I’m now back home after four days with my niece in Brisbane. I had thought I’d get stacks of reading done but somehow managed to procrastinate superbly during the past week and did little. I did enjoy the time with my niece however… but more on that later.
What I read
I didn’t pick up a book until this past weekend and chose solely on the basis of publication date, but was chuffed that choice was Hush Hush by Laura Lippman. This is the twelfth in the Tess Monaghan series and it wasn’t until I opened the book I realised I’d missed number 11 but fortunately it didn’t matter and I was happy to again spend time with the reporter-turned-private detective.
What I wrote
I published my review of Nicholas Sparks’ novel, The Longest Ride early in the week and capped the week off with my thoughts on Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight. However I also published a review of what is (to date) my favourite book of the year…. I Let You Go, by Clare Mackintosh. Check. It. Out!
I was also featured over at Agent Mystery Case and interviewed about blogging. In the interview I talk a little about book blogging vs book reviewing. I’m wondering if other book bloggers agree?
What I did
It’s been a busy week for this little hermit. I travelled the 300+km to Brisbane to spend time with my niece after she returned from NZ (leaving her parents to continue their holiday with other rellies). I stumbled at the first hurdle however… arriving late to collect her from the airport. Her international flight was in 30mins early which seemed almost unheard of and I didn’t even think to check online before leaving. D’oh!
Our time went smoothly. She had commitments at University and other classes and training sessions. I was reminded how much I hate city traffic, but found it bearable knowing it was for a short period of time.
During one of her 4hr training sessions I took the opportunity to meet a couple of my besties at my favourite Chinese restaurant. I then bought heaps of takeaway for my niece and I in order to avoid grocery shopping and cooking. I cemented my superior role model status by serving leftover Chinese for breakfast the next day. And the next.
I didn’t arrange any other catch-ups or plans while away—knowing my time was limited and wanting to be available to my niece as much as possible… and I have to say it was lovely to have some alone-time with the (now) 18.5yr old.
And only hours after my arrival home, as I was feasting on hot chips (ie. fries), I lost a filling. I was supposed to have it repaired ages ago and now there’s a big gaping (sharp!) hole to remind me.
What I’m planning to read
I’m hoping to get back into a bit of routine now that I’m home and the next book on my reading list is One Summer in Venice by Nicky Pellegrino. It’s not my usual fare but I liked the idea of a book about a woman’s search for happiness amidst a mid-life crisis. And no… I’m not seeking my own answers… #ummm #wellmaybe
And then I’ll be reading Only We Know by Australian author Victoria Purman. This will be my first novel by Purman who has a half a dozen books under her belt, I’m hoping for a good balance between the romance and suspense genres.
And finally I’m hoping I’ll get to David Baldacci’s Memory Man. Unless something else pops up of course…. 🙂
Oh, and there’ll also be a visit to the dentist in my near future!
What’s on your agenda this week?
I’m linking up with the It’s Monday reading crew and Kimberly at the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
April 20, 2015
I’ve read and enjoyed several of Laura Lippman’s stand alone books and am looking forward to the Tess Monaghan series.
I am sorry about your tooth. 🙁 Those things are never fun.
April 20, 2015
I really enjoyed her last stand alone book (After I’m Gone) as well Irene. Nora Roberts’ The Liar had a similar premise but I much preferred Lippman’s.
April 20, 2015
Best Auntie ever! Takeaway Chinese for breakfast.
April 20, 2015
I know!!! I got a stack so it actually did us for an entire day afterwards – 1.5 days for Miss Em!
April 20, 2015
I’m glad you had a great time with your niece, sometimes we gotta make time for people instead of books 🙂 One Summer in Venice looks great! I hope you enjoy it and can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it!
April 20, 2015
I’m actually looking forward to One Summer in Venice Sarah. I secretly have a yearning to go to Tuscany to do the whole mid-life crisis thing. I just need to win the lottery first!!!
Deb
April 20, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Hush Hush, too, and I have read that series soooo out of order, but it doesn’t seem to matter. The author is good at making each one feel like a stand alone. I only recently read the first one, Baltimore Blues.
Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
April 20, 2015
Ah yes, I’ve seen Baltimore Blues promoted a bit recently and wondered if it was being re-released. I couldn’t even remember if I knew Tess was pregnant (let alone had already given birth!).
Deb
April 20, 2015
I’ve been wanting to read Laura Lippman’s books but I haven’t had a chance yet. One Summer in Venice looks really good too. Have a great week!
April 20, 2015
I enjoy most of Lippman’s word so I’d definitely recommend her. Hope your week goes well also.
April 20, 2015
Glad you had a good visit with your niece. I’ve enjoyed a couple of Laura Lippman’s stand alone books plus one of the Tess Monaghan novesl… need to go back to the beginning of the series though. I hate reading out of order. Hush Hush has gotten some rave reviews!
April 20, 2015
I agree. It’s always my preference to read books in order as well… I appreciate it when an author can get around it though – or provide a recap backstory succinctly without rendering all previous books in the series redundant! (I read something recently which basically told readers how the previous book in the series turned out… huge spoilers!)
Deb
April 20, 2015
Hmm lot of Chinese going on there, not sure about it for breakfast! I enjoyed the Pellegrino book, may not be your style will be interesting to see – lots of food! I am looking forward to picking up the Purman book, I have come to enjoy her romance books.
April 20, 2015
I’m actually a little worried about those two books and if they err too much on the romance side. Which reminds me… I must write a post about my aversion to romance (in novel format) to explain. Although I’m sure peeps don’t think it’s genre bias (or snobbery) given my love of thrillers and suspense novels!
April 20, 2015
You are an awesome auntie. I just finished The Pocket Wife and I agree with you it was kind of like The Girl on the Train. I think I felt more for the girl on the train. She was so pitiful. I tried to buy the book you recommended just before the Pocket Wife but it wasn’t released yet so now I must go back check what it was and see if it’s available yet.
April 20, 2015
Make sure you get I Let You Go when it comes out. (Early May here I think!)
I’m trying NOT to publish my reviews too early but get impatient. (And I’m all about instant gratification!) Most publishers like us to upload them a couple of weeks either side of the publication date.
PS. I am indeed an awesome aunty. That’s probably because I only have the one niece/nephew to spoil! 🙂
April 20, 2015
((((SAD FACE))))) there’s a dentist visit here soon too…unplanned 😉
Im hoping it’s a fantastic week for us BOTH!
April 20, 2015
Thanks Carla. Me too!
April 20, 2015
I need to make a dental appointment for everyone so this was a good reminder. So expensive though! I think it is awesome you spent that time with your niece. Ì travelled with my Aunt after high school and it was such a special time!
April 20, 2015
Yes it was lovely to have the alone time with her.
Deb
April 20, 2015
I have Hush Hush and Only we Know on my reading list for next week. Glad you had a lovely time with your neice.
PS In Sheila’s absence share your link on Twitter #IMWAYR
April 21, 2015
Oh thanks!
Deb
April 20, 2015
Glad you had a lovely week with your niece … and thank you, I’m now craving Chinese lol. Bummer about the dentist visit, those darn hot chips! I’m looking forward to Victoria Purman’s new book, enjoyed her Boys of Summer series. I’m off to check out your review of I Let You Go.
April 21, 2015
Oh Teddyree I loved that book! Make sure you read it!
April 21, 2015
I have been meaning to read Laura lippman books. It sounds like my type of books. Sounds like you have a good time with your niece.
April 21, 2015
Yes, she has some good stand-alones as well as her series. I guess – given that she’s on no. 12 of the Tess Monaghan series, she’s consistently offering good reading fodder! 🙂
Deb
April 21, 2015
Our Summer in Venice sounds good. I am glad missing a book in the series ended up being ok. Sometimes they work as standalone. Sounds like you had a fun time, and Chinese for breakfast..that is almost as cool as cold pizza..you rock! Hope your week is wonderful Deborah.
April 21, 2015
Oh yes, cold pizza. I would have happily served that up as well!
Deb
April 21, 2015
Sounds like you had a good time with your niece. It’s always fun to catch up with family. One Summer in Venice sounds very intriguing, especially since I’ve been able to visit that very unique city. I’ll have to check it out!
April 21, 2015
You’d probably love the book Julie. I read it last night (yes, all of it). I mostly enjoyed it and there was a lot of focus on the city, customs and cuisine!
Deb
April 21, 2015
Sorry about the tooth. Hope it isn’t hurting too much before you get to the dentist. I am behind on the Monaghan series. Sounds like you have a great relationship with your niece! Have a great week.
April 21, 2015
Nise, thankfully my tooth didn’t hurt too much though I kept catching the inside of my mouth on the edge, which wasn’t pleasant.
But I’ve now been to the dentist and had it filled. Yay!
April 24, 2015
I just read your review for I Let You Go and it sounds all kinds of great! I need to find this book and devour it!
April 25, 2015
It. Is. Fabulous. 🙂