The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
The Fraterfest Read-a-thon ended up being a lot of fun, thanks in part to my wonderful challenge hosts. It has been an emotionally trying week for me and a busy week with Caffeinated PR. I also discovered, that with all the reading I’ve been doing, a few reviews slipped through the cracks. Apparently I read the book, marked it as reviewed on my calendar but didn’t write the review. That plus all the reads from Fraterfest and I am behind. Yikes! Thankfully, those posts need not be ready until mid-November! FYI I am fine. Someone I care deeply about is in a mentally abusive relationship and they cannot see it or aren’t ready to get out. That they think they aren’t worth more kills me. Mr. Caffeinated and I have offered a safe-haven, and they took us up on it for a few days this week, but Saturday morning they went back. It makes me weep and angry all at the same time. *buries head under covers and reaches for popcorn* I hope the week ahead provides laughter and love. Stay Caffeinated.
Last Week on the Blog
- Marigolds And Murder By London Lovett (review)
- Death Masks By Jim Butcher (audio review)
- Pecan Pies And Dead Guys By Angie Fox (guest post, review)
- Lost Library By Kate Baray (review)
- Origins By Ilona Andrews (review)
This Week on the Blog
- Nonna’s Corner: How Do You Take A Bath? By Kate McMullan (review)
- Close To The Bone By Kendra Elliot (review)
- Foundryside By Robert Jackson Bennett (audio review)
- A Merciful Silence By Kendra Elliot (review)
- Scribe By Alyson Hagy (audio review)
- Awakened Spells By Logan Byrne (audio review)
New Arrivals to the Caffeinated Cafe′
*all images linked to Amazon/Goodreads
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- Summoned to Thirteenth Grave
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- Then There Were Nun
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- The Suspect
A special thank you to St. Martin Press, Tantor Audio, Berkeley Books
Around the Blogosphere
- “Blog Graphics Part 1 | 8 Reasons Why Graphics are Important for Your Blog” from Flipping through the Pages
- “4 ideas to maximize the value of your newsletter signup form” from Reading Dreaming
- Early Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship
- “13 Horror Reads for the Squeamish” from Book Riot
Caffeinated Happenings
Totally Random
Link Up your edition of the Sunday Post
Before you link up: Please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post
Olivia-Savannah Roach
I hope you can catch up on those reviews! And I am sorry to hear about your friend in that relationship, and I hope they do realise it soon. It can always be so difficult in situations like that when they are not ready to leave, but you have done what you can and have to watch it play out…
sherry fundin
That you offered your friend a haven says a lot about you. The rest, your friend will have to do it themselves.
Tyler H. Jolley
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. That’s absolutely heart breaking, but she’s lucky to have you. I hope she gets out and stays out.
Barbara Strickland
Hey Kimberly,
I wish I could say I don’t understand what you are talking about but unfortunately I can. Some people face the truth and then back track and it is hard to watch but people have to make up their own minds, and that means acceptance and being ready for that is hard.
You take care, they are lucky to know someone who cares. ?
RO
I know it’s got to be rough to see someone that you love and care about in an abusive situation. We can see it all so clearly, but it’s so much more different from the inside. Sadly, a victim will leave an abusive relationship on average 7 times, before finally having the strength, courage, epiphany or finances to leave for good. You and your hubby are wonderful to offer her that emotional support, and I love you both for it. HUGE Hugs…RO
Ali
Oh, I hope your friend is ok.
She or He knows you’re there which is huge.
Anne
You are a good friend but everyone must make their own choices. My heart breaks over people and children and animals and book characters every day. This is why I read diversely; it helps me get through. I also got the 13th Grave. I hope for an amazing week for you. Anne – Books of My Heart
S. J. Pajonas
You’re a great friend to offer safe haven! I hope they see what’s going on soon and get out of the relationship. Sounds, also, like you’ve been pretty busy reading! It’s almost better to have more books to review than not enough. 🙂
ERK ?
I have this weird thing where unless I write the review of the book I read, I cannot read the next one ? which results in a huge backlog of to read books, so I experience another kind of problem altogether.
I too know a few people who are in such relationships willingly and honestly I feel worthless when I can’t help them. Hope this week is better for you ?
Daniela Ark
oh wow that was a great thing to do Kim! Your love done is blessed to have you!
Stefanie
I’m sorry about your friend. That is such a tough and horrible situation to be in all around.
Lorna
So sad that people don’t realize just how the abuse is effecting their whole life and future. I hope there isn’t any children involved. Heartbreaking. Hope you have a better week coming up and things change for the good.
ShootingStarsMag
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. It’s tough sometimes when you can see something that the person doesn’t see. But all you can do is be there ,and I’m glad they took you up on the offer to stay for a bit…maybe it’ll show them they have somewhere to go in the future.
-Lauren
Sophia Rose
That helpless feeling when someone makes that sort of choice is gutwrenching. It was one of the things I didn’t like about my family services job or similar decisions by a few in my own family. You really did what you could and this person knows they can come to you which is important.
Whoops! I’ve changed the status of a review book before actually, well, changing the status like that. Guess you’ll have even more posts ahead now. LOL
Yay, I got Summoned to 13th Grave, too.
Have a good week, Kimberly!
Stephanie Jane (Literary Flits)
It’s tough to not be able to fully help a friend in that kind of situation, but they know you are there for them and this will hopefully give them the strength to change things in time.
Laura @ Library of Clean Reads
Yeah…abusive relationships are not always easy to step away from even if we think it’s crazy why anyone would want to stay. Be supportive and ready to help but in the end your friend will have to make that step all on their own. Enjoy your new books!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I’ve tried Jim Butcher, reading, but just couldn’t get into it. I know what you mean about being behind on reviews. If you go check out my post, you’ll see I’ve got so many ARCs from ALA this summer, but I haven’t been able to get to read them yet because of all the reviews I’ve signed up for. I’ve got to get going! Have a great week!
Mary Kirkland
I’m very sorry to hear about your friend. Hopefully they get out of that relationship and see the other person for who they really are.
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
It’s so hard when someone you care about is in a bad situation, particularly when they aren’t ready (or are too afraid) to leave. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to offer help and emotional support. Beyond that, it is truly up to them. I hope that this week, you are able to focus on things that bring you joy. Don’t worry about the reviews; it happens sometimes. Just pace yourself so you can finish them over time, without stressing. I’m sending prayers and thoughts of peace and support your way.
Jolene Wilson
Sorry about your friend. I will pray for them and the whole situation. They are lucky to have such great friends. Enjoy your books and the colors of fall. I think we are at the peak of our colors this week.
Melliane
Complicated things… I have the Charley Davidsdon book too and so can’t wait to read it! Happy reading!
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
That random photo certainly encompasses everything I felt this week. I’m sick to death of rain. I’m sorry to hear about your friend. It is so hard to break from those relationships when they have been beat down to the point that they basically believe the things they are being told about themselves. I’ll be praying your friend gets emotionally strong enough to fight what is being done to her. Having you and Mr. Caffeinated there for her will definitely be a help.
Pixireads
I know it’s hard seeing someone in a relationship like that. I knew someone in a controlling relationship. It took many tries and many years before the rope (figuratively speaking) was cut. It’s hard and it’s stressful, on everyone. You are a good friend. It’s hard, but the only advice I can give is to continue to be there for your friend.
Sophie
Oh Kimberly I am so sad to hear about your friends. I know the feeling when you want to help someone but they are not ready yet. You feel powerless and can only worry….:-( I hope next week will be sweeter and better. I hope that your friends will have the strenght to run away. Know that they only can decide and pelase try to “let lose”. Sending positive vibes xoxo
Samantha
Sorry to hear about your friend. Its so hard to watch someone go through that. You can see it so clearly from the outside, but they just don’t have the same POV. Hopefully this week is brighter!
Nick
That’s really sad to hear about your friend, Kim. It’s such a tough thing being on the other side seeing the damage being done, but the person involved has a harder time seeing why they should get out. Abuse is such a vicious cycle. I hope the person is okay though and sees the light eventually. It was kind of you to offer a safe haven at your house.
tonyalee
Oh no, i’m sorry to hear about that situation. it’s terrible and I wish there was more we could do in those situations.Hope this week is better!
Darlene
You’ve done what you can, and your friend knows you are there for her. I know it’s hard to watch. Been there, done that! Your friend is also taking baby steps and maybe needs to work up the courage for a clean break or needs to get things in order. I know it’s hard to understand why someone would subject themselves to an abusive relationship. For me, it was being isolated from everyone and not feeling that I had an out. You’ve provided the out! Sometimes, it takes a few tries before the person being abused is ready for it. You are a wonderful friend!
I need to try the Charley Davidson series! Have a good week.
Lillian @ Mom with a Reading Problem
I used to be really good at writing reviews as I finished the book. Now though….I’m embarrassed to say how many reviews I need to write. *cough* 32 *cough*
I’m sorry about your friend. It’s hard to see someone you care about go through that. The best thing you can do is continue to be there for them and offer them support. Reaffirm their worth and pray the situation changes. *hugs*
Hope you have a great reading week this week!
Jackie Briere
Aww Kim, you are doing a great job with book reviews. It’s a shame how many people screw up their lives like that. I know I did but I’m okay now. Still. Thank you for wishing me laughter and love. Right back at ya.
A Voracious Reader
Speaking from experience on both sides of that story (my 1st husband was abusive in every way possible, someone we care about is in a similiar situation to yours now), you can only be there when they decide enough is enough and continue to tell them they are worthy. Believe me when I tell you, I feel your pain. {{{posivibes}}} and {{{hugs}}} and {{{coffee}}}. Also, I’m going to yell some expletives at Ma Nature so you get some nice Fall weather for a change. Hang in there, Kim!
Trisha
It’s so very hard when they go back and there’s nothing you can say or do.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I am sorry to hear about your friend/someone you care about. My sister was also in an abusive relationship and didn’t let us know. I pray you can get through to her/him and help her/him get out of it. Hugs to you.
Mary
trin carl
Love the new arrivals on your blog. At least one looks up my Halloween alley for books.
Lola
Sorry to hear this was an emotionally trying week and someone you love being in an abusive relationship. Sounds like you did everything you could and that’s great you provided a safe heaven for them. It must be tough seeing someone you care about going through that.
Rachel
Sorry about your loved one. I have worked on and off at a crisis textline, and we have been trained not to “pressure” people to leave relationships like that because they need to take ownership for their choice to leave in the end. So I know how hard it is to offer support without pressure. It would be even harder when it’s someone you love! You are a good person for offering your home. I hope your friend takes ownership of leaving the relationship soon.
Trish @ Between n My Lines
When they are ready they’ll leave, and your support will help them make that decision. Hugs though must be frustrating and very hard to stand quietly by.
Loved Fraterfest, thanks for hosting. Now I’m prepping my HoHoHo books!
sjhigbee
I’ve been exactly where you are now – and you have my profound sympathy as I recall the sense of helplessness and fury, while watching someone you really care about return to a toxic relationship. It took years and several tries before the person I cared about managed to break free – and all you can do is be supportive and shore up her self respect whenever you can… In the meantime, sending thoughts of comfort and consolation to you – it’s a horrible situation to be in. x
Michelle @Because Reading
I am sorry you are hurting for your friend. I hope she will see it soon. It took me 6 years to realize I needed to leave. Sadly no matter what someone tells you, you will always think they are wrong. My heart hurts for you and your friend. I hope she sees it soon.
I am trying so hard to get ahead on the blog but I still have a ton of stuff to do. Weekends go by so fast I can never catch up.
Have a great week, Kim! Happy Reading! ox
Yvonne
I’m so sorry to hear about the person in an abusive relationship. I do hope the situation changes for the better.
I’ve had times where I let a couple of reviews pile up. I hate being behind with review writing.
Hope you have a good week.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
I saw author Anne Lamott this week and one of the things she said that stuck with me was about how we can’t be responsible for what other people do, that all we can do is love them.
Angela Adams
So sad to hear about your friends’ situation. It’s good that they have you and Mr. Caffeinated for support. Hope this week is a peaceful one.
Sim @ Flipping Through the Pages
I am glad the readathon went well 🙂 And don’t worry about the reviews. I am sure you will catch up.
So sorry about your friend and what they are going through. I really hope they realise the mistake before it is too late.
Andreea
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It is hard to deal with such situations, especially when the person in the abusive relationship does not acknowledge what’s going on. I hope things will change for the better.
Fraterfest was a lot of fun indeed!
Ailyn Koay
i am sad to hear about your friend, but my guess is not ready and fear i guess. Best we can do is make the promise and keep it. I just hope it does not come to something really bad
Sassy Brit @ Alternative-Read.com
So sorry to hear about your friend. It’s great she has you and your husband to look out for her.
Looks like you’ve had a busy week! Take care x
Sumedha
Oh that’s bad! Hope your friend is in a better place soon!
Sam@wlabb
So sorry to hear about your friend. ((HUGS)) It’s such a tough situation to have to stand by and watch, I am sure you will be able to get easily caught up with your reviews.
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks
That is too sad to hear about that person and the relationship 🙁 I hope a little more time helps them understand. And it’s really lucky you realized about the reviews! I hope you have a good week.
Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books
It’s so hard standing by when someone you love is in that situation. You’re doing what you can and when she’s ready you’ll be there. You’re a good friend.
Good luck on catching up with the reviews! I’m constantly behind on reviews! 🙂
Natalie @Natflix&Books
It can be so hard to watch a loved one struggle like that. I hope she can find her way out of the situation soon.
Tressa @ Wishful Endings
That is beyond tough, Kimberly! I think all of us have had someone in our lives that have dealt with a form of abuse, if not ourselves. And part of it is even tougher because they don’t see it or their worth, or even sometimes they kind of disappear. I hope it gets better. I also hope this week you get caught up and things go better for you with blogging as well.
Jovita
Oh no, sorry to hear about your friend. She’s not ready yet, but at least you’re there for her offering support for when she is ready to leave the relationship. It’s difficult watching an abusive relationship.
Hopefully you’re able to get all caught up and have a lovely week ahead.
Lindsi
It’s always difficult to watch the people we care about struggle and suffer. At least you’re there offering support and kindness. I hope the situations improves soon. *hugs*
This is my first time participating in this feature, and I’m glad to finally join the fun! I’m looking forward to the HoHoHo Readathon next month, and have already started stockpiling my books in preparation.
I’m never able to post reviews in advance, so it’s rare for them to slip through. I normally review them on the blog within a day or two of finishing them. I can’t imagine how crazy it must be to need a calendar! I’m sure you’ll catch up soon!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Laurel-Rain Snow
How sad for your friends! Take care, and enjoy your books. The Suspect is on my wish list. Thanks for sharing.
LORI CASWELL
(((HUGS))) For helping your friend. An open ear at the right time can do wonders. I went thru this with my son and sadly we couldn’t help him. It has been a struggle but we have learned that sometimes words just get through all the barriers people put up to deal with what they are going through. Keep trying and know you are doing all you can.
Shannon
I’m very sorry about your friend. It’s wonderful that they have a place to turn to if they should need it. Hopefully they will find the strength to leave for good.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m sure you feel helpless when it comes to your friend. My sister was in a similar relationship for so many years, and there was nothing I could do or say to change it. She had to come to the realization herself. Still, so hard to see it happen. Sorry to hear the situation isn’t resolved.
I really liked Origins but I read they weren’t going to continue the series. :/ I’ll have to check out your review. 🙂
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
Awww Kimberly! You’re so good to provide them a safe haven… abuse is tough. I’d say more but I realized its probably depressing. I hope you keep your hopes up and just love on the person. That’s all we can do sometimes. Happy reading and good luck catching up!
Billy
I don’t know how many times I have forgotten to write a review.
Michelle Gilmore
I enjoyed Fraterfest! I managed a few challenges, got a good bit of reading done, and had fun doing it!
I’m really sorry about your loved one. It’s really rough seeing someone go through something like that. I’m glad they have you to turn to when they need it. I wish them all the best.
Maureen Bakker
Sorry to hear about your friend Kimberly! That sounds really hard. It always makes me sad when I hear stories like that! *Sending you a virtual hug*
I’m glad that Fraterfest was fun! I can’t wait for the HoHoHo RAT!!
Have a good week and happy reading!
Laura Thomas
I had to scramble and get a review written because I did the same thing. I’m sorry they went back to the relationship. All you can do is be there for them when or if they need you again. You two are wonderful to offer safe haven:)
Greg
I feel like the title of your post says it all? Movies pajamas and cake sound pretty good! And FraterFest was fun- I only got to a couple of the challenges but they were great!
I’m so sorry to hear about the abusive relationship- that’s hard when there’s only so much you can do. Sometimes it takes a while for people to be ready to make the change, or to take that step. All my best wishes for a happy and quick resolution!
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts
Oh no, so sorry they’re going through the relationship and I’m glad you’re providing them a save place to stay! I hope soon they’ll realize they will be better off without their partner.