didn't have that same feeling. 

Ava's brother asks his friend Alex to watch her while he is away. She has had a crush on him for years so you already know where this is going. He is an attractive, wild, icy man who no one will mess with. The woman want him and men are afraid of him. 

I would have preferred the sexual tension to be drawn out longer. The characters were good but I hated to relationship. Ava and her friends were what every girl should have in her life I just wish she leaned on them more than Alex. Their 0-100 emotional feelings was too quick but perhaps I am not the demographic. I really liked their banter and how you can see they know each other for a long time but hated the possessive alpha "you touched what is mine" bullshit. 

Alex tells Ava he hates everything but her bothered me. Why is her brother even friends with this guy? He is toxic. 

At times it was really cheesy, then redeemed itself then cringy. I had many emotions but none were what the book intended. The silly little mystery twist made me crazy, the plot was cliche and the romance totally toxic, Ava needs therapy and Alex is a psycho she should stay far away from but I'm old. Maybe if I had read this book in my 30s I would have loved it because a lot of people do.

The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman

Short Story

Started February 20, 2023

Ended February 21, 2023

Synopsis

An Amazon Charts bestseller

From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes a heartfelt short story about family, independence, and finding your place in the world.

Isabel Gibson has all but perfected the art of forgetting. She’s a New Yorker now, with nothing left to tie her to Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Her parents are gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister, Sophie, will probably never speak to her again.

But when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox, Isabel feels herself drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her independence, she dreads the thought of going back to the island. What she finds there may forever alter her path—and change everything she thought she knew about her family, her home, and herself.

The 411

Short story and flowed nicely. Isabel and Sophie have been estranged for years. Sophie's is a widow with a daughter and struggling to keep the family bookstore afloat. Isabel is living life in the city and finds herself suddenly single. She receives a letter from her niece calling her home. Will it be forever?

It was a sweet story. I loved it. Two estranged sisters. One niece! A dog! A Bookstore. How could this not work?! Loved it!

Mothered by Zoje Stage

317 Pages

Started February 22, 2023

Ended February 24, 2023

Synopsis:

From the USA Today bestselling author of the international sensation Baby Teeth comes a claustrophobic psychological thriller about one woman’s nightmarish spiral while quarantined with her mother.

Grace isn’t exactly thrilled when her newly widowed mother, Jackie, asks to move in with her. They’ve never had a great relationship, and Grace likes her space—especially now that she’s stuck at home during a pandemic. Then again, she needs help with the mortgage after losing her job. And maybe it’ll be a chance for them to bond—or at least give each other a hand.

But living with Mother isn’t for everyone. Good intentions turn bad soon after Jackie moves in. Old wounds fester; new ones open. Grace starts having nightmares about her disabled twin sister, who died when they were kids. And Jackie discovers that Grace secretly catfishes people online—a hobby Jackie thinks is unforgivable.

When Jackie makes an earth-shattering accusation against her, Grace sees it as an act of revenge, and it sends her spiraling into a sleep-deprived madness. As the walls close in, the ghosts of Grace’s past collide with a new but familiar threat: Mom.

The 411:

Pandemic story about a daughter, Grace and her Mother Jackie forced to shelter down. Jackie is alone after her husband dies and Grace is struggling to pay the bills. She has loved her independence and taking mom in will be difficult. Grace had a twin who was severely disabled and has many nightmares about her and her mother. She never felt love, had a manipulative sister and a traumatic childhood. Things aren't easy for Grace and about to get harder.

Grace has a secret. She catfishes people as a hobby feeling like she is helping others. Jackie has secrets too! 

The book was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great premise. Had me guessing and uneasy throughout the book. Twists and turns! Recommend. 

Five Winters by Kitty Johnson

408 Pages

Started February 24, 2023

Ended February 26, 2023

Synopsis

A bighearted novel about motherhood, friendship, moving on, and love of all kinds.

Ever since Beth Bailey was a girl, she’s been in love with her best friend’s older brother, Mark. She’s continued to hold out hope that maybe, someday, he’ll love her back. But now Beth is thirty-five years old, and on the day of Mark’s wedding to another woman, she finally accepts the wake-up call she needs to move on.

Beth’s dream of marrying her first love may be over, but her other biggest desire is still within reach: becoming a mother. Having lost her own parents very young, there’s nothing Beth wants more in life, and nothing she’ll stop at to make her wish come true.

Over the course of five years, and with unexpected twists along the way, Beth will come to startling realizations about family, friendship, the meaning of love, and most importantly, herself on the winding path to happiness and, she hopes, to motherhood.

The 411:

Beth has a crush on her best friend's brother Mark since she was 12. She has been part of their family since losing her parents at a young age. Now at 35 and single at Mark's wedding to Grace she meets Jaimie. Her age is weighing on her as she has always wanted kids and Jaimie is nice and has two daughters. He also doesn't want any more kids.

Beth, Mark and Rosie (Beth's best friend and Mark's sister) are likeable. We get to know all the characters in the span of 5 years. I couldn't see what Mark saw in Grace. I didn't like how mean Grace was to Beth knowing they are like family. Once again I am left wondering what anyone sees in anyone. Mark likes Grace who is an obvious bitch and Beth likes Mark who is obviously flawed because he likes Grace. Meh!

The book was a quick read. Enjoyable even though I wanted to slap Beth once in a while for not standing up for herself to Grace but I loved that she knew what she wanted and left Jaimie deciding that she wanted children. 

In the end it was predictable but enjoyed learning about each character over the years.