Sunday Post (97) / 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.

I can't believe we are halfway through October already! It's been a long time since I last posted anything. I wanted to take a break from blogging in September and I planned to start writing again in October but I ended up getting sick. There is a nasty cold going around. I am feeling much better now but I was one of the lucky ones. One of my coworkers got bronchitis and sinusitis. I am just happy to not have a sore throat or be constantly needing tissues!

To be honest I haven't missed writing reviews all that much. It was nice to take a break from it! I think I may quit requesting books for review in 2018 and try to just read what I am in the mood for. Let's see how long it takes me to break that resolution ;) I haven't been reading that much though I did read a few books I liked.

During my blogging/writing break I have been indulging a new hobby--acrylic pour painting. I took a class at my craft store at the end of August and now I'm hooked. I never thought I'd ever paint anything because I have zero artistic talent. I definitely can't draw. This type of painting is so easy that anyone (even me) can do it and it is very addictive. I must say I enjoy it much more than coloring which I usually found stressful instead of relaxing. I am still learning and currently taking an online class. 

This Tuesday I will be teaching an acrylic pouring class at my library. We have 19 people signed up which is the maximum I can accommodate. I am really excited about it and it makes up for having to cancel a murder mystery dinner at our branch library because not enough people signed up. I also have a bad art night planned for the following Tuesday and in November we are having an ugly sweater craft night. So far only a few people have signed up for each program but I'll probably still go through with them.

This trailer is fantastic. I think it adds even more intrigue and suspense over the plot. I cannot wait to see this movie! 

Lastly, this song is stuck in my head--a reminder to pray for the people of Puerto Rico. If you are able to, I hope you will donate to Hurricane Maria relief or at least buy the song from iTunes (all proceeds go towards that).

Last post on my blog:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Some of the books I've read recently:

The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver

This is the fourth book in the Amory Ames mystery series. A perfumer died under mysterious circumstances and Amory and her husband head to Paris to investigate. I liked that I couldn't figure out the identity of the killer.

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It is the story of Emilia Nightingale and her father who founded the bookshop and has recently passed away. It is also the story of those in the village whose lives have been touched by the bookshop and its beloved late owner. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Jojo Moyes.

Caroline by Sarah Miller

This is a retelling of the events of Little House on the Prairie through the eyes of Caroline Ingalls. It is definitely a very different experience for a grown woman who is pregnant and trying to take care of two young girls along the way. Also because I remember the show more, I'd forgotten that Laura was only 3 years old! I mostly enjoyed this and hope to write my review soon.

The Secret History of Us by Jessi Kirby

I thought this was a quick read. It is about a teenager who survives an accident and wakes up with no memory of the last four years.

Currently reading:

Leia: Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray

This novel features a teenage Leia before she became a Senator and joined the Rebellion. Leia is learning about leadership among other things as she starts her time with the apprentice legislature and undertakes the tasks that will prove to the people of Alderaan that she will make a worthy ruler someday.  There is some stuff with the beginnings of the Rebellion and a new character from The Last Jedi is introduced. So far this is really good.

What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton

This has not been an easy book to read. Especially when I think of what might have been. She is a good writer though.

On my TBR list:

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

I've heard good things about this so I am eager to give it a try. Since the Wonder Woman movie was released on DVD I have watched it three times. I am curious about The Justice League movie but I will probably wait to see it on DVD.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (reread)

Speaking of movies, my evening book club chose this for our October book since it is going to be in theaters soon and we wanted a mystery for Halloween. I read this as a teen so I don't remember it very well. I am looking forward to rereading it!

You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

I have heard very good things about this and it got excellent reviews. I hope to get the chance to read it soon.