Trip to Trader Joe's

My husband and I took an excursion yesterday. We traveled about an hour to the nearest Target and the nearest Trader Joe's. Our home is in the Sierra Foothills and the nearest town with any sort of traditional shopping is Modesto, about 50 miles from us. Trader Joe's never disappoints, and we came home with all sorts of yummy fixings to have for upcoming meals. They also have amazing flowers and houseplants. I picked up my traditional January white orchid, priced at TJ's for $17.99. The same plant, only not as nice, was $36 at my local SaveMart. Jeesh. Look at all those stems with buds!

Meanwhile, my January Book of the Month Club order was delivered and I have started one of the books, a thriller called First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. Lots of buzz on Instagram about this one. It is Reese's January book club selection. The plot setup is that Evie Porter has everything a girl could wish for: a gorgeous boyfriend, fabulous friends, and an amazing house. Only problem is, Evie Porter doesn't exist. She's been sent by a mysterious boss to learn everything about the small town and her boyfriend, who is her "mark". Lots of cat-and-mouse antics and a fast-paced plot. So far, about 50 pages in, it has my attention.

This second book, The Villa by Rachel Hawkins has been on my shelf for a while. I am trying to read those books that I bought a year or more ago which are currently gathering dust. How about that cover, isn't it beautiful? The plot setup for this one is a dual-timeline story of a villa in Italy. In 1974 a villa in Orvieto Italy was rented by a famous rock star, who in turn invited a group of druggie musician friends, one of whom was murdered there. In the present day, a pair of long-time besties rent the same villa and plan to spend the summer there each working on their current novels. Emily, who typically writes cozy mysteries, starts researching the events of the 70s and comes to believe there is more to the story than has been revealed. Instead of writing her typical novel, she switches gears and begins a work that could reveal exactly what occurred at the villa all those years before. It's freezing cold here right now, so a book set in the summer at a villa in Italy may be just what I need to warm my bones. This book is free right now on Kindle Unlimited. 

Comments

[Pamela Dempsey]

Beautiful orchid! Are you able to keep them all year? I love Trader Joe’s! Our nearest is 2 1/2 hours away so don’t get to go often 😥.

[Mary M]

I love Trader Joe's cookie butter ice cream 😋 so yummy!!

Normally the books I select are recommendations you have made; however, I've actually read The Villa. I'm anxious to see what you thought.

[Julie in MN]

I love Trader Joe's! Tell me, was this your experience? It sure is at every TJ's I've been to! https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=196735060127775
(I love the Holderness family, too!)

[Jan]

Beautiful orchid & a great price! Our nearest big city is 2 hours away. Despite being the largest town in the state, there's no Trader Joe's.😢
Both of your books sound interesting & the cover of The Villa could be a print on fabric!

[CarolE]

I clicked on the link from Julie about TJs and they nailed it, especially the parking lots! But I still love Trader Joe's! Enjoy your books; they sound really interesting.

[Madeline]

Our TJ's is about 30 minutes away. Every time I drive down from my sister's I stop and stock up on their goodies. Some of my favorite items are their key lime cookies (seasonal), fried rice, and snack mix.(so much more to love..) Love their assortment of cheeses. My only dislikes: all their stores seems a bit cramped and the parking lot is hectic.

[Ina]

wait. what? you joined a book of the month club? ;0

[Anita]

Love Trader Joe’s! Will have to check out the free book!

[Vicki Swigert]

Did you get a chance to read the last Seven Sisters book?