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’ll be heading out of town on Friday for the lead-up to a wedding at the end of the month, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’ll share more once I’m back. Meanwhile, I expect my blogging and overall online activity to be at a minimum. After the wedding, my husband and I will be spending another week in the area to relax and enjoy a bit, so I won’t be fully back and active until the 2nd week of June.

What did I read during the last week?

Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time, #4) by Kelley Armstrong: Terrific addition to an excellent series. My review is here.

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine: This audiobook seemed like it would be fun, but it just did not work for me. My review is here.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan: I feel like this author doesn’t get nearly as much attention as she deserves! Her fourth adult novel is fantastic, which isn’t surprpising, considering how much I loved all the others. My review is here.

Also read (but not reviewed):

Human Resources by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Since HR is my field in the non-book-world, I just couldn’t resist. At first, I thought this was a novella and almost bought it for my Kindle, but then realized that it’s a short story, and is available to read online via Tor, here.

Zel by Donna Jo Napoli: This might look like middle grade fiction, but it’s really pretty dark — and yet, I’m not sure that it would gain much traction in today’s YA market either. This retelling of Rapunzel has some very interesting elements and is a quick read. I picked it up because I needed a “Z” book for a challenge! I’m glad I read it — I’d give it a solid 3 – 3.5 stars.

Elsewhere in book world:

TJ Klune’s next book has a cover and release date! Read about it here.

Carol at Reading Ladies shared a hint about how to hide spoilers in blog posts. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me (I’d have to upgrade my WordPress plan to be able to use the plug-in), but I still think it’s worth knowing about! Here’s the link to the instructions she shared.

Pop culture & TV:

This week’s Netflix binge: Four Seasons. Just my speed right now — eight 30-minute episodes. Terrific cast, and lots of fun. And yay — it’s official! There’s going to be a season 2.

Fresh Catch:

Two newly published graphic novels this week!

Song of the Lioness, Book 1 (Alanna): I’m excited to see how this story works in graphic novel form.

Saga, volume 12: This is a great series… but I have to admit that I don’t remember a thing about what happened in the last one or two volumes, and may have to do a reread before starting this new one.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce: My book group’s book for May. We’ve read some great books already this year, and I’ve heard some really good things about this one, so I’m happy to be starting it!

Now playing via audiobook:

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune: Amazing to think that I only came across Carley Fortune’s books last year — she’s now a favorite author! I’m loving this newest book.

Ongoing reads:

Two longer-term reading commitments right now:

• My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 92%. Up next: Chapters 46 and 47. We’ll be done next week!
• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, two chapters per week. Progress: 16%. Up next: Chapters 3 and 4.

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 spent much of the past week bouncing back from a bad cold and sinus infection. Blech. But, I’m happy to report that after several days of basically doing nothing but crashing, I’m feeling human again!

I did have a very nice Mother’s Day. None of my kids were around, but my husband and I drove down the coast a bit to a beautiful state park for a great hike, then stopped for lunch at a cute nearby town.

And now… back to work! Back to being super busy! But it’s good to feel like I have energy again (finally).

What did I read during the last week?

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle: Such a sweet, uplifting story! My review is here.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: A powerful, memorable story of war, bravery, and sacrifice. My review is here.

Elsewhere in book world:

I reviewed Overgrowth by Mira Grant (Seanan McGuire) the week before last (review) — and this week, I was delighted/disturbed/intrigued to discover the author’s backstory and inspiration for this book. Read about it here.

Over at Pages Unbound, Krysta calls for more books to include recaps, and I’m 100% on board with this idea!

And elsewhere on the blog, I shared my 2nd Retail Therapy post, this time focusing on puzzles for book lovers. Now I’m itching to start a new puzzle!

Pop culture & TV:

I watched North of North on Netflix this week. Really fun! And easy to binge — eight 30-minute episodes… and done!

Fresh Catch:

I didn’t buy any new books this week, but I did swap out my black Kindle cover for a snazzy new green one, and I like it!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time, #4) by Kelley Armstrong: The newest installment in an excellent series! I’m enjoying this one a lot — should be able to share a review in the next few days.

Now playing via audiobook:

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine: My listening time was really limited last week (another downside of being sick!), so I’m not quite done with this wilderness romance audiobook. It’s cute, if a tad predictable. I hope to finish in the next day or so.

Ongoing reads:

Two longer-term reading commitments right now:

• My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 90%. Up next: Chapters 44 and 45. Getting close to the end!
• New this week! We’re starting a group read of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, beginning with The Fellowship of the Ring. We’ll be reading and discussing two chapters per week, and should finish Fellowship by the end of July.

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.

Welcome to May! A day late, but… May the 4th be with you!

I had… not the best week. My husband was sick early in the week, and by Thursday, I had it too. Cold, congestion, fever, headache… yuck. I was sick enough to have to cancel a few plans and not do much all weekend except lie around and read whenever I could keep my eyes open.

It still hasn’t entirely cleared yet, but I’m planning to try to work from home today and will see how it goes.

What did I read during the last week?

Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata: The weirdest book I’ve read in a long time… and not in a good way. My review is here.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center: Another enjoyable, light romance from a must-read author. My review is here.

Overgrowth by Mira Grant: Invasion of the alien plant people! This sci-fi/horror tale by the incomparable Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire) delivers complexity and chills. My review is here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I shared my excitement about three upcoming new books in favorite series, here.

And if you’re looking for a tale of tragedy, loss, and renewed hope… here’s the sad story of my Kindle Oasis’s demise and the arrival of my new Kindle Paperwhite.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished watching Etoile (Prime Video), and loved it! Here’s hoping there’s more to come!

Sunday night was the premiere of Miss Austen, a new limited series on PBS (adapted from the terrific book by Gill Hornby). Check out the trailer:

Fresh Catch:

I bought the 2nd and 3rd books in this series last week while visiting a local bookstore… but since they didn’t have book 1 in stock, I had to place an order… and here it is! I’m excited to start this series. It looks adorable!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle: I started this book via audio, but because I was sick and didn’t leave my house for a good part of the week, I also didn’t get much time to listen, and now the audiobook is due back at the library. So, I’m switching to print so I can finish.

Now playing via audiobook:

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine: I’m a sucker for romance-in-the-wilderness stories, and with an Alaska setting? Even better. The library had this one available to borrow, and it sounds cute, so I’ll give it a go!

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 86%. Up next: Chapters 42 and 43.

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 really busy week and weekend. I did quite a bit of running around on Saturday, visiting a bookstore before running even more errands for exciting tasks like buying my husband a new tie! Kidding aside, it was actually pretty fun. And seeing this sign while walking to the bookstore made me smile:

Once again, I didn’t have nearly enough time for reading this past week, and had to skip my weekend beach walks… here’s hoping I can do better in the coming week.

What did I read during the last week?

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: What a treat! I’m so glad I had a book group commitment to push me to read this book again. It’s so delightful, and I had a great time bouncing between a few different editions and checking out the various illustrations. Also, it was lovely being reminded of how many great passages there are in this book; for example:

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.

My audiobook of the week:

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: Good entertainment, but not stellar. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finally caught up on Yellowjackets! I finished all of season 3… which left me with a lot of thoughts and reactions, and plenty of frustration that we now have to wait for a new season.

I also caught up on the last few episodes of Dark Winds. If you haven’t tried this show, you’re missing out! It’s excellent.

I even found time to try something new: Etoile, the new Prime Video series from Amy Sherman-Palladino. I’ve only seen one episode (of the eight available), but I liked it! Here’s a look at the trailer:

Fresh Catch:

Saturday was independent bookstore day, so I just had to stop by my favorite bookshop and show some support! Here’s what I came home with — one book I’ve read already, three new-to-me books… and a cute sticker to show I’d been there:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata: Oh, this book is weird! But intriguing too — and it’s short, so I should wrap it up quickly.

Now playing via audiobook:

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle: This audiobook is giving me A Man Called Ove vibes, and I’m loving it!

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 82%. Up next: Chapters 40 and 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.

Ooh, I’ve been busy! But besides work craziness, it’s been a good sort of busy. We had family in town over the weekend, and had a terrific dinner with the big expanded group. On Saturday, I spent about four hours at a folkdance festival, and had a blast! My legs were feeling it later, but it was worth it.

What did I read during the last week?

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto: Loved it! I recommend starting with the first Vera Wong book, but you really can’t go wrong with either. My review is here.

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary: Survival while lost at sea may not be the obvious choice for a romance, but in this case, it works! My review is here.

I borrowed a new Passover-themed graphic novel from the library:

One Little Goat by Dara Horn and Theo Ellsworth: This is a fun read, and I could see it being a good choice for middle grade readers, especially prior to Passover as prep for sitting through a seder. But, the art style didn’t really appeal to me; the black and white illustrations made it hard to read the text, and I was glad to be done by the time I reached the end.

I suppose I should also mention the book I DNFd this week:

City of All Seasons by Oliver K. Langmead and Aliya Whitely: The premise seemed promising, but I only stuck with it until about 25% before realizing that I didn’t care enough to keep going. If you’ve read this and think I should give it another shot, let me know!

Pop culture & TV:

Remember when I said I had a busy week??? Well, that means that I barely watched any TV, which is fine — except I still haven’t gotten to the last few episodes of Yellowjackets, and I really do want to know how the season ends!

Fresh Catch:

I got this ARC in the mail this week! I’m pretty sure this was from a Little Free Library giveaway opportunity for LFL stewards. I didn’t really expect it, so opening the package was a nice surprise. I put it in my LFL on my way out to run errands, and by the time I got back two hours later, it was gone! It feels great to be able to add a hot new release every so often, so thank you to the publishers!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: My book group book for April! This is probably my 3rd or 4th reread, but I’m delighted to have a reason to revisit the story. My Kindle edition is very cool — it includes snippets of the author singing some of the dwarves’ songs and reading some passages. What a great experience!

Now playing via audiobook:

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: My hold request for this audiobook came in much sooner than I expected! I just started over the weekend, and I like it so far.

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 78%. Up next: Chapters 38 and 39.

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.

The past few days have been a whirlwind, in the best possible way! We had a lovely Seder for the first night of Passover — good food, great company, lots of fun. My daughter and her fiancé came for the weekend, and we spent one day playing tourists, visiting parts of San Francisco that I haven’t been to in years. It was great to have the time together — I just wish we’d had even more!

What did I read during the last week?

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory: An okay, not great, romance set in Wine Country. My review is here.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone: An engaging story about two people helping each other through grief and loss, and falling in love along the way. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I really haven’t been watching much, and the weekend was just too busy to leave time for TV. So, I’m still working my way through season 3 of Yellowjackets! Beyond that, my son and I are really enjoying this season of The Amazing Race, and I’m tolerating Survivor.

Fresh Catch:

One new books this week! Looking forward to starting it…

(It’s prettier in person — the lighting for my photos wasn’t good, but it was the best I could do in the moment.)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto: This book is a hoot! I ran out of time to read over the weekend, but I should be able to wrap this up in the next day or so.

Now playing via audiobook:

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary: I always enjoy this author’s books, although I’m not sure that the overall tone is really working for me on this one. I’m just past the halfway mark — looking forward to seeing where the story goes.

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 74%. Up next: Chapters 36 and 37.

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.

Lots of errands, an intense workweek… not much new or different to report! But, the sun shone over the weekend, I got in some lovely outdoor time, and reorganized a couple of my bookshelves. Not bad at all!

Meanwhile, looking ahead this week, I’ll be doing some prep for our family Seder — hard to believe Passover is already almost here. Can’t wait to spend time with family on one of our favorite holidays!

What did I read during the last week?

When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi: This book is amazing! It has the most ridiculous premise in recent book history… and yet, it totally works. What a delight — my review is here.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins: I was a little unsure about how interested I’d be to read another Hunger Games prequel, but I’m so glad I went for it! An absolutely compelling read. My review is here.

The Sirens by Emilia Hart: Gorgeous, haunting story of sisters and secrets. A must-read! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I decided to go back to Yellowjackets, and started season 3. I’ve only seen two episodes so far, but they’ve been good!

Fresh Catch:

This book is stunning! I knew I needed a copy of my own, and I’m just in love with its painted edges.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory: Something a little lighter, after a few intense (but excellent) other books. I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous books, and I’m looking forward to a romantic diversion!

Now playing via audiobook:

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone: This may look like a romance, but it’s actually a sensitive, lovely portrayal of life after loss. And yes, there’s a love story too! I’m about a day or two away from finishing.

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 69%. Up next: Chapters 34 and 35.

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.

The sun came out over the weekend. Sure, it rained on Sunday, but Saturday was pretty glorious, and I took full advantage. Long walk, dancing in the park, and even a bit of reading on my back porch. Bliss!

And just because…

I happened to walk by while the kitty was enjoying a snooze with his favorite toy. Who can resist such cuteness?

Author news.

I was sad to learn of the passing of L. J. Smith this week. I didn’t necessarily love the Vampire Diaries books (I read the first two or three), but the TV adaptation was (for at least a few seasons) amazing. I had no idea about her author journey until I read her obit.

What did I read during the last week?

Dracula by Bram Stoker: The full-cast audiobook version was amazing! I’m so glad this book came up for me as my most recent Classics Club Spin. My review is here.

The Martian Contingency (Lady Astronaut, #4) by Mary Robinette Kowal: After struggling a bit to remember where the story left off in previous books, I ended up really enjoying this one. What an amazing series! My review is here.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon: My book club book for March! I just barely squeezed it in before the the end of the month… but I’m so glad I did. Phenomenal read. My review is here.

Just for fun, I also checked out a children’s book by Mary Robinette Kowal:

Molly on the Moon is a sweet, gentle picture book — and if I had young kids in my house, I think I’d want a copy of my own to enjoy with them.

Pop culture & TV:

Is anyone watching the current season of Survivor? Last week’s episode had a huge emotional moment that’s gotten a ton of press. In the immediate aftermath, the player at the center of it has seen a tremendous outpouring of support, including in-game support from other players — but I wonder how long the warmth and good feelings will last in the game, and whether this player will now become one of the biggest targets. Being vague here… but at some point, I’d guess other players will realize that if they sit next to her at the end, they’ll lose.

Fresh Catch:

I ordered signed copies of two recent books that I loved (sadly, the authors’ book tours didn’t bring them to my area) — and both arrived this week!

My signed copy of The Martian Contingency came with a sticker, a flightsuit-appropriate patch, and a poster of the Mars habitat. Super cool.

I’m also thrilled with my signed edition of The Jackal’s Mistress — a fantastic book by a favorite author. (If you missed my review, check it out here!)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins: It’s time to dive back in to the world of The Hunger Games! Just getting started…

Now playing via audiobook:

When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi: I’m *this close* to finishing, and I’m loving every minute! This author’s books are always amazing, and with Wil Wheaton as the audiobook narrator, it’s a listening treat.

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 64%. Up next: Chapters 32 and 33.

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.

My husband and I enjoyed a lovely dinner at a favorite restaurant for his birthday over the weekend! (I love when restaurants make the birthday dessert so pretty and festive!)

In case you’re wondering, that’s a house-made frozen Snickers bonbon! Yummmmm.

What did I read during the last week?

Not very much!!

I guess I just really didn’t have enough time for books this week! I managed to finish just one:

The Third Rule of Time Travel by Philip Fracassi: Interesting concepts, hard to put down, but the plot doesn’t entirely hold together. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

More of the same — I’m watching the new weekly episodes of 1923, Survivor, and The Amazing Race, plus the excellent Dark Winds. I’m excited to check out the new Wolf Hall season too!

I do feel like I could use a good streaming series to binge, but haven’t felt motivated to start anything just yet. Any recommendations?

Fresh Catch:

Two new hardcovers this week! I’m excited for both… although I may hold off until I can borrow the e-books from the library, since I like to be able to read on the go as well as at home.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Martian Contingency (Lady Astronaut, #4) by Mary Robinette Kowal: The 4th and final book in a terrific series. Book #1, The Calculating Stars, is one of my all-time favorites. I’m struggling a bit to remember where things left off as of the earlier books in the series, and realize that perhaps I should have done a reread before starting this one. Oh well… at this point, I’m going to power through and trust that it’ll all come back to me before long!

Now playing via audiobook:

Dracula by Bram Stoker: I’m absolutely loving this audiobook! It’s over 15 hours, so this has been my second full week listening to it, but I should finish up today thanks to a long drive back and forth to a work event! Having the illustrated hardcover edition to refer back to has been amazing too.

Ongoing reads:

My book group’s classic read is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 60%. Up next: Chapters 30 and 31.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…