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 may not officially be summer until later this month, but as far as I’m concerned, June 1st is close enough! We had enough sunshine over the weekend for me to get outside both days, despite super blustery winds each afternoon.

In any case, it’s been an uneventful week — work, home, reading, etc etc etc — and that’s okay. Sometimes routine and quiet can be a good vibe.

What did I read during the last week?

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center: So much fun! My review is here.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley: Delightful, funny, and the audiobook is a joy to listen to. My review is here.

Time’s Convert (All Souls, #4) by Deborah Harkness: I’m so glad I finally took the time to return to this outstanding series, especially with a new book coming this summer. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I just wasn’t in much of a TV mood this week, but I ended up deciding to give Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power another try. When season 1 first aired, I watched the first episode, and I don’t even remember why I never ended up continuing. So, back to the beginning I went, and now that I’ve watched the first episode (again) and also the second, I have to say that I’m into it! I’m looking forward to watching the rest of season 1 over the course of the coming week.

Also on Prime Video, I ended up watching the movie American Fiction this weekend. Great performances and so many interesting moments… but the ending kind of threw me, and I have mixed feelings about it as a whole.

Fresh Catch:

I treated myself to one new hardcover this week — this book is a novella set in the world of the Rip Through Time series, which I love.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland: Just getting started, but this seems like a light, fun summer read.

Now playing via audiobook:

A Turn of the Tide (A Stitch in Time, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: Continuing onward with this terrific series.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 96%. Two weeks left!
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 17%. Coming up this week: Chapter 5, “Will the Real Jenny Cameron Please Stand Up?”

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.

Three cheers for a three-day weekend! After an intense workweek, I really needed this long weekend. And really, I mostly did nothing! We had some friends stop by, spent some time outdoors, worked on odds and ends around the house… all very low-key, and that’s just what I wanted.

What did I read during the last week?

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest: An audiobook romance that focuses on booklovers — what’s not to enjoy? My review is here.

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate: Historical fiction with timelines in 1909 and 1990. Interesting, although I didn’t get particularly emotionally involved. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Lots of sampling of different shows this week, no new binges. I caught up on the first two episodes of Interview with the Vampire (season 2) — not overly impressed so far this season, but let’s see if it gets better. Survivor season 46 wrapped up, and I posted some thoughts here.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center: A yummy delight. Almost done! Should have a review up in the next few days.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley: The sequel to The Guncle, which I loved! The author is the audiobook narrator, and he’s terrific. What fun!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 94%. We’re getting close to the end — just three more weeks to go!
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 13%.

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.

Not that I expect anyone but me to notice… but yes, I skipped a week last week! This is my first Monday post since 5/6, and that’s because my husband and I took a quick trip to New York last weekend for a family graduation.

And while the graduation was the prompt for the weekend, we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it. We stayed in the city, did a ton of walking around Central Park, mid-town, and elsewhere, saw an amazing show, visited with various family members, and all in all, just lived it up!

Of course, the flying and overall hectic pace meant I was exhausted by the time I got home (and went straight back to work) — but it was worth it!

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

With flights and some random moments of down time, I did manage to do quite a bit of reading (yay!). Here’s what I finished reading over the last two weeks:

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren: A total blast. My review is here.

The House that Horror Built by Christina Henry: A haunted house story with an unusual setup and main character. My review is here.

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean: A dark, disturbing thriller with plenty of twists. My review is here.

Where Have All the Boys Gone? by Jenny Colgan: A backlist book by a favorite author which shows (sadly) that some books just don’t stand the test of time. My review is here.

Howards End by E. M. Forster: My Classics Club Spin book for spring! Loved it. Check out my reaction, here.

The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina: My book group’s book for May. Lovely and moving. Review to follow.

All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath: A cute Regency romance between a busy naval officer and the governess he hires to care for his nieces and nephew. My review is here.

And, from the prior week — a review for a book read earlier but not yet shared:

Disturbing the Dead (A Rip Through Time, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: Another excellent installment in a favorite series. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Bridgerton is back! I don’t really understand why Netflix is releasing season 3 in two parts — I’ve already devoured the four episodes released this past week. and it’s frustrating to have to wait a few more weeks for more. Still… loving Penelope in the spotlight!

On a different pop culture note, my weekend in New York included a night on Broadway! We went to see & Juliet, and absolutely loved it. What a great production — so upbeat and entertaining! Highly recommended if you find yourself in New York, dying for a musical!

Fresh Catch:

Since I was away… no new books! (Okay, yes, I did grab a few deals for my Kindle, but no physical books purchased in the last two weeks)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate: Just getting started — seems like this will be interesting and intense.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest: This audiobook popped up when I was browsing my library’s app, and since it was available right away, I decided to give it a try. Pretty fun so far, especially since book lovers are at the heart of the story.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 91%.
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. Progress: 11%.

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.

We’ve been finishing up our home repair project this past week — just a few small touch-up items left to do, and then we’re done! It’s nice not to have tarps and dust everywhere…

What did I read during the last week?

Once again, a week zoomed by with barely any time to read. I managed to finish one audiobook and one ebook, and that’s it. My finished books this week:

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson, #13) by Patricia Briggs: An audiobook reread — now I’m ready for the next book in the series, coming in June! My review from my first time reading this book is here.

Disturbing the Dead (A Rip Through Time, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: This author is so consistently great! I loved this newest book in her excellent Victorian/time travel/mystery series. Review to follow within the next few days.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished season 3 (the final season) of A Discovery of Witches. I don’t understand why such great books feel so flat in the TV adaptation. The cast is strong and it’s all quite nice to look at… but the pacing and presentation are slow and (I hate to say it) pretty dull and uninvolving. What a letdown. (Still looking forward to reading the next book in the series though…)

Fresh Catch:

Two new hardcover books this week:

Yes, more Kelley Armstrong! And a new collection of Seanan McGuire stories is a must for me.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren: Started on Sunday afternoon, and I’ve been racing through it! I’m at about the 50% mark — it’s so much fun.

Now playing via audiobook:

Where Have All the Boys Gone? by Jenny Colgan: An early book by a favorite author. I needed something super light this week, and this audiobook seems to be working!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 88%.
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ve started a group read of this non-fiction book, discussing one chapter each Friday. So far, we’ve only read the preface — we really get going this week, starting with chapter one.
• Howards End by E. M. Forster: My Classics Club Spin book. I’m reading it via Serial Reader, and loving it. Progress: 36%.

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 an eventful week — first Passover (really nice Seder with friends), then lots of progress on a home-repair/remodel project (yay for a new shower and a repaired staircase!), and a weekend with decent enough weather to get outside and enjoy.

What did I read during the last week?

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger: Finished late last week, and just got around to posting a review, here.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth: An immersive thriller, really well told. My review is here.

Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau: A funny, fast-paced take on the fake-dating trope. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

It dawned on my that I never got around to watching the final season (#3) of A Discovery of Witches. I loved the books way back when, but every single episode, I struggle to keep my eyes open. It’s just so sloooooooow. But, I’m powering through — it’s a good refresher before I finally read Time’s Convert and get ready for Deborah Harkness’s upcoming new release (The Black Bird Oracle) this summer.

Fresh Catch:

I couldn’t resist treating myself to this pretty hardcover, to go with my other books in the Stitch in Time series.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Disturbing the Dead (A Rip Through Time, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: This author is so consistently great! I’m excited to be starting the newest book in her excellent Victorian/time travel series.

Now playing via audiobook:

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson, #13) by Patricia Briggs: I’m loving this audiobook re-read! Should be done in the next few days.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 86%.
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Coming soon! Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ll be starting a group read of this non-fiction book at the end of this week, discussing one chapter each Friday. Interested? Contact me for more info!
• Howards End by E. M. Forster: My Classics Club Spin book. I’m reading it via Serial Reader, and really loving it so far. Progress: 21%.

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 Passover to all who celebrate! This will be the first Passover in several years where we haven’t done a big family seder at home. Instead, we’re heading to friends who live not too far away, and it should be really nice.

What did I read during the last week?

The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald: Fascinating look at a pivotal moment in early 20th century America, as seen through the eyes of a young woman undergoing a personal awakening. Excellent! My review is here.

A Twist of Fate (A Stitch in Time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong: A terrific 2nd book in a very enjoyable timeslip series. My review is here.

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger: The author was gracious enough to Zoom with my book group over the weekend — always a treat. I finished the book late Sunday; review to follow.

Snowstorms & Sleigh Bells (A Stitch in Time, #2.5): I also read this sweet novella, which follows the characters from A Twist of Fate in a Christmas-themed story. Very enjoyable.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished re-watching Queen Charlotte. So good! I’m not sure what I’ll start next, but meanwhile, I’m a few weeks behind on The Amazing Race, and I’m looking forward to catching up.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth: This author’s thrillers are always a great ride — this new one is releasing this week, and I’m exciting to be starting it.

Now playing via audiobook:

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson, #13) by Patricia Briggs: I’ve been planning to do a re-read via audiobook before the new Mercy book is released in June, and now seems like a great time to dive in.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 84%.
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Coming soon! Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ll be starting a group read of this non-fiction book in early May. Interested? Contact me for more info!
• Howards End by E. M. Forster: My new Classics Club Spin book! I’m starting it via Serial Reader, and should finish by the end of May.

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 out — not once — but twice over the weekend! That’s pretty remarkable, considering that most weekends, my idea of fun is snuggling up with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn and catching up on Netflix. On Saturday, my husband and I went to a dance evening we usually enjoy (so much fun), and on Sunday, we went to the symphony to see Patti Lupone in concert.

Not only was the show terrific, but we also had a gorgeous view from the symphony hall balcony during intermission:

What did I read during the last week?

It’s been a slow reading week — just way too much else going on. Here’s what I did manage to finish:

The Hob’s Bargain by Patricia Briggs: Very interesting to go back and read an early book by a favorite author. My review is here.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez: This author’s audiobooks are so good! I’ve now listened to her most recent three, and need to go back and try her earlier trilogy. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I finished my re-watch of Bridgerton season 2, and immediately started a re-watch of Queen Charlotte. These shows make me so happy. And I’m sure anyone who cares has already seen this, but… it’s the trailer for season 3!!

I’m loving Colin and Penelope’s glow-ups…

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week (and it’s such a pretty hardcover:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Such a dilemma! I started the book on the left just before the weekend, and then ran out of time to get very far… which would be fine, except that the book on the right is my book group book, and our discussion is next weekend. What to do, what to do?

The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald: I was going to hit pause for a bit so I could start the other book, but now I’m hooked and don’t want to stop!

The River We Remember by William Krueger: I’m not sure I’ll be able to finish before our discussion, but I’ll give it my best shot.

Now playing via audiobook:

A Twist of Fate by Kelley Armstrong: The 2nd book in the Stitch in Time series, and it’s great so far!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 81%.
• Damn Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 by Maggie Craig: Coming soon! Over at Outlander Book Club, we’ll be starting a group read of this non-fiction book in early May. Interested? Contact me for more info!

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 first week back at work after being away was just about as frenzied as you’d expect. Thank goodness weekends exist! I’ve spent the past two days enjoying the great weather, catching up around the house, and trying to squeeze in time for reading and for exercise.

What did I read during the last week?

Unfortunately, none of the three books I finished this week truly grabbed me…

Studies at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: The 4th and final book in the School by the Sea series. It was nice to see the characters again, but overall, I didn’t love this book. My review is here.

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper: The 2nd book in the Dark Is Rising Sequence will be the last for me (even there are three more books in the series). Maybe I’d have appreciated this book more if I had childhood memories of it — or if one of my own kids was still at an age to enjoy it. My thoughts are here.

The Garden by Clare Beams: I had to force myself to write a review of this one… just really couldn’t bring myself to care. There were some glimmers of an interesting plotline in this book about pregnancy and motherhood, but the overstuffed writing and the murkiness of the supposedly eerie elements left me feeling unengaged. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I started a list of series and movies that I want to watch… and then instead of diving in to something new, I ended up starting a re-watch of Bridgerton season 2. And I’m not sorry!

Fresh Catch:

I had some Amazon credits plus a gift card… so naturally I had to spend them. Here’s what I treated myself to:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald: Started late Sunday and haven’t made much progress. I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel (Time After Time), and this one looks very interesting.

Now playing via audiobook:

Let’s hear it for great audiobooks! After my reading letdowns this week, I thought maybe I was entering a slump… but this book has snapped me out of it.

Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez: I am loving this terrific audiobook! And what’s especially great is that I had no idea beforehand that this new book is connected to the author’s previous two (Part of Your World and Yours Truly), both of which I loved. This audiobook is making me so happy.

Ongoing reads:

Only one long-term reading commitment at the moment:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 76%.

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! I spent just over a week on a lovely family trip to Roatan Island, Honduras. A group of eleven of us gathered to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Such a treat to spend time with our adult children and their partners! We all stayed together at a beautiful AirBnb, and enjoyed sun, snorkeling, gorgeous views, and of course, great company.

A few photo highlights:

Plus, my personal bucket list item — I got to hold a sloth!!

Blogging etc.

I’ve spent the weekend trying to catch up a bit. I know I missed seeing a lot of great posts from around the blogosphere… but will try my best to get back in the swing of things in the coming week.

What did I read during the last week since my last Monday Check-in post?

I wrote a wrap-up post of the four books I finished while I was away — view it here. The books I read:

• The Bookseller of Inverness by S. G. MacLean
• Camp by L. C. Rosen
• The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain
• The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbottson

Finished since returning home:

The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian: A crime thriller with a Princess Diana impersonator as its lead character — definitely a unique premise! My review is here.

The Good, The Bad, and The Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto: Silliness abounds in this final book in the Aunties series. My review is here.

In Mercy, Rain by Seanan McGuire: A short story (30-ish pages, so I wouldn’t even call it a novella) set in the world of the Wayward Children series — specifically, revisiting the world of Down Among the Sticks and Bones (my favorite). Interesting, but not essential.

Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) by L. C. Rosen: After reading Camp, I just had to pick up the one remaining book that I hadn’t yet read by this talented author. I’m so glad I did! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’ve just been trying to catch up on my usual weekly shows from the last two weeks (Survivor, The Amazing Race, Abbott Elementary). But, I did watch what I thought would be a totally dumb movie to pass the time on the plane, and ended up really liking it!

Now, would I have enjoyed it as much if I wasn’t sitting on an airplane? Who knows?!! Just good, silly fun.

Fresh Catch:

No new books… but I have a few coming later this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I finished a book late Sunday (one of the many shown above), and haven’t quite decided what to start next. It’ll most likely be one of these…

Now playing via audiobook:

Studies at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan: The 4th and final book in the School by the Sea series. I always love this author’s books (which are especially fun via audio), and I’m excited to see how she ties up all the various characters’ story arcs.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 75%.
• The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper: I’ve decided to continue this series, but haven’t felt truly absorbed by this one (book #2) just yet. I think I’ll take it slowly and read it in between other things. Progress: 23%.

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 busy week, with gorgeous weather showing up just in time for the weekend! We had friends over for brunch, and we took our overstuffed selves out for a great walk by the beach. Good company, great views… such a nice day.

Blogging etc.

I’ll be offline for about 10 days starting tomorrow, as we’ll be busy with some family events and visits. I may pop by here and there, but I don’t actually expect to do any blogging, posting, or visiting of other sites for the time being.

What did I read during the last week?

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain: A terrifically entertaining Regency story of women’s empowerment (and yes, romance). My review is here.

A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstong: This audiobook was a reread for me, but enough time had passed that I didn’t remember a ton of the details. It was still great the 2nd time around! My review from my first read is here.

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, #2) by Diana Gabaldon: We’ve reached the end! My book group has been reading and discussing this book for the past six months, and we’ve finally gotten to the end of our journey. Such a great experience sharing this reread with everyone! We haven’t quite decided what our next big Outlander-related group read will be.

Disappearance of a Scribe (Eye of Isis, #2) by Dana Stabenow: An absorbing mystery set in Cleopatra’s Alexandria. My review is here.

Ballgowns & Butterflies (A Stitch in Time, #1.5) by Kelley Armstrong: After enjoying the audiobook for A Stitch in Time, I couldn’t resist listening to this novella as well, which takes place a few months after the first novel. A sweet holiday-themed treat.

Pop culture & TV:

I made it through the end of Fellow Travelers! All in all, an excellent series. There’s a time jump that I wasn’t expecting that kicks in as of the sixth episode and it took me a beat or two to adjust, but that’s okay. Fabulous acting and storytelling all the way through.

I’m curious: Has anyone read the book this series was adapted from? I’m really curious about how it compares and whether it’s worth reading.

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week — a paperback that I first heard about via The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Bookseller of Inverness by S. G. MacLean: My book group’s pick for March. Just getting started.

Now playing via audiobook:

I don’t think I’m going to have much audiobook time this coming week, but if I do, I’ll probably squeeze in one (or both) of these novellas.

Ongoing reads:

Now that we’ve wrapped up Dragonfly in Amber, my book group has just one longer-term read in the works right now:

• Daniel Deronda by George Eliot: My book group’s current classic read. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Progress: 68%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…