My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

I’m home! I flew back from the East Coast on Tuesday, took a couple of days to unpack, do laundry, and settle back into my normal life, and went right back to work (from home). I also got my first vaccine dose! I’m so grateful and relieved that everyone in my household has now had at least one shot. Brighter times ahead!

What did I read during the last week?

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales: A terrific YA novel. My review is here.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn: The Bridgerton books are perfect for airplane reading! My review of #4 is here.

Sweetshop of Dreams by Jenny Colgan: Such a sweet, fun audiobook! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched all of Ginny & Georgia on Netflix — my reaction is here.

Also, I finally gave in and signed up for Disney+… and I’m now halfway through WandaVision (totally fun). My son is advocating for a Marvel movie watch-a-thon, starting with Iron Man and going through the MCU in release order. Gotta say, I’m not hating the idea!

Fresh Catch:

While I was away, all sorts of exciting new bookish delights arrived at my house. So much fun opening all the boxes! Here’s what I got:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers: The upcoming new release by the author of A Witch in Time, which I loved.

Now playing via audiobook:

Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan: I don’t usually go for Christmas books, but this is the follow-up to Sweetshop of Dreams — and I just wasn’t ready to leave the characters from Sweetshop behind when I finished the book.

Ongoing reads:

• Outlander Book Club is re-reading Outlander! We’re reading and discussing one chapter per week. This week: Chapter 40, “Absolution”. 
• Our group classic read is part 2 of Don Quixote. Continuing onward, 3 chapters per week. Current status: 77%.

So many books, so little time…