Natalie
@abookandadog.com
I love to read and hang out with my dog. I blog about it at
https://abookandadog.com
https://abookandadog.com
Pinned
Natalie
@abookandadog.com
· 16d
As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible books I had the pleasure of reading this year. Below, I have compiled a list of my top 10 picks for the best books I read in 2025. 🎉🐾📚
#booksky #happynewyear #dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
#booksky #happynewyear #dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose. Its writing style, suspense, and twists echo the first book in the series. The author seamlessly connected the two books.
#booksky
#booksky
The Perfect Divorce (by Jeneva Rose) — A Book and A Dog
I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose, so I eagerly anticipated reading The Perfect Divorce. Set eleven years later, the book reunites readers with Sarah Morgan, a high-powered…
abookandadog.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:28 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose. Its writing style, suspense, and twists echo the first book in the series. The author seamlessly connected the two books.
#booksky
#booksky
For my birthday, my husband ordered signed first editions from my beloved indie bookstore, The Poisoned Pen. I am thankful for my thoughtful and generous husband. Despite his teasing about my “book hoarding,” he stands as a steadfast supporter of my passion for reading and collecting books.
#booksky
#booksky
Birthday Books! — A Book and A Dog
I absolutely adore receiving books, gift cards to bookstores, and book-related gifts. For my birthday, my husband went all out and ordered signed first editions from my…
abookandadog.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:37 AM
For my birthday, my husband ordered signed first editions from my beloved indie bookstore, The Poisoned Pen. I am thankful for my thoughtful and generous husband. Despite his teasing about my “book hoarding,” he stands as a steadfast supporter of my passion for reading and collecting books.
#booksky
#booksky
I abandoned Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine after 20% because the narrative didn’t captivate me. The teenage daughter’s perspective of her girlfriend drama, social media obsession, and vaping issues was uninteresting. I’m not giving up on the authors, though.
#booksky
#booksky
Don’t Open Your Eyes (by Liv Constantine) — A Book and A Dog
I had the pleasure of meeting Lynne Constantine, one of the sister writing duo, Liv Constantine, during The Back Room author event in June 2025. Having previously enjoyed reading The Last Time I Saw ...
abookandadog.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:46 PM
I abandoned Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine after 20% because the narrative didn’t captivate me. The teenage daughter’s perspective of her girlfriend drama, social media obsession, and vaping issues was uninteresting. I’m not giving up on the authors, though.
#booksky
#booksky
Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment offers Pema Chodron’s gentle, humorous, and down-to-earth teachings on meditation and mindfulness. She guides participants to stop battling thoughts, embrace the mind’s drama, and cultivate unconditional friendliness towards themselves.
#booksky
#booksky
Making Friends with Your Mind (by Pema Chödrön) — A Book and A Dog
Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment, recorded from live retreat sessions at The Omega Institute, features Pema Chodron’s gentle, humorous, and down-to-earth teachings…
abookandadog.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Making Friends with Your Mind: The Key to Contentment offers Pema Chodron’s gentle, humorous, and down-to-earth teachings on meditation and mindfulness. She guides participants to stop battling thoughts, embrace the mind’s drama, and cultivate unconditional friendliness towards themselves.
#booksky
#booksky
This weekend I’m heading towards the Dark Tower in The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King. It’s a reread for my in-person Constant Reader book club.
#booksky #FridayReads
#booksky #FridayReads
January 9, 2026 at 5:52 PM
This weekend I’m heading towards the Dark Tower in The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King. It’s a reread for my in-person Constant Reader book club.
#booksky #FridayReads
#booksky #FridayReads
I’m captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon O’Brien’s memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles her remarkable adventure after college. Her writing style is eloquent and captivating.
#booksky
#booksky
Stray (Shannon O’Brien) — A Book and A Dog
I’m captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon O’Brien’s memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles her…
abookandadog.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:41 AM
I’m captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon O’Brien’s memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles her remarkable adventure after college. Her writing style is eloquent and captivating.
#booksky
#booksky
January’s Amazon First Reads offers two free books! I selected The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams and Blade by Wendy Walker. 📚
#booksky
#booksky
January 5, 2026 at 3:01 AM
January’s Amazon First Reads offers two free books! I selected The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams and Blade by Wendy Walker. 📚
#booksky
#booksky
Lisa Jewell’s suspenseful psychological thriller, Don’t Let Him In, unfolds through shifting timelines and perspectives, exploring the devastating consequences of entanglement with a charming yet dangerous man. The relentless suspense builds as the web of lies unravels, keeping me on edge.
#booksky
#booksky
Don’t Let Him In (by Lisa Jewell) — A Book and A Dog
Lisa Jewell’s novels, spanning from early romance dramas to psychological thrillers, have always entertained me. As soon as I had a free spot on my library hold shelf, I placed a hold on…
abookandadog.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:11 AM
Lisa Jewell’s suspenseful psychological thriller, Don’t Let Him In, unfolds through shifting timelines and perspectives, exploring the devastating consequences of entanglement with a charming yet dangerous man. The relentless suspense builds as the web of lies unravels, keeping me on edge.
#booksky
#booksky
I’m enjoying The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose this weekend. An intriguing sequel to The Perfect Marriage.
#BookSky #FridayReads
#BookSky #FridayReads
January 3, 2026 at 12:48 AM
I’m enjoying The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose this weekend. An intriguing sequel to The Perfect Marriage.
#BookSky #FridayReads
#BookSky #FridayReads
As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible books I had the pleasure of reading this year. Below, I have compiled a list of my top 10 picks for the best books I read in 2025. 🎉🐾📚
#booksky #happynewyear #dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
#booksky #happynewyear #dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
December 30, 2025 at 8:26 PM
As we approach the end of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible books I had the pleasure of reading this year. Below, I have compiled a list of my top 10 picks for the best books I read in 2025. 🎉🐾📚
#booksky #happynewyear #dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
#booksky #happynewyear #dogsky
abookandadog.com/best-books-2025
The Asheville Christmas Cabin is the last holiday-themed book I’ll read this season. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, from its captivating cover to its enchanting Christmas-themed narrative. Each of the main characters was endearing and easily relatable.
#booksky
#booksky
The Asheville Christmas Cabin (by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott) — A Book and A Dog
The Asheville Christmas Cabin , the last holiday-themed book I’ll read this season, caught my attention through the countless book-related emails I receive daily. When my husband and I lived…
abookandadog.com
December 28, 2025 at 2:11 AM
The Asheville Christmas Cabin is the last holiday-themed book I’ll read this season. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, from its captivating cover to its enchanting Christmas-themed narrative. Each of the main characters was endearing and easily relatable.
#booksky
#booksky
In Laurie Gilmore’s The Christmas Tree Farm, I enjoyed the story, the main characters, and the festive setting. The narrative maintained a balance of suspense through the appropriate amount of conflict. I appreciate how the characters’ experiences were mostly handled maturely. 🎄
#booksky
#booksky
The Christmas Tree Farm (by Laurie Gilmore) — A Book and A Dog
I’m thrilled that I’ve completed my library holds, allowing me to dive back into the enchanting world of Christmas-themed books before the holiday season fades away. After a few beautiful…
abookandadog.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
In Laurie Gilmore’s The Christmas Tree Farm, I enjoyed the story, the main characters, and the festive setting. The narrative maintained a balance of suspense through the appropriate amount of conflict. I appreciate how the characters’ experiences were mostly handled maturely. 🎄
#booksky
#booksky
Reposted by Natalie
Of all the things I've written, this @nytimes.com Modern Love essay is the only one framed on my wall. 11 yrs ago, it changed my life. Every December, someone reminds me to repost it, but it seems especially needed this year, when the news feels so heavy. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/f...
www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/f...
An Extra Angel on Top of the Tree (Published 2014)
www.nytimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Of all the things I've written, this @nytimes.com Modern Love essay is the only one framed on my wall. 11 yrs ago, it changed my life. Every December, someone reminds me to repost it, but it seems especially needed this year, when the news feels so heavy. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/f...
www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/f...
While My Next Breath mainly focuses on the incident, Jeremy Renner incorporates details about his family, childhood, and the pivotal moment that led him to acting. He expresses gratitude for his life, family, friends, and those who saved his life. I love that he narrates the audiobook.
#booksky
#booksky
My Next Breath (Jeremy Renner) — A Book and A Dog
I was introduced to Jeremy Renner through the movie, The Hurt Locker, which was fantastic. Since then, I’ve noticed his roles in other movies that I’ve also enjoyed. In 2020, I watched him…
abookandadog.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
While My Next Breath mainly focuses on the incident, Jeremy Renner incorporates details about his family, childhood, and the pivotal moment that led him to acting. He expresses gratitude for his life, family, friends, and those who saved his life. I love that he narrates the audiobook.
#booksky
#booksky
Unfortunately, I found myself abandoning Happy Place after listening to the audiobook for two hours. I felt bored with the narrative, and the premise lacked any compelling elements. I didn’t connect with the characters. They seemed ordinary and lacking unique qualities to draw me in.
#booksky
#booksky
Happy Place (by Emily Henry) — A Book and A Dog
I recently read Emily Henry’s book, Book Lovers , and was thoroughly impressed. Despite being a newcomer to romance novels, I instantly became impressed by her writing. Since then, I’ve…
abookandadog.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Unfortunately, I found myself abandoning Happy Place after listening to the audiobook for two hours. I felt bored with the narrative, and the premise lacked any compelling elements. I didn’t connect with the characters. They seemed ordinary and lacking unique qualities to draw me in.
#booksky
#booksky
I had high hopes for Isola by Allegra Goodman—a literary novel of strength, defiance, and a fight for life. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it. The beginning was slow, and it took forever for Marguerite to be marooned. This story failed to evoke the emotional response I had anticipated.
#booksky
#booksky
Isola (Allegra Goodman) — A Book and A Dog
I had no intention of reading Isola by Allegra Goodman when it was first released. However, I noticed a lot of praise for the book and decided to give it a try. Inspired by the true story of 16th-ce...
abookandadog.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I had high hopes for Isola by Allegra Goodman—a literary novel of strength, defiance, and a fight for life. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it. The beginning was slow, and it took forever for Marguerite to be marooned. This story failed to evoke the emotional response I had anticipated.
#booksky
#booksky
Joe Hill is one of my favorite authors. I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of King Sorrow, and it was worth the wait! I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this story and its characters. The dragon character was a fascinating component to a story about the theft of rare books.
#booksky
#booksky
King Sorrow (by Joe Hill) — A Book and A Dog
Joe Hill is easily one of my favorite authors. I’ve been a fan of his since he published Heart-Shaped Box. I’ll never forget the way that book caught my eye in the bookstore—I had to buy it.
abookandadog.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Joe Hill is one of my favorite authors. I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of King Sorrow, and it was worth the wait! I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this story and its characters. The dragon character was a fascinating component to a story about the theft of rare books.
#booksky
#booksky
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman is filled with action and tension as a plane crash causes structural damage to the nuclear power plant, compelling the town of Waketa to take immediate action. Her suspenseful thrillers are a must-read for me!
#booksky
#booksky
Worst Case Scenario (by T.J. Newman) — A Book and A Dog
About six months ago, I read TJ Newman’s debut novel, Falling , and was so engrossed that I immediately went on to read Drowning . Now, I’ve finished Worst Case Scenario , and I must say…
abookandadog.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman is filled with action and tension as a plane crash causes structural damage to the nuclear power plant, compelling the town of Waketa to take immediate action. Her suspenseful thrillers are a must-read for me!
#booksky
#booksky
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman is filled with action and tension as a plane crash causes structural damage to the nuclear power plant, compelling the town of Waketa to take immediate action. Her suspenseful thrillers are a must-read for me!
#booksky
#booksky
Worst Case Scenario (by T.J. Newman) — A Book and A Dog
About six months ago, I read TJ Newman’s debut novel, Falling , and was so engrossed that I immediately went on to read Drowning . Now, I’ve finished Worst Case Scenario , and I must say…
abookandadog.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman is filled with action and tension as a plane crash causes structural damage to the nuclear power plant, compelling the town of Waketa to take immediate action. Her suspenseful thrillers are a must-read for me!
#booksky
#booksky
Starting My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner this weekend. Wow! So far, it’s really good. ❄️
#booksky #FridayReads
#booksky #FridayReads
December 19, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Starting My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner this weekend. Wow! So far, it’s really good. ❄️
#booksky #FridayReads
#booksky #FridayReads
I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Andrew Child, Tracy Clark, Hannah Mary McKinnon, and Ryan Steck engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it’s loaded with book recommendations.
#booksky
#booksky
The Back Room - Outstanding Winter Reads — A Book and A Dog
An evening at The Back Room: Cocktails and Conversations with Your Favorite Authors, hosted by authors Hank Phillippi Ryan and Karen Dionne, was a delightful way to conclude the 2025….
abookandadog.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Andrew Child, Tracy Clark, Hannah Mary McKinnon, and Ryan Steck engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it’s loaded with book recommendations.
#booksky
#booksky
The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole exceeded my expectations and is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas-themed books I’ve ever read. A heartwarming novel follows fashion-focused Meg Julliard as she returns to manage her late father’s apartment building in her hometown.
#booksky
#booksky
The Christmas Dress (by Courtney Cole) — A Book and A Dog
This holiday season, I yearned for a beautiful and heartwarming Christmas-themed book to immerse myself in. After exploring various library apps, I found nothing that truly resonated with…
abookandadog.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole exceeded my expectations and is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas-themed books I’ve ever read. A heartwarming novel follows fashion-focused Meg Julliard as she returns to manage her late father’s apartment building in her hometown.
#booksky
#booksky
Over several months, my husband and I meticulously assembled the Lego of Endurance, the magnificent ship of Ernest Shackleton. My book review of Endurance by Alfred Lansing has been updated with photos and info.
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/endurance?rq=endurance
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/endurance?rq=endurance
December 17, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Over several months, my husband and I meticulously assembled the Lego of Endurance, the magnificent ship of Ernest Shackleton. My book review of Endurance by Alfred Lansing has been updated with photos and info.
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/endurance?rq=endurance
#booksky
abookandadog.com/blog/endurance?rq=endurance
So excited for this! 🤓
As the year winds down, it's wonderful to have something BIG to look forward to in 2026! My 8th novel, THE QUITTERS CLUB, is something a little different... And it officially has a cover! Coming this spring! Learn more, add on Goodreads +/or preorder: jessicastrawser.com/the-quitters... #booksky
December 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
So excited for this! 🤓
The Gunslinger is the December pick for the in-person Constant Reader book club I attend. It’s a reread for me, and it’s been a while since I last read it. I struggled through it again. I’m hoping that the book club discussion will help me understand this installment better.
#booksky
#booksky
The Gunslinger (by Stephen King) — A Book and A Dog
The Gunslinger by Stephen King is the December selection for the in-person Constant Reader book club I attend. It’s a reread for me and it’s been a while since I last read it. Unfortunately, I …
abookandadog.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:56 AM
The Gunslinger is the December pick for the in-person Constant Reader book club I attend. It’s a reread for me, and it’s been a while since I last read it. I struggled through it again. I’m hoping that the book club discussion will help me understand this installment better.
#booksky
#booksky