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.

On the mend…

Four COVID cases later, my entire household is starting to feel better. I felt close to normal on Friday, then went back downhill on Saturday and Sunday… but I know it’s a slow process, and I’m trying to be patient, get lots of rest, and drink as much tea as possible! I’d planned to go back to my regular work schedule as of today (Monday) — remotely, of course — but that’s looking kind of iffy at this point.

In cuteness news…

We have a new house guest!

Meet Benji! (Formally known as Benji Bean, in case you’re ever looking to be introduced). My son and his girlfriend adopted Benji about a week and a half ago, right as we all started getting sick… so instead of moving back to her place as planned, Benji is staying here until everyone is healthy and ready to be out in the world again.

Look at that adorableness! I’m not hating it.

What did I read during the last week?

One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris: Read the previous week, but just posted a review, here.

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon: Positive contemporary romance with a strong emphasis on women’s friendship. My review is here.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley: Amazing road trip adventure! My review is here.

Wolfsong (Green Creek, #1) by TJ Klune: There are no words for how much I loved this book. I think I’ll be under its spell for quite a while. My review is here.

Ten Thousand Stitches (Regency Faerie Tales, #2): Another fun faerie story. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Has anyone watched With Love on Prime Video? Somehow it escaped my notice until now, but it’s such a fun, heartwarming series. There are now two seasons (eleven episodes total), focusing on the members of a large Mexican-American family and their ups and downs. It’s funny, romantic, and totally engaging. I hope there’s more to come! (Although I also hope they ditch the love triangle that’s been dragging on… so annoying!)

Fresh Catch:

One new physical review books, plus once again I succumbed to the temptation of adding to my (overwhelmingly huge) Kindle library:

Puzzle of the week:

Really pretty one this week, and it went very quickly too!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman: My book group’s pick for June. Just getting started.

Now playing via audiobook:

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren: The library happened to have a copy available for download right when I was ready for something new. Looking forward to it!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

With a new group classic read starting next week, I’ll have two ongoing reads to keep me busy:

• 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 134 and 135 (of 155).
• Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons: We’re starting our group read next week, two chapters per week. Sounds like it will be great!

So many books, so little time…