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’ll be heading out of town on Friday for the lead-up to a wedding at the end of the month, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’ll share more once I’m back. Meanwhile, I expect my blogging and overall online activity to be at a minimum. After the wedding, my husband and I will be spending another week in the area to relax and enjoy a bit, so I won’t be fully back and active until the 2nd week of June.

What did I read during the last week?

Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time, #4) by Kelley Armstrong: Terrific addition to an excellent series. My review is here.

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine: This audiobook seemed like it would be fun, but it just did not work for me. My review is here.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan: I feel like this author doesn’t get nearly as much attention as she deserves! Her fourth adult novel is fantastic, which isn’t surprpising, considering how much I loved all the others. My review is here.

Also read (but not reviewed):

Human Resources by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Since HR is my field in the non-book-world, I just couldn’t resist. At first, I thought this was a novella and almost bought it for my Kindle, but then realized that it’s a short story, and is available to read online via Tor, here.

Zel by Donna Jo Napoli: This might look like middle grade fiction, but it’s really pretty dark — and yet, I’m not sure that it would gain much traction in today’s YA market either. This retelling of Rapunzel has some very interesting elements and is a quick read. I picked it up because I needed a “Z” book for a challenge! I’m glad I read it — I’d give it a solid 3 – 3.5 stars.

Elsewhere in book world:

TJ Klune’s next book has a cover and release date! Read about it here.

Carol at Reading Ladies shared a hint about how to hide spoilers in blog posts. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me (I’d have to upgrade my WordPress plan to be able to use the plug-in), but I still think it’s worth knowing about! Here’s the link to the instructions she shared.

Pop culture & TV:

This week’s Netflix binge: Four Seasons. Just my speed right now — eight 30-minute episodes. Terrific cast, and lots of fun. And yay — it’s official! There’s going to be a season 2.

Fresh Catch:

Two newly published graphic novels this week!

Song of the Lioness, Book 1 (Alanna): I’m excited to see how this story works in graphic novel form.

Saga, volume 12: This is a great series… but I have to admit that I don’t remember a thing about what happened in the last one or two volumes, and may have to do a reread before starting this new one.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce: My book group’s book for May. We’ve read some great books already this year, and I’ve heard some really good things about this one, so I’m happy to be starting it!

Now playing via audiobook:

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune: Amazing to think that I only came across Carley Fortune’s books last year — she’s now a favorite author! I’m loving this newest book.

Ongoing reads:

Two longer-term reading commitments right now:

• My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 92%. Up next: Chapters 46 and 47. We’ll be done next week!
• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, two chapters per week. Progress: 16%. Up next: Chapters 3 and 4.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…