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.

My husband and I celebrated our 28th anniversary this weekend! We had a lovely dinner at a favorite restaurant, where they went out of their way to make it special.

I was going to start a new puzzle this week… but that would mean putting away the old one, which would mean disturbing a very important member of the household.

Bookish bits & bobs:

I finished a challenge this week!

If you’d like to hear more about it, check out my post. I ended up enjoying this challenge so much that I’ve decided to start another one for 2026, with a little more of a low-key vibe. Instead of making it a decade-by-decade challenge, my 2026 challenge will be purely a numbers game — I’m challenging myself to read 15 (or more) books published in the 20th century. I’ve got more than enough on my TBR, and I’m hoping this challenge will continue providing me with that extra bit of motivation to actually pick up these books and read them!

In affiliate/discount news, Libro.fm is now offering an annual plan, with big discounts on access to audiobooks. For a limited time, they’re offering a bonus credit for people who sign up. Check it out, here. (And good news — Libro.fm purchases support your local bookstores!)

And for a general blogging update — the bots strike again! For no apparent reason, this blog had 2,440 views last Wednesday! Believe me, that is many, MANY times more than the norm. I have no idea why there was this strange spike in views on that particular days… just chalk it up to another day of online weirdness.

What did I read during the last week?

The Boy Who Cried Bear (Haven’s Rock, #2) by Kelley Armstrong: I love this fictional world so much! My review is here.

The Lark by E. Nesbit: Absolutely delightful! My review is here.

The Bullet That Missed (Thursday Murder Club, #3) by Richard Osman: Such fun! Watch for my review later in the week.

Pop culture & TV:

I went to an actual movie theater last week! My son finally convinced me to go see the lastest Avatar movie with him. It was… an Avatar movie. We enjoyed it, but it was just what you’d expect it to be. Long movie, good visuals, big battle scenes.

TV-wise, I haven’t picked up anything new — just watching a bit more of The Morning Show (season 3) and waiting each week for new episodes of Shrinking and All Creatures Great and Small.

Fresh Catch:

One new book!

I’d been wanting a copy of my own ever since borrowing this book from the library and loving it — and happened to find a good deal at just the right time.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean: Just getting started — I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author, so I have high hopes for this one!

I’ve also started a new library book:

Patchwork: A Graphic Biography of Jane Austen by Kate Evans: I keep wanting to call this a graphic novel… but it’s an unconventional biography in graphic novel style. I’m taking a slow reading approach to this book, reading one small section at a time. Really entertaining so far, with great illustrations.

Now playing via audiobook:

An Offer from a Gentleman (Bridgertons, #3) by Julia Quinn: Yes, I read this book during my original Bridgertons binge a few years ago! But with a month to wait in between halves of the latest Netflix season, it felt like a good time to revisit the story.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 61%. Coming up this week: Chapters 21 & 22.
• The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: My book group’s journey through the LOTR books continues! Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 71%.
• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m really happy with this spin result. Leaving it here as a reminder to start it in the next few weeks.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…