Weekly Mews: Smoky Air and Hamilton at the Pantages

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.

I am linking up Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.  

We have had our attention on three big fires in the surrounding counties, one of which has made its way into our own. Some of my coworkers were evacuated from their homes or had to help relatives leave theirs. The smoke was very bad early last week, to the point that some schools closer to the fires and most other schools, like my daughter's, limited any deep breathing and outdoor activities. The heat didn't help. Fortunately, the temperatures cooled down the middle of the week, and while we aren't taking our chances opening the windows quite yet, it's very much a relief. Firefighters are still fighting to contain the fires, making slow progress. 

Last weekend Anjin, Mouse, and mom took me out for dinner to the Spaghetti Factory to celebrate my birthday. We had a nice dinner and then came home for some ice cream cake, my favorite. The running joke in our family is that every birthday I turn 33. I won't share which anniversary of my 33rd birthday I'm on, but it's a lot. I got a good laugh when I saw the cake. 

This weekend we went to see the musical Hamilton performed live at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. It was just as good as I hoped it would be. Anjin, Mouse, and I watch the recorded version frequently, it being one of our favorite musicals, so being able to see it in person was a special treat. My mom was able to join us, a late birthday present for the both of us. 

What have you been up to?

I am about half way through A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon. It got off to a slow start, but has since picked up. I thought it quite a coincidence that I am reading a book set around the American Revolution at the same time we went to see Hamilton. As it happens, Mouse is studying that time period on school right now too.

The Golden Enclaves (Scholomance #3) by Naomi Novik took up most of my reading time this past week--it was too good to put down. Novik has a gift for world building and I am such a fan of El (but don't tell her that because she would hate the idea of having fans). It was a good conclusion to a great trilogy. 

Thank you to everyone who voted in my September TBR List Poll! Although fall officially may not be here yet, it's close enough and I am craving something lighthearted and ghostly.

Darci Hannah's A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor (Food & Spirits Mysteries #1) and The Third Wife of Faraday House by B.R. Myers tied for second place with five (5) votes each. Haunted Ever After (Boneyard Key #1) by Jen DeLuca won with nine (9) votes. So, Haunted Ever After it is! I have enjoyed other books by Jen DeLuca I have read and am excited to give her latest book a try. Thank you again for voting!

What are you reading right now?

My TBR List is hosted by Michelle at Because Reading. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books from my TBR pile I am considering reading and let you vote for my next read during that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).  

Bookish Birthday Loot: 

The Jane Austen Escape Room Book illustrated by Marjolein Bastin 

(doesn't this sound fun? and look at all the bookstore gift cards!)

Weyward by Emilia Hart

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

Amari and the Despicable Wonders (#3) by B.B. Alston

This Book Won't Burn by Samira  Ahmed

Birthday flowers (and chocolates)

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? 

think? 

I finally got around to watching the third season of Bridgerton recently, which I really liked. It's such a fun show with beautiful costumes and lovely sets. My husband and I watched the first episode of the new season of Murders in the Building and are looking forward to seeing how this season will unfold. 

What are you watching these days? 

I hope you have a great week! Let me know what you have been reading!

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