Weekly check-in

Sunday, June 7, 2015 Permalink

Another week’s flown by and I’d like to say I’ve achieved amazing things. But that would be a lie. 😉 I am however still here and ready to share the goings-on of the past week.

What I read

I started the week (as planned) with Love May Fail by Matthew Quick. It’s already out here in Australia so my review’s live.

I then stepped WAY out of my comfort zone to read a book featuring a head-banging country-singing mortician who sees dead people. I know I know, same-old, same-old.

Limbo by Amy Andrews features ‘failed’ country singer Joy who pairs up with a private detective to track down a missing baby, on the request of its dead mother. I’ve already reviewed it too and you’ll be shocked to know I liked it despite the paranormalness, sex and romance!

limbo by amy andrews

I also read Minette Walters’ (hammer horror) novella The Cellar. I enjoyed a lot of her early work but have struggled with her more recent novels. Sadly this 130 page offering was no different.

the cellar minette walters

What I wrote

I’ve already mentioned that my reviews of Love May Fail and Limbo have already been posted. I also uploaded my review of The Cellar to Goodreads.

I also published some writing goals. I feel like I’m floundering a bit on that front at the moment, so decided I should give myself some direction. Now I just need to follow through. #soon

And finally I wrote something in my local blog (updated only intermittently) about some events being held in the area this past weekend.

What I did

I had a pretty unproductive week for a range of reasons, which (happily) ended well when I attended a local food and wine festival (on Saturday).

relish food and wine festival

I’m also thinking of attending an event this afternoon, listening to some music and just getting out and about. However, my brother (PJ—aka, the prodigal son) is on a flying visit and overnighting so I may feel compelled to have some quality family time with PJ and my mother as I haven’t seen him since Christmas.

What I WILL be reading

I had a few new arrivals this past week including Stephen King’s Finders Keepers. I haven’t read Mr Mercedes but his latest is next on my ‘to be read’ pile.

mail book blogger

I’m also hoping to get to the Long Hot Summer, which I’ve deferred for a couple of weeks, along with Charlie, Presumed Dead and Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum.

And finally, I hope to be FAR more productive this week and have a plan which I hope will help me get into a better routine.

And that’s it for this book blogger. What are your plans for the upcoming week?

As usual I’m linking up with Kimberley for the Sunday Post and Sheila for “It’s Monday!” 

66 Comments
  • amyh90
    June 7, 2015

    Aww Deb! That brisket burger sounds gorgeous!!!! *drools and eyes banana with contempt* lol, not quite the same is it? I hope you get to spend more time with PJ and ur mum this week 🙂 family time will be good!
    Have a great day,
    Amy x

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      Apparently the burger was amazing! Another place had these amazing donuts – holes filled (and coated) with toffee apple or salted caramel and popcorn. I’m coeliac (celiac) so my options were more limited alas.

  • Jo
    June 7, 2015

    Aaah yes, routines…have a great week.

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      Thanks Jo. I really struggled last week, so need to try to get some rigour around my day (rather than wallow), hence heading to mum’s where I will get up at a decent hour and work at her dining room table. Rather than at my desk at home, which is right next to my bed! #tootempting

  • Char
    June 7, 2015

    Your postal deliveries are way more exciting than mine. I only get fabric and dog tablets. You get hours of escapism.

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      Oh yes, very true. And I seriously need it at the moment, let me tell you. 🙂

  • Elizabeth
    June 7, 2015

    A food and wine festival would be great right about now although I just ordered a pizza to be delivered! I’ve never read Matthew Quick, but from what I am reading about his books I think I would like him. Have a good week and I hope you get to some of your goals.

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      Thanks Elizabeth. The food and wine festival was lovely. Lots of interesting local wines as well as some more well-known ones and fabulous food.

      Deb

  • Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
    June 7, 2015

    You really do inspire me to read more Deb. I read your review of The Cellar. It sounds like an interesting premise. I might give it a go and see what I think. Is there much of a demand for Novellas do you think?

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      I’m not sure Michelle. I think they’re more of an electronic thing so I’d normally not come across them as much. But – they’re perfect for people who are strapped for time (ie. most people). This was easy to read in a night with a break in between for TV etc.

      And yes I did enjoy the premise (and had just watched an episode of Madam Secretary involving a diplomat who kept a maid in the basement, so it was very topical!) so it did have potential.

  • Greg
    June 7, 2015

    That festival looks nice! Good luck with your writing goals, it is hard to throw yourself out there.

    Love May Fail looks like an interesting read. Glad it perks up at the end, sound like an emotional read.

  • laurelrainsnow
    June 7, 2015

    I am ogling Finders Keepers…and probably should read Mr. Mercedes first, right? Enjoy!

    Love your photo collage…and thanks for visiting my blog, which makes you think of the Carpenters’ song…LOL

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      I was worried I hadn’t read Mr Mercedes but I think the characters appear in Mr Mercedes obliquely so hopefully my lack of backstory won’t be a problem.

  • kimbacaffeinate
    June 7, 2015

    The wine festival sounds awesome. Ok, you have me wanting to read Limbo and look at you trying new things and surviving another week. Monday you can take over the world!

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      I can imagine Limbo made into a TV series… perhaps the author should be pitching screenplays.

  • Kathryn
    June 7, 2015

    Definitely love the idea of the food and wine festival, getting out like that surely must awaken the muse! Enjoy your reads, especially those spooky and crime ones.

  • Megan @ reading away the days
    June 7, 2015

    I loved that you stepped out of your comfort zone and read Limbo because now I know about it and want to read it. It sounds great. I will check out your review as well. Writing goals helps at least you trying to make yourself write. Hopefully you get to it #soon 🙂 Have a great week.

    Megan @ http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      Oh yes Megan, I’d definitely suggest reading Limbo!

  • Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
    June 7, 2015

    You’ve had a busy week once more, Deb, even if you didn’t do everything you planned, you did do well with what got done.
    I hope you’ll be able to spend some time with PJ today, it’s been a long time since Christmas!
    Stepping out of your comfort zone is good every now and then, especially when you end up being pleasantly surprised 🙂
    Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.

    • Debbish
      June 7, 2015

      Having a lovely family time Lexxie. Thanks so much! x

  • Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    June 7, 2015

    I am all about a food and wine festival – Sounds wonderful. Great review on Love May Fail. Definitely something I will check out. Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Thanks Grace and the food and wine festival was definitely fun. And thankfully the weather was brilliant.

  • Jess
    June 7, 2015

    My weeks are never as productive as I hope! Or that is how it feels lately. Food and wine festival looks really nice! Hope you have fun seeing your brother and mum!

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Thanks Jess. I’m hoping this week is a bit better in terms of getting things done.

  • Book Splurge
    June 7, 2015

    The wine festival sounds great! Have fun!

  • divabooknerd
    June 7, 2015

    Ooh, I love a food and wine festival. Mainly for the food of course. it’s the perfect excuse to stuff yourself silly. I tried to read Love May Fail during the week too, but sadly just couldn’t get into it. I jump between YA and classics mostly, but adult contemporaries usually aren’t my thing. Ooh, lots of lovely new books this week too, looking forward to seeing what you think of Charlie, Presumed Dead. It’s one of my anticipated reads. Thanks for sharing Deb and have a wonderful week lovely <3

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Charlie, Presumed Dead wasn’t something I requested (to the best of my recall) but I’m now really looking forward to it!

  • danielaark
    June 7, 2015

    I love your “unproductive” weeks 🙂 a food and wine festival sounds like the perfect way to be unproductive. I’d like to hear what you think about Finders Keepers. For some reason I have never been able to get through King’s books, though he is an amazing writer.

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      I was a latecomer to King’s earlier books but haven’t read his more recent work. I really love his ‘On Writing’ non-fiction book for writers though!

  • Catherine @ Book Club Librarian
    June 7, 2015

    Enjoy the books in your reading queue and whatever activities come your way next week. Good luck with the writing.

    My Sunday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/06/weekly-book-recap-106.html

  • Stormi D Johnson
    June 7, 2015

    Sounds like you had a decent reading week, to bad you didn’t like The Cellar, it sounds cool. 🙂 Enjoy your new reads!

    Stormi
    Week in Review

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      The Cellar’s definitely worth the read if horror’s more your thing… plus it’s a novella so only about 130 pages, not too much of an investment if you don’t love it Stormi!

  • Rita @ View From My Home
    June 8, 2015

    Good week for you: a festival, a brother visiting, and a stack of new books! Haven’t read Mr. Mercedes yet either but I was thinking of jumping straight into Finders Keepers if I pick it up soon.

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Yes Rita, I don’t think it’s going to matter that I haven’t read Mr Mercedes…. but I’ll let you know after. 🙂

  • brandileigh2003
    June 8, 2015

    Limbo sounds great, hope you enjoy and have a great weekend.

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Yes, it was certainly a surprise.

      Deb

  • Terri M., the Director
    June 8, 2015

    I think after two months of going non-stop, I finally have 3 weekends in a row free where I can get back into my routine. I need it. 🙂 Have a good week.

    Terri M., the Director
    Second Run Reviews

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      I always say I’m great with change Terri, but I do love my routines!

  • samantha1020
    June 8, 2015

    I am intrigued by Minette Walters (always looking for new thriller writers to check out) so I am off to look at her earlier books. I only managed to write one review last week so it sure sounds like you were more productive then I was 🙂 Have another great week!

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Oh yes Minette Walters has some great books – and a few have been made into TV mini-series etc from memory.

  • Christy
    June 8, 2015

    It’s great when you enjoy something so much that made you step out of your comfort zone. Gotta take a chance! 🙂 I would consider attending a food and WINE festival very productive. lol

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Ah yes… I’m more than happy to include the food and wine festival on my list of achievements!

  • Heidi
    June 8, 2015

    My productivity went downward after Monday as I had a sick kid. I need to get everyone healthy in my house. Mr Mercedes is quite the read, very different for King. I liked it but so creepy because it is realistic. Hey, you can never go wrong with a wine festival! Have a terrific week.

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      I heard good things about Mr Mercedes when it was released… that it offered something quite different etc. Somehow I never got around to reading it, so I’m happy to leap straight into Finders Keepers.

  • fuonlyknew
    June 8, 2015

    A friend of mine read Finders Keepers and loved it! Very nice books this week. This time of year we have a lot of music and food festivals happening everywhere. Looking forward to it and looks like you had fun too!

    My Sunday Post – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/06/07/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-112-and-the-sunday-post/

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Yes, we have a few festivals here now. It’s winter… but very mild, so in my part of the world (the Fraser Coast) we have a Mary Poppins Festival, Whale Festival and Seafood Festival on the horizon.

  • Teddyree
    June 8, 2015

    love the food and wine pics … that slow cooked beef brisket is calling my name. Gluten free makes things challenging at festivals and harder for you being coeliac but looks like you had fun. I’ve been trying out some great recipes on pinterest that I swear are as good as the gluten versions. I’m happy 🙂
    Really enjoyed your review of Limbo, I liked Amy’s Risky Business so I’ll keep an eye out for this one!

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Ah yes, I discovered that a place here makes great GF gourmet sausages (Dan & Steph who won My Kitchen Rules have a restaurant at Hervey Bay called EAT). So I had their ‘banger and beans’ – gourmet sausage, with home-cooked beans and mozzarella cheese etc. It came with a bun but I couldn’t eat that so Dan gave me an extra big sausage.

  • Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
    June 8, 2015

    That Food and Wine event looks wonderful. Limbo has me intrigued. Hope this week is great.

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Ah yes Nise’, Limbo definitely offers something quirky and different.

      Deb

  • shannonmiz
    June 8, 2015

    If it helps, I am rarely productive 😉 Also, the food and wine fair looks really fun! I am curious about Charlie, Presumed Dead. I can’t decide if I think it will be great, or awful. You must let us know 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week, and happy reading!!

    • Debbish
      June 8, 2015

      Will definitely let you know what I think.

  • Lillian @ Mom With a Reading Problem
    June 9, 2015

    Yum!!! The festival food looks delicious 🙂 Hope you have a nice visit with your brother and enjoy those books! I’m a new convert to Stephen King and I’m loving his stuff right now 😀

    • Debbish
      June 9, 2015

      Thanks Lillian. My brother’s visit was very fleeting – less than a day, but it was nice to see him.

  • bluekaren
    June 9, 2015

    I really want to read Finders Keepers. I haven’t read any of King’s newer stuff and I feel like a bad “biggest fan” lol.
    The festival looked like it was fun. I need a bit of fun in my life, hopefully when I start making money things will be better. Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      June 9, 2015

      I completely understand Karen. I’m not working at the moment so there are a lot of things I can’t do. SO many people I know are having holidays and trips away and that’s just not an option for me at the moment and it’s killing me!!!! Argh!

  • A Voracious Reader
    June 10, 2015

    Excellent book haul and I totally want to read Limbo. *runs to add to TBR*

  • Michelle @ In Libris Veritas
    June 12, 2015

    MMm I could do with a food festival right about now. I’m not big on wine, but I’d be willing to check it out anyway for a few hours of indulging. I’m glad you enjoyed Limbo! I’ll have to go check it out!

  • Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic
    June 14, 2015

    The food and wine festival sounds like fun. I like the photos from it. Limbo sounds like an interesting book. I’m going to go looking for it.

    • Debbish
      June 14, 2015

      Hi Jan and yes the festival was certainly a great day!

I'd love to hear your thoughts