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.

Home again! I got back Saturday from a week back east visiting family. Loads of fun, and I was so happy to be able to get time with a bunch of family members and friends, and especially my dad. Now I’m back, gearing up for a return to my work/life routine.

While I was away, I was pretty bad about keeping up with other bloggers and leaving comments, but I hope to get back into the swing of things this week!

On the (very) bright side, being away for a week and having a pretty relaxed scheduled meant that I had LOTS of time to read. Check out all of this week’s books!

What did I read during the last week?

Enjoy the View (Moose Springs, #3) by Sarah Morgenthaler: The 3rd in this cute Alaska-set romance series. My series wrap-up post is here.

On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgertons, #8) by Julia Quinn: That’s it — I’ve read all the Bridgerton books! Now I just need the next season of the Netflix series. My review is here.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz: This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat! My review is here.

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary: I just finished this audiobook, and really enjoyed it. Review to follow.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: I’m late to the party, I know, but after watching season 1 of the Netflix series, I thought I should give the books a try. I enjoyed Shadow and Bone, but there’s actually almost nothing in this book that wasn’t shown in the TV version, so it wasn’t a particularly exciting reading experience. Still, I intend to keep going. I do like it, just haven’t encountered anything new yet.

Pop culture & TV:

I started watching season 1 of Love, Victor (on Hulu) on the plane ride home, and it’s so good! I’ve only watched 4 episodes so far — but it’s nice to have my next binge all lined up.

Fresh Catch:

No new books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

She Wouldn’t Change a Thing by Sarah Adlakha: I don’t know much about this book other than that it’s compared to Sliding Doors in a blurb, and that’s enough to make me want to read it! As of when I’m writing this post, I’m just about to get started.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Stand-In by Lily Chu: This audiobook looked really cute and was FREE on Audible, plus it’s narrated by Phillipa Soo, so how could it be bad? I’m only about an hour into it so far, but I’m liking it.

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 71 – 75.

Also in book group, we’re doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. This is the 2nd of (I think) 4 weeks, and we’re already getting into some good discussions. And, it’s nice to have a shorter classic to discuss after spending the past year on Don Quixote!

So many books, so little time…