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’m back! My husband and I just spent a week in Hawaii… pure relaxation! Our trips tend to be go, go, go all the time — whether daily hikes or road trips or running from point A to point B to point Z. This time, though… we basked in the glory of having no plans other than enjoying the beach, the sun, the waves, and good food.

We basically spent every day swimming, walking on the beach, and reading by the pool, then headed out in the evenings for casual to nicer dinners — and even made it to a terrific Cirque du Soleil experience!

I loved getting some time away (and it also was a great way to celebrate my birthday)!

What did I read during the last week?

I have a LOT of catching up to do when it comes to reviews. Meanwhile, here’s a look at everything I’ve read since my last Monday Check-In post two weeks ago:

Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: Fantastic addition to one of my all-time favorite series! My review is here.

Alone in the Wild (Rockton, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This series is SO good! I’ve been trying to pace myself, but it’s hard to resist reading straight through. My review of book #5 is here.

Reviews to follow later this week:

The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell: Cute Austen-inspired romance with a time-travel twist.

Green Rider by Kristen Britain: Just as good as everyone says! I’m so happy that I finally took the time to read this terrific fantasy.

A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, #2) by Rebecca Thorne: Sad to say, this cozy fantasy is so-so at best.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding: Even more Austen! This contemporary retelling of Emma was lots of fun as an audiobook.

Pop culture & TV:

My reality competition shows all started this past week, and I’m behind! I didn’t watch a single thing while we were away, so over the next few days, I’ll be looking forward to starting the new seasons of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: This wasn’t on my priority reading list for fall, but it somehow suited my mood last night when I was ready to start a new book, so here we are! This Dracula retelling/reinvention is off to a good start.

Now playing via audiobook:

Where You’re Planted by Melanie Sweeney: I don’t remember where I first heard about this book, but my library hold came in and I decided to grab it! I should be starting this audiobook today.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 73%. Up next: Chapters 31 and 32.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 45%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…