Sunday Post (63) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

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.

Well I'm back from my family trip to Williamsburg. I had a great time and I didn't really want to come back! It is a beautiful area and I enjoyed learning more about American history. I'd wanted to visit Colonial Williamsburg since I was a kid so I'm glad I finally got to go. I loved visiting the historic trade shops and learning more about how people lived. I had wanted to see the Printer, the Bindery, the Milliner and R. Charlton's Coffeehouse (because as part of the tour you get to sample historic hot chocolate which was so yummy). We also went to the Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, Virginia Beach and Monticello. 

The highlight of my trip was seeing Monticello. It was fascinating to see where Thomas Jefferson lived and learn more about his life. What made the visit even more special was that I was reading America's First Daughter, a novel about Jefferson's oldest daughter, during the time of my visit. It was neat to see places described in the book in person. I only wish we could have toured the whole house. Maybe next time! The other highlight was seeing Liberty the Briard at Colonial Williamsburg. Liberty is often featured on Colonial Williamsburg's Instagram feed and I was excited that I got to meet her. She is such a cute dog!

Here are some pictures from our trip:

(At Colonial Williamsburg)

Liberty the Briard, the Governor's Mansion and a seamstress at the Milliner's shop

My parents and I at Monticello

My parents have fun at Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown :)

Last two weeks on my blog:

My Top Ten Favorite TV Shows (post)

The Reader by Traci Chee (review)

Books read:

The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

I thought this was a pretty good sequel to A Kiss of Deception though I did sometimes get frustrated with the characters. I can't wait to see how the story ends.

Rebound by Noelle August 

This is the second book in the Boomerang trilogy.  I didn't always like the romance but it was an entertaining and quick read.

America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

I was so glad I got to read this around the time that I visited Monticello. It really enriched the experience. I think Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph was a really interesting person and reading this novel made me want to learn more about her and Thomas Jefferson.

The Possibility of Somewhere by Laura Day

I liked Eden and how she persevered in spite of all the obstacles in her way. I also liked that the book featured an interracial romance. Unfortunately I did have a few issues with the book that kept me from liking it as much as I would have otherwise.

The Smoke Hunter by Jacquelyn Benson

I thought The Smoke Hunter was a fun adventure/romance. It was like a combination of Indiana Jones and The Mummy. I couldn't help but picture the hero as a younger Harrison Ford, especially once he started calling the heroine "Princess" to annoy her (which reminded me so much of Han Solo in Star Wars).

Books listened to:

Alienated by Melissa Landers (reread)

Invaded by Melissa Landers (reread)

Currently reading:

These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

My evening book group selected this for our September book. It is a novel written in diary format and based on the author's family history. I am really enjoying it so far (I'm halfway through) but I need to finish it by Tuesday.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

I am reading this on my Kindle and it is so good that I have to make myself put it down so I can read my book discussion book. I think it is definitely a timely topic and a book that will provoke strong reactions in readers.

On My TBR Pile:

United by Melissa Landers

Now that I've finished rereading the first two books in the series, I have to find out what happens in the end. I will be sad to say goodbye to the characters though.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

I may be going to see the movie with my sister next month. I haven't decided yet if I want to read the book first or be surprised by the movie. With suspense stories, I think it might be worth it to watch the movie first.

New Books Received:

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (for review)

On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins (for review)

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (for review)

A Change of Heart by Sonali Dev (for review)

The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden (for review)

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (library book)

These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner (library book)