Natalie
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abookandadog.com
Natalie
@abookandadog.com
I love to read and hang out with my dog. I blog about it at
https://abookandadog.com
Pinned
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
This weekend I’m finishing up The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse on audio.

I’m also starting The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. She’s visiting a bookstore near me when the third book is released, so I must catch up on the series.

#booksky #FridayReads
January 30, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Forget You Know Me by Jessica Strawser delves into a multitude of themes, including the complexities of long-term friendships, the challenges of marital strain, the impact of chronic pain, the joys and struggles of motherhood, and the consequences of unspoken wounds. Wonderful!

#booksky
Forget You Know Me (by Jessica Strawser) — A Book and A Dog
Jessica Strawser’s books have been a constant source of joy for me, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting her at several Kentucky Book Festivals. While I haven’t had the chance to read all of her…
abookandadog.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:38 PM
I enjoyed reading My Story and gained a wealth of insights into Marilyn Monroe’s life. It was fascinating to read her life story from her own perspective, as if I were reading her diary. The book abruptly ends during her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio, leaving me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

#booksky
My Story (by Marilyn Monroe) — A Book and A Dog
Growing up, I was intrigued by the life of Marilyn Monroe, particularly her untimely death and the tragic circumstances surrounding it. Macabre facts about people and places have always…
abookandadog.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:52 PM
I found The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers unengaging. I didn’t connect with the characters or care about the plot. I considered quitting around 35%, but I persevered, hoping for improvement. The last few hours were interesting, with well-crafted twists and a satisfying ending.

#booksky
The Missing Half (by Ashley Flowers) — A Book and A Dog
Not long ago, I read Ashley Flowers’ debut novel, All Good People Here. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to place a library hold on her second book, The Missing Half. Ashley co-wrote the…
abookandadog.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:04 PM
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

~Edith Sitwell ❄️
January 27, 2026 at 2:03 AM
My husband and I ventured into downtown Lexington, Kentucky, and decided to explore Black Swan Books, a renowned used and rare bookstore. I was impressed by its quality books and the owner’s knowledge. Check out my blog post for more info.

#booksky
Black Swan Books in Lexington, Ky — A Book and A Dog
I absolutely adore spending my time browsing bookstores. Whenever we travel, we always make sure to look for bookstores. Fortunately, we have access to quite a few bookstores in our area.
abookandadog.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:35 AM
I live for Audible’s 2-for-1 sales, and this January sale has so many books I want to read! I decided on Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson and That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters. There are still 5 days left of the sale, so…😜

#booksky
January 25, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Tananarive Due masterfully weaves Southern Gothic chills, social commentary on racism and injustice, and family resilience into this gripping and page-turning masterpiece, The Reformatory. The story is exceptionally well-written, showcasing Due’s exceptional storytelling skills.

#booksky
The Reformatory (by Tananarive Due) — A Book and A Dog
I’ve been intrigued by Tananarive Due’s horror novel, The Reformatory, since its release in late 2023. The book’s popularity has surged over time, and Due’s own fame has grown as well. I’ve…
abookandadog.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:43 PM
I’m beginning to listen to The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers on audio. I hope to enjoy it. I’m recovering from a book hangover from Tananarive Due’s The Reformatory, which was so captivating that I’m hesitant to listen to anything less enjoyable.

#booksky #FridayReads
January 23, 2026 at 8:57 PM
I received book mail from The Poisoned Pen! I preordered Dean Koontz’s latest book, The Friend of the Family. I’m overjoyed to have a beautiful signed first edition. The endpapers of this book are simply stunning! I can’t wait to dive into its pages.

#booksky
The Friend of the Family (by Dean Koontz) — A Book and A Dog
Yay! I received book mail from The Poisoned Pen! For Christmas, I was thrilled to receive a generous gift card to my favorite independent bookstore in Scottsdale…
abookandadog.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel, and I loved it! Her storytelling talent is incredible. I was immediately drawn into Winter Garden. It’s such a beautiful narrative, even though it’s heartbreaking as it delves deeply into grief and the pain of losing cherished loved ones.

#booksky
Winter Garden (by Kristin Hannah) — A Book and A Dog
I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel! I’ve been wanting to read her books for a long time, since I consistently see praise for her work. I’ve acquired several of her books over the years…
abookandadog.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Camino Ghosts by John Grisham is a remarkable story. I’m captivated by the idyllic setting of Camino Island and the charming local bookstore. Grisham’s ability to craft significant and relevant stories is impressive. His characters are relatable and easy to care about.

#booksky
Camino Ghosts (by John Grisham) — A Book and A Dog
I’m participating in a new reading challenge on the Litsy app this year. It’s a popular and flexible monthly reading challenge called Book Spin, hosted by user…
abookandadog.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:13 PM
I reread King’s The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club, and it was delightful. It’s been so long since I first read it, that it felt like rediscovering it for the first time. It evoked a nostalgic feeling of reconnecting with some very old, dear friends.

#booksky
The Drawing of the Three (by Stephen King) — A Book and A Dog
I reread Stephen King’s The Drawing of the Three for our January Constant Reader book club meeting. I wasn’t particularly excited about revisiting the Dark Tower series when it was…
abookandadog.com
January 18, 2026 at 3:29 PM
‪These books will be keeping me entertained during the winter weather this weekend. ❄️‬

#booksky #FridayReads
January 16, 2026 at 11:16 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
‪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
January 9, 2026 at 5:52 PM
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
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
January’s Amazon First Reads offers two free books! I selected The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams and Blade by Wendy Walker. 📚

#booksky
January 5, 2026 at 3:01 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
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
I’m enjoying The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose this weekend. An intriguing sequel to The Perfect Marriage.

#BookSky #FridayReads
January 3, 2026 at 12:48 AM
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
December 30, 2025 at 8:26 PM
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
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