Weekly check in

Saturday, July 18, 2015 Permalink

To say this week’s been a strange one would be an understatement. After raving about starting my new productivity plan (ie. working in 52min blocks) it mostly went out of the window. But more on that later.

What I read

I kicked off the week with the first episode of Lethal in Love, which REALLY wasn’t my thing. It was actually far from my thing. But that was less about the episodic nature and more about the type of book.

And for the first time in history I had a bit of a ménage à trois going. I started Private Sydney, by James Patterson and Kathryn Fox before collecting my copy of Go Set A Watchman, which I then read it before finishing Private Sydney. Thankfully the books were so different I was unlikely to get my characters confused! 😉

private sydney

I then finished the week with The Night Ferry by Michael Robotham. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t until I started reading that I realised I’d read it before. It was a re-release (first released in 2007) but as I couldn’t remember ‘whodunnit’ I kept reading.

the night ferry

What I wrote

I reviewed AJ Rich’s The Hand That Feeds You on the blog and it wasn’t until I emailed the publisher to let them know it was live that they directed me to a recent interview with the authors and I discovered they wrote it in honour of a friend who’d been through something similar.

I also reviewed Go Set A Watchman, which I binge-read after picking it up AND published my review straight after. It gave me less time to over-analyse the book… which may have been a good thing.

go set a watchman by harper lee

I blogged about The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark who continues to deliver into her late 80s and I reviewed Lethal in Love in Goodreads only.

I published an interview with JM Peace about her book A Time to Run and keeping her identity a secret from fellow police officers. Not to mention the baddies of course!

And finally I shared some news I touched on last week, about some money-earning (job) opportunities which have come my way!

What I’ve done

After all of the lovely concern I had last week I visited the doctor (twice) in this past week. My dizziness is most likely related to some inner ear problem and is righting itself without any intervention. But I’d had some terrible lower abdomen pain I wanted to get checked out and discovered I had diverticulitis. I have a few auto-immune diseases, two of which are stomach-related (I’m coeliac and something else) so have regular colonoscopies etc. Luckily I caught it early and it’s improving with medication.

If you flicked over to  my ‘falling into place’ (job-related) post, you would have seen I’ve worked a couple of days this past week which has been great.

What I plan to read

I really haven’t thought too far ahead this week. I have Lisa Jackson’s Never Die Alone due to be published later this month, so will probably read it as well as a few others to be published in early-mid August, including Alice Hoffman’s The Marriage of Opposites, Tania Carver’s HeartbreakerJonathon Kellerman’s The Murderer’s Daughter, Mary Kubica’s Pretty Baby and Claire Varley’s The Bit in Between.  

book blogger

And that’s it from me and my book blogging this week. What’s on your agenda?

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

80 Comments
  • Jess
    July 18, 2015

    We are back to the grind after escaping up north for a bit. I had to laugh at the ménage a trois, I am currently reading three books randomly all totally different but I will try not to do that again!

    • Debbish
      July 18, 2015

      Oh, I’d struggle with that Jess. I’m usually pretty monotonous. One book after the other…. Hope you had a nice time away.

  • Elizabeth
    July 19, 2015

    Glad you went to the doctor and things are improving. I don’t put it off anymore.
    I have The Murderers Daugter, too. I love J Kellerman and it’s nice he’s doing a stand alone. Have you read his wife Kaye or son Jesse? I love everything she writes, he’s more hit or miss.

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      I’m excited about this Kellerman stand-alone Elizabeth as I’ve felt Alex and Milo are getting a bit stale. I used to read Faye but found they were a bit too focused on religion for me and Jesse’s have been a little hit and miss for me, though I have enjoyed a couple of his.

  • Char
    July 19, 2015

    My almost brother-in-law has diverticulitis too and as long as he’s fairly careful in what he eats it’s not a drama. And I don’t think that fairly careful means you have to exclude wine or vanilla diet coke.

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      The colonoscopy I had last year showed I have diverticula apparently (though the test was all clear so I wasn’t too worried about it) so I gather they will flare up from time to time. I have to admit I am very lax about the amount of fibre I include in my diet because (TMI, I know!) I often have an upset stomach anyway, so constipation is NEVER a problem for me.

  • Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
    July 19, 2015

    I get vertigo occasionally which is where the world spins. I was terrified the first time it happened. I woke up in the night and couldn’t stand up and thought I was having a stroke. I’d been to a really loud basketball game and it must have upset my inner ear tubes and coils. Hope you’re feeling better in the tummy 🙂

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      Oh yes the vertigo / dizziness was scary. I got up and walked into a wall and couldn’t walk straight. And then lay in bed spinning. It’s still there a little but getting better and my GP says it takes some time. I did notice it was worse the other day when I was in a large bright shopping centre.

      And yes… my tummy is feeling very much better. So much so I’m having to force myself to keep taking the tablets (I’m supposed to take for a few more days!).

  • laurelrainsnow
    July 19, 2015

    So glad you found solutions for some of your problems…and your reading week looks good. I am also looking forward to reading The Murderer’s Daughter this week, and Go Set the Watchman…eventually.

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      I’ve got a few others getting published before the Kellerman so will probably need to prioritise them first alas… Am looking forward to it though. I’ve been a bit underwhelmed by the last couple featuring Alex and Milo so am hoping this serves to freshen his enthusiasm. Or something!

  • Stormi D Johnson
    July 19, 2015

    You have some great books coming up I can’t wait to see your reviews. 🙂

    Stormi
    Week in Review

  • Greg
    July 19, 2015

    I’ve had vertigo before, and was told it was inner ear as well. Not fun- haven’t had it in a while (knock on wood) but it was bad few times.

    Glad to hear things are working out- that’s great. Prett Baby looks good.

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      Yes I missed Kubica’s The Good Girl and have been lamenting it ever since (why do something sensible like get hold of a copy when you can wallow instead?!) so wanted to make sure I read this one!

  • Kathryn
    July 19, 2015

    Just read your reveiw of Go Set a Watchman, still unsure if I will ever read it. Maybe, your review sort of persuades me to think about it. Vertigo no fun, my friend just had a bout with it, but over it too. Enjoy the work!

  • Christy
    July 19, 2015

    That’s funny that the book actually turned out to be a re-read. At least it kept you guessing – again. 😉 So glad to hear you went to the doctor and it isn’t too serious.

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      Yes and I finished it a couple of nights ago and REALLY didn’t remember the ending… so that was good!

  • fangswandsfairy(alt)
    July 19, 2015

    I am also coeliac. ANd with the recalcitrant IBS that comes with late diagnosis. I get it. I have more than once bought the same book twice. It’s a bummer.
    I note that the Australia cover for Harper Lee’s prequel is different from ours!
    Have a good week!

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      Yes… I think I like the cover of your version of Go Set A Watchman better – more interesting.

  • Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    July 19, 2015

    Glad you are getting better! I am waiting to my reread of To Kill a Mockingbird before I tackle Go Set a Watchman so I have been avoiding all reviews and articles!!

    • Debbish
      July 19, 2015

      Ah yes, I was careful not to give too much away but I’ve seen a few media outlets haven’t been quite as subtle!

  • Heather Duff (@hross42)
    July 19, 2015

    Glad you went to the docs and that you are feeling better.

    Watchman is everywhere, the newsagents, the supermarket – so I am avoiding it for the minute, it has been so long since I read To Kill A Mockingbird I really need to re-read it before I go near it.

    Wishing you a great week from windy and wet Scotland!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Thanks Heather. I think I mentioned in my review that I hadn’t gotten to re-read TKAM (didn’t have a copy) but watched the movie before reading the sequel (prequel)…

  • Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
    July 20, 2015

    I’m glad you’re taking care of your health. It’s always good to figure out what’s going on – not knowing can be scary. Hope the dizziness clears up soon; that’s no fun. Congrats on the jobs, and have a good week!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I’ll have a couple of busy days early on this coming week which I’m sure will be a shock to the system!

  • Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
    July 20, 2015

    Oh I’m so glad you caught the diverticulitis early! A co-worker of my husband’s had it but he tried to tough it out thinking it was nothing and ended up in the hospital for a couple of weeks. I’m very much looking forward to reading your review of Watchman. I’m torn on reading it so this will definitely help. Have a great week and I hope you’re feeling better soon!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Yes, my dad was hospitalised with diverticulitis a couple of times so once my doctor worked out that was what it was, I felt relieved.

  • Emma
    July 20, 2015

    After readingThe Good Girl I really want to read Pretty Baby, which I’ve good things about. Am glad to hear your freelancing / job search is paying off. I would love to take the plunge but not brave enough to (yet!)

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      The freelancing not-so-much Emma, but that’s okay as it’s allowed me to work out what I feel comfortable with etc…

  • Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
    July 20, 2015

    I’m glad you got to the doctor’s and that your health is already better, Deborah! I’m very curious about Go Set a Watchman… I’ve heard so many different things about that book!
    I hope you’ll have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading 🙂

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I think as long as people DON’T go into it expecting another TKAM it will come as less of a shock. It’s very different but there are glimpses of the Scout we all loved from TKAM.

  • Rita @ My Home of Books
    July 20, 2015

    I’m happy you got checked out, and though you have a few problems going on, now they are identified and you can deal with making yourself better.
    I like the selections you have here–The Murderer’s Daughter by Kellerman, who used to be a regular go-to author for me in the day. Lisa Jackson and Alice Hoffman are authors I’ve also read and enjoyed.
    Feel better!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I’ve become a little bored with Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series of late so looking forward to something else by him. I’m not actually sure he’s written any stand-alone books before…

      I’ve started the Lisa Jackson and it’s okay though part of a series and I’m struggling a bit with the lack of backstory.

  • A Voracious Reader
    July 20, 2015

    A ménage à trois? Naughty! You’re my kind of friend! 😀 Glad to hear the medical issues are on the mend and yay for money opportunities! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful week!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      🙂 I’m usually a monogamous reader: one book after the other… but, well… what can I say?!

  • Tracy (@Cornerfolds)
    July 20, 2015

    I’m not a huge fan of Harper Lee, but I know a ton of people are really excited about the new book! I’ll have to check out your review! I’ve also never read anything by James Patterson so I’ll have to come back to see your thoughts on that one! I hope you have a great week!

    Here’s my Weekly Recap!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I find it very interesting that Harper Lee wrote ‘this’ book first. As I said in my post today I’m glad I reviewed it straight away as the more I think about it the more I’m pondering on certain elements. Not much happens in GSAW – it’s more a coming of age via philosophical argument kinda book. Very difficult to describe.

  • amyh90
    July 20, 2015

    Hi Deb 🙂
    I’m glad you know what’s wrong now, I always think it’s easier when you can put a name to it. Celiac is awful 🙁 I know a few people who have it. I have something similar which is the only reason I know about it. Most of the store-bought food for celiac is absolutely disgusting! I hope your inner-ear problem sorts itself out soon.
    Have a great week,
    Amy x

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      And store-bought gluten-free stuff is so expensive! Although I’d hate to have been diagnosed 20yrs ago when it was completely unheard of and hard to buy. Every time I go shopping the GF range has expanded, which is great!

      • amyh90
        July 20, 2015

        I totally agree! My local superstore has a really big range now compared to a few years ago. I tried some of the custard creams but they just tasted like pure sugar! Some of the other products aren’t so bad but I think its better to get the special flour and make the goodies at home 🙂 taste a lot better! He he x

  • brandileigh2003
    July 20, 2015

    Pretty Baby sounds good, hope you enjoy it and the rest of your books. Have a great week!

  • Angelized1st
    July 20, 2015

    Sorry you haven’t been feeling too well. Hope you feel better soon! I’m definitely going to check your Go Set a Watchman review. So far I haven’t had an interest in reading it as I worry it will suck in comparison to Mockingbird. Maybe your review will change my mind. Hope this week is better for you. Enjoy your new books!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Thanks and I hope you enjoy the review!

  • fuonlyknew
    July 20, 2015

    Wow. You have so many great books I need to check out. Not sure if I want to read Go Set A Watchman but I’ll probably cave and buy it. LOL

    Here’s my Sunday Post – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/07/19/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-117-and-the-sunday-post/

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Oh yes… When everyone else is talking about it you’ll feel left out and HAVE to read it!

  • bluekaren
    July 20, 2015

    A ménage à trois, you are funny. How did it feel to explore that? I just read/reviewed Pretty Baby, can’t wait to read your thoughts on it. I am really curious about The Murderer’s Daughter. Enjoy all you new reads!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I’m still a one-book-at-a-time kinda gal…. Looking forward to Pretty Baby!

  • La La in the Library
    July 20, 2015

    I don’t plan on reading Go Set a Watchman, but I will be reading your review because I am curious about what others are thinking. The only thing I have finished by Alice Hoffman was a Middle Grade, Nightbird, and I liked it a lot. I started Practical Magic, but it had to go back to the library. I was enjoying it (very different from the movie, though) and want to finish it. Her ebooks are always full price, so I will be getting it from the library again. I am glad you are feeling better, have a great week. 🙂

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I haven’t read Alice Hoffman for ages so am looking forward to it!

  • Book Birdy
    July 20, 2015

    Hey Deb. I always enjoy your weekly round-ups. I hope you don’t mind if I pinch the idea for my own blog?! Cassie

  • Teddyree
    July 20, 2015

    Glad your getting the health issues sorted. I’ve had runs of vertigo with a new anti-epileptic medication I’m on for the nerve pain in my hands and I’m wondering which I’d rather put up with. First week I couldn’t even stand up straight for 3 hours … blah nasty!!

    Your reading choices for the coming week look good and I was really happy to read your ‘work’ post!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Oh no Teddyree… sounds terrible. I hope you’re getting that sorted out!

  • signourney
    July 20, 2015

    I hope things keep improving with the dizziness and your stomach pains.

    I almost always read multiple books at once. 🙂

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Do you ever get the plots confused? A lot of the books I read are of a similar genre so it’s something I worry about!

  • Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
    July 20, 2015

    Glad your doctor could pinpoint what was wrong Debbish, glad to hear you’re slowly getting better. I got A Bit in Between too, hope it’s good! Have a lovely week ahead.

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I think I’m participating in a book tour for that one… But think not until mid-late Aug?

  • CARLA
    July 20, 2015

    glad the ear righted itself.
    I was wondering about minears?!
    SO GLAD IT IS NOT.

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      I haven’t heard of that Carla. Off to google it! 😉

  • shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
    July 20, 2015

    I really enjoyed The Night Ferry, and I’m looking forward to reading both Private and The Hand That Feeds You.
    I hope your ailments improve this week

    Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      July 20, 2015

      Thanks Shelleyrae. It was nice to read a ‘Private’ with an Aussie flavour. I initially worried it was going to be (ahem) too flavoursome but it settled a little after the first few pages.

  • readerbuzz
    July 20, 2015

    I must be off to check out your Watchman review…but not just yet….I’m waiting until I’m finished to see what others think.

    http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2015/07/weekly-wrapup-continuons-lire-paris.html

    • Debbish
      July 21, 2015

      Yes, I did the same Deb… didn’t read any reviews until I’d read the book and written mine as I didn’t want to be swayed!

  • Lola
    July 21, 2015

    I used to only read one book at a time, but nowadays I read tow book different books on different devices and it works pretty well and I haven’t confused them so far. I hope your inner ear issue solves itself soon, being dizzy is annoying. And that’s good you caught that stomach issue in time! Glad to hear the medication helps! I hope you have a great week with good books!

  • divabooknerd
    July 21, 2015

    I’m so glad to see you on the mend Deb, I thought it might have been inner ear related (I should have been a doctor, might make my own medical certificate today with glitter and lots of big red first aid crosses. Totally legit.) Thrilled to hear you’ve been working this week too, awesome news even though you must be exhausted. I’m surprised you even have time to read one book Deb, never mind three at a time 😀

    • Debbish
      July 21, 2015

      I can’t recall how I worked 5 (LONG) days a week, had other commitments and once blogged six days a week. It’s baffling to me now! Although I think having too much time on my hands has been problematic as well Kelly!

  • yvonne473
    July 21, 2015

    Your books sound so good. I read the first one in James Patterson’s Private series and I want to get back to it. Hope you have a great week!

    • Debbish
      July 21, 2015

      I’ve read a few of the Private Series intermittently. I think initially I didn’t realise they were different for each country and wondered why I didn’t come across the same characters more often!

  • Tammy
    July 21, 2015

    I’m going to check out your review of Go Set a Watchman, I’m very curious! I have The Marriage of Opposites to read soon as well. Hope we both enjoy it!

  • MarthaE
    July 21, 2015

    Glad to hear that things are “falling into place” a bit. I’m also glad that you have identified health issues so you can cope better.
    Your reading looks good as always. I will check your thoughts on Go Set A Watchman.
    I’ve been seeing The Hand that Feeds You and Time to Run around the blogs and they sound interesting.
    I hope this is a good week for you.

    • Debbish
      July 21, 2015

      Thanks Martha – I always find it interesting to see what everyone else is reading!

  • shannonmiz
    July 21, 2015

    So glad that you went to the doctor, it’s so scary to not know what is going on! And good for you for working, that is awesome! I would love to make some money, so I am just a tad jealous 😉 I do hope you enjoy all the books you plan to read this week. Have a good one!

    • Debbish
      July 21, 2015

      Ah yes… my big annual bills (invoices) are all about to arrive so I’m going to need to save madly to get them paid.

  • Tressa @ Wishful Endings
    July 23, 2015

    Those all look like action-packed exciting books. My dad has had plenty of issues somewhat like yours and it’s NOT fun. Glad you caught on sooner rather than later. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your week!

  • Diana Leigh
    July 23, 2015

    I’m a big fan of Alice Hoffman! Looking forward to reading her latest.

    • Debbish
      July 23, 2015

      Yes me too though it’s been a while since I read any of her work. I’ve got a stack of her earlier books on my bookshelf though!

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