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.

Once again, the week just flew by! Work has been intense and busy… ’nuff said about that.

Outside of work, I managed to fit in some good outdoor time on our surprisingly sunny November days this week. A couple of walks, some outdoor dancing — just what I needed!

What did I read during the last week?

Villette by Charlotte Bronte: This was a group read with my book group, and all I can say is — thank goodness that’s over with! Such a frustrating book, although it had its more interesting moments.

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: A really fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice! My review is here.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix: Wow! Fantastic horror with a lot to say, and utterly compelling storytelling. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I know I’ve mentioned before that I watch Dancing with the Stars, partially because it reminds me of my dad, but also just because I do enjoy watching dance performances. It can be really fun to see people with little to no dance experience learn and grow from episode to episode. That said, this season is making me especially annoyed. There’s a clear favorite to win (Whitney, dancing with awesome pro Mark) who get top scores every week… but – but – BUT she is someone who has a competitive dance background and was a dance major in college. How is that fair against people who either literally never danced before or had some sort of injury that affected their ability to dance or any of the other (much more compelling) backstories of other contestants? It feels rigged… plus I can’t stand how heavily audience voting counts, making the results pretty much a popularity contest from week to week.

Argh. So why, you may ask, do I keep watching? Easy — the dancing can be so much fun! I like many of the so-called “stars” this season, and the pros are always amazing. But if Whitney and Mark win, I may start throwing things!

Other than that, I’ve been casting around for a new show to try, and just started The Morning Show over the weekend. It’s good! I know I’m a few years behind — I’m excited to see what all the buzz is about.

Fresh Catch:

I received an Amazon gift card last week, and treated myself to these three books:

I’ve already read The Everlasting (review), and loved it so much that I needed my own copy. Alchemy and a Cup of Tea is the 4th (final?) book in the Tomes & Tea series, and since I have the other three, I thought I should round out the collection. I was really on the fence about The Rose Field, but I’ve decided to bite the bullet and read it (after I do a re-read of The Secret Commonwealth).

All in all, I’m happy to have all three of these to add to my shelves!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky: This is a BIG book, and it requires a lot of concentration, so I haven’t made quite as much progress as I’d hoped. (I realized that I can’t stay up late reading in bed with this book, because my tired brain doesn’t absorb it well enough!) I’m fascinated by what I’ve read so far, and I’m happy that I’m finally reading this book after planning to get to it for years now.

Now playing via audiobook:

Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman: After reading My Friends last month (amazing!), I decided to try to catch up on this author’s earlier books that I hadn’t read yet. I’ve gotten about halfway through this audiobook, and I’m finding it sweet so far.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 55%.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself. The goal is to complete our spin books by December 21st, so I still have time.

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.

How did it get to be November already???

This has really been a challenging reading week for me! I finished an excellent book (5 stars!) and am in the middle of another that I’m really enjoying… but it just feels that every bit of reading time I have is squished in between other commitments. I’m just aching for hours of uninterrupted time to curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and my Kindle!

But other than that… it was a good week! My husband, son, and I went out for a yummy early dinner on Halloween, and then my husband and I wandered around a neighborhood with awesome Halloween decorations for a while, just enjoying the houses and the kids and the overall vibe.

And here’s a random item that made me laugh this week, which felt timely since I’m now just slightly past the mid-point of a group LOTR read:

What did I read during the last week?

The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow: As I was about to start reading The Everlasting, I stumbled across a Reddit thread suggesting reading this short story first. According to an Instagram post by the author:

(if the copy sounds a little like THE SIX DEATHS OF THE SAINT, it’s bc i wrote that story after outlining this book, as a kind of road test. they don’t quite echo, but they rhyme).

I enjoyed the story, and I definitely saw the “echoes” in The Everlasting… but there’s enough of a difference to make each one its own special thing.

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow: Absolutely loved this novel! I gave it 5 stars. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I just finished season 2 of Nobody Wants This. I liked it, but not as much as season 1. But, I think that’s often the case with second seasons. In any case, assuming there will actually be a season 3 (it hasn’t been confirmed yet, as far as I could tell), I’ll be watching!

Fresh Catch:

No new books… But, a vendor I deal with at work sent me an Amazon gift card as a thank you gift, and I’m trying to decide how to spend it! I don’t treat myself to hardcovers all that often any more, but I think now may be the time.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix: I’m really enjoying this book… and I’m frustrated that I haven’t gotten further along (or finished by now). Ugh, the agony of not having enough reading time!

Now playing via audiobook:

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: Same situation as above… just not enough time to finish this audiobook this week! But, I think I only need one more day. This is a very fun Pride and Prejudice retelling!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 97%. Up next: Chapters 41 and 42. Final week!!
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 53%.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself — I’ll likely start it in November. The goal is to complete our spin books by December 21st, so I do have plenty of time.

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.

Another busy week! But we did fit in a very nice dinner with friends, and I got to dance a bit over the weekend. I feel like I barely had time to read, though… not enough hours in the day!

Bookish thoughts:

I’m curious whether anyone has read or is planning to read The Rose Field by Philip Pullman. I loved the His Dark Materials trilogy, and I’ve read the two books previously published in the follow-up trilogy, The Book of Dust. But… it’s been about six years since the 2nd book, The Secret Commonwealth, came out, and I don’t remember many of the details, so I think I’d need to reread it. Plus, The Rose Field is almost 700 pages! Sigh. I hate to leave the final book in this world unread… but I’m also not excited about the commitment it would take to read it.

Thoughts?

What did I read during the last week?

Cinder House by Freya Marske: Terrific Cinderella retelling! My review is here.

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan: A sweet, bookish-themed Christmas adventure in the Scottish Highlands. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

New seasons of great Netflix shows! I finished season two of The Diplomat last night… and it was fantastic. But what an ending!! How are we supposed to wait however long it takes for a new season?

Up next: I hope to start the new season of Nobody Wants This this coming week.

Fresh Catch:

One new book!

I read the e-ARC of this book last week (review), but I’d had the hardcover preordered well in advance, and I’m happy to have my very own copy!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow: I had a really hard time getting into this story (possibly because I didn’t have quite enough uninterrupted reading time this week to build up any sort of momentum) — but now that I’ve gotten farther along, I’m finding myself hooked! Now, if only I could just read straight through until I finish…

Now playing via audiobook:

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: I’m back for more Austen-inspired fun! This modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice is the author duo’s follow-up to Emma of 83rd Street, which I really enjoyed.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 93%. Up next: Chapters 39 and 40.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 52%.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself — I’ll likely start it in November. The goal is to complete our spin books by December 21st, so I do have plenty of time.

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.

What a fun week! I attended two special events. First, a book talk: John Scalzi in conversation with Kim Stanley Robinson — amazing! The conversation was funny and flew by too fast, and I got two books signed!

Second, I went to see the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: 10ish Year Reunion Concert.

Such a blast! Obviously, you’d need to be a fan of the TV series to enjoy this show… but I was, and I did! The cast sang some of their greatest hits, danced, told stories, and put on quite a spectacle. It was amazing! Here’s one of the songs they performed on stage:

Okay, maybe one more…

And now, back to books…

What did I read during the last week?

Drama by Raina Telgemeier: I read this graphic novel for a banned book reading challenge, and liked it a lot.

The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong: Sweet, light cozy fantasy. My review is here.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman: Five stars! My review is here.

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs: Such a fun treat for fans of the Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Oh my gods… season 2 of Schmigadoon made me so happy! I finished it last night, and loved all the musical theater references, from Pippin to Hair to Jesus Christ Superstar and more. So much fun — I just wish there were more than two seasons.

Fresh Catch:

Exciting new books!

At the book event, I bought a copy of John Scalzi’s newest novel and got it signed:

I won a Goodreads giveaway a couple of weeks ago, and the book arrived this week:

Last but not least: A gorgeous new edition of a favorite book, The Wicked King (#2 in the Folk of the Air series). In case you can’t tell, the book has a velvety finish and is just so beautiful!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Cinder House by Freya Marske: I’m about halfway through this novella, and I’m really enjoying it so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan: This novel is a follow-up to last year’s novella, The Christmas Book Hunt. Jenny Colgan’s books are always a treat, and with a focus on rare books and a crumbling Scottish manor as the setting, this one promises to be lots of fun.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 86%. Up next: Chapters 37 and 38.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 49%.
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: My newest Classics Club Spin book! I’m leaving it here as a reminder to myself — I’ll likely start it in November. The goal is to complete our spin books by December 21st, so I do have plenty of time.

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.

Busy, busy, busy! I was on the go all week, between work and various errands and tasks that needed my attention. I did get out for a nice dinner with a friend, and it was fabulous to take time to catch up.

We had gorgeous weather over the weekend… perfect for long walks and reading outside.

What did I read during the last week?

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: Loved this Dracula retelling! My review is here.

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong: Terrific stand-alone horror from a favorite author. My review is here.

The Summer War by Naomi Novik: A fairy tale novella with a great premise and main character — but the story as a whole left me wishing for more. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

AppleTV+ continues to provide excellent viewing! I finished watching The Studio, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Over the weekend, I started Schmigadoon — it’s making my inner musical theater very happy.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong: Started yesterday, and it’s cute so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Friends by Fredrik Backman: I started this audiobook last week, and have about 25% left. The story is just so good, and the narrator is terrific.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 80%. Up next: Chapters 35 and 36.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 48%.

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.

What a difference a week makes! The week before last, I was basking in the sun with good books and fruity frozen drinks, enjoying a vacation with my husband… and this past week, it was back to work, back to the daily routine, and back to running around non-stop. I finished four books on vacation… and this past week, barely made it through one. Clearly, I need to plan another vacation ASAP!

On the bright side, I went to a great dance workshop over the weekend, and came home with sore feet and a happy heart.

Plus…

Got my COVID and flu vaccines! Doing my part for myself, my family, and the community.

And wrapping up the week, here’s a picture of the kitty just being his cute self. Love the eyes!

What did I read during the last week?

As I mentioned, I only finished one book during the past week, but I did manage to catch up on writing and posting reviews:

Reviews from books finished earlier:

The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell and Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding: Check out my two-fer review, here, of these two cute Austen-inspired romances.

A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, #2) by Rebecca Thorne: A so-so second book in a cozy fantasy series. My review is here.

Green Rider by Kristen Britain: Terrific first book in a long-running fantasy series. My review is here.

New this week:

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: This Dracula retelling took me all week, even though I was very into it. I finally finished late Sunday. Review to follow.

In audiobooks, I started out the week with a DNF:

Where You’re Planted by Melanie Sweeney: I borrowed the audiobook from the library, listened to the first hour and a half, and decided I just wasn’t in the mood. My first impressions: A fairly predictable enemies-to-lovers setup, plus a bit too much crassness for my taste. (A description of nipples in the opening paragraphs probably should have been my first clue that I wouldn’t like this book.) It’s possible that I’ve just listened to too many contemporary romances lately… in any case, I stopped, returned it to the library, and moved on to…

… a much better choice!

I adored my audio re-read (re-listen) of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, narrated by the incredibly talented Juliet Stevenson! Just what I needed.

Pop culture & TV:

I did a bit of catching up on my usual reality competition shows this past week, including Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars. Don’t mock me for enjoying DWTS! Yes, they use the term “stars” pretty loosely. (I’m sorry, but “influencers” (gag) are not “stars”! — well, not for me, anyway.) Still, I enjoy watching people learn to dance, and also, watching this show is a sweet sort of tribute to my dad, who loved ballroom dancing and kept at it well into his 80s. He always loved to show me ballroom videos when I’d visit, and so watching DWTS makes me think of him every time!

Over on AppleTV+, I decided to check out The Studio to see what all the fuss is about. I’m about halfway through, and yes, it’s worth watching! My free trial of AppleTV+ ends soon, and since I still have a long list of shows I want to check out, I plan to keep my subscription going, at least for now.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week… but a wonderful work friend gave me a birthday gift of an Amazon giftcard and this amazing book lamp:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong: Getting back to ARCs! I’ve just barely started, but since it’s by a favorite author, I have very high hopes.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Friends by Fredrik Backman: I’ll be starting this audiobook today! Really looking forward to it.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 76%. Up next: Chapters 33 and 34. The end is in sight! We’ve got about a month to go (and honestly, I’m ready to be done).
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 46%.

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’m back! My husband and I just spent a week in Hawaii… pure relaxation! Our trips tend to be go, go, go all the time — whether daily hikes or road trips or running from point A to point B to point Z. This time, though… we basked in the glory of having no plans other than enjoying the beach, the sun, the waves, and good food.

We basically spent every day swimming, walking on the beach, and reading by the pool, then headed out in the evenings for casual to nicer dinners — and even made it to a terrific Cirque du Soleil experience!

I loved getting some time away (and it also was a great way to celebrate my birthday)!

What did I read during the last week?

I have a LOT of catching up to do when it comes to reviews. Meanwhile, here’s a look at everything I’ve read since my last Monday Check-In post two weeks ago:

Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: Fantastic addition to one of my all-time favorite series! My review is here.

Alone in the Wild (Rockton, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This series is SO good! I’ve been trying to pace myself, but it’s hard to resist reading straight through. My review of book #5 is here.

Reviews to follow later this week:

The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell: Cute Austen-inspired romance with a time-travel twist.

Green Rider by Kristen Britain: Just as good as everyone says! I’m so happy that I finally took the time to read this terrific fantasy.

A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, #2) by Rebecca Thorne: Sad to say, this cozy fantasy is so-so at best.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding: Even more Austen! This contemporary retelling of Emma was lots of fun as an audiobook.

Pop culture & TV:

My reality competition shows all started this past week, and I’m behind! I didn’t watch a single thing while we were away, so over the next few days, I’ll be looking forward to starting the new seasons of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: This wasn’t on my priority reading list for fall, but it somehow suited my mood last night when I was ready to start a new book, so here we are! This Dracula retelling/reinvention is off to a good start.

Now playing via audiobook:

Where You’re Planted by Melanie Sweeney: I don’t remember where I first heard about this book, but my library hold came in and I decided to grab it! I should be starting this audiobook today.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 73%. Up next: Chapters 31 and 32.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 45%.

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’s been a busy week, and I have another hectic week coming up… but after that, a week off! I won’t be posting a Monday Check-in post next Monday — my husband and I will be heading out of town for a mini-vacation, and I can’t wait to relax, refresh, and (of course) do lots of reading.

Meanwhile, for today’s dose of cuteness:

I came into the living room yesterday and found the kitty cat like this. Apparently, he made himself a blanket fort! Awwwwww.

Online amusement:

Terrific article in the New York Times by Joe Hill about experiencing Salem’s Lot (by his dad) at much too young an age: So You Think Stephen King Has Scared You? Try Being His Son.

On a different note… I’m sure this has circulated plenty among book lovers, but I stumbled across this for the first time, and felt so seen:

What did I read during the last week?

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine: Super silly wrap-up to an entertaining vampire romance trilogy. My review is here.

My Theodosia by Anya Seton: Historical fiction, published in 1941, about Aaron Burr’s daughter. If not for the fact that this was a book group selection, I probably would not have stuck with it. My review is here.

First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: This contemporary romance was fine, but not particularly special. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m all caught up on Severance. What a weird, amazing show! Can’t wait for season 3, whenever that might be.

Fresh Catch:

One new book:

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2) by Katherine Rundell: The first book of this middle grade series was terrific, and I’m looking forward to starting the 2nd!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: The newest book in one of my all-time favorite fantasy series!

Now playing via audiobook:

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: I needed a new audiobook to start today, and this one was available from the library right away. I’m always up for a Jane Austen retelling! It looks pretty charming… we shall see.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 62%. Up next: Chapters 27 and 28.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 41%.

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 went back to work last week after a week out sick, and was (mostly) happy to be jumping back in. I’m still getting my strength back, but feeling better day by day. I got outside and managed to fit in some walking and active time in general over the weekend, and that helped a lot too.

What did I read during the last week?

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong: A fun, smart romance from a favorite author. My review is here.

There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Uncovered America’s Biggest Catfish by Anna Akbari: Fascinating, disturbing non-fiction. My review is here.

Pug & Kisses by Farrah Rochon: Adorable doggie-friendly romance set in New Orleans. My review is here.

The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet by Melinda Taub: The Austen/Frankenstein mashup I never knew I needed! So much fun. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m about halfway through the 2nd season of Severance. Overall, I’m really enjoying this show, even though the most recent episodes I watched seemed to drag a bit. (Or maybe that was just my mood at the time… ). In any case, I should be wrapping it up in the next few days.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine: I enjoyed this author’s previous two vampire books, and this one is off to a good start!

Now playing via audiobook:

First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: I’d been on my library’s hold list for a while, and finally got a chance to borrow this audiobook. Just getting started!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

• Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 57%. Up next: Chapters 25 and 26.
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 40%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…