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.

I actually got dressed up and went out one night! As opposed to my typical evenings with leggings, tea, books, and Netflix. My workplace had its big annual fundraising gala this week. I worked for part of it — my job was “greeter”, which meant basically standing around saying “welcome!” as people arrived. After that, I was able to hang out with my coworkers, enjoy the food and ambiance, and do some serious people watching.

One night out every once in a while is plenty for me. I do love my cozy evenings at home!

What did I read during the last week?

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle: A fast but not entirely satisfying read. My review is here.

Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark Is Rising, #1) by Susan Cooper: I enjoyed this middle grade fantasy/adventure tale, and may eventually read further in the series. My review is here.

Alaska Traveler by Dana Stabenow: An enjoyable collection of the author’s travel columns, providing quick little slice-of-life experiences from all across Alaska.

A Grave Robbery (Veronica Speedwell, #9) by Deanna Raybourn: A new installment in the ongoing Veronica Speedwell series is always a treat. My review is here.

Puzzle of the week:

A fun one from Ravensburger, with lots of cute little details:

Pop culture & TV:

Somehow I ended up with not a lot of viewing time this week. Other than new weekly episodes of shows like Survivor and Ghosts, I didn’t indulge much.

I’d hoped to binge my way through the rest of Fellow Travelers, but only managed to fit in a few more episodes. Three left! It’s excellent — can’t wait to see how it ends… but I also don’t want it to end.

Fresh Catch:

Two new books this week — a book I’d preordered ages ago (Holly Black), and a lovely hardcover edition of a novella that I’d had my eye on:

I’ll need to do a reread of the The Stolen Heir before I start The Prisoner’s Throne, since the details are — shall we say — murky, but I’m looking forward to revisiting this world.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain: Just getting started. I wasn’t entirely sure that I was in the mood for Regency romance right now, but I also wasn’t looking for anything too heavy. We’ll see how it goes!

Now playing via audiobook:

A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstong: I actually read this book a few years ago, but there are several more connected books in the series, and I decided to revisit this one before continuing with the others. It’s a lovely timeslip story, and I’m really enjoying the audio version.

Ongoing reads:

My current longer-term reads:

• Outlander Book Club is doing a group re-read of Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2), reading and discussing two chapters per week. Coming up this week: Chapters 48 and 49 (of 49). Progress: 94%. Final week!
• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 66%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…