Parents Weekend Alex Finlay

What a weekend.

A girl goes missing and is found dead before the weekend begins, and then another five students go missing from an exclusive school with high-profile parents and a few that aren't high profile.

None of the students showed up for a planned, parents dinner, but they figured the students were just out partying.  But...when no one is answering their phones and no one shows up, panic ensues.

What could have happened to Libby, Blane, Mark, Felix, and Stella who had a few things in common - unusual they were together.

We follow the investigation and try to figure out the mystery - will you be able to do it?

Lots of characters - most unlikeable and definitely a group of dysfunctional families that make the book interesting but not as pull you in as some of his other books.  4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Spotlight of The Italian Soul by Judith Valente

PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA

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THE ITALIAN SOUL

JUDITH VALENTE

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF JULIA BORCHERTS, PUBLICITY MANAGER KAYE PUBLICITY.

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What We Can Learn from Italians about Living More Mindfully,  Meaningfully and Joyfully

The Italian Soul is a pilgrimage of the heart, a journey toward change that will allow its readers to approach life with a more contemplative stance and recreate a sense of  la dolce vita—the sweet life—wherever they might be. 

The Italian Soul offers practical guidance into how we can transport a taste of the Italian “good life” into our own homes.

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May 5, 2025 

Hampton Roads Publishing 

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PRAISE FOR THE ITALIAN SOUL:

“The Italian Soul speaks to the growing yearning that I see among so many to live more joyfully and mindfully amid the demands and distractions of daily life and the growing tumult of the world. Judith Valente offers sound wisdom and practical guidance from her many stays in Italy and lessons learned from a people (my own!) who have made an art of living fully. Whenever I visit Italy, I wonder: What is their secret? This is a book for spiritual seekers and all who want to bring a piece of the Italian way of life into their own homes.” --James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone; My Life with the Saints, and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.

“The Italian Soul is a heartfelt guide for those yearning to embrace a more mindful and fulfilling way of living. Judith Valente masterfully captures the essence of the Italian way of life, especially the slow, purposeful rhythms of its small towns. In contrast to the chaotic, fast-paced life of urban metropolises, this book offers a regenerative antidote: a deep dive into the values of connection, quality, and the beauty of local traditions.”—Rita Salvatore, president of Slow Food Abruzzo, and professor at University of Teramo and the American University of Rome

“Italy offers the world a host of timeless treasures, but it is much more. Italy is a way of life. This book shows us how life is lived daily, in small towns and large, and how the traditions and practices that come second nature to our people can help others live more fully and meaningfully, wherever they might be.”—Franco Caramanico, former Minister for Environment and Energy, Abruzzo Regional Government

"With her vivid examples of Italian personalities and places, Judith Valente invites us to an experience of Mediterranean sunshine. This sunshine, however, is from within, and provides light to see in a new way, to open our inner eyes. We don’t have to go to Italy to do this. What she wants for us is what Italian St. Benedict encourages for his monks, “to be the first to show respect to the other.” Respect is from the Latin “look again”: don’t settle for a first impression. Stop in your racing tracks and look again. See the face of God in his creation and in all his creatures, especially the brothers and sisters of his Son. The gift is hidden in broad daylight."--Abbot Jerome Kodell, author of Life Lessons from the Monastery; Don’t Trust the Abbot: Musing from the Monastery; Is God in Your Top Ten? and The Catholic Bible Study Handbook

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ABOUT THE ITALIAN SOUL:

The Italian Soul offers practical guidance into how we can transport a taste of the Italian “good life” into our own homes. Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. A cross between a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but are yearning for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives.

Written by veteran journalist Judith Valente, who has lived and traveled extensively in Italy, The Italian Soul shares personal stories and insights into the Italian way of life, focusing on the attitudes, traditions, and practices that make the people of Italy role models for experiencing delight amid the demands

and distractions of ordinary living. Readers will feel as though they are walking along, peering into windows, glimpsing activities as they unfold.

The Italian Soul is a book for lovers of Italy, those considering visiting Italy for the first time, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the art of living joyfully.

The Italian Soul will share how Italians:

• Have a deep appreciation for quality and aesthetics

• Value slowness and savor the little moments in life

• Show a strong sense of community and make room for leisure and personal care

• Honor their dead and have a deep respect for tradition

• Find beauty in the everyday and are able to laugh at themselves

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Judith Valente has won numerous awards for her work as a former correspondent for PBS, two NPR stations, The Wall Street Journal, and as the author of several spirituality titles.

Her most recent books include How to Live, The Art of Pausing, Atchison Blue, and How to Be. 

She has published two poetry collections and is a sought-after retreat guide who leads the annual Benedictine Footprints retreat/pilgrimage to lesser-known parts of Italy.

She is also president of the International Thomas Merton Society. 

Connect with Judith:

judithvalente.com

Instagram

Facebook

Goodreads

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Mailbox Monday - 5/5/2025

  

BOOKMAIL THAT ARRIVED THIS WEEK.

WHAT ARRIVED FOR YOU?

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. 

Mailbox Monday is now hosted by Vicki!!

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On Wednesday, April 30, I received:

1.   THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf, courtesy of Harlequin, The Hive, Park Row, and NetGalley.

2.  DINNER AT THE NIGHT LIBRARY by Hika Harada, courtesy of Harlequin, Hanover, and The Hive.

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It's Monday!! What Are YOU Reading? - 5/5/2025

                              

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I hope you had a great reading week.

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This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at BOOK DATE!

Post the books completed, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish at some point.

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Books Completed:

LAST DANCE BEFORE DAWN by Katharine Schellman - spotlight will be on June 19, 2025.

It was the fourth book in the series - I didn't realize that and wasn't following the storyline.

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HAZEL SAYS NO by Jessica Berger Gross - review will be on June 18, 2025.

Pretty good read.

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SHAW CONNOLLY LIVES TO TELL Gillian French - Spotlight will be June 17, 2025.

Wasn't connecting with me.

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THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay - review will be on June 10, 2025.

A slow start, but worth the wait.

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THE EXPAT AFFAIR by Kimberly Belle - review will be on June 9, 2025.

Not a favorite of hers for me.

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THE FAMINE ORPHANS by Patricia Falvey - review will be on June 6, 2025.

LOVED it - based on a true historical event.  

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THE GHOSTWRITER by Julie Clark - review will be on June 3, 2025.

A slow startup, but finishes with a bang.

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LIE LIKE THE DEVIL by Birgitte Margen - spotlight will be on June 2, 2025.

A bit too brutal for me.

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WHISPERS OF DEAD GIRLS by Marlee Bush - review will be on May 30, 2025.

A pretty good mystery/thriller.

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BEACH HOUSE RULES by Kristy Woodson Harvey - review will be on May 29, 2025.

An ok read - could have been shorter and with fewer characters.

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THE BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB by Freya Sampson - review will be on May 28, 2025.

Another sweet read by Ms. Sampson.

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THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly - spotlight will be on May 27, 2025.

It didn't keep my interest.

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MARGUERITE BY THE LAKE by Mary Dixie Carter - review  will be on May 22, 2025.

A pretty good read.

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THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE by Kristina McMorris - review will be on May 20, 2025.

It is VERY good.

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SUMMER ON CAPE MAY by Monica Garner - review will be on May 19, 2025.

For those who read romance and enjoy strong female friendships.

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THE FORTUNATE HARBOR by Davis Burns - spotlight will be on May 11.

It wasn't my cup of tea.   

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THE BANNED BOOKS OF BERLIN by Daisy Wood - review will be on May 12.

A good historical fiction read.

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PARENTS WEEKEND by Alex Finlay - review will be on May 6, 2025.

Not bad, but not as good as his other books.

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THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME by Kelly Mustian - review is in the book's title.

Excellent - a beautiful read.

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SUCH A GOOD MOM by Julia Spiro - review is in the book's title.

A good mystery.

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TOUGH LUCK by Sandra Dallas - review is in the book's title.

Another delightful read with delightful characters.

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THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN by Marie Bostwick - review is in the book's title.

So delightful - women of the 1960s realize they don't have to be a housewife and a mother after reading a book for their book club.  :)

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MY DAUGHTER IS MISSING by JD Kirk - review is in the book's title.

A good storyline, but a lot of violence and a brutal secondary character.

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THE KEEPER OF LOST ART by Laura Morelli - review is in the book's title.

Excellent research - just dragged a bit for me.

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STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci - review is in the book's title.

Oh my - this is SO GOOD.  Add it to your TBR - you won't want to miss it.

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Book Currently Reading:

BEFORE DOROTHY by Hazel Gaynor - review will be on June 20, 2025.

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Books Up Next:

THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster - review will be on May 31, 2025.

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DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES by Liv Constantine - review will be on June 23, 2025.

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BEYOND THIS PLACE OF WRATH AND TEARS by Jack Ford - spotlight will be on June 27, 2025.

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THE SUMMER OF STARTING OVER by Savannah Carlisle - review will be on June 29, 2025.

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PARTY OF LIARS Kelsey Cox - review will be on July 1, 2025.

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THE NIGHT SPARROW by Shelly Sanders - review wil be on July 4, 2025.

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THE LAKE ESCAPE by Jamie Day - review will be on July 15, 2025.

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WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs - review will be on July 16, 2025.

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DEATH OF AN EX by Delia Pitts - review will be on July 17, 2025.

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THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER by Karen White - review will be on July 22, 2025.

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THE UNRAVELING OF JULIA by Lisa Scottoline - review will be on July 25, 2025.

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THE LIES THEY TOLD by Elle Marie Wiseman - review will be on July 29, 2025.

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ASYLUM HOTEL by Juliet Blackwell - review will be on July 30, 2025.

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THE LOCKED WARD by Sarah Pekkanen - review will be on August 5, 2025.

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THE WRONG SISTER by Claire Douglas - review will be on August 6, 2025.

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MRS. ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE - review will be on August 8, 2025.

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HIGH SEASON by Katie Bishop - review will be on August 12, 2025.

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THE WITCH'S ORCHARD by Archer Sullivan - review will be on August 13, 2025.

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TOO OLD FOR THIS by Samantha Downing - review will be on August 14, 2025.

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GONE IN THE NIGHT by Joanna Schaffhausen - review will be on August 15, 2025.

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JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME by Kerryn Mayne - review will be on August 19, 2025.

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ONE DARK NIGHT by Hannah Richell - review will be on August 20, 2025.

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THE MARIGOLD COTTAGES MURDER COLLECTIVE by Jo Nichols - review will be on August 21, 2025.

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THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW by Pamela Terry - review will be on August 22, 2025.

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THE SECOND CHANCE BUS STOP by Alli Zetterberg - review will be on August 23, 2025.

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FORGET ME NOT by Stacy Willingham - review will be on August 26, 2025.

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BODIES IN THE SAND by Crystal Murphy - review will be on September 1, 2025.

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THE CABERNET CLUB by Margie Zable Fisher and Rona S. Zable - review will be on September 2, 2025.

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THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS by Mariah Fredericks - review will be on September 3, 2025.

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THE RIGHTEOUS by Ronald A. Balson - review will be on September 9, 2025.

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A MURDEROUS BUSINESS by Cathy Pegau - review will be on September 16, 2025.

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NO REST FOR THE WICKED by Rachel Louise Adams - review will be on September 17, 2025.

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THE WASP TRAP by Mark Edwards - review will be on September 19, 2025.

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THE LOST STORY OF EVA FUENTES by Chanel Cleeton - review will be on September 30, 2025.

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DINNER AT THE NIGHT LIBRARY by Hika Harada - review will be on October 1.

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THE HITCHHIKERS by Chevy Stevens - review will be on October 7, 2025.

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THE GALLERY ASSISTANT by Kate Belli - review will be on October 14, 2025.

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THE FORGET-ME-NOT LIBRARY by Heather Webber - review will be on November 4, 2025.

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THE HIDDEN CITY by Charles Finch - review will be on November 5, 2025.

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THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf - review will be on November 6, 2025.

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