The smallest thing can make your day
The sharp edge of the blade
Oh you guys! Life has been giving me the sharp edge of the blade for a while and today it cut deep. My dad’s last remaining sibling was killed this morning in a car accident, along with his wife. Dad’s two other brothers passed within the last year or so, though not as tragically.
Aside from sorrow over losing these wonderful people, I grieve for my dad. He’s the youngest of six and we always knew there would be this day eventually, but it feels like it came way too soon.
This has not been the only hit we’ve had lately. Last week there was the surprise death of an uncle on the other side of the family, and we are all still feeling the sting from my cousin losing his five-year-old son in another tragic accident just last month.
I feel like this has been an entire year of loss. Important, wonderful people are gone and I miss them. I still miss Koda desperately. I miss being younger and feeling invincible. I miss feeling hope. And I miss the people who are still here on earth, but who have chosen different paths and are no longer in my life. The hurt never goes away.
Today is my birthday and I have never been a big fan of celebrations, but I’d definitely take that over the tears.
What I’m Reading + Family Pic (August 4)
Today is my parent’s 51 year wedding anniversary. Fifty-one years, can you believe it? I am so blessed to have them! They are wonderful examples of love, faith, and integrity and I treasure every moment and memory I have with them.
Happy anniversary, Mom & Dad! Here they are being all cute with the rest of my family. Six kids, five in-laws, and 19 grandkids later.
If you clicked on the link in my newsletter, you’re here for the extras. Here’s what I’m reading this week. I’m linking them here because I’m still trying to work out the balance between giving you enough information about the books vs. overwhelming you with text in my newsletter. Note, that as an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small percentage of sales from shares on this blog.
Match Made in Ireland
by Michele Brouder
Get three sweet romances in one box set.
A Match Made in Ireland: Have you ever wanted to press the escape button on your life?
Her Fake Irish Husband: It’s a marriage of convenience for three months. But will it turn into something more?
Her Irish Inheritance: Two broken hearts and one dilapidated property that might just bring them together.
Get the Escape to Ireland box set here
Camping with the Billionaire
by Amberlee Day
He was her college crush—and then her stepsister’s boyfriend.
Now that they’re both older and wiser, will the stars align to give their budding feelings a chance?
Amid the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains, Maya and Parker come together for a common purpose—giving kids a memorable summer camp. The surprise event on the camp itinerary: Love.
But grumpy neighbors want to shut down the camp and the past doesn’t stay buried. Will Maya and Parker give their love a chance, or will it go up in smoke?
Get Camping with the Billionaire here
His Beauty
by Layla Holt
He’s the kind of man she knows to stay away from—Rich, arrogant, self-obsessed and sexy.
In other words, a carbon copy of her ex. The one who took one look at her scarred face and broke their engagement.
Luckily, there’s no chance that her boss Lance Cohan would be interested in someone like her. Men take one look at her face and take off in the opposite direction.
Then why is Lance drawn to her? Why does he find her laugh cute and why does he want to protect her from harm? Why can’t he stop dreaming about her? And why, when she’s in his arms, does he feel as if his wandering spirit has finally reached home?
Get His Beauty here
Happy Reading!
Get Feels Like Love free when you join my VIP Reader’s Club!