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.

Happy 4th of July! I hope you all did something fun to celebrate! Picnic? Fireworks? Hiking? Whatever it was, I hope it was fun.

As for me, I’m just psyched to have a 3-day weekend. More time to read!!

What did I read during the last week?

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison. A new story set in the world of The Goblin Emperor. My review is here.

Questland by Carrie Vaughn: A quest set on an island that uses technology to create fantasy worlds. A fun adventure – my review is here.

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell: I finished my audio re-read! I love these characters and the story so much. (If you’re interested, check out my review from when I first read this book, here.) Can’t wait for the 3rd and final book in the trilogy to arrive this week!

Pop culture & TV:

Continuing our MCU watching, my son and I started watching Loki on Disney+ this week. Four episodes are available so far, and it’s good! Although a bit weird to see Loki wearing a button down shirt and tie.

I also started watching Kevin Can F**k Himself (yes, that’s the actual title, asterisks and all). It’s so strange and completely absorbing, and Annie Murphy is awesome in it.

Puzzle of the Week:

I’m on a roll! Here’s this week’s puzzle:

Big surprise – I’m always drawn to bookstore-themed puzzles!

Fresh Catch:

Two new purchased books plus an ARC arrived this week:

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What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev: These Austen retellings are so much fun!

Now playing via audiobook:

Beth & Amy by Victoria Kantra: I guess this is a good week for retellings! This contemporary retelling of Little Women is the author’s follow up to Meg & Jo, which I really enjoyed.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 46 – 50.

So many books, so little time…