Penny's Passion: June 2026

Friday, June 5, 2026

Five on Friday - June 5, 2026

 Happy Friday!  I'm crazy busy getting ready for a wedding I'm coordinating this weekend, so let's get right to my five for this week ~

1.  Whistler by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett's latest book was released this week and I can't wait to crack it open!
When Daphne Fuller and her husband Jonathan visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they notice an older, white-haired gentleman following them. The man turns out to be Eddie Triplett, her former stepfather, who had been married to her mother for a little more than year when Daphne was nine. Now fifty-three, Daphne hasn’t seen Eddie for many years, not since the fateful event that changed the direction of both their lives. Meeting again, time falls away; while their relationship was brief, it had a profound impact on them both, and now that they are reunited, they have no intention of ever being separated again.

Whistler is a story about two adults looking back over the choices they made, and the choices that were made for them. It’s a story about bravery, memory, the often small yet consequential moments that define our lives, and the endless stream of loss that in time comes for us all. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is ultimately about how love endures, and how the feeling of being known by one other person, even for a short period of time, can change everything.
2.  Carolina Caroline
Headed to the theater this weekend and wondering what to see?  Carolina Caroline opens today and is getting great reviews.  Carolina Caroline is a heartwarming film about family, second chances, and finding your way home. Filled with small-town charm and relatable characters, the story follows Carolina as she navigates unexpected challenges, rekindled relationships, and personal growth. With its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, it's an enjoyable feel-good movie that celebrates the importance of love, friendship, and staying true to yourself.

I was searching Amazon for a cute dress to wear to our Fourth of July celebrations and came across this adorable find! The tiered silhouette is especially flattering and forgiving through the midsection, and the red gingham print feels perfectly festive for the holiday. It also comes in several other color options if red isn't your style. One thing to note: shipping took a little longer than the typical Amazon Prime delivery, so be sure to order early if you have a specific event in mind.

I'll admit it—I own more pairs of sunglasses than I probably need, which means they tend to end up scattered all over the house. To make it easier to find the pair I want each day, I decided it was time for a designated storage spot. Enter this chic sunglasses case! Not only does it keep all my pairs organized and easy to find, but it also gives them a safe place to live when they're not in use. Stylish, practical, and much better than hunting through drawers and countertops!

5.  Charge it...


And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! Thanks for spending part of your day here with me. I always love hearing what you've been reading, watching, wearing, or loving lately, so be sure to leave a comment. Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

What I Read in May 2026

Hello, friends, and welcome to another Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Since it's the first Thursday of the month, it's time for one of my favorite posts—looking back at all the books I finished during the previous month. Then it will be your turn to share what you are thinking out loud about today!


Not a lot of reading happened for me in May. As you can probably guess, I'm knee-deep in wedding planning mode, so most of my free time has been spent checking things off wedding to-do lists, meeting with vendors, and tying up all the little details that come with a wedding that's just around the corner.

Even so, I did manage to finish three books during the month. And if I'm being completely honest, one of those was actually a short story, so it wasn't exactly a record-breaking reading month! Still, every book counts, and I enjoyed having a few stories to escape into whenever I could carve out some reading time.

The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail
Our library book club chose The Seamstress of New Orleans for our book last month.  I have to admit, I had a hard time finding anything I liked about this book.  Well, I am glad it was free on Kindle Unlimited and was glad I didn't have to pay for it.  The person that recommended the book wasn't able to attend and I was so curious to hear what she liked about it...
The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage.

Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence.

But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore
This is Book 6 in the Dream Harbor romance series, and it was such a fun, enjoyable read. It wasn't anything particularly deep or thought-provoking, nor was it trying to be the next great literary masterpiece. Instead, it delivered exactly what I was looking for—a light, charming story that was easy to pick up and get lost in for a few hours.

The characters were likable, the romance was sweet, and the small-town setting was as cozy as ever. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that simply entertains, and this one definitely fit the bill. If you're looking for something lighthearted and relaxing to toss in your beach bag this summer, I think this would be a great choice!

Daisy is fed up with being unlucky in love. And since Mayor Kelly declared her beloved flower shop cursed in one of his infamous visions, business has been slow.

Dream Harbor newcomer Elliot has been adjusting to small-town life following his own relationship turmoil. And until now he’s avoided the flower shop at all costs. If the mayor is correct, he doesn’t need any more bad luck in his life.

When he finds himself walking through the door of the Daisy Chain Flower Shop, he doesn’t expect it to be a life-changing moment. But as the petals blossom in the sunlight, might the unluckiest woman in Dream Harbor finally find that love comes when you’re least expecting it?
Lift Me Up by Millie Johnson
I love a good short story, and this one definitely fit the bill! Better yet, it's available for free on Kindle Unlimited, which is always a nice bonus.

There's something so satisfying about sitting down with a story and finishing it in one sitting. In a world full of lengthy books and never-ending to-do lists, it's fun to experience a complete story from beginning to end in just a few hours. Lift Me Up was the perfect Saturday morning read—quick, engaging, and easy to get through with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for a short escape that won't require a huge time commitment, this one is worth checking out.

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 2, 2026

 


Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers, including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that, as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature! 

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS


HIGHLIGHT LINKS 
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Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way, your entries will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party! 


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