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 busy workweek, my real highlight was spending the weekend with my daughter and her husband. It was wonderful! Great visit, lots of fun, beautiful scenery… what a joy!

Bookish bits & bobs:

Another exciting cover reveal this past week:

Carley Fortune’s next book, Only in Summer, will be released May 2027. Once again, a stunning cover!

What did I read during the last week?

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton: Historical fiction with a speculative twist, set during the 1960s space race. My review is here.

Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel: Beautiful, complicated story that’s difficult to describe. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve still been mainly offline as far as viewing and streaming are concerned — but I am enjoying Dancing with the Stars. My updated favorites are Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech, Julia Stiles, and Tatyana Ali!

I’ve watched the first two episodes of the 2nd season of the Outlander prequel series, Blood of My Blood — good so far, even if the show seem to enjoy nothing more than tormenting its characters and finding fresh ways to make them unhappy.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Wool by Hugh Howey: This is a big, chunky sci-fi book — and I’m hooked! I’m getting close to the end, and I’m eager to see how it wraps up… and I have a feeling I’ll want to pick up the sequel pretty quickly.

Now playing via audiobook:

No Matter What by Cara Bastone: A New York-based love story that defies certain expected romance tropes. So close to finishing!

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: 92%. Coming up this week: Volume 4, chapters 13 and 14.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…