Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
The week started off great, with two fabulous reads. Then I seemed to be stuck between two books that just didn’t grab me. As I went back and forth between them, I feared that I would not find anything more to engage me this week. After I tossed them aside (DNF), I picked up a review ARC from Amazon Vine, and started in. I was a little hesitant, as it had 498 pages. But I finished it…loved it! It kept me thoroughly intrigued throughout.
Warm and then cooler weather followed us…and ended up being pretty perfect. This weekend, I will run some errands…and hopefully see a movie.
Let’s grab some coffee and take a look at the rest of the week…
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
That’s a Wrap: Read-a-Thon Is Over!
Interior Thoughts: A Precarious Balance
Tuesday Sparks: “Lies & Other Acts of Love
Hump Day Potpourri: Waiting for “The Hopefuls”
Bookish Thursdays #11: A Potpourri of Events
Feeding My Bookworm…and Thoughts About Changes
Bookish Fridays: “Three-Martini Lunch”
Saturday Sparks: More Family Fun
Whew! Where Did April Go? — A Wrap-Up
Review: The Obsession (e-book), by Nora Roberts
Review: Buried in a Bog (e-book), by Sheila Connolly
Review: Three-Martini Lunch (e-book), by Suzanne Rindell (Amazon Vine)
***
AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE:
Check out Lexxie’s Up Close & (un)Conventional: Keeping Track of Ideas
Over at A Little Time to Read, Kristilyn wrote about The Fine Art of Letter Writing
***
INCOMING BOOKS: (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Nothing in the mailbox! But I received a review ARC from NetGalley…and I purchased three downloaded books.
Cruel Beautiful World (e-book), by Caroline Leavitt (NetGalley – 10/4/16)
***
The Excellent Lombards (e-book), by Jane Hamilton
***
Scandal in Skibbereen (e-book, Book 2), by Sheila Connolly
***
The Other Typist (e-book), by Suzanne Rindell
***
WHAT’S UP NEXT? (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)
Currently Reading: Lies & Other Acts of Love (e-book), by Kristy Woodson Harvey
***
And then…perhaps one of these:
Don’t You Cry (e-book), by Mary Kubica (NetGalley – 5/17)
***
What We Find (e-book, Sullivan’s Crossing), by Robyn Carr
***
That’s it for my week…what did yours look like? Let’s have some coffee….or a mimosa, and chat.
***
The Other Typist has been on my TBR for a long time – I really must get around to reading it! I’ve also got the Mary Kubica to read soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember eyeing The Other Typist when it came out…so glad I finally got it! Reading another book by the author sealed it for me. Thanks for stopping by, Cleo. And I love Mary Kubica, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved Other Typist. I like that 60’s look for Cruel Beautiful World. Looks like a good one for when in that reading mode. Happy reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I am eager to read both of those books, vvb….thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Hate it when you get a couple of wishy washy books not to taste. Good to found something though then that you loved. Looks like some good ones lined up too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I, Kathryn, and I get mad at myself, because I bought them, after all. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Can’t wait for your thoughts on the new Jane Hamilton book. Have a good week, Laurel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I am excited about it, Mary…it has been too long since I read one of her books. Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Love the book and DVD shelf pics… and hope you’re having a good weekend. It’s raining and damp here, not very nice out. Buried in a Bog sounds very nice, and Scandal in Skibbereen looks fun too. Hope Don’t You Cry is good, heard good things about her books.
Hope you have a relaxing Sunday. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love them, too, Greg….and the weekend is going well so far. I enjoyed the movie Mother’s Day, even though it had a weird kind of pace…but the stars made it for me.
I have loved all of Kubica’s books, so I’m looking forward to Don’t You Cry. Enjoy your weekend.
LikeLike
I hate when book mojo gets killed off by a couple of DNF’s in a row I’m glad the Amazon Vine book was good though – what was it? 🙂
http://natalieslife.com/2016/04/libraries-gishwhes-and-netgalley-oh-my
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, two DNFs made me feel as though I would never again read a good one! The Vine book that saved me: Three-Martini Lunch. A long book (498 pages), but totally engrossing. Thanks for stopping by, Natalie.
LikeLike
Sorry you got stuck with two DNF’s last week, Laurel-Rain! It’s great that you bounced right back with something that kept you intrigued for 498 pages, though 🙂
Your new books look great – I hope you’ll enjoy them all.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I, Lexxie, and I’m glad that the Vine book saved me…when I realized how many pages were in it, though, I felt a little bit like groaning, so sure it would drag. It didn’t! Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
It’s a shame you had two DNFs in the same week but great that you then found a book you enjoyed. I love the sound of quite a few of your new books so I’ll be looking out for them. You’ve also reminded me that I have The Other Typist on my TBR and really must bump it up as it sounds great. Hope you have a lovely week.
Here’s my weekly wrap-up post:
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am looking forward to all my new books, but especially The Other Typist, as I just experienced the author’s writing style in Three-Martini Lunch…and TOT is shorter! LOL. Enjoy your week, Hayley…and thanks for visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came away from the library conference with Cruel Beautiful World. Curious about what you think of it.
http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2016/05/in-which-i-finish-perfect-book-for.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have enjoyed several books by the author, so I’m looking forward to Cruel Beautiful World. Thanks for stopping by, Deb, and have a great week.
LikeLike
I tried What We Find and couldn’t get into it… hope it works for you.
Bambi’s STS and Recap
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, no! I don’t need another stinker! LOL. Maybe I’ll like it…hope, hope! Thanks for stopping by, Bambi, and have a great week.
LikeLike
I’m another one who is still looking forward to reading The Other Typist. Hope the upcoming week doesn’t have any DNF’s for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so looking forward to no more DNFs in the foreseeable future! Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week, Mareli.
LikeLike
All of your books look so good. I get a bit hesitant with long books, too, but one I’m reading now is about 460 pages, too, but it’s really good so maybe it will go fast for me.
Hope you have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books with suspenseful plots tend to go faster for me…or books with characters that keep me intrigued. Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Sometimes books just aren’t meant to be finished are they? I just finished Don’t You Cry – really enjoyed it so hope you do to. Have a good week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s good news, Emma…I am just about to start reading Don’t You Cry. Have a great week!
LikeLike
The Excellent Lombards looks really good. I read The Book Of Ruth many years ago and loved it. I have now added it to my GoodReads TBR.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed The Book of Ruth, too, and there was a TV movie made from it. I also loved A Map of the World, and its movie. Thanks for stopping by, Ardis, and have a great week.
LikeLike
Robyn Carr is a favourite author of mine. Hope you enjoy What We Find. I received a copy of The Excellent Lombards as well. Can’t wait to dive in! Hope you like them.
Anxious Canadian Mom: STS/April Wrap Up
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve only read one book by Carr so far, but I thoroughly enjoyed it…so I have downloaded a couple more. Thanks for stopping by, Sarah, and I’m definitely eager to dive into them…and The Excellent Lombards, as Jane Hamilton is another favorite.
LikeLike
Glad you got back on track after two DNFs. Hope you are enjoying Lies and Other Acts of Love – I loved it. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did really enjoy it, Grace, and posted my review on my Serendipity blog. I’m eager to read more from this author. Thanks for stopping by, and I’m glad to have survived the DNFs.
LikeLike
Looks like you have some nice new reads. I love those covers. And I heard some good stuff about one of your next reads ‘What We Find’.. I’m curious to read what you think of it.
Sorry to hear about the two DNF’s!!
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Maureen, the two DNFs just about knocked me for a loop…so I’m glad to have moved on to enjoyment in my next book. I am also looking forward to these new books. Have a great week.
LikeLike
Don’t You Cry looks good. Since I began DNFing two years ago I haven’t had any reading slumps. Good for you for letting go and finding an awesome read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kimberly, and I like that way of looking at DNFs…they can prevent those slumps when we move on. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I just requested The Other Typist from the publishers this week. It really looks good! And I just love the cover on Cruel Beautiful World! Of course you’re not suppose to judge a book by its cover, right?
Thanks for sharing! and have a great week!
My Sunday Salon
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but we can certainly enjoy the beautiful ones, right? I also like that cover. Also the one on The Other Typist. Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne, and have a great week.
LikeLike
Ugh… two DNFs in a row is very depressing. I guess they come in fits and starts though. I felt a little uninspired by my TBR pile recently. There are a couple of books I’m looking forward to in there but I kinda felt that obligation to read others first. I probably need to stop trying to do that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am trying to alternate the older ones with the newer ones, and I’ve enjoyed that process. I really hate landing on one (or more) that goes DNF, though; not a good feeling.
Thanks for stopping by, Deborah, and have a great week.
LikeLike
What a great lineup. I can’t wait to read Don’t You Cry.
Bummer about the DNF’s, but it’s good to know when to move on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, giving oneself permission to stop reading is freeing….thanks for stopping by, Roo, and I hope we both love Don’t You Cry.
LikeLike
I had that happen this week too. A couple of good ones then a few I cast aside to maybe pick up later. Figured it might be my mood at the time. I did start one that didn’t sound that great but turned out really good. Glad your mojo is back!
My Sunday Post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Laura, sometimes I set aside a book for later…but those two had been set aside in the past. So this time, they were definitely tossed onto the DNF pile.
LikeLike
Sometimes I find that books that I expect to be good are not and the ones that I have no expectations for turn out to be gems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having no expectations is the best way to approach books, I think. That’s why I try not to pick up too many overly-hyped books…at least not until I’ve read a few reactions from others. Thanks for stopping by, Laura. Have a great week.
LikeLike
DNFs, are a pain, but glad you quickly settled into another book. Both Caroline Leavitt and Jane Hamilton’s book have me intrigued. I like chunksters so will be checking out 3 Martini Lunch. Have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they are. And as for Three-Martini Lunch, Nise…I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite its chunkiness ( a little heavy to hold when reading in bed!). Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.
LikeLike
You had another busy week and I really like your cheery new look! Sorry about the DNFs but I’m glad you found another that you liked a lot. I hope you enjoy What You Find along with your other reads. And enjoy your warm weather. Happy Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Martha, I like changing up my look…and the colors make me feel happy. I’m looking forward to my books for the week. Happy reading!
LikeLike
I’m eager to read Don’t You Cry too. I liked Kubica’s previous books. Cruel Beautiful World looks enticing! Have a great week 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m excited about it, too, Lucy…I’ve barely started it, so I’m not quite into it. Soon, I’m sure. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.
LikeLike
I love the look of the Jane Hamilton book. And I have Don’t You Cry as well but I’m not as excited about it as I was. I loved Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica but am currently listening to The Good Girl on audiobook and am finding it dragging a bit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just started Don’t You Cry, and while I have high hopes, right now I’m just a little confused, as only bits and pieces from alternating narrators is coming through on the pages. Hope it gets better! Thanks for stopping by, Trish, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Mimosas sound good to me. I think I have The Other Typist on my ereader…don’t you hate forgetting which books you actually have?! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, I always have to go to the pages in this blog where I list the books I’ve purchased or received for review…but they only back through 2014. I deleted the previous pages…why? Not sure. LOL. Thanks for stopping by, Sam, and I could do with a mimosa right now!
LikeLike
Don’t You Cry sounds like it will be an interesting read. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, Mariel….I’ve barely started, so I don’t have a grasp on what’s happening yet. I hate that part of a book…trying to figure things out. Enjoy your week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate it when I DNF back to back, kinda puts me in a mini reading slump, glad you found something else to read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes, I was definitely fearful about the future life with books! LOL. Finding something engaging is the perfect cure. Thanks for stopping by, Kei, and have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t you hate it when a book just doesn’t grab you? I’m glad you found one that satisfied. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kathy, I’m glad it doesn’t happen very often, and this is the first time I had to DNF two books in a row! Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
All of these look so good. I hope you get some good reading in this week. Been really busy on my end, so not a lot of reading going on. I miss it. 😦
Thanks for visiting The Busy Mom’s Daily.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cheryl, I love them, too! Have a great week.
LikeLike
‘Lies & Other Acts of Love’ looks really good, might have to find a way to get my hands on it. I’m also intrigues by ‘The Other Typist’ because I’d love to have a proper type-machine xD Thanks for sharing 🙂 I hope you have a great next week!
My Monday Post
Juli @ Universe in Words
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember noticing The Other Typist when it was first released…and then got sidetracked. After reading Three-Martini Lunch by the author, I knew I had to get this one. Thanks for stopping by, Juli, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
It’s frustrating when books don’t grab your attention, I hope you’re having better luck now. I loved that Robyn Carr book – enjoy! Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I am, Brandie..I read and enjoyed Lies & Other Acts of Love, and now I am navigating my entry into the world of Don’t You Cry. Eagerly. Thanks for stopping by…enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading slumps can be the worst! I definitely DNF books on a regular basis – time is too precious to waste on books that don’t speak to me! Glad to hear you’ve got your reading mojo back. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jane, and I now feel less guilty about DNF-ing books that I don’t enjoy! Have a great week.
LikeLike
Oh! You remind me I’ve had The Other Typist on my shelves forever, I really need to get to it soon. I heard great things about it. I hope you have a better reading week this week, with no DNF! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kay, and so far so good…I finished Lies & Other Acts of Love and enjoyed it…plus, I’m loving Don’t You Cry so far. Have a great week.
LikeLike
Sometimes you just need to DNF in order to get round to a more appealing book – it sounds like it was the right decision in this case. I hope you enjoy you’re upcoming reads.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely, Jade…I do like that way of looking at it. Enjoy your week.
LikeLike
The Other Typist sounds good, have to remember that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to read it, Mary Ann…thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Great week for you.
I hope you love The Other Typist as much as I did.
Have a wonderful reading week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Mailbox Monday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Elizabeth…let’s both love our upcoming week!
LikeLike
I really need to get my hands on What We Find by Robyn Carr! That one sounds like something i will enjoy!
Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m excited about it, Dani…I think it’s up next. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
You have so many choices and so many books that are new to me! Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The same is true when I visit your blog! Between us, I think we’re reading all the good ones…LOL. Thanks for stopping by, Patty.
LikeLike
I just got the Excellent Lombards from the Library so I’m a bit psyched for that one. Glad you liked the Rindell novel. 498 pages & it went by easily? Must get my hands on it! Enjoy your week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must admit that I was a little worried about the length of it, Susan; oftentimes the long books bog down at some point (for me, anyway). But this one was a riveting read for me.
LikeLike