A Giveaway, Great Books, and My Biggest Pet Peeves

It’s May! This month I’m sharing a few pet peeves, the audiobook I almost gave up on but ended up loving, and a $15 Amazon gift card giveaway.

Plus, a sweet reminder that your favorite place might just be wherever your favorite people are. Let’s dig in!

My Favorite Place

I overheard the following conversation between an older gentleman and a woman, perhaps his daughter. I liked his response to her question and thought you might like it, too.

"Where is your favorite place to travel?" she asked.

"I don't have a favorite place," he replied. "I have my favorite people. And whenever I'm with my favorite people, that place becomes my favorite."

I feel the same way. This past month has been filled with end-of-school programs, birthday parties, and graduations. Sometimes the best travel you can do is right to your own backyard.

Here are a few fun photos from my May adventures.

What have you been up to? Reply and let me know.

❤️ GIVE-A-WAY TIME

WIN a $15 Amazon Digital Gift Card!

1. Think of someone you know who loves books, travel, and encouragement.

2. Forward this newsletter and add a quick note: “Thought you might enjoy this!”

3. Reply to this email and let me know you forwarded it.

 You’ll receive one entry for each person you share it with, up to five entries.

Contest ends on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at midnight CST.

The winner will be notified by email and/or Messenger. The gift card will be delivered digitally.

Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to make it easier for me to contact you about this and future giveaways.

📚 What I’m Reading (and Listening To)

I was wrong.

A few months ago, I started listening to a book and almost gave up. Everyone seemed to love it, and I kept wondering, what am I missing?

If you know me, you know that I'm not a quitter and I was determined to figure out why so many people were raving about this book. I pressed on, and I'm so glad that I did.

The Correspondent — Virginia Evans (Audiobook)

At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of this book. It’s unlike most of the books I read.

Most books are like roller coasters at an amusement park. The Correspondent is like a long afternoon on the porch swing. Before you know it, night has fallen, lightning bugs are dancing across the yard, and you absolutely don’t want to go inside.

The story of Sybil Van Antwerp unfolds through decades of correspondence. She is a complicated and intriguing character. I liked her. Her story offers thoughtful reflections on love, loss, and the brevity of life.

Despite my slow start, I absolutely loved this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

We Are All Guilty Here — Karin Slaughter (Audiobook)

I’ve had the privilege of hearing Karin Slaughter speak at several writing conferences. Her ability to build complex, compelling stories is truly inspiring.

This novel begins with the abduction of two teenage girls in a small town, but the story expands far beyond that. This story expertly weaves together family dynamics, heartbreak, secrets, and escalating tension.

I’m nearly finished and can confidently give it 4.5 stars.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Nobody Wants Your Sh*t — Messie Condo (Audiobook)

I was excited to start this one. At first, it felt like listening to a stand-up comedian who makes you laugh while encouraging you to take a hard look at all the clutter we accumulate.

After a few chapters, though, I began to tire of the narration. I’ll report back next month with my final verdict. (Currently at ⭐⭐)

📚 On My TBR List (#TBR)

• The Only One Left — Riley Sager (Reading this one now!)

• The Deep Blue Good-By — John D. MacDonald

• When You See Me — Lisa Gardner

• Bag of Bones — Stephen King

What are you reading? Reply to this email. I’d love to know!

🙄 Pet Peeves

Do you have any pet peeves? I certainly do.

A pet peeve is a very specific, recurring annoyance. It’s often quirky and personal, and not everyone is bothered by it.

An irritation, on the other hand, is usually temporary or situational, like getting stuck in traffic or encountering a rude person.

Here are a few of my biggest pet peeves:

• Books that don’t hook you until page 100

• Abandoned grocery carts in the middle of the parking lot

• Toilet paper hanging the wrong way (yes, there is a correct way!)

• Someone handing me their trash as if I’m a walking trash can

All pet peeves are irritations, but not all irritations are pet peeves.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? Hit reply and let me know.

✨ A Little Laughter

Here's a classic story told by President Ronald Reagan many years ago. Hope it brings a smile to your day.

"Mistakes do happen. There's the story of the fellow who ordered a bouquet of flowers to be sent to the opening of his friend's new branch office. When he got there, he was shocked to see flowers with the inscription, 'Rest In Peace.' He was so outraged that on the way home he stopped at the florist to complain. 'Don't get so upset,' the florist said. 'Just think of it this way — today, someone in this city was buried beneath a flower arrangement with the inscription, Good Luck in Your New Location.'"

Thank you for reading and being part of this community.