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.
The sun finally came out on a day when I was home to enjoy it! Walking to the beach and then spending time with a book on my back porch felt like such a treat.
In weird blogging news, I’m suddenly getting way more views this week than I normally do, apparently for my reviews of Bridgerton books. I don’t know why, but I guess they’re popping up in Google searches this week, probably as people are looking for info on the book behind the new Bridgerton season? It’s weird, but I’ll take it!
What did I read during the last week?
Reputation by Lex Croucher: A light take on the Regency era, with lots of drinking and bad behavior. My review is here.
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker: My book group’s pick for March. Some beautiful writing, but there was too much about the plot that didn’t really make sense to me for me to fully enjoy it.
The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth: A contemporary thriller with lots of surprises. Kept me turning the pages, but ultimately I felt let down by the ending. My review is here.
Outlander!!
Week #4! The 4th episode aired last night, and I thought it was excellent!
I’m loving this season!
Pop culture & TV:
Bridgerton season 2 is here! I couldn’t indulge in quite as intense a binge as I would have liked… but I’ve watched six episodes so far, and I can’t wait to watch the final two! I love the casting this season, but I do sort of miss the way the central romance unfolded in the book vs how it’s being developed on the show. Still, it’s so entertaining (and so pretty to look at!).
Puzzle of the Week:
This is a 1000-piece puzzle from Ravenburger (called Quaint Cafe). As usual with my photos, it’s a lot cuter and more detailed than you can really tell from the picture. I gave in to my obsessive puzzle behavior and finished it within 24 hours. Fun!
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
To Marry and To Meddle by Martha Waters: The 3rd book in a very fun series — I’m about halfway done.
Now playing via audiobook:
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy: This audiobook is sweet and funny, just what I needed!
Ongoing reads:
- Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started our group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. If anyone wants to join us, just ask me how! All are welcome.
- The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer: I joined the Classics Club Spin for the very first time, and this is what my spin turned out to be. I’m reading this book in daily installments through the Serial Reader app, and really like it so far (although I’m already feeling impatient with this approach, and may end up sitting and reading straight through eventually).
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
I was only able to watch the first episode of Bridgerton, but so far it’s good! I’m sure I’ll watch the rest this week😁
I plan to finish tonight! I really like it, but I can’t help comparing to the way the romance develops in the book, which in some ways is more straightforward.
Glad you got to enjoy some good weather while you were home. We’re in the middle of a weird cold snap! I think I’m going to read The Younger Wife – have a great week, Lisa!
Hope you manage to stay warm!! Enjoy your week!
Off to a good start!
I hope you have a great week!
Thanks, you too!
I love that puzzle! And To Marry and To Meddle looks like a very fun read. 🙂
I really have to be careful about when I “allow” myself to start a new puzzle — once I start, I can’t stop until it’s done! This one was fun though. To Marry & To Meddle is the 3rd in a series, and I recommend them all!
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats has been on my shelf for years, given to me as a gift (very different cover design than your copy). just pulled it off recently for library sale donation, but wondering if instead I should give it a try, What do you think? Will you be reviewing it?
I didn’t end up reviewing it — my book group’s discussion was pretty lively, and then I didn’t feel like I had much else to say about it. Our reaction was pretty mixed. Some folks loved it, but I had issues with some of the plot points that left me unsatisfied and feeling like there wasn’t solid enough logic for some of what happened. And yet, parts are quite lovely. I gave it 3 stars… but it could be worth a try.
Thanks Lisa, I’ve learned over the many years I’ve read your blog that we’re pretty closely aligned in reading tastes so donation it is!