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.

We had a really fun Passover — but so much chaos! I’m not complaining. We had 13 people for our seder, 5 extra people staying at our house for the week, and non-stop rounds of doing dishes and cleaning up… but all worth it! We had a decidedly non-traditional celebration, lots of cocktails, singing and rowdiness — all in all, a great success!

Although now I could use a week or so to recover…

What did I read during the last week?

To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters: Another fun installment in the Regency Vows series. My review is here.

The Suite Spot by Trish Doller: The follow-up novel to Float Plan, which I read the previous week. My review is here.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan: A sweet, engaging story about second-chance love and summer romance. Sure to be a great beach read! My review will be posted in the next few days.

Pop culture & TV:

I watched the first episode of The Power (Prime Video) this week — pretty good so far! I just need a little time to catch up on the other available episodes.

Meanwhile, Yellowjackets continues to be just as disturbing as expected. Not a good choice to watch right before bed.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week. Although I did stock up on quite a few Kindle books that had price breaks. Couldn’t resist!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay: This 20th-century Australian classic is my spring Classics Club Spin book. I’m about halfway through, and totally fascinated.

Now playing via audiobook:

Waypoints: My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan: The Outlander star’s memoir of his life, as viewed through a trek through Scotland. The author is also the audiobook narrator, and he’s so great to listen to!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’re doing a group read of BEES, reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 116 and 117 (of 155).
• A Passage to India by E. M. Forster: My book group’s current classic read, also two chapters per week. We’ll be finished by the middle of May.

So many books, so little time…