I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.
In reading . . .
Then
I am officially all caught up in Jennifer Ashley's Kat Holloway Below Stairs historical mystery series, having finished reading Death at the Crystal Palace. I also finished I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights an Dilemmas of The Reading Life by Anne Bogel. I told my husband it's a book I wish I could hand out to anyone who wants to better understand me. At the reader part of me, at least--and why being a reader is much more than just reading a book for me.
Now
Mouse and I are close to finishing Rachel Renee Russell's Tales From a Not-So-Best Friend Forever (Dork Diaries #14). And I am enjoying Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine.
Next
I plan to dive into the TBR Winner next and my daughter has agreed to read Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega with me in between her other reads. I also have my eye on Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge, which is written in the form of a bestiary.
What I Have Been Watching
Just one more episode of Loki to go. I went into the show without any preconceived notions and have enjoyed seeing how the story plays out. I do not think I like it quite as much as WandaVision and Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but I am still enjoying it.
I watched the second season of Lupin this past week and loved it. I really need to read the books! I also watched an Australian show called First Day about a 12 year old transgender girl adjusting to a new school and all the social and personal issues she faces. I liked it quite a bit and hope to watch it again with my daughter at some point. It's the type of show I think she would enjoy.
My husband I are watching the first season of Broadchurch. I had forgotten how many Dr. Who characters made it into the show! I have seen the first season before, but it has been so long I do not really remember much.
Off the Blog
It seems like every time I sit down to start this post my cat Gracie settles on my chest making it difficult to type. Of course I cannot just move her. I have to give into the cuddles and wait until she leaves before I get back to blogging.
The work week was a trying one but I survived! I switched up my work station at home a bit. I use two computer monitors when I am in the office but was just using my work laptop when home. I decided since this is going to be a relatively permanent situation (it only took me 15 months), I might as well bring one of my office monitors home. With my laptop, I will now have two screens both at home and in office. It's made a big difference and I am happy with the result.
It was a busy week for Mouse. She completed her first week of her two week dance intensive (like a day camp). Five days straight of dance, a mix of different kinds. Six days, really, if you count our full day of dance and rehearsals today (Saturday). I got the chance to see the full run through of the musical while my husband helped with the props, and everything seems to be coming together. We got the last of Mouse's costumes. Now to do a little dance shoe shopping . . .
My back is feeling much better, just a twinge now and then to remind me I should still be taking it easy. Thank you for all the well wishes! I had to take a COVID-19 test for an upcoming medical procedure. It is a common precaution these days even if a person is vaccinated. I have not yet gotten the results back, but I am hopeful it will be negative.
Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this week?
Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:
There was a tie right up until the very end. I was hoping my daughter would be the tie breaker, but she cast her vote for the book with the least amount of votes. So I reached out to my friends on the COYER Facebook group and I have my winner!
Paris on Repeat (Wish & Wander #1) by Amy Bearce may have received the least amount of votes with 5 votes, but my daughter got a promise out of me that we will read it together. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan is still on my TBR although it will not be my next read. It was a close call but it lost by one vote to Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim, which got 15 votes. I am looking forward to reading Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop next!
Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!
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I remember reading that Dork Diary book when I was a kid! I didn't know kids were still reading those, it brought a smile to my face to see that you're reading it with mouse. I also have to get a COVID test done later in the month for a procedure. I told them I was vaccinated but they didn't care, test was mandatory. Ick. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMerripen - I think I am enjoying the Dork Diaries almost as much as my daughter. :-) They are fun. There's a new one coming out this coming winter--so she's still writing them! I hope your COVID test goes well. Luckily it wasn't too bad. Even though I knew I likely didn't have the virus, I was still relieved when I got the negative results back. Good luck with your procedure. I hope it goes well! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI almost picked up Stranger in the Mirror at Walmart the other day.
ReplyDeleteBilly - I enjoyed Stranger in the Mirror and if you do decide to read it, I hope you like it. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThe Jennifer Ashley series looks nice. I haven't been reading as much historical mystery lately but I used to read a lot of those! And this is the second time today I've seen Strange Beasts of china.
ReplyDeleteI started Loki the other night and am two in- so far I'm liking it mostly.
Two monitors are so nice. :)
Hope you have a great week ahead!
Greg - I hope to start on Strange Beasts of China this weekend. I hope you are enjoying Loki. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGlad you've been enjoying your reading and viewing, and cuddles with Gracie, even if that means less blogging time!😉 This week I had fun reading the easy, nostalgic The Comedy Club Mystery by Peter Bartram and watching the new, bittersweet comedy-drama Fatherhood (2021), starring Kevin Hart. Take care, happy reading and I hope the extra screen helps in the coming week.🙂
ReplyDeleteJessica - An easy nostalgic read sounds perfect. I am glad you have been enjoying your reading and viewing. I want to check out Fatherhood and am glad to hear you liked it. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThe Stranger in the Mirror cover really caught my eye there! I hope you enjoy. I brought a second monitor home too for WFH and it makes it so much easier, especially on the eyes and back!
ReplyDeleteMy Sunday Post
Lauren - I did enjoy Stranger in the Mirror, thank you! The second monitor really does make a world of difference. I'm glad I finally broke down and brought it home. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI'd love to know more about I'd Rather Be Reading, it sounds quite intriguing! I hope Mouse's show goes well, my daughter's dance show has now been postponed twice due to covid regulations.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week and hope all your books are good ones.
Louise - I hope you will check out I'd Rather Be Reading. It's a great little book. Thank you for the well wishes for my daughter's summer show. I hope it goes well too. Last summer, their show had been postponed until late fall and then was done via Zoom. They don't want to postpone this summer's show--but whether it will be via Zoom again or with an in-person audience is still up in the air. I hope everything goes well for your daughter's dance show too. I really feel for the kid, but I know safety has to come first.
DeleteThank you for visiting!
I didn't know the latest Kat Holloway book was out!! Can't wait for your review of it!
ReplyDeleteEustacia - It continues to be one of my favorite series. :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI know what you mean about explaining the reader part of you. I'm not sure many people (other than my reading friends here in my blog world) understand that important part of me.
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by Strange Beasts of China. That's a novel way to organize a book.
We still haven't gotten around to Lupin. Maybe this week.
One of our friends who has been working at home over the past year and a half just bought himself a $1000 chair. He spends a lot of time in that chair and he wanted it to be comfortable!
Deb - When people ask me what I do for fun and I say I am a reader, most have no idea all that entails for me. I was hoping to have started Strange Beasts of China by now but no such luck. Soon hopefully. I hope you enjoy Lupin when you watch it.
DeleteI can understand wanting a comfortable chair for working. :-) It really can make a difference in preventing body aches and such. I don't know if I would spend that much on a chair, but it'd probably be worth it.
Thank you for stopping by!
I have the new Kat Holloway coming up on my list and I can't wait to get to it! Love that series! Ghost Squad was so cute enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Stormi
Week in Review
Stormi - I hope you enjoy Death at the Crystal Palace. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI have two big monitors at work and I would not be able to do my job without them, so I know what you mean! That's a cute picture of Gracie😁 Have a good week, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteTammy - It's so nice having the two monitors at home. I don't know why I waited so long. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI need to start that Jennifer Ashley series, I think it's the only series of her's I haven't read.
ReplyDeleteI loved Broadchurch, I think the first season was my favorite. Have you watched Unforgotten?
Simply Angela
Angela - I haven't read too much of Jennifer Ashley's other work, but what I have read, I enjoy. I hope you like the Kat Holloway series if you give it a try! Broadchurch is so good. We finished the 1st season and hope to start on the second within the next week or two. I haven't seen Unforgotten. I'll have to look for that one. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI enjoyed the Jennifer Ashley series. I couldn't let others vote on what I am going to read. That is brave. I'm glad your back is better. I have found that with my exercises from PT and to keep moving helps.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
Anne - At least I have control over the books people vote on. :-) They are all on my TBR shelves as it is so always books I want to read. I am glad you enjoy the Jennifer Ashley series too. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteOh tell me about cats demanding attention when you are trying to type a blogpost. It's the story of my life here. Elza is overall very demanding.
ReplyDeleteStill need to watch Lupin, I actually forgot about it. I'd rather be reading seems like a book I would also like to read.
Have a good week and good luck with work stuff and all.
Elza Reads
Mareli (Elza) - As I sit here, Gracie is sitting right here on my desk and my arms are around her as I reach for my keyboard. LOL She's purring away. Take care and thank you for visiting!
DeleteGlad to read that your back is on the mend. Wendy, I cannot displace a cat on my lap for anything except maybe an emergency bathroom call :) Looking forward to that Liv Constantine book as well. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - Thank you. I am glad my back was better before the procedure. Whew. It's nearly impossible to displace a cat, isn't it? I will even sit on the floor if the cat is in the only open chair in the house. LOL Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteWhat a lovely update. Your cat Gracie is gorgeous, and I totally understand not moving her when she's in your way. Cats first! Have a nice week, and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteWendy - Yes, cats first! Haha. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteYay for getting caught up on the Kat Holloway series. It's always a good feeling when that happens. And I'm glad your back is feeling better. And I know what you mean about the book I'd Rather Be Reading! There's a lot in that book that describes me, too. Have a good week! :D
ReplyDeleteLark - Thank you! Now to get caught up on my other series reading . . . Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI'm glad you're feeling better. I tried watching Lupin and couldn't get into it. I'm going to give it another try when I'm in a better mood. I would watch Loki but I don't have that channel.
ReplyDeleteMary - I have been trying to talk my husband into watching Lupin because I think he'd like it. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI'd Rather Be Reading sounds very good. Aww about Gracie, Otis expects to sit on my lap pretty much the entire workday from home.
ReplyDeleteI like the second monitor too, I have two at the office. They gave me a second one for home, but I never set it up so I only use one at home.
Happy reading with Mouse this week and have fun with dance class and the musical preps!
Naida - That's so cute! We have lap buddies while we work. I don't know what Gracie will do this week when I'm in the office. I hear she meows at the garage door when I am gone all day. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteGot me curious about Strange Beasts of China. I plan on watching Lupin soon. Loved Broadchurch and have to catch up with the latest season. Oh, I'm reading the tea shop book this month too :-) Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteVvb - I hope you enjoy Lupin. We haven't gotten to the second season of Broadchurch yet, but the first was good. It was a re-watch for me, but the first time for my husband. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI think I like Loki more than I liked WandaVision (but I absolutely DID like WandaVision) but Falcon and The Winter Soldier has been my favourite of the Marvel shows, so far. Marvel are knocking it out the park with the quality of these shows, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy cat has taken to sitting under my desk and cuddling up to my feet when I'm on my computer as she wants to be close but can't get comfortable on me when I'm sitting here, lol. They're adorable creatures... I don't know what I'd do without my cat!
Hope your medical procedure goes well!
Nicci - All the Marvel shows have been so good. I have liked them all too.
DeleteAw! That is so sweet that your cat cuddles your feet while you are at the computer. Nina does that with my husband. She isn't much of a cuddler otherwise.
Thank you for the well wishes and for visiting!
Glad to hear your back is feeling better and that Mouse is dancing her way thru summer. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop!
ReplyDeleteVictoria - Thank you!
DeleteI've really enjoyed all of the Marvel series so far, although I wish they were all longer. I hope Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop is a great read for you. I really liked that one when I read it.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - Yes, I wish the Marvel series would be longer too. I've really enjoyed all of them. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGood to hear your back is better. My friend had surgery last month and had to get 2 covid tests because the first one came back inconclusive. They almost postponed it, but thankfully they didn't cause she was in serious pain. So frustrating, but it is what we have to do for awhile. Just about finished with Lupin S1, will keep watching for sure.
ReplyDelete'Nise - I am glad your friend was able to get her surgery. Having to test is definitely inconvenient, but, as you said, it's what we have to do for awhile. I hope you continue to enjoy Lupin! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI really need to read the Anne Bogel book. Thank you for reminding me about it! Isn't Broadchurch great? I need to check out Lupin. I keep hearing it about it and we just finished Bosch so in need of a new show to watch. Hope your back is doing much better and that all goes well with your medical procedure - good thoughts & health vibes your way friend!
ReplyDeleteIliana - I hope you do get a chance to read Anne Bogel's book and watch Lupin. Both are worth it. Thank you for the good thoughts and health vibes. I really appreciate them. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGood luck to Mouse with all the dance stuff! I hope your back feels better soon. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
AJ - Thank you!
DeleteI'd Rather Be Reading intrigues me, I will have to see if my library has a copy. I am watching Season 3 of Virgin River, but do want to watch Loki. I was away for 3 days this week (stayed at my friend's cottage with her) and had a great time. Now to catch up on reviews, reading blogs and commenting. Have a great week ahead, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteCarla - I was eyeing Virgin River and thinking about watching it. I hope you are enjoying it. I am glad you had a good time with your friend at her cottage. That sounds like a nice getaway. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI just put the Anne Bogel book on hold at my library so I should get it later this week. I can't wait and I'm so glad to see that you loved it! Now I just need to get the Jennifer Ashley! My cat enjoys walking across my keyboard - or just standing on it until I pet him. It's very helpful. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I noticed you are reading it now. I hope you enjoy it! Cats are so funny. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteEven when I know I don't have COVID, getting a negative result feels so good! Fingers crossed you are negative and that preparations for your medical procedure go well.
ReplyDeleteHelen - Yes, it was such a relief to get a negative COVID result even though I knew that would be the outcome. There's always that little bit of doubt. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI'm intrigued by Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop; it sounds like a fun read. And I need to check out Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine. I've read one of her books and loved it so I'm interested in this one as well.
ReplyDeleteMelody - I just finished Lim's book and enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy Stranger in the Mirror if you like it. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteVicki - I hope you enjoy Stranger in the Mirror if you read it.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness dogs aren't quite as agile as cats. Although they love to be loved too, don't they? I can't resist animals in want of attention.
Thank you for stopping by!
I liked Loki a fair bit, though I kept feeling like it could've been more. I really do need to get round to watching Wanda Vision. I've been meaning to try out Ghost Squad too.
ReplyDeleteDianthaa - I know what you mean about Loki. I hope you enjoy Wanda Vision when you watch it. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteMy workstation at work was reviewed and adjusted for ergonomics so when I came home, immediately I was out of whack. I got used to it but that doesn't mean it's better. I could move stuff around but I honestly don't have the energy.
ReplyDeleteCOVID is ramping up everywhere. I suspect indoor dining will be banned in two weeks. I got a notice for my upcoming flight that I will need to quarantine. Well, that can't happen since it's for my daughter's move in. My son is still stuck in New Mexico, car broke down. It has been a stressful weekend.
Ti - I have had a couple of ergonomic assessments to get my workspace in the office just right, and so adding working at home has definitely been a bit of a challenge. The more similar I can get it at both home and work, the better.
DeleteI am glad the situation with your son got worked out. What a nightmare that must have been. Certainly a story to laugh about later though. I hope your daughter is doing well.
Thank you for visiting!