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 just catching up after a week away! I spent a wonderful week in Hawaii with my husband — we celebrated my birthday, enjoyed the gorgeous weather and beautiful views, read a lot on the beach, and ate delicious food. Absolutely lovely!

Bookish bits & bobs:

Two upcoming book releases that I learned about over the past two weeks — these make me so happy! Both will be released in 2027.

• The Lovebirds by Katherine Center (May 2027)
• A Spoonful of Trouble by T. Kingfisher (September 2027)

And this tickled my inner grammar nerd / cat lover:

What did I read during the last (two) weeks?

The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones by Lex Croucher: A surprise hit! I hadn’t heard anything about this book before stumbling across a rave review in the New York Times. Plain and simple — I loved it. My review is here.

Pride and Prejudice (Audible Original – dramatization): A fun dramatization with a full cast that includes Glenn Close as Lady Catherine de Bourgh! It’s fairly short, and was a nice way to fill in the little bit of listening time I had last week.

What You Are Looking For Is In the Library by Michiko Aoyama: Sweet, cozy Japanese fiction about intersecting lives connected by a community library and its unusual librarian. My book group’s September pick. I enjoyed it a lot, even though I didn’t get around to writing a review.

A Divided Duty (October Daye, #20) by Seanan McGuire: Another excellent installment in a favorite fantasy series. My review is here.

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton: Historical fiction with a speculative twist, set during the 1960s space race. Watch for my review later this week.

Newbourne Park by Jennifer Thorne: Sharp, fast-paced horror. Loved it! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Since I’ve only been home a few days, I really haven’t had much viewing time (and spent no time at all in front of screens while on vacation). So far, I’ve caught up on the first few episodes of the new season of Dancing with the Stars (my early favorites are Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech, and Julia Stiles!), and just sat down last night to start the 2nd season of the Outlander prequel series, Blood of My Blood.

Shocker — I think I’m going to sit out the new season of Survivor (that started this past week). I feel like I’ve just had enough of that particular show… although I reserve the right to change my mind! There’s a new season of The Amazing Race starting this week, and since that’s one that my son likes too, I’ll probably be watching.

And once life settles down a bit again, I’m sure I’ll have plenty to check out from my Netflix watchlist…

Fresh Catch:

Right before my trip, my copy of Exit Party arrived:

And when I came back, I found my preordered, signed copy of Well Versed waiting for me!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel: Started over the weekend, and I’ve read about a third so far. I’m confused, but intrigued!

Now playing via audiobook:

No Matter What by Cara Bastone: I’d been wanting to start this audiobook, and finally had time once we got home from our trip. I haven’t made a ton of progress yet, but I’m liking it so far!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 88%. Coming up this week: Volume 4, chapters 11 and 12.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…