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 had a very nice Mother’s Day! Phone calls and flowers from the adult kids who don’t live nearby, a bit of outdoor dancing in the afternoon, and then dinner at a great restaurant with my husband and son in the evening. I hope all the moms out there enjoyed their days!

Bookish odds and ends:

I came across two exciting books announcement and cover reveals, both for books scheduled for release in January 2027:

A Song of Sugar Sparrows (Wayward Children, #12) by Seanan McGuire: Some books in this series are better than others, but overall, I love this fantasy series and its cast of characters. This upcoming release focuses on one of the fantasy worlds I’m less interested in… but I’ll still be reading it!

The Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune: I don’t even need to know what this book is about to know that it’ll be a must-read for me! How cute is that cover?

What did I read during the last week?

The Body by Stephen King: Brilliant coming of age tale, in a new audiobook version. My review is here.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones: I felt frustrated that this book — which has so many rave reviews — just didn’t work for me. My quick take is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Outlander (the TV version) is about to end! The series finale airs this coming Friday. I’ve mainly loved the show, although this most recent season has been uneven, with a few wildly weird storytelling and plot choices. The show has had to wrap up a story based on a book series that isn’t done yet. (Yes, the books are better, obviously!) Overall, though, I’m grateful that we’ve had eight seasons with these marvelous characters, and I’m sad to see it all coming to a close.

Beyond that, I’ve been sticking with Margo’s Got Money Troubles on AppleTV. I’m enjoying it, but I question some of the choices that diverge from the overall tone and content of the book.

I’ve also started watching Widow’s Bay. It hasn’t entirely sucked me in quite yet, but it’s clever and has a great cast, so I’ll keep going.

Fresh Catch:

This ARC arrived by mail this week! I’ve read one book by this author previously (A History of Wild Places), and I’m really looking forward to starting this upcoming new release.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

An Ordinary Sort of Evil (A Rip Through Time, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This is such a great series, and I’m really enjoying this new installment. I should finish today or tomorrow.

Now playing via audiobook:

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: I’d so happy to be listening to this new book by a favorite author!

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 15%. Coming up this week: Chapters 9 and 10.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and decided to read it before I see it! I’m taking it in small pieces, just a scene or two every few days. Progress so far: About to start Act IV.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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.

Happy Star Wars Day… and happy May! I’m eager for a month full of sunshine and flowers… and okay, sure, maybe a little Star Wars too.

Such a nice experience over the weekend! For a few years now, I’ve been meeting up with a small group for recreational folk dancing, just for the fun of it. On Saturday, ten of us went to a local senior living facility to do a few short performances, and had a blast! The residents seemed to really enjoy it, we had a lot of fun, and we loved showing off some favorite dances.

Bookish odds and ends:

First, a meme I that made me laugh:

And… while reading the New York Times a few days ago, I was totally tickled to see this explanation of passkeys:

I definitely did not expect to see a technology column using Tamora Pierce as a point of reference!

What did I read during the last week?

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe: Loved it! My review is here.

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2) by Katherine Rundell: The 2nd book in this middle grade fantasy series is just as delightful as I’d expected. My review is here.

The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club, #5) by Richard Osman: It’s always a blast to spend time with the Thursday Murder Club! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m really enjoying the AppleTV adaptation of Margo’s Got Money Troubles. I’m caught up with all available episodes at this point — just waiting for the next new one to drop.

I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be starting next, but I’m leaning toward Widow’s Bay.

Puzzle of the week:

Thanks to finding a local puzzle swap group, I ended up with a batch of new puzzles to enjoy, and finished one over the weekend:

Eeboo puzzles are always fun. I loved the colors and images for this one!

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

I read the eARC for this book last week, and loved it. I’m so happy to have a beautiful hardcover edition!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones: I’ve been wanting to read this book since it came out last year. I’m at about 25%, and I’m feeling myself more and more drawn into the story. I just hope this week is quiet enough to include big chunks of reading time so I can really focus on this book.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Body by Stephen King: This audiobook is a new version of the Stephen King classic, narrated by Wil Wheaton. I can’t believe I’ve never actually read this before. This new audiobook is a great listen.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 11%. Coming up this week: Chapters 7 and 8.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and since I’ve never read it before, I decided now’s the time! I’m trying to read just one scene per day, taking my time with it since I have a few months yet. Progress so far: About to start Act III.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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.

A friend mentioned that she got some great new jigsaw puzzles via a local Facebook puzzle swap group… and it’s changed my life! Ha, well, nothing that dramatic… but I did join a swap group and traded five of my finished puzzles for five new ones this past week! Now I just need time to work on them.

I had a busy weekend, with lots of dancing, dinner out at a new-to-us restaurant, and a bit of time for some general tidying and organizing.

Bookish odds and ends:

Thought I’d share a few cute memes that made me smile this week…

… plus some book news that’s very exciting!

This is going to be a must-read for me!

What did I read during the last week?

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth: What a great read! Highly recommended. My review is here.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke: There’s so much buzz about this book right now… and I found it a fairly dismal reading experience, even though it kind of all comes together by the end. My review is here.

We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune: A beautiful novella about love, living a good life, and the end of the world. My review is here.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe: I didn’t expect this to be a book for me… and it was! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Review to follow later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m almost done with the most recent season of Dark Winds. Just as excellent as I’d expected. If you’ve never checked it out… you really should!

Since I finished reading Margo’s Got Money Troubles over the weekend, I think my next move will be to check out the AppleTV adaptation. I’ve seen really positive reviews.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club, #5) by Richard Osman: I’m happy to be returning to the Thursday Murder Club! Just getting started — these books are just so much fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2) by Katherine Rundell: Only a few chapters in so far. I really enjoyed the first book in this middle grade series, and I’m happy to finally be getting back to it.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 7%. Coming up this week: Chapters 5 and 6.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and since I’ve never read it before, I decided now’s the time! I’m trying to read just one scene per day, taking my time with it since I have a few months yet. Progress so far: About to start Act II.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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.

Happy 4/20 day to all who celebrate. LOL. Not me… but I’m sure the local parks will have plenty of people observing the holiday!

Anyway…

It’s been another busy week, but I did carve out a bit more time for reading, so all in all, I feel good about it! It was a gorgeous sunny weekend and I got outdoors a lot (always a plus), and had a lovely zoom with my book group friends too.

What did I read during the last week?

I made a lot of progress with my April ARCs. Even better, 3 out of 4 were 5-star reads!

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer: Quirky, funny, and utterly delightful. My review is here.

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell: This book’s synopsis was pretty misleading… and the actual story was just so great! My review is here.

The Name Game by Beth O’Leary: I’ve had mixed experiences with this author’s books — a few I’ve loved, and a few… not so much. This one started out in the “meh” category for me, but picked up a lot in the back half. My review is here.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth: Finished late Sunday. Wow! Could not put this book down. Watch for my review later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

We’re down to just three episodes left of Outlander! This past week’s episode was a heartbreaker. Definitely a bit weird for book fans… and generating a lot of rants and controversy! It’s sad to see the show coming to an end, but thank goodness (and thank Diana) there’s still another book to come.

Other than that, I’ve had limited TV time, but I did finally start the most recent season of Dark Winds. I haven’t gotten very far, but it’s such an excellent show that I’m sure I’ll be hooked.

Fresh Catch:

New book!!

I treated myself to a signed hardcover edition of The Book Witch, ordered through the author’s local bookstore. Because it was a preorder with a special offer, it came with a bunch of goodies. I’m so glad I decided to splurge!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke: I won copies of this book in a Little Free Library giveaway thanks to the Good Morning America book club. Both copies that I added to my LFL were snapped up right away… but I was able to get a copy from the library for my own reading pleasure! I’ve just gotten started — and it has immediately grabbed my attention.

Now playing via audiobook:

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe: This book has been on my TBR for a while now, and since I do want to watch the AppleTV adaptation, it’s about time to start the book.

Ongoing reads:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: My book group’s newest classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 4%. Coming up this week: Chapters 3 and 4.

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: I’ll be seeing this play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival this summer, and since I’ve never read it before, I decided now’s the time! I’m trying to read just one scene per day, taking my time with it since I have a few months yet. (I do believe I saw the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton movie version way back in my high school days… I mainly just remember a close-up of her eyes!)

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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 felt silly last year when I bought myself rain gear (pants and top)… but this weekend I was so happy that I had them! I was not about to let a little rain (OK, a lot of rain) keep me from the walks I’d been dying for all week! Despite the gusty winds, I stayed dry, got in a couple of good beach and park walks, and felt super satisfied by the time I got home.

Other than that, it’s been an intense work week, but I managed to squeeze in a little dancing, a jigsaw puzzle, and time for some phone catch-ups with long-distance friends.

Unfortunately, my reading time has been really limited apart from a few scattered hours over the weekend. Here’s hoping for a mellower week with a lot more book time ahead!

What did I read during the last week?

A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong: Dark, twisty YA thriller. My review is here.

Just Kiss Already by Lily Chu: Really enjoyable audiobook romance. My review is here.

The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: My book group’s journey through the LOTR books wrapped up this past week! I loved revisiting the books with my group… and may continue delving into the related stories and lore on my own in weeks to come.

Book news:

I was delighted to see a cover reveal from Jen DeLuca, announcing the upcoming release of a 5th Ren Faire book! Well Versed will be published in September 2026. Can’t wait!

Puzzle of the week:

When I saw an ad for this puzzle pop up on my social feeds, I was drawn to the image and the gorgeous colors. The puzzle company isn’t one I’d tried before, and I’m often wary about unknown (to me) puzzle makers, since materials and quality can vary so much.

Still, the puzzle looked so pretty that I decided to give it a chance, and I’m glad I did! The pieces are sturdy and well cut, and while it doesn’t have quite the snap/click that makers like Ravensburger have, I was pleased with the overall piece design (and only ran into a few issues with pieces seeming like they could fit in more than one place).

The puzzle make is Playview, and this puzzle is part of their Cities at Midnight series. You can find it on Amazon, here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 3 of XO Kitty on Netflix. I’m not sure why I find it so charming… but I just do! I hope another season is in the works.

I loved the season finale of Shrinking! What an amazing show.

I find myself in between once again, debating various options for what to watch next… but I’m leaning toward the most recent season of Dark Winds, which is just a consistently excellent series.

Fresh Catch:

One of my recent Goodreads giveaway wins arrived this week!

Also new this week: I received two copies of the Good Morning America book club pick for April, thanks to a Little Free Library giveaway for stewards. Exciting! The books will be going into my LFL once the rain stops… meanwhile, I may need to try to sneak in a read before they both find new homes.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer: I’m really enjoying this book… and I’m frustrated that I didn’t have as much time for reading over the weekend as I wanted! I hope to finish in the next day or two.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Name Game by Beth O’Leary: I’m always up for trying a new release from Beth O’Leary! I’ve just barely gotten started, but I like the premise so far.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is kicking off a new classic read this week — and this one looks like it’ll be a doozy:

The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe: After reading Northanger Abbey as a group, we’ve decided to read one of the books that Catherine Morland was obsessed with. Coming up this week: Chapters 1 and 2.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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 had a bit of a whirlwind trip to the East Coast and back to celebrate Passover in Boston with family. It was lots of fun, but I never did quite adjust to the time zone differences! The weather was pretty cold while we were there, so we bundled up to spend time wandering around and exploring. We just happened to come across the Make Way For Ducklings statues! (My daughter and I were delighted — but apparently the rest of our group missed out on the picture book as kids and didn’t get what the fuss was about).

What did I read during the last week?

Butterfly Effects (Incryptids, #15) by Seanan McGuire: I finished this one right before leaving on our trip. My review is here.

Alanna: Song of the Lioness, Book 1 (graphic novel) by Vita Ayala & Sam Beck: This adaptation of the Tamora Pierce YA fantasy is a good one! Obviously, it can’t get quite as detailed or provide as much depth as the original novel, but I enjoyed the artwork and the storytelling, and hope they’ll be continuing with the rest of the Alanna books.

The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) by Richard Osman: Just as entertaining as I’d expected! My review is here.

The Gathering by C. J. Tudor: A vampire/murder mystery set in a small Alaska town in the dead of winter. Terrific plot and premise — I enjoyed every moment. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m happy to be starting the newest season of XO Kitty on Netflix — pure popcorn entertainment, and lots of fun. On the plane, I decided to give Loot on AppleTV a try. I liked the first two episodes enough to feel like I’ll continue, although I don’t feel any burning need to binge it.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong: I love this author, but haven’t read any of her YA fiction until now. I started this book over the weekend, and can’t put it down!

Now playing via audiobook:

Just Kiss Already by Lily Chu: I always enjoy this author’s audiobooks, and this one is off to a great start!

Ongoing reads:

As of this moment, I’m down to just one long-term reading commitment:

• The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: This will be the final week of my book group’s journey through the LOTR books!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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:

Ongoing reads:

As of this moment, I’m down to just one long-term reading commitment:

• The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: My book group’s journey through the LOTR books continues, and the end is in sight. Three chapters left!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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.

It was my husband’s birthday over the weekend, and we had two birthday dinners to celebrate! First, I took him out to one of our favorite little French restaurants for a fancy-ish romantic dinner, and then two nights later, we did a group outing with our local adult kids and a few friends at a yummy Burmese restaurant, where we basically ate everything in sight. We finished off with an amazing cake that I somehow managed to sneak in without my husband noticing. All in all, lots of fun (and great food) celebrating a fantastic human!

In pop culture / entertainment news, it was a sad week for Buffy fans. First, Hulu pulled the plug on the eagerly anticipated Buffy reboot. Second, and more heartbreaking, actor Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander throughout the seven seasons of Buffy, passed away over the weekend at age 54. I never knew this before, but a quick Google search reveals that Nicholas Brendon appeared in 143 of the 144 Buffy episodes (only absent from one episode in season 7, ” Conversations with Dead People”).

On a happier note, Nathan Fillion announced the return of Firefly as an animated series featuring the original cast, which is exciting… although it’s not a done deal yet. Fingers crossed that it really happens!

What did I read during the last week?

One & Only by Maureen Goo: An entertaining audiobook with some terrific family elements, even if I didn’t love the love triangle. My review is here.

Mania by Lionel Shriver: One of the oddest books I’ve ever read! Great material for a book group discussion, even though I can’t say I actually loved this book. My review is here.

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle: This author’s books can be hit-or-miss for me; this one falls in the hit category! My review is here.

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman: This sweet audiobook was a lovely listen. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

Project Hail Mary! I went to an early screening at the beginning of the week, and really enjoyed it. It was interesting seeing it with my son, who hasn’t read the book and only knew what to expect from the movie trailers. He really liked it too, and we both thought it was very well done.

Outlander‘s final season continues to be solid and strong. And I love this season’s version of theme song as sung by Annie Lennox!

I’m slowly making my way through the newest season of Virgin River — I just haven’t had time for an outright binge. I have two episodes left in what’s been an okay season so far.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week… but I did get a nice little surprise in the mail. A while back, I entered a giveaway through Lisa See’s website, and while I didn’t win the grand prize, apparently I was one of 100 runner-up winners! Here’s what I got:

Can’t wait for her new book, Daughters of the Sun and Moon, to be released in June!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Nobody’s Baby (Dorothy Gentleman, #2) by Olivia Waite: My library hold for this novella came in really quickly! Just started last night. I liked the first novella in this series a lot, and this follow-up is off to a good start.

Now playing via audiobook:

And Then There Was You by Sophie Cousens: I just finished a different audiobook by this author a few weeks ago, and when I saw this one available at the library, I couldn’t resist. Just getting started.

Ongoing reads:

As of this moment, I’m down to just one long-term reading commitment:

• The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: My book group’s journey through the LOTR books continues, and the end is in sight. Four chapters left!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…