Holy Crap

 Holy Crap by John J. Jessop.  JJJJJessop LLC, 2025. 978-1-7358178-9-7.  454p. ***

From Amazon...

"The private eye duo of Dr. Jason Longfellow and his nurse wife Chelsea are a hilarious hot mess. As a PI he's inept, while she's the real deal. In HOLY CRAP, Chelsea moves the family to the safety of the small city of Intoxication Junction where they open 'Chelsea Longfellow, PI, and Associate'. Chelsea sets up the PI office in their home so they can be there for their daughters. She even registers their girls in a private Christian school. What could possibly go wrong?" especially with a school named The Holy School of Purity and Goodness for Devout Young'uns, or HSPGDY.

In the course of their investigation into the death of a client's husband who was the accountant at their daughters' school, Chelsea and Jason are drawn into an illegal drug ring, Booze&Views bar, and the escapades of an escaped gorilla. Working with Deputy Dan Harbinger, Chelsea and her inept husband/associate, manage to uncover the murderer. 

The author sent me a copy to review.

While there are many funny episodes throughout the story, Chelsea smacking Jason in the head and Jason's addiction to chocolate donuts were a distraction for me. Slapstick, three Stooges type of humor has not been a favorite of mine, maybe my sense of humor is lacking. Some of the humorous attempts seemed forced and in your face. However, the book provides a respite from everyday life and the current political news climate. Jessop is very original in his pharmacological inventions - Sluggeroo (super -anabolic steroid for the purpose of increasing strength and endurance of the patient) and Permabooze (treatment of people with a drinking problem) developed by DrugsRGreat4U located in Intoxication Junction. Definitely worth a read if humor is your jam. 

From his website...John J Jessop, Ph.D., pharmacology, worked in pharmaceutical and medical biotechnology development (20 years at the FDA, 20 years on the industry side). Always an avid reader of mysteries, in retirement he has redirected his knowledge and experience towards writing the perfect murder mystery. For more info, click here.

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Kathleen's Story Quilt

 

Kathleen's Story 

Marcus Fabrics is pleased to present its first Chunk-of-the-Month program, a fresh take on the BOM concept by Chris Schulte of Green Light Quilts. https://www.marcusfabrics.com/category/2-241474/kathleen-s-story/#link-item-241523

There are many Quilt Shops offering this "Chunk Of the Month Program"  All are not the same - some include backing; a discount for completing a "chunk" prior to the next month's release, etc.

A few that I have found:

Blue Hen Quilt - I preordered here, it's about an hour from my house

Keepsake Quilting

Sitchin Heaven

My Favorite Quilt Store 

The Quilted Boutique - very good explanation of the project

I have pre-ordered mine and the first payment is due on February 21st, 2026. I will blog as I go and I am still looking for a buddy to keep me motivated and sewing. Comment if you are interested....

Wait until you see the gorgeous fabrics included with the kit! I keep looking at them and can't decide which is my favorite. 

Follow me on Instagram at flamazing_books and Facebook at Kathy Morton Nester. 

#kathleensstory #chunkofthemonthprogram #marcusfabrics 

Quilting Penpal

 I'm looking for a Quilting Penpal

About me --- mid 70s, Mother of two, Grandmother of 5. Retired librarian who reads and writes book reviews. I'm a member of two Quilt Guilds and make 1 or 2 quilts a year. I love Shop Hops and collecting fabric. I also love flamingos and Highland Coos. I've been married to the same man for 52 years and we still like each other! (he's a great guy)

Possible Requirements - must be in the USA (due to postal costs) 

• Someone who is looking for a quilting/sewing connection - can communicate through electronic or snail mail. 
• Some days I need motivation and a nudge to get me going
• Share tips and tricks
• Occasional FaceTime or Zoom meeting
• Likes to read and share book suggestions - I once belonged to a Group on Instagram where we shared a book and chose a fat quarter that related to the book and passed it on. Always a nice surprise when it came in the mail. (none of the books were quilt related) 
• No politics or social issues for this connection.  (not due to a lack of interest, just needing a break from reality) 
• Not a lifetime commitment, just an informal friendship to encourage each other! 

If this is something that speaks to you or that you will be interested in....comment and let me know...

Small Things Like These

 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. New York:Grove Press, 2021. 118 pages . ****

It is 1985 in the small Irish town of New Ross. The weather is changing and the winds are picking up and the townspeople are reminded that winter is coming with Christmas not far behind. It is the busiest time of the year for Bill Furlong, the coal and timber merchant. While delivering coal to the local convent, Bill encounters a young woman locked in a coal house, no food, no water, no toilet, no heat. One of her first questions is to ask him to take her away so she can drown and where is her baby? Looking at her filth while  questioning what he sees and knows, haunts Bill. He reminisces about his childhood with his single mother and not knowing his father.  When does one step up or look the other way? 

Honestly, I picked up this book because the author's name was "Keegan" and that is one of my ancestor's names. This Novella of 114 pages packs a punch. How could this have happened in 1985? Keegan in her quiet style brings forth an understated horrific time in the misogynistic Irish Catholic Church. Bill knows that the choice he makes will have consequences for him and his family. Does he have a choice? 

Recommended for Book Clubs with many points for discussion. 

Claire Keegan was raised on a farm in Ireland. Her stories have won numerous awards and translated into thirty languages. In the interview, Keegan remarked that she made the story and the characters up - she didn't interview coal merchants, etc.

"One of the New York Times' 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

For more info:

Claire Keegan

I highly recommend this interview with the author - An Oprah Book Club Choice

"Your feet never lie."

Justice for Magdalenes Research

How Ireland turned Fallen Women into Slaves

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#magdalenlaundries  #bookstagram #oprah bookclubpick

Daughter of Egypt

 

The Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict. New York: St. Martins Press, 2026. 352 pages. ***** March 2026 publication date. 

Marie Benedict offers an insight into the reign of Pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut, who was depicted as both male and female, father and mother to the Egyptians. She ruled as Regent to her stepson, Tutmmose III, who inherited the throne at the age of two and eventually assumed the role of Pharaoh. She ruled over Egypt during the 15th century B.C. In the late 1920s, over 3000 years later, Lady Evelyn Herbert's father finances Howard Carter's excavations in Egypt. Lady Evelyn obsesses over finding Hatshepsut's tomb and discovering her final resting place. Both women step out of their expected roles to pursue their passion and contribute to history. 

Well-researched and written, a fascinating story of two strong women who hide their abilities and accomplishments to conform to societal norms. Women are not archeologists or Pharaohs. Benedict brings to life both women who have an obscure place in history.  Twenty years after her death, all statues, plaques, anything relating to Hatshepsut's legacy is destroyed. Benedict has a unique view on why.  A female on a dig is humored and any discoveries are discounted. Add a few mysteries and romance, Benedict has created a hard to put down read. Don't skip the additional information in the Afterword. I highly recommend The Daughter of Egypt and believe it's Benedict's best book to date. 

For more information about Hatshepsut - https://www.history.com/articles/hatshepsut 

Remains identified -  https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna19454551

https://egypt-museum.com/mummy-of-hatshepsut/#google_vignette

I received a copy from Netgalley to review. 

From her website - Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring to modern day issues. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies. 

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Before Dorothy

 

Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor. New York: Berkley, 2025. 348 pages. Readers Guide. ****

When Annie and John Gale are killed in a freak boating accident, her sister, Emily and new husband John, become the guardians of their daughter, Dorothy. 

Part historical fiction, part prequel to Baum's book, The Wizard of OZ, Gaynor brings to life Dorothy, Auntie Em, and Uncle Henry. If you are a Wizard of OZ fan, you will be drawn into this heart-warming story of loss, love and secrets. Her skill is in weaving elements and events from that story to a glimpse into a time and place in history. Living conditions in Kansas during the Dust Bowl were horrible and yet farmers and townspeople persisted against all odds. I had many aha! moments reading this story and marveled at her technique and skill. This is the first book of hers that I have read and it won't be the last, I am also buying it to give as gifts. A must read for Wizard of OZ fans and includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs. Great summer read!

Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award for her debut, The Girl Who Came Home, her work has since been shortlisted for multiple awards in the USA, UK, and Ireland. She lives in Ireland with her family. For more information -https://hazelgaynor.com/

Suggested additional reading:

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

The Hired Man  by Sandra Dallas

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The Hired Man

 

The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas. St. Martin's Press, 2026. 320 pages. *****

It's 1937 in Colorado and the dirt has rolled in "it was Texas all right, because the dirt was red. Kansas sent yellow dirt. Oklahoma's dirt was brown." The clouds at this time were filled with dust instead of rain and life was hard. When a drifter blows in covered in dust carrying a heavy object, which turns out to be a missing boy from a neighboring farm, events are set in motion to expose the prejudices towards those who drift from place to place looking for work. 

Prayers for Sale is one of my favorite Sandra Dallas' books and I believe The Hired Man is her best book. The kindness and brutality of man go hand in hand and Dallas has found a way to portray that dichotomy in her likable characters. About 7,000 people died during the Dust Bowl in the Dirty Thirties from lung disease, including lung pneumonia, malnutrition  and accidents. Dallas has provided a glimpse into that historical time and life. The death of a young girl reflects deep seated beliefs as to who could possibly harm her. Her best friend, grief stricken,  is torn between the evidence before her and public opinion.  A heavy burden to carry. Excellent choice for Book Clubs and YA readers. 

From her website - New York Times best-selling author SANDRA DALLAS, the author of 18 adult novels, five middle-grade novels, and 10 nonfiction books, was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue Magazine. Sandra’s novels with their themes of loyalty, friendship, and human dignity have been translated into a dozen foreign languages and have been optioned for films.

Reading Group Guides of her books, Here

An additional book about the Dust Bowl:

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

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