April was a crazy month for me and I’m glad to see the back of it. My son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, my daughter was referred to a cardiologist for tests, and my asthma decided to come out to play.
Thankfully, the month ended on a positive note. My daughter’s consultation with the cardiologist went well and she seems to be perfectly healthy. My son will need further therapy to help his development, but I’m coming to terms with the diagnosis and its implications for the future. I have good days and bad days, but I’m generally optimistic that we can get him the help he needs.
Proving once again that books are my salvation when times are tough, I got quite a few read in April. Although there were no keepers among them, there was only one absolute clunker.
- Match Made in Court (2010) by Janice Kay Johnson – B+
- My Brother Michael (1959) by Mary Stewart - B
- Hunter’s Green (1968) by Phyllis Whitney – B
- Be Buried in the Rain (1985) by Barbara Michaels – B
- Ammie, Come Home (1968) by Barbara Michaels – B
- Her Best Friend (2010) by Sarah Mayberry - B
- Vision in White (2009) by Nora Roberts – B-
- What the Librarian Did (2010) by Karina Bliss – B-
- The Shadow of the Lynx (1971) by Victoria Holt - C
- Talk of the Town (2008) by Karen Hawkins - DNF
Hopefully, May will prove to be less stressful and more productive, particularly on the writing front. My WIP is limping along and needs a serious input of time and inspiration. I’m extremely fortunate to have a wonderful critique partner who is as useful for her pep talks as she is for her constructive criticism.
Oh, and we bought a house. A rather small house, it has to be said, but the kids love it. 
How was your month? Did you read many books? If so, which ones can you recommend?
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Hugs on the kids, Sarah! You’ve had your hands full, eh? Here’s hoping May’s a lot better and that you enjoy the new house.
My reading in April was almost in the negatives. I had to dip out on the two challenges I’m in because I simply didn’t have it in me to read other than a couple of review books. I want my reading mojo back!
@Amy: I always wanted a little playhouse when I was a kid, so I think I’m enjoying it as much as they are!
No! I say I have the most wonderful critique partner! Enh, we can share the honor.
I love the house — colorful, lots of features, and no splinters. I don’t *actually* want to be a tiny tot again, but that house does make me pause…
May is a new month — here’s to clear lungs and large W-I-P files!
The kids look right at home in their ‘Little House on the Patio’!
In April, I really enjoyed reading two more of Jacqueline Winspear’s books about Maisie Dobbs, ‘Among the Dead’ and ‘The Mapping of Love and Death’. And I was totally absorbed by John Heilemann & Mark Halperin’s ‘Race of a Lifetime: How Obama Won the White House’ (the US title is actually a more accurate one as the book isn’t all about Barack – ‘Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime’).
Finally, on this May Day, I couldn’t resist starting another Jo Nesbo book and I’m looking forward to a long weekend with Harry Hole and ‘The Redeemer’.
awww what a cute little house, my sister and i had a similar one when we were little still talk about it fondly. we called it our “Wendy house” like in peter pan!
glad to hear your family is doing better, wishing you the best! xoxox lusty
Well, I’m glad the month ended more positively than it began.
I hear ya on the WIP front. It’s hard when life gets in the way to push on with it. Having a CP definitely helps.
I’m sorry to hear about all the stress you’ve been having in April. Hopefully May will be better! Whenever I’ve been feeling stressed out this month, I tell myself, “April showers bring May flowers.” Not that it helps much, but you know… it’s something.
And hooray on your own house! I hope there’s room for bookshelves.
Wow – you had a full month! Best wishes to you and your family. Hopefully May will be full of nothing but fantastic news!
Looks like you had a really solid reading month. All those B grades!
Heh – and that little play house? Put it on a small patch of land and it would probably sell for $500,000 here in southern California
@Magdalen: I’m making a bit of progress on my WIP. Not much, but better than nothing.
@Trish: Yay! I’m delighted you’re enjoying the Jo Nesbo books.
@Lusty Reader: We also call them Wendy Houses in Ireland but I wasn’t sure if the term was international.
@Tumperkin: A good CP is great to have, especially when the Muse is not feeling cooperative.
@heidenkind: Actually, my daughter did put a couple of her books on the little shelf in the playhouse. She takes after her mother in that respect!
@Wendy: Oh, boy, I’d say it would be a similar price in Switzerland. Property prices here are insane.