The Monday Check-In ~ 3/30/2026

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.

After a very busy workweek, I took time over the weekend to relax, exercise, and do not much at all! Well, that’s not entirely accurate — I did spend some time organizing and getting ready to travel. My extended family is meeting on the east coast this coming week to celebrate Passover together, and I can’t wait to see everyone!

I’ll be away for the remainder of the week starting tomorrow, and expect to mainly be off-line until the weekend. I’m busy planning what to read on the plane (let’s focus on the important things!) and what to pack for a few days of cold, rainy weather.

Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Passover and Happy Easter!

What did I read during the last week?

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman: I finished this sweet audiobook last week, and just posted a review, here.

Nobody’s Baby by Olivia Waite: This novella is the 2nd in a really fun space/detective novella series. My review is here.

And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens: An uneven story, although the audiobook narration kept me entertained. My review is here.

Everybody’s Favorite Guy by Katherine Center: Cute short story by a favorite author. (Looks like it’s currently free as a Prime reading choice.)

Butterfly Effects (Incryptids, #15 by Seanan McGuire: That’s right, it’s book #15 in this series! I finished this book late on Sunday — look for my review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m trying to decide if I feel like downloading something to watch on the plane — or to devote my six hours of flight time to reading. What a choice! For downloads, I’m considering watching the first episodes of either Bad Monkey or For All Mankind… unless something else catches my eye between now and then.

I managed to finish the newest season of Virgin River early last week. It was… okay. I enjoy the characters, even when the drama is over the top and the romance is beyond corny. The cliffhanger ending is more annoying than suspenseful. I have full faith that everyone will be okay!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week… but I found out via email that I won not one, but two Goodreads giveaways! I’m looking forward to my copies of both books.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) by Richard Osman: I’m just starting today — right in time for my flight tomorrow! A nice long plane ride feels like the perfect opportunity to enjoy the next book in this entertaining series.

Now playing via audiobook:

I don’t really have time to start something before my trip, and I probably won’t do any audiobook listening before I get back next weekend. I haven’t really settled on what I’ll listen to next, but I’m leaning toward one of these: