The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.
Last weekend I visited my parents so I didn't get a chance to write a blog post. I had a good time with them though I did wish that we'd had warmer and less rainy weather. When I got back, I had to take Monday off due to some mild food poisoning (my parents got sick too so we think it was something we ate at a church carry in). Thankfully it only lasted one day but I am just now starting to feel back to normal.
I had a busy week at work as we are in the final stretch to summer reading program (or Summer Challenge as we are trying to get in the habit of calling it). I am so behind. On top of that I am expected to overhaul two sections of our website which we are in the process of redesigning and I have to write my staff evaluations. I am so ready for a vacation! Yesterday I spent the day reading for the Clean Sweep ARC Read-a-thon I forgot to post about but it was so nice to just read and forget my worries for awhile. I read two books and started another.
#FitReaders Weekly Check In
#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About
My step goals were a little derailed this week due to illness and other circumstances but I was happy that I was able to do better on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Sunday--4,583 steps
Monday--1,293 steps
Tuesday--7,151 steps
Wednesday--10,623 steps
Thursday--11,554 steps
Friday--10,425 steps
Saturday--1,193 steps
Last week on my blog:
Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider (review)
The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews (review)
Books read:
Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider
I thought this was a good "beach read" kind of book. I felt bad for Sloane because of what happened with her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend but it was also harder to relate to her because of her wealthy and privileged lifestyle. I also expected more from the Hawaiian setting.
The Skylighter by Becky Wallace
I liked this final book in the Keepers Chronicles duology but it wasn't quite as good as the first book. I cared more about what happened to the Keepers and their storyline than Rafe or Johanna.
The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews
Poor Riley. I thought this was an enjoyable book but I did want to smack Riley's bratty tween daughter and Riley's snobby mother at times. I also was a bit disappointed by the resolution of the murder mystery which I thought was anticlimactic but at least I didn't figure out who the killer was!
You Don't Have to Be a Star/Once Upon a Cowboy by Susan May Warren and Lacy Williams
I forget why I bought this but I must have seen a review somewhere. It is an inspirational fiction bundle and both were quick reads, perfect for my sick day on Monday. I liked the Susan May Warren story more. It is about a Hollywood actress hiding out from a stalker in a remote cabin. The other story is about a princess hiding on a ranch.
I thought this was fantastic. Something that made me really happy was the focus on friendship (even with its flaws and struggles) and the relationship between Andie and her dad. It was great to see Andie bond with her dad and have a real relationship with him. I also liked the growing romance between Andie and Clark and I adored Bertie (the Great Pyrenees).
Charlotte/Charlie lives a double life at school where no one knows she is an elite gymnast training for the US Olympic Trials. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the life of a teenage gymnast.
I forget why I bought this but I must have seen a review somewhere. It is an inspirational fiction bundle and both were quick reads, perfect for my sick day on Monday. I liked the Susan May Warren story more. It is about a Hollywood actress hiding out from a stalker in a remote cabin. The other story is about a princess hiding on a ranch.
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
I thought this was fantastic. Something that made me really happy was the focus on friendship (even with its flaws and struggles) and the relationship between Andie and her dad. It was great to see Andie bond with her dad and have a real relationship with him. I also liked the growing romance between Andie and Clark and I adored Bertie (the Great Pyrenees).
The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson
Charlotte/Charlie lives a double life at school where no one knows she is an elite gymnast training for the US Olympic Trials. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the life of a teenage gymnast.
Books listened to:
This was such a fun audio book to listen to. The novel is written for a tween/young teen audience but it gave some insight into the characters of Leia, Han and Luke and the narration was fantastic. Marc Thompson (the best Star Wars narrator) voiced Han and Luke and any other male voices while Rebecca Soler (she read the audiobooks for the Lunar Chronicles too) voiced Princess Leia. There are also great sound effects. Sadly Alexandra Bracken didn't write the other two books in the series and the second one especially received terrible reviews.
Currently reading:
Wanderlost by Jen Malone
While it is a bit far-fetched I am enjoying this book so far. Recent high school graduate Aubree is definitely out of her depths as she tries to lead a European tour in her older sister's place after losing the itinerary and her phone. I feel bad for Aubree. She is used to being babied by her mom but she also wants people to take her seriously and she tries so hard to succeed and prove she can handle responsibility.
Currently listening to:
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (reread)
On my TBR pile:
The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard
This is our afternoon book group's selection for May. I like that there is a bit of mystery to it.
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
My evening book group picked this one. I've heard that the other members are enjoying it so far especially all the Shakespeare references.
New books received:
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch (library book)
You Don't Have to Be a Star/Once Upon a Cowboy by Susan May Warren and Lacy Williams (purchased)
Enjoy your new books! I remember loving The Weird Sisters...and I'm curious about Summer of Sloane. I also want to read The Weekenders.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Sorry to hear about the food poisoning! Ugh not fun. That Star Wars book looks really good, I wondered about those and how they fit into the story. And Love and Gelato may make it on my TBR too, I love that cover (and maybe I just want gelato). :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you got food poisoning. That's the worst! I am glad you are feeling better. I can't wait to read your full review for Wanderlost. That is definitely on my TBR list. I also enjoyed The Unexpected Everything...I am glad you did too! Love & Gelato is a fun summertime read...loved the setting of course!
ReplyDeleteFood poisoning--yikes! I'm glad it was short-lived, though. I'm glad you enjoyed The Unexpected Everything; I loved that one too! Morgan Matson is just a fantastic writer. I hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteMy Sunday post!
Looks like you had a great reading week. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYou do sound super busy!! I am glad you just enjoyed some downtime reading without agenda. You need that sometimes. Also, I am glad you are all feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI usually love Andrews! It sounds like this one is good but not as good as her previous books maybe?
The Mourning Hours is so good! I loved it when I read it. I hope your group does as well. The Unexpected Everything looks and sounds good, I will have to add it. :)
Glad you are finally feeling better. I love HP... I should do a reread, especially with the new book coming out soon.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover of Summer Sloane. It sounds like you've had a busy week but nice to have time with your parents. Not so nice though re the food poisoning!
ReplyDeleteThe Weekenders looks so cute, and The Mourning Hours looks intriguing. I hope you enjoy reading this week.
ReplyDeleteMy It's Monday! What Are You Reading? post.
I'm glad you're feeling better. The Weird Sisters sounds great. Have a great week :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice assortment of books. While it is great to have some extra reading time, food poisoning isn't the most fun way to get it. I'm glad you are feeling better. Here's my week. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteAh food poisoning no fun. Nice that the challenge gave you the chance to sit down and carve out some much wanted reading time. Sounds busy at work, pressure is never enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI didn't finish The Weird Sisters, lol. The Weekenders looks really good. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteSorry you all go sick. One of the reasons my husband won't attend potlucks! Glad you were able to read while recovering.
ReplyDeleteNice mix of genres here. I have seen a lot of The Weekenders on different blogs.
ReplyDeleteYou got through quite a lot of books it seems like! Hope you enjoyed them all. I have been feeling like I either have a head cold, or my allergies are acting up. So far it's not messing anything up. I just hope it stays that way. Hope you get to feeling better!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my Sunday Post