Literary Friday ya’ll!

Well, folks it’s been a while since a Literary Friday post. I’ve been meaning to post, but life…….

Summer is pretty much my favorite time, but between the pool and the flower garden- the afternoons get zapped. I promise that as fall approaches things will get back to somewhat normal here 🙂

1. ICYMI at Traveling With T: The Oysterville Sewing Circle, Someone We Know, The Escape Room, Under Currents, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, A Stranger on the Beach, Meet Me In Monaco, Crashing the A-List, & I’ll Never Tell.

2. Pretty excited about Lowcountry Boomerang- look for 9.3.19!

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#sponsored: Thanks @susanmboyer & @henerypress for the bookmail. . . If you like characters who are sassy & funny, characters who grow in each book & a fictional setting you wish was real- then #liztalbot series is for you! . . Look for Lowcountry Boomerang on 9.3.19! . . #genxbookstagrammers #susanmboyer #liztalbotmysteries #lowcountryboomerang

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 23, 2019 at 8:09am PDT

3. Yesterday I participated for the first time in #ThrowbackThursday on IG- hosted by Beauty and the Book and Jordy’s Book Club.

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I’m doing my first #throwbackthursday post ( hosted by @jordys.book.club & @beauty_andthebook_ ) with a throwback to a book that I 😍 LOVED😍 by @sallyhepworth- and the beginning of her suspenseful domestic drama writing career- The Family Next Door! . . Have you read this book? It is so good & years later I find myself remembering bits & pieces of the story. . . #genxbookstagrammers #thefamilynextdoor #sallyhepworth #sallyhepworthauthor #bookstagram #domesticdrama #suspense

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 22, 2019 at 10:18am PDT

4. I promise no bookmail was harmed in the episode of life known as “things we do for the ‘gram…

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#sponsored: In today’s episode of things we do for the ‘gram, I did a photo shoot for the bookmail I had riding around in the car ( what? You don’t ride around with 4-5 books in your car? 🤷‍♀️) . . Any of these on your TBR list? . . Side note: the security guards were kinda giving me funny looks. It’s like they have never seen a gal trying to stage a photo for bookstagram. 💁‍♀️ . . #genxbookstagrammers #bookmail #bookstagram

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 17, 2019 at 9:10am PDT

5. I finally did a Meet The Bookstagrammer post!

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So you know what? I have never officially done a #meetthebookstagrammer post! 🤷‍♀️ . I sometimes take it for granted since I’ve been book blogging since the dinosaurs 🦕 roamed the Earth 🌍🤣 ( truthfully only almost 8 years) that everyone ‘knows’ me- but the truth of the matter is that sometimes you need to properly introduce yourself to followers on each social media platform & I’ve neglected you folks on Instagram. Trust me, I totally have better manners. After all, I’m Southern. 😂 . A proper intro: I’m Tamara, but you may see ppl refer to me as T because my blog is Traveling With T. I’m a thirty-something gal from the Magnolia State & I live in a town so small I won’t even tell you the name because there is no way you’ll know it. Even if you yourself live in Mississippi. . I’m an aunt to two smart & beautiful nieces. I used to have 3 cats, but my 2 boy cats disappeared & I’m still pretty sad 😢 about that. . I love to read- even though as a kid I was teased all the time for being a book nerd ( like that is a bad thing.) If the weather is right for swimming, you can bet that I’ll be in the pool. I love to visit NYC, but could never live there. I adore getting mani & pedis & try to pick fun colors ( I am partial to shades of blue, though.) . I have certain drinks that I enjoy at particular bars & restaurants ( although my first true drink love was an amaretto sour.) I love the beach & I go there as much as I can. Getting a massage 💆 is the most decadent way to spend part of a day. . I butcher song lyrics. I make sweet tea better than McDonald’s. If I want to look ‘fancy’- my hair is going to be straightened. . I have way too many favorite authors & still hate that Sue Grafton passed away before I got a chance to meet her. I don’t care if you aren’t a reader, but please don’t act proud when you say you haven’t read a book since school days. 🤮I will never loan you a book if you take 💩 care of your own stuff. Signed books are off limits for ANYONE to borrow. . I watch way too many re-runs of Law & Order. I root for the Atlanta Braves even though they let me down so much. . And that is just the tip of the iceberg about me 😀 . . #genxbookstagrammers

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 16, 2019 at 1:20pm PDT

6. Have you read The Oysterville Sewing Circle?

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#sponsored: Today at my blog is my review for my first @susan_wiggs_ book, The Oysterville Sewing Circle. Thanks @williammorrowbooks for the review copy. . . I wasn’t sure what to expect- but I loved how Susan handled the serious subject matter (domestic violence). You could tell that she put careful thought into how she was going to handle the topic- and it was with sensitivity & care. . . Is this book on your TBR list? . . #theoystervillesewingcircle #susanwiggs #genxbookstagrammers #travelingwithtbookreviews #bookstagramandcoffee

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 12, 2019 at 10:27am PDT

7. When these 2 come to town- I’m like “social media who?”

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My weekend. When these gals are in town, social media takes a HUGE backseat because: 1. Making memories. 2.5 & almost 6 year olds don’t get the appeal of social media. 3. I’m running after gals, moderating arguments, fixing a million glasses of orange ( Crush) or lemonade ( and if you think they want lemonade it’ll be crush) and finding Sponge Bob on tv ( I HATE Sponge bob!!) . . Off to sleep for a 100 years… 🤣 . . But I love these gals, these nieces of mine- although I could really be happy to never watch Sponge Bob again. 🤣

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 11, 2019 at 6:20pm PDT

8. Well, I did an interesting thing in August- I worked the polls! It was a long day, but really interesting to see the other side of the voting procedure. I’ll be back for the run-off August 27th!

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Well Mississippi the votes are coming in! This poll worker is calling it a night- going home to wait for results!

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 6, 2019 at 7:35pm PDT

9. Reviews from around the web: Steph’s Novel Fiction reviews Things You Save in a Fire, Jenn Tar Heel Reader reviews Her Daughter’s Mother, Really Into This reviews You’ve Been Volunteered, A Pint Sized Life talks about 10 Must Read Psychological Thrillers, My Reading Chronicles is doing an IT buddy read, Reecas Pieces reviews The Winemaker’s Wife, and Orange County Readers reviews The Escape Room.

10. Have you read Someone We Know?

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#sponsored: Today i reviewed my first Shari Lapena book. Thanks @vikingbooks for free review copy of Someone We Know. . . From my review: “Bottom line: For me, this was a good read. I flew through it in around 2 days and I REALLY loved the last couple of lines of the book. I’m putting Shari Lapena on my author radar.” . . What is your fave Shari Lapena book? . . #genxbookstagrammers #bookstagramandcoffee #travelingwithtbookreviews #someoneweknow

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 5, 2019 at 5:45am PDT

11. Have you read The Last House Guest?

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Ya’ll.. I love Megan Miranda’s books so much- during Prime Day, I treated myself to her new book! . . The cover is flat out amazing with the colors & font and TEXTURE- you can feel the raindrops! . . Intense friendship stories are one of my jams & The Last House Guest hits that point super hard! Loved! . . Honestly, there was a couple points it leaned towards a bit draggy- but the overall effect was really good. I SO enjoyed the ending! . . #genxbookstagrammers #travelingwithtbookreviews #bookstagram #thelasthouseguest

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Aug 4, 2019 at 7:22am PDT

12. My July reading was pretty good 🙂

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Well July was a pretty good reading month. I can honestly say that i did really enjoy these books- The Bookish Life of Nina Hill giving me the most laughs & Meet Me in Monaco giving me all the feels. . . How many did you read? . . #genxbookstagrammers #julyreads

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 31, 2019 at 4:35pm PDT

13. Have you read Under Currents?

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#sponsored: I have a confession: Under Currents is my first Nora Roberts book. Thanks to @stmartinspress for the review copy. . . Now that you’ve gotten over that bomb 💣 of a confession… let me share a couple thoughts! . . Under Currents to me is def more family drama than romantic suspense. It’s a layered story- and ultimately has a good message, but some of these characters are put through the ringer before we get to good message! . . From my review: “Emily. I loved how she supported Zane and Britt. ❤ As an aunt, I can identify with how much Emily loved Zane and Britt and wanted to make sure they were in the best environment. I could understand her horror as she begins to understand what the kids went through- but I admired her strength- she knew that she had to be strong.” . . So, what is the next Nora Roberts book i should read? . . #genxbookstagrammers #noraroberts #undercurrentsbynoraroberts #travelingwithtbookreviews

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 27, 2019 at 6:36am PDT

14. Have you read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill?

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#sponsored: Oh Nina Hill, you are going to be a hard to forget character. Yesterday, I reviewed The Bookish Life of Nina Hill- a cute, fun, and even quirky at times book. Thanks @berkleypub for the free review copy. . . Nina is like my soul sister on many things; Books, planners & cats. I would 😂 as I underlined quotes from the book that spoke to me! . . From my review: “Ok. Ya’ll know I LOVE book covers. Fun ones. Glamorous lady ones. Beach ones. Absurdly gorgeous ones. I LOVE BOOK COVERS. And that is why I hit the button on Netgalley to read more about Nina Hill and to request it. Because THAT is a book cover. It’s a bit nerdy. It’s a bit bright. It’s A LOT of fun.” . . If you like books, planners or cats ( or any combo of the above)- you gotta meet Nina Hill. . . #genxbookstagrammers #thebookishlifeofninahill #abbiwaxman #booksaboutbooks #bookishlove #bookish #coverlove #travelingwithtbookreviews

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 25, 2019 at 7:02am PDT

15. Have you read A Stranger on the Beach? *NOTE: Giveaway is CLOSED. I just love this photo!

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#sponsored: Thanks to @stmartinspress for the review copy of A Stranger at the Beach by @michelecampbellbooks ( and happy Pub Day!) . . A couple months ago, I posted on Instagram about this box of goodies from @stmartinspress- A Stranger on the Beach themed box of goodies with the ingredients for a special drink to enjoy while reading this diabolical mystery. . . Today, I received an extra finished copy of A Stranger on the Beach & I decided to celebrate Pub Day with a giveaway! . . Want to win A Stranger on the Beach? 1. Like this photo. 2. Follow me & @michelecampbellbooks. 3. Tag 2-3 friends! . . Extra entry option: 4. Post about this in your IG stories ( be sure & tag me!) . . Rules & regulations: 1. Giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram 2. Open to US only. 3. Don’t follow to unfollow- not 😎 4. Giveaway ends Friday night, July 26th, at 11:59 pmEST. Winner will be notified via IG message! . . And if you want to make your own Red Anchor Rum Punch- flip to the next photo for the recipe! . . #genxbookstagrammers #astrangeronthebeach #bookstagram #booksofig

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 23, 2019 at 5:52pm PDT

16. Have you read Meet Me in Monaco?

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#sponsored: Today, I reviewed Meet Me in Monaco by @hazelgaynor & @msheatherwebb. Thanks @williammorrowbooks @kccpr for free review copy. . . So, who wants to have a Grace Kelly movie marathon with me? I’ll provide popcorn 🍿 & wine 🍷😂 . . From my review: Bottom line: Whether or not you are a Grace Kelly fan, Meet Me in Monaco should be on your list! Delightful, charming, and heartwarming- Hazel and Heather created a book that completely entranced me. . . Meet Me in Monaco releases July 23rd & should be on your TBR list! . . #genxbookstagrammers #bookstagram #gracekelly #meetmeinmonaco #heatherwebb #hazelgaynor #travelingwithtbookreviews

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 22, 2019 at 9:04pm PDT

17. Have you read I’ll Never Tell?

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#sponsored: Thanks 🙏 @amazonpublishing @lakeunionauthors for the copy of I’ll Never Tell by @catherinemckenzieauthor. . . Between the cover & synopsis- there was zero doubt that i was going to hit the request button! . . This is my first book by Catherine McKenzie! . . From my review: “The camp setting. I love that they all returned to the scene of the crime. Plus camp setting are just crazy fun for books.” . . Is I’ll Never Tell on your anticipated reads list? . . #genxbookstagrammers #illnevertellbycatherinemckenzie #illnevertell #campsetting #mystery #fiction #booksofinsta

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 20, 2019 at 7:14am PDT

18. Have you read Crashing the A-List?

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#sponsored: Thanks 🙏 to @harlequinbooks & @kayepublicity for this book! Crashing the A-List should def be enjoyed by pool or with wine ( or both!) . . So I’m totally blaming @reallyintothis- the past few months of her posting such fun covers of romance books just made this one impossible to turn down: It’s fun. It’s red. And I love the lettering. . . From my review: “Clara and Cici- their “ride or die” friendship was entertaining. Plus, their dialogue- so funny at times.” . . Is this on your TBR list? . . #genxbookstagrammers #travelingwithtbookreviews #bookish #booklove #summerreading #coverlove

A post shared by Tamara Welch (@rockstar1023) on Jul 19, 2019 at 11:33am PDT