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.
It’s Hanukkah! The holiday got off to a great start, with family time, menorah lighting, and a cutthroat dreidel competition. It’s been a blast… and the nice thing about an eight-day holiday is — it’s not over yet!
What did I read during the last week?
Between the holiday and family get-togethers, I didn’t actually get much time to read at all. Here’s what I finished this past week:
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot: Delightful Hanukkah-themed romance. My review is here.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: This book won the Goodreads Choice Award for science fiction, but I found it a letdown. My review is here.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune: Another terrific audiobook by Carley Fortune! Finished late Sunday; review to follow.
Pop culture & TV:
Virgin River season 6 was actually fun! Yes, it’s exactly what you’d expect… but I’ve come to love the small town vibe, and the wedding felt like a huge payoff after all these seasons.
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week. And based on my look back at my book buying during 2024, I really don’t need to buy any more books for a long, long time…
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: I’m enjoying this cozy fantasy tale, but my reading time has been really scattered. Hoping to finish today or tomorrow!
Now playing via audiobook:
The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler: My library hold finally came in! I’ll be starting this audiobook today (if I can squeeze in any listening time).
Ongoing reads:
My book group’s newest classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week (except over the holidays). Progress: 15%. Currently on hold; resuming out group read on January 6th.
What will you be reading this week?
So many books, so little time…
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Nice post🌅🌅
Thank you!
Happy Hanukkah! Wait, Virginia River season 6 is out?? It completely escaped me. I was going to rewatch the whole series first, lol.
Ooh, a VR rewatch would have been a good idea! A lot of small details have escaped me from earlier seasons… but yes, season 6 is ready and waiting for you! 🙂
Happy Hanukkah! 🕎
I started VR last night! I’m trying to restrict myself to one episode a night instead of binging like I usually do!
Thank you! I did two VR episodes per night… and wanted to do more, but forced myself to be patient! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Happy Holidays, Lisa! I keep all my book purchases hidden on my Kindle, so no one can call me out 😉 Happy reading, too!
Happy holidays, Barb! I probably should keep my Kindle purchases to myself… it can get embarrassing!
Shhhhhh! 😉