I hope you’re all impressed because I published a gazillion posts last week and did a bit of reading on the side! Now I just need to get my act together on the freelance writing and income-earning front! 😉
What I read
I started the week with Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid. I think I might have missed the previous book in the series, but it didn’t matter; this was fabulous and there was no catching up required.
After a couple of nights off (to catch up on reviewing!) I read A Game for All the Family by Sophie Hannah in a sitting. I’ve drafted the review and it’s ready to go (in the next day or so) but though I was initially hooked, I felt the novel fell apart a little towards the end.
Next on my reading agenda was Deadly Messengers, the latest release by Aussie writer and reviewer, Susan May and great follow up to her debut novel, Back Again.
And to cap off the week I’ve started a new arrival, Kate London’s Post Mortem. It got to jump to the top of the to-be-read list as it was published a few days ago and I was slack in picking up my mail.
What I wrote
I kicked last week off with my review of a new Aussie novel, The Bit in Between. It’s a book which is being compared to The Rosie Project, and getting great reviews for its debut author (see below!).
As I mentioned, I loved Splinter the Silence—the ninth novel in the Carol Jordan / Tony Hill series by Val McDermid and I suspect this was reflected in my review.
I also shared my review of The Marriage of Opposites, Alice Hoffman’s latest novel which I was surprised to enjoy as much as I did.
I posted an interview with Claire Varley, author of The Bit in Between about the Solomon Islands—the setting of her book—and the role it played in inspiring the novel.
If you’re a fan of the crock pot or slow cooker, you’ll have to check out my interview with the creator of an AMAZING 390,000 people strong Facebook Group, popular website and author of a new cookbook, Slow Cooker Central.
My monthly wrap-up of my favourite new August releases was also published in the v.popular Styling You blog. Head over if you get a chance to see if you agree with my faves!
What I did
I caught up on my reviewing. Obviously!
In all honesty parts of my week were pretty shitty… but that’s a long story. I’ve also managed to bookend our Australian winter with a cold / flu and have an annoying chesty-cough. I’m prone to lose my voice so I’m hoping that doesn’t happen as I’m planning to (finally) start an exercise routine of sorts this week.
What I plan to read
I had a pile of new arrivals (to add to last week’s and those from the week before and the week before that) and there are so many which excite me.
Two or three of the books are already out so (along with the Kate London) they SHOULD be my first priority for this coming week.
I have to confess however, I really really really want to get to the latest Sue Grafton (which I’ve had for 3 WEEKS!) and the new JD Robb! In fact… I wouldn’t be surprised if I use the fact I’m feeling tired and emotional (sick) to irresponsibly skip over a few (with earlier publication dates) to get to them. 😉
And that’s it from me on the book blogging front…
Do any of my reads appeal to you? What’s on your agenda for the week?
As usual I’m linking up with the Caffeinated Reviewer Kimberley for her Sunday Post.
August 29, 2015
I loved The Murderer’s Daughter, and I’m really looking forward to the new Sue Grafton and Elizabeth George also. I have a week of must reviews coming up, too. At one point I was so far ahead, but got cocky, and now I have to pay the price. At least they’re all read. I think the reason I didn’t write them sooner is that I just wasn’t thrilled.
August 30, 2015
Ah yes, that’s always problematic Elizabeth. I read mostly the same genre and so if I leave it too long I get a bit confused about which plot came from which book!!! I think
August 30, 2015
It looks like you got some great books read! I really want to try the Sophie Hannah and Val McDermid. Despite the fact I’ve read just about every Nora Roberts book that’s come out I’ve yet to read any JD Robb. No idea why! Hope this coming week gets better and your spirits are lifted!
August 30, 2015
The JD Robb’s are a ‘comfort read’ for me. A bit over-the-top sometimes, but a bit different as well (set in the future). I’d start at the beginning if you were to read them though Katherine as there’s a nice story arc through the entire series.
August 30, 2015
So far I’ve avoided catching anything this winter (touch wood). This time last year I completely lost my voice for a week. I have a weakness there too, probably cos I talk too much! Have a great week reading those exciting books!
August 30, 2015
I was feeling quite happy that I escaped the winter flu season, but… I obviously spoke too soon!
August 30, 2015
I’m reading Sue Grafton’s novel at the moment. And I only knew about it because I saw it in one of your book piles. It’s as intriguing as usual. Enjoying it immensely.
August 30, 2015
Oh good news Char. I love that series though missed W I think… I hope it doesn’t matter!
August 30, 2015
Thanks as always Deb.
Think I’ll download The Bit in Between ( loved Rosie)
I currently struggling through The World without us which I am enjoying but haven’t had a lot of spare time to read. Bloody life.
August 30, 2015
Oh yes, the Mireille Juchau… it was the book I mentioned (last week) that I put aside. I think I will eventually read it, but it just wasn’t right for me at the moment.
August 30, 2015
I’m thinking The Bit In Between sounds great. I just read your interview with the author too- good post. You got through heaps this week!
August 30, 2015
I did. I’ve quit the transcribing thing and it had me avoiding my desk a bit so I think that’s for the best.
August 30, 2015
I’m going to have to vote for my personal favorite Rourke and the JD Robb book!!! Granted, I never got past the 3rd book in the series but that series rocks!!!! I say jump ahead for Robb, Kellerman and definitely Grafton – for sure!!! So many awesome books!!!
I hope you have a better week next week – feel better!!!!!!
August 30, 2015
I’ve just finished the book I started yesterday so think the Grafton will be next!
August 30, 2015
I am eager to get my hands on the new Sophie Hannah book…and I loved The Murderer’s Daughter. All of your new arrivals look so tempting! Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
August 30, 2015
I must remember to post my review of the Sophie Hannah tomorrow… I’ve got a few I’ve finished or in the midst of and that’s usually when I let things slip!
August 30, 2015
Oh dear, the end of winter season flu bugs are around for sure. I’ve escaped so far but many are being hit. I am only at book 20 with the J D Robb books, I dream of the day when I can be caught up and get a new release read when it hits the shelves! I say read what you feel like!
August 30, 2015
Yes Kathryn… Every man and their dog is sick here at the moment. I’m just hoping it doesn’t hang around too long! Hope you keep enjoying the JD Robbs!
August 30, 2015
I need to block some time out and go on a review writing spree. I want to start reading the J.D. Robb series really bad. I know there’s a lot of books out already, but that’s perfectly fine with me. Hope you feel better.
August 30, 2015
I’ve just finished one so have a couple of reviews to do before I keep reading. I worry I’ll forget stuff if I get too far behind
August 30, 2015
Boo to the cold and shitty weak, but you sure were productive. I spent this evening writing reviews and posts for September. It feels good to catch up. Loving your haul this week!
August 30, 2015
Well done Kimberley. I wouldn’t mind getting ahead myself.
August 30, 2015
You certainly have a lot going on! Enjoy the books and have a great week 🙂
August 30, 2015
Thanks Maree!
August 30, 2015
Hmm, The Bit In Between sounds nice. I like the setting and would enjoy learning about it, I’m sure. And it sounds quirky, which I like. Great reviews of that. Glad you had a good week- we’ll be cooling down soon and you’ll be warming up. THis year is going fast…
August 30, 2015
I know the time flying by…. Am worried that’s what happens as one ages?!
August 30, 2015
Shitty weeks are no fun so I hope you can shovel your way out! And I reviewed Sophie Hannah’s book this week too, I liked it more that you I’d say but I did think that story within the story left me underwhelmed at the end. I’m looking forward to your full review.
I always just read what I want to read and don’t worry about publication dates. It’s better for the book and the subsequent review, if I read it when I’m the mood for it.
August 30, 2015
Yes Trish I think I assumed more would be made of the story within the story which disappointed me a little.
August 30, 2015
I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, Deb! I hope you’ll get better quickly, and that you’ll have fun getting back to an exercise routine.
Your new books all look great, but I’m especially interested in The Murderer’s Daughter, the title just grabbed my eyes 🙂
Have a good week ahead and happy reading.
August 30, 2015
I actually reviewed The Murderer’s Daughter a week or so ago as I’d received the electronic version (US version I think) via NetGalley. I knew I’d requested it from Hachette but got impatient!
August 30, 2015
Good for you getting all those reviews done, Deb! It always make me feel better when I finally get lots of reviews finished. The Bit in Between sounds good. I’ll have to take a look at it and your posts. Also the Val McDermid and the Slow Cooker site and cookbook. Lots of good stuff, Deb. I hope you have a great week, get healthy and get freelance writing done.
August 30, 2015
Thanks Jan and I really must do both of those things (get healthy and do something about freelancing. I can’t keep just talking about it forever!).
August 30, 2015
Feel better! I need to catch up on reviewing myself. I really want to read The Murderer’s Daughter. Enjoy all your new books and have a great week
August 30, 2015
I liked The Murderer’s Daughter for a nice change from Kellerman’s Alex Delaware / Milo Sturgis series Grace.
August 30, 2015
I haven’t read any of the same books. I am not into suspense really and murder mysteries are sometimes of interest but only the cozy kind.
August 30, 2015
I love the notion of ‘cozy’ mysteries. I’d never heard the term until recently but can very much relate!
August 30, 2015
One of my favorite British shows is Wired in the Blood I watch it on Netflix all the time and I didn’t know it was based on a book series so there goes another series on the TBR pile…lol. 🙂 Enjoy your reads!
Stormi
Week in Review
August 31, 2015
Ah yes… you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the books Stormi!
August 30, 2015
The slowcooker book might be an idea for me. We are always on the go that I could use some meals that cook on their own. Have a great week!
September 1, 2015
Thanks Melissa!
August 31, 2015
Ooh. You have some good ones! I see Kellerman and London there. Looks like you’re all set for some fantastic reading!
Here’s my Sunday Post – http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/08/30/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-127-and-the-sunday-post/
August 31, 2015
I actually read the Kate London over the last few nights. It was the first of hers I’d read but I enjoyed it.
August 31, 2015
I hope your voice stays. I know from experience how much energy it drains from you.
I’ve heard so much about the In Death series by J.D. Robb but it is such a long series that I am a bit intimidated.
Have a good week!
August 31, 2015
The In Death series is pretty easy reading Signourney, but if you have the choice I’d read it in order. I actually booked a heap of them out of the library over one holiday period and read one after the other (when I first discovered them!).
August 31, 2015
I really really need to get caught up with Kinsey. I stopped somewhere in the middle of the alphabet. I was listening to the audios while I delivered the newspaper, but I quit that job in 2008. So need to get back to it! I need to start exercising again, too. We’ll totally understand if you want to wait until you feel better though. If you do decide to get started then be sure to take it easy. I hope you have a great week!
August 31, 2015
I’ve actually actually contacted the gym I was going to do the trial at to ask if I could delay for a few days as I got worse (sinus pain, headaches etc) after writing the post!
August 31, 2015
The latest Sue Grafton is on its way to me! Can’t wait!
Here’s my Sunday Salon!
August 31, 2015
I’ve actually got two as I received an early copy many weeks ago and then a final copy a couple of weeks ago. I might do an (Aussie only!) giveaway on my blog to offer the final copy to a reader I think, as the same thing happened with Splinter The Silence by Val McDermid!
August 31, 2015
I got Devoted in Death too and I cannot wait to read it, I hope you enjoy it too!
Have a lovely week!
August 31, 2015
Thanks Heather!
August 31, 2015
I hope you are feeling better! I’ve had my eye on The Murder’s Daughter so I hope you enjoy it. And I still need to read a JD Robb book. I hope you have a great week and enjoy all your new books!
August 31, 2015
I actually read The Murderer’s Daughter a few weeks ago (as I got the electronic version via NetGalley) so I did enjoy it – here’s the review.
August 31, 2015
The Bit In Between sounds great. Hope that you enjoy and have a great upcoming week.
August 31, 2015
Thanks Brandi.
August 31, 2015
Sorry you were not feeling well and hope you are better soon. I used my slow cooker last week, hope to use it more. I’d drop everything and read the new J.D. Robb book.
August 31, 2015
Oh yes, I know… I think I might read the Grafton first though as it’s been sitting there for some time!
August 31, 2015
Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. 🙁 I hope it clears up quickly. You got lots of good books. I say go for the JD Robb and Kellerman books, treat yourself!
August 31, 2015
I actually spent 15 hours in bed last night/ today Bea and feel like I could sleep more, so I hope it’s helping!
August 31, 2015
Yay for catching up, can you send a few of those good-work-vibes my way?? How’s things on the work/pitching side of things? I love my slow-cooker so I’m heading over to check out your post and might have to add The Bit in Between to my wishlist, not that I’m ever going to get through my groaning tbr pile but I hate to miss books that give a good laugh. It’s been one big germ-fest at home so I’m totally over flu season. Hope you feel better soon and all the best with the exercise routine 🙂
August 31, 2015
Thanks Teddyree and the pitching has been pretty non-existent. I got caught up in the transcribing stuff for a while there but it’s finished now, so I’ve no excuse. (Well, other than currently feeling sick. But after that… nothing!)
August 31, 2015
It is such a great feeling to get reviews done! I have been posting four and five times a week, but that will settle back again into probably only two or three times a week because my summer long ‘off time’ is coming to a close. *sigh* I understand where you are coming from with the money making writing having to take over. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
September 1, 2015
Thanks muchly!
August 31, 2015
IM SO SO SO IN TRANSITION HERE.
as you are.
focused on the money making but also on how I FEEL (inside) about the ways I spend my time.
xo
September 1, 2015
Oh yes indeedy Carla. x
September 1, 2015
Im About to start reading X 🙂
September 1, 2015
I spent almost all of yesterday in bed – finally getting out after 7pm so opened X and did some reading. I did miss ‘W’ but it doesn’t seem to be a problem!
September 1, 2015
Good to see all of the work you’ve gotten done this week. Feels good, doesn’t it? Sometimes you just need to make time for writing, even when it feels like you don’t have any.
September 1, 2015
Ah yes Rachel, you’re so very right. I know I have time but for some reason just struggle with the prioritisation etc.
September 1, 2015
Hope you are feeling better! And this week is a better week for you! You have been very productive. I really need something new to read, hard part is deciding what! Luckily I have a library card that lets me borrow a fair few books.
September 1, 2015
I actually crashed badly after Sunday Jess. I headed out to do some stuff and I think that made me worse. I spent all of Monday – like ALL of Monday – in bed and it’s now Tuesday and I’m still struggling but hopefully a little better!
September 2, 2015
You seriously plough through that reading – and the reviewing. I hope you are feeling better and not pushing yourself too much. I’m flat our reading and writing blog posts at the moment, but I spent most of today (my day off work, well other than having weekends off), editing a video for a friend – I love that creative place.
September 2, 2015
Yes… I hear you re the creative place Kathy! I’ve struggled quite a bit this week – my flu got worse after the Sunday post but I hope I’m finally starting to feel better.