Riches to Ruinville~Book Review

Riches to Ruinville

Katherine Hastings

March 20, 2025

If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Riches to Ruinville might be just the book for you. I found myself laughing out loud more than once while reading this story by Katherine Hastings. It’s witty, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt beneath all the humor.

The novel centers around CeCe and Diane, two women who once ruled New York’s elite social scene. For years, they lived lives filled with wealth, luxury, and status—and they were also fierce enemies. Everything between them was a competition: who hosted the better parties, who wore the most expensive clothes, and who could outshine the other in high society. Their husbands were business partners, equally wealthy and equally shady, and then one day everything collapses. The men vanish with millions of dollars, leaving their wives with absolutely nothing.

What follows is a complete reversal of fortune. The FBI sweeps in, seizing homes, assets, and even personal belongings. There’s nothing left to fight over—no money, no mansions, barely even clothes. Diane’s only lifeline is a rundown house left to her by a deceased aunt in the Louisiana bayou, along with a modest $5,000 inheritance. The house is far from glamorous: outdated, worn down, and worlds away from Manhattan luxury.

Despite their rocky past, CeCe convinces Diane to let her—and her companion Julian—come along. What begins as a reluctant arrangement slowly turns into an unexpected friendship. Together, they learn how to survive without riches, status, or servants. Watching these former socialites figure out everyday life without money is both funny and oddly satisfying.

Beyond the humor, Riches to Ruinville is really about reinvention and second chances. CeCe and Diane are forced to strip away their old identities and discover who they are without wealth defining them. Their journey from rivalry to friendship feels natural and earned, and the bayou setting adds charm and contrast to their former lives.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable, lighthearted read with meaningful moments mixed in. It’s not overly deep, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a story about loss, resilience, and finding purpose in unexpected places—and sometimes starting over is exactly what you need. 

Dead Air~Book Review

Dead Air by Carter Woods is a post-apocalyptic thriller that leans into tension, survival, and the sudden collapse of everyday life. The story centers on Izzy, an ordinary woman who is forced into an extraordinary role when communication systems fail and the world as she knows it grinds to a halt. What begins as confusion and fear quickly turns into a fight for survival, with Izzy unexpectedly becoming the person others look to for leadership and answers.

Izzy’s character arc is one of the stronger aspects of the book. She doesn’t start out as a hardened survivor or trained leader, which makes her rise to responsibility feel relatable at times. As events unfold, she is pushed to make decisions that affect not only her own safety but the lives of those around her. This shift—from someone reacting to chaos to someone guiding others through it—drives much of the story’s momentum.

That said, Dead Air isn’t without its flaws. Some situations and character decisions strain believability, especially when it comes to how quickly people adapt or how conveniently certain problems are resolved. A few moments feel rushed or overly simplified, which may pull readers out of the story if they prefer highly realistic survival scenarios. However, these issues don’t completely derail the experience, particularly for readers who enjoy fast-paced plots over meticulous realism.

The pacing is quick, making this an easy and engaging read. Chapters move swiftly, and the tension is steady enough to keep pages turning without becoming overwhelming. While the book may not break new ground in the post-apocalyptic genre, it delivers a familiar framework with enough intrigue to remain entertaining.

Overall, Dead Air is an okay book to read—nothing exceptional, but not bad either. It works well as a quick read for fans of survival fiction who enjoy watching an unlikely character step into a leadership role. If you’re looking for a deep, highly realistic apocalypse story, this may fall a bit short. But if you want something fast, accessible, and moderately engaging, it’s worth picking 

Winter Storm is coming,

 

                                                                                                 

                                                                                           

                                                                     Winter Storm Prep

A winter storm warning has been issued for Oklahoma starting Friday, and it has definitely been on my mind. The forecasts are calling for anywhere from one to three inches of ice, along with an unknown amount of snow. Even writing that makes me pause. Ice storms are never something to take lightly, and the uncertainty of how bad it could get is what makes it unsettling.

We’ve done our best to prepare ahead of time. Our water well has been winterized, and all of the outside water faucets are protected. At this point, we’ve taken care of everything within our control. The weatherman is warning of over 105 hours of below-freezing temperatures, and that alone is enough to make anyone nervous. My biggest concern isn’t the snow — it’s whether our electricity will hold, especially if we truly do end up with that much ice.

That’s what’s been sitting heavy on my mind these past few days.

This morning, I have a doctor’s appointment for lab work, and then I’ll head back to work to finish out the day. I plan to bring my computer home with me so I can work remotely, likely through Wednesday. With the temperatures expected to stay so low, I really don’t want to be driving back and forth if I can help it. One thing I am slightly worried about is whether our internet connection will be able to keep up with my workload, but I’ll do my best to make it work. Safety comes first, and sometimes that means adjusting expectations.

After work today, I’m making a few important stops. First, I’ll fill up the Jeep. Since we have an all-electric house, I want to make sure we have a full tank of gas just in case we ever needed to sit in it for warmth. I’m hoping it never comes to that, but peace of mind is worth the extra stop. I also plan to run by our local grocery store to grab a few easy, no-heat, grab-and-go food items. We have plenty of food in the house, but not much that wouldn’t require cooking, and I want to be prepared for any scenario.

I’ll be honest — I don’t like winter storms. While it seems like we have a stretch like this every year, it doesn’t make it any easier. Knowing it’s coming doesn’t make it less stressful, but preparation helps calm my nerves just a bit.

One thing I am looking forward to is having some quiet time with my Kindle. I need to download several books to read, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve already read in 2026. I honestly didn’t realize just how much reading I do until I started keeping track. This year, my blog is going to look a little different as I begin sharing more book reviews and reflecting on what I’m reading. Most of my reading happens late at night before bed — it’s my favorite way to unwind and escape, especially during cold, quiet winter nights.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. It’s been fun documenting memories and writing about a little bit of everything. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to read along. I always love hearing from you, whether it’s a quick hello, a question, or something you’d like to share. Stay warm, stay safe, and I’ll see you back here later. 

The last Line of Defense Book Review

                       Book Review: The Last Line of Defense

The Last Line of Defense drops readers into a rugged, post-collapse world where survival depends on land, loyalty, and the willingness to defend both. The story centers on Barb, a woman living on her property as society unravels and outside forces begin to encroach on what she’s worked hard to protect. On paper, this setup fits squarely within post-apocalyptic fiction, a genre I usually enjoy. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite land for me.

Barb is the clear focal point of the novel, but her characterization is where the story struggled the most. Rather than feeling layered and reactive to the danger around her, she often came across as repetitive. The same thoughts, phrases, and internal reactions appeared again and again, which pulled me out of the tension instead of building it. In a survival-based story, I expect growth, adaptation, and increasingly tough decisions—but Barb felt emotionally static throughout much of the book.

One of my biggest disconnects came from the action scenes. In a situation where your home and land are being invaded, the stakes should be sky-high. Yet Barb’s choices didn’t feel realistic to me. Shooting at an intruder’s feet instead of acting decisively broke the sense of danger and urgency. In a true post-apocalyptic scenario, hesitation like that would likely cost someone their life, and it made the conflict feel muted when it should have been explosive.

The premise itself had potential. The idea of defending land as a final stand, especially in a collapsed society, is compelling. There were moments where the atmosphere hinted at something darker and more intense, but those moments never fully developed. The pacing lagged, and the emotional payoff never quite arrived.

I don’t say this often, but this book simply wasn’t for me. While some readers may appreciate the slower pace or Barb’s moral hesitation, I found both frustrating rather than thought-provoking. By the end, I felt more disappointed than satisfied, and I don’t plan to continue with this author’s work.

If you’re deeply invested in post-apocalyptic stories, you might still be curious to give it a try—but for me, The Last Line of Line Of Defense missed the mark.

Beyond the Grid~Book Review

                                                                Beyond the Grid

                                           by William Stone

                                               April 16, 2025

Beyond the Grid is a post-EMP survival story that leans more into family, preparedness, and moral choices than nonstop action, which made it an enjoyable read for me. The story follows Mark, one of the main characters, whose world is instantly turned upside down when an EMP detonates. Separated from his wife and daughter, Mark’s immediate mission becomes getting back to them—no matter the obstacles in his path.

Before everything collapsed, Mark made a promise to his brother Jimmy: if anything ever went wrong, he was to come to Jimmy’s off-grid homestead. Jimmy has spent years preparing for exactly this kind of scenario, building a self-sufficient sanctuary several hours away. That promise becomes a lifeline, pulling Mark forward through a landscape where power is gone, communication is cut, and people are forced to show who they really are.

What I appreciated most about this book is that it didn’t rely on excessive violence to move the story along. While there are moments of danger and conflict—as you’d expect in an EMP survival novel—it never felt overwhelming. I tend to skim or scroll past overly graphic fight scenes, and thankfully this book didn’t linger there. Instead, it focused on tension, survival decisions, and the emotional weight of protecting the people you love in a broken world.

The pacing was steady, and the off-grid elements were interesting without becoming too technical. Readers who enjoy preparedness themes will appreciate the realistic look at homesteading, planning, and community after a collapse. At the same time, the book remains accessible to those who are newer to the genre.

The ending genuinely surprised me. Without giving anything away, it didn’t follow the exact path I expected, which added to my overall enjoyment. It felt earned and thoughtful rather than predictable.

Overall, Beyond the Grid was a solid, engaging read. It balances survival, family bonds, and resilience without going overboard on violence. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories with heart and a focus on off-grid living, this one is worth picking up.

Celebrating Elizabeth’s Birthday

                                          🎳 Celebrating Elizabeth’s Birthday at the Bowling Alley 🎉

          

There is just something about celebrating a birthday at a bowling alley that never gets old. Maybe it’s the mix of laughter, friendly competition, and comfort food, or maybe it’s the fact that bowling brings everyone together in such an easy, relaxed way. Whatever the reason, it was the perfect place to celebrate Elizabeth’s 57th birthday.

We all met at the Chickasha Bowling Alley at 4:00 PM, ready for an afternoon of bowling and good food. The menu was exactly what you’d hope for—pizza, wings, and mozzarella cheese sticks. Simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser. From the moment everyone arrived, the energy felt light and fun. You could tell right away this was going to be one of those gatherings where time flies by.

Elizabeth had a great turnout, with the perfect balance of family and friends. That mix always makes a celebration feel extra special. It wasn’t too crowded, but it also never felt quiet. People were laughing, talking across lanes, cheering each other on, and enjoying being together. It was one of those moments where you stop and think, this is what it’s all about.

We wanted to get Elizabeth a few fun and thoughtful gifts—things she would actually use and enjoy. We picked out two pool floats for her swimming pool, thinking ahead to warmer days and summer afternoons. We also gave her a monogrammed makeup bag filled with lipstick and lip pencils to match. It felt good knowing the gifts were both fun and practical, and she seemed genuinely happy with them. I love giving gifts that fit someone’s lifestyle, not just something that will be tucked away and forgotten.

The bowling itself was a blast. Some people were clearly more competitive than others, but mostly it was about having fun and interacting. I noticed how much everyone was engaging with one another—moving around, chatting between turns, laughing at missed pins, and celebrating strikes like they were professional bowlers. Those moments of connection are what make gatherings memorable.

I also realized something about myself during the evening. I actually felt more social than usual. Truthfully, I tend to get overwhelmed in crowds and often stick close to the people I know best instead of mingling. But this time felt different. I talked more, laughed more, and felt more at ease. Now, I won’t say it had nothing to do with the shot of tequila and two beers I had—but hey, I was living on the edge, wasn’t I? 🤣🍺 Sometimes a little liquid courage doesn’t hurt.

We didn’t get home until after 8:00 PM, which says a lot for us. If we’re out that late, it means we were truly having a good time. Neither one of us likes driving in the dark these days, but the evening was worth it. We came home tired, happy, and full—both from food and from good company.

All in all, it was a wonderful way to celebrate Elizabeth. Good food, good laughs, meaningful gifts, and time spent with people who matter most. Those are the moments I want to remember and hold onto.

Sunday Funday with Cherrie

 Sunday is always a little extra special around here, because it usually means Sunday Funday with my best friend, Cherrie. Sundays are her only day off, so we make it a point to squeeze in lunch, shopping, and plenty of laughter whenever we can—usually a few times a month.

We met at our usual spot near City Hall around 10 a.m. It’s funny how some routines just stick. We’ve parked there for years, and it always feels safe and familiar, like the official starting point of our adventures. From there, we headed to Lawton, Oklahoma, for a few hours of shopping and girl time. Cherrie was on a mission to find birthday gifts for her granddaughter, Ms. B., who is about to turn 7 years old. Such a fun age to shop for!

Our first stop was Golden Corral for lunch. I honestly hadn’t eaten there in several years, but the timing worked out perfectly. They were just pulling breakfast and switching over to lunch, so everything was hot, fresh, and plentiful. That alone felt like a win and gave us the energy boost we needed for the rest of the day.

After lunch, we hit TJ Maxx and Burlington—thankfully right next door to each other, which makes hopping between stores so easy. Then we headed to Academy. I was hoping to find shoes for Lane and Landon as part of their birthday gifts, but unfortunately, they didn’t have the sizes we needed in the brand we were looking for. You win some, you lose some.

Cherrie, however, was having great luck and found several birthday gifts for Ms. B. From there, we popped into JCPenney just to browse. I didn’t find anything I needed, so I walked out empty-handed—and honestly, I’m okay with that.

As we were getting ready to leave, Cherrie suggested we try Shoe Carnival. I hesitated at first, but decided to pull in anyway—and wouldn’t you know it, they had exactly the shoes I wanted for the boys, and they were on sale! That felt like a small victory and totally made my day.

Before leaving Lawton, we made one last (and very necessary) stop at Viridian for drinks. This is always a must for me. I ordered a sweet cream with mocha, and it was exactly what I needed after all that shopping.

Next up was a quick run to Duncan, Oklahoma, to Walmart. I needed to pick up medication for Mr. C. and grab some new lipstick. I’ve used CoverGirl’s 12-hour lip color forever—it’s reliable and comes in so many great shades. While there, I found a few mini-brand “make it mini” food sets on sale and thought Kyndall would enjoy making those with her mom. Cherrie also scored several Barbie toys for Ms. B.

I made it home around 2:30 p.m., just in time to get ready for our next adventure—heading with Mr. C. to Elizabeth’s birthday party at the bowling alley in Chickasha.

Days like this remind me how grateful I am to be able to go, do, and enjoy life the way I do. I never take that for granted.