Excuse me while I absolutely lose my mind over here.
I have been waiting for years for this!
I was not a fan of Anthony in the first book, but thankfully Kate straightened him out. I cannot wait for this!
This movie looks very interesting.
You know we’ll watch it.
Title: The Guide
Author: Peter Heller
Publisher: Knopf 2021
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 272
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR; Modern Mrs. Darcy
Kingfisher Lodge, nestled in a canyon on a mile and a half of the most pristine river water on the planet, is known by locals as "Billionaire's Mile" and is locked behind a heavy gate. Sandwiched between barbed wire and a meadow with a sign that reads "Don't Get Shot!" the resort boasts boutique fishing at its finest. Safe from viruses that have plagued America for years, Kingfisher offers a respite for wealthy clients. Now it also promises a second chance for Jack, a return to normalcy after a young life filled with loss. When he is assigned to guide a well-known singer, his only job is to rig her line, carry her gear, and steer her to the best trout he can find.
But then a human scream pierces the night, and Jack soon realizes that this idyllic fishing lodge may be merely a cover for a far more sinister operation. A novel as gripping as it is lyrical, as frightening as it is moving, The Guide is another masterpiece from Peter Heller.
I’m really surprised about how much I have really enjoyed Peter Heller’s books. Heller writes in a beautiful lyrical manner creating a full atmosphere to sink into. Once we dive into the atmosphere, I have really enjoyed learning more about what has happened to Jack since The River. Plus, we get a wonderful tension filled mystery. I sped through this story desperately needing to see what would happen next. Definitely a thrill ride for this month.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: The Woods are Always Watching
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Books 2021
Genre: YA Thriller
Pages: 238
Rating: 3/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR
Bears aren’t the only predators in these woods.
Best friends Neena and Josie spent high school as outsiders, but at least they had each other. Now, with college and a two-thousand-mile separation looming on the horizon, they have one last chance to be together—a three-day hike deep into the woods of the Pisgah National Forest.
Simmering tensions lead to a detour off the trail and straight into a waking nightmare … and then into something far worse. Something that will test them in horrifying ways.
TW: Sexual Assault
Another teen thriller from Stephanie Perkins. I was hoping this was going to be fun spooky-ish read. forOctober. Unfortunately, I got a mixed bag on this one. I liked the first half focusing on the relationship between Neena and Josie. Once Josie becomes injured, the tension increases, but my enjoyment decreased. The villains were too focused on the sexual assault. I could not deal with the sexual talk and it really knocked off stars for me.
Next up on the TBR pile:
This one is creeping up on my current favorites list.
Title: The Wallflower Wager (Girl meets Duke #3)
Author: Tessa Dare
Publisher: Avon 2019
Genre: Romance
Pages: 369
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR
Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society—and now he wants to get even.
Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart.
When her imposing—and attractive—new neighbor demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges, if he can find them loving homes.
Done, Gabriel says. How hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens?
And a two-legged dog.
And a foul-mouthed parrot.
And a goat, an otter, a hedgehog . . .
Easier said than done, for a cold-blooded bastard who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. Soon he’s covered in cat hair, knee-deep in adorable, and bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster who defies his every attempt to resist. Now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him.
Not if he ruins her first.
I must admit that Penny is not my favorite of the quartet of ladies featured in this series. I just am not charmed by her antics. But I must say that Gabriel is one of my favorites. I loved his rags to riches story and his lost boy personality. I guess he needed someone like Penny to bring him out into the open. I loved their romance bits and the appearances by the side characters (especially the banter between Ash and Chase). I didn’t necessarily love Penny’s narration parts. Still, it was a very enjoyable Regency romance. Now I have to wait for the last book in this quartet.
Girl Meets Duke
#3 The Wallflower Wager
#4 The Bride Bet
Next up on the TBR pile:
Let’s check in on September’s goals and my progress.
Read 15 books ✓
Keep Homeschool and Coop Momentum Up ✓
Have a Fun Family Road Trip ✓
Relax at the Book Retreat ✓ - I’m there right now and I’m sure I’m relaxing.
Goals:
Read 15 Books
Plan a Fall/Halloween Party with Coop People
October Spooky Movie Month
Make Tentative Christmas Plans (including travel, advent activities, and goals)
Update Christmas Lists
Week in the Life 2021 - Document and get album started
Next up on the TBR pile:
September TBR Pile (21/25):
Book of the Month Club: TBD
Bookworms: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (reread) ✓
Friend Book Club: We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker ✓
Kid Read Aloud: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien ✓
Foundation: Foundation by Isaac Asimov ✓
Foundation: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov ✓
Foundation: Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov ✓
Foundation: Foundation’s Edge by Isaac Asimov ✓
Foundation: Foundation and Earth by Isaac Asimov
Nonfiction: Four Hundred Souls edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain ✓
Historical Fiction: A Woman of Intelligence by Karin Tanabe ✓
Short Story Collection: Roar by Cecelia Ahern ✓
Horror: The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Horror: Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Romance: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren ✓
Added: The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare ✓
Added: Lumberjanes Vol. 19 ✓
Added: Injection Vol. 1 ✓
Added: Injection Vol. 2 ✓
Added: Injection Vol. 3 ✓
Added: Neon Gods by Katee Robert ✓
Added: The Governess Game by Tessa Dare ✓
Added: Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer ✓
Added: Spell or High Water by Scott Meyer ✓
1,000,000 Page Goal:
Monthly Total: 6019 pages
Pages Remaining: 451,774 pages
Current Read - The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare; The Guide by Peter Heller; Foundation and Earth by Isaac Asimov
Books I Gave Up On (0)
Books Bought/Received (0)
UnRead Shelf Progress
Starting Number: 283
Books Read: 0
Books Acquired: 0
Books Unshelved: 0
Finishing Number: 283
October TBR Pile: It’s Spooky Movie Month! I love pulling out all the spooky for Halloween. Some of these are not spooky, as the library was working against me on my holds. But most are spooky and fully into the Halloween Season.
Foundation and Earth by Isaac Asimov
The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (reread for book club)
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Catherine House by Elizabeth Thomas
Sunshine by Robin McKinley (reread)
The Guide by Peter Heller
The Woods are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins
Bloodlust and Bonnets by Emily McGovern
The End and Everything After by Matt Fraction
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Lady Killer by Joelle Jones
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent
The Tea Dragon Tapestry by Katie O’Neill
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
The Diabolical Miss Hyde by Viola Carr
Dr. Mütter’s Marvels by Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
Movies watched
American Epic: Sessions - We wrapped up the documentary series with a focus on modern artists performing the old songs.
How It Ends - Quirky little indie film
TV Shows watched
AP Bio S4
Hustle S5
Lower Decks S2
Archer S12
Ted Lasso S2
Last Week Tonight
Holey Moley S3
Fondation!
Comments - Wow! My reading this month was on fire even with the family road trip in the middle.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: We Begin at the End
Author: Chris Whitaker
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 2021
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 368
Rating: 2/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
Duchess Day Radley is a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Rules are for other people. She is the fierce protector of her five-year-old brother, Robin, and the parent to her mother, Star, a single mom incapable of taking care of herself, let alone her two kids.
Walk has never left the coastal California town where he and Star grew up. He may have become the chief of police, but he’s still trying to heal the old wound of having given the testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent King, to prison decades before. And he's in overdrive protecting Duchess and her brother.
Now, thirty years later, Vincent is being released. And Duchess and Walk must face the trouble that comes with his return.
I just really disliked this book. We (mostly everyone else) picked this one as a book club book. Almost immediately, I knew that this would not be the book for me. I really dislike books that focus on tragic lives. Those books where everything is just so bleak. I really struggle to get into those types of books. I often find that there are no likable characters or at least none that I can really root for. Everyone is just so desperate. That is this book. The random seeming twists to the plot did not do me any favors in connecting to the story and characters. And I thoroughly disliked Duchess. She did not talk or act like a 13 year old. At times, she was very much like a child of 8 and at other times she was too adult. She very much annoyed me. And if I have to hear someone refer to themselves as an “outlaw” more time, I might scream.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: Foundation’s Edge
Author: Isaac Asimov
Publisher:
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 398
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Scifi
At last, the costly and bitter war between the two Foundations has come to an end. The scientists of the First Foundation have proved victorious, and now they return to Hari Seldon’s long established plan to build a new Empire on the ruins of the old. But rumors persist that the Second Foundation is not destroyed after all—and that its still-defiant survivors are preparing their revenge. Now two exiled citizens of the Foundation—a renegade Councilman and a doddering historian—set out in search of the mythical planet Earth . . . and proof that the Second Foundation still exists.
Meanwhile someone—or something—outside of both Foundations seems to be orchestrating events to suit its own ominous purpose. Soon representatives of both the First and Second Foundations will find themselves racing toward a mysterious world called Gaia and a final, shocking destiny at the very end of the universe.
Oh goodness! This book brought together so many threads that have been building for many books. We get to see a big confrontation between the First Foundation, Second Foundation, and another mystery group. The plot is very fast paced (especially the last 50 pages). The characters are intriguing and interesting. I loved seeing all the reveals and twists as we learn who these characters actually are. We get all the interesting conversations about the past and the future. This book does not make any sense without reading all the previous books, but it was a great payoff for all the pages. I cannot wait to read the final book in this epic series.
Next up on the TBR pile:
We’re back to a routine and easy back into homeschooling. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous this week for our field tip and for coop.
Literature and Poetry
We started reading our Trickster Tales collection with the section on Europe. The Blossom and Root Language Arts curriculum only has us reading 1-2 tales per section, but we are a big reading family. Instead of 1-2, we read the entire section over the course of the week. Really that’s only like 6 stories and less than 30 pages of reading. It was nice to cover more stories and talk about the variety. We also added in more read aloud selections to our history study.
Trickster Tales Retold by Josepha Sherman
10 Minutes a Day Spelling
Math
We started Unit 3 in math with focuses on multiplication and division. Arthur already understands the concepts, so we are going to focus on mastery. I imagine that we will be in this unit of study for a few weeks. I want. to really hammer down before moving on to other topics.
Singapore Math Common Core Edition 3A
Social Studies
We covered the Norse and the Vikings this week in medieval history. Our road trip unintentionally fit right in with. a visit to a Norse longhouse recreation and the Norwegian-American museum in Decorah. Along with the history text, we watched a few really good NOVA episodes about the Vikings and read some myths and stories from the culture. Arthur got excited to learn about the differences between the actual myths and the Marvel iterations of the characters.
DK History
DK Timelines of Everyone: Leif Erikson
When on Earth?
Myths, Legends and Sacred Stories
Kingfisher Atlas of Medieval World
Thor Speaks! A Guide to the Realms of the Norse God of Thunder by Vicky Alvear Shecter
Arthur Independent Time
To allow for one-on-one time with Quentin, I have added an hour of independent work time for Arthur. Each week, he will have a mix of packet work (mostly grammar and math review), independent reading time, and special projects. Many of his projects will be aligned with our literature selections (some taken from B&R Language Arts curriculum) and history. He mostly focused. on packet work and LEGO creations this week.
Science and STEAM Coop
Art/Music
Our music study was cut this week. We just ran out of time and other things got prioritized.
Quentin
I have scheduled at least four 1-hour time blocks for one-on-one time with Quentin. I bought Blossom and Root’s Early Years Volume 2 curriculum to use as our base. I love the variety of activities and some of the bigger projects included. For ELA, we continued our big overview of the alphabet. We are getting through the alphabet two letters per week and have made it to the letter J. Beyond ELA, we have worked on a variety of math concepts (heavy and light, same and different, bi and small) as well as started on the next Khan Academy unit. We also did a mini science experiment unit on sink or float. Arthur acted as an assistant and record keeper. To follow-up, we watched a great Magic School Bus episode about the topic.
ELA
Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers
Izzy Impala’s Imaginary Illnesses by Barbara deRubertis
My “i” Sound Box by Jane Belk Moncure
Jeremy Jackrabbit’s Jumpin Journey by Barbara deRubertis
My “j” Sound Box by Jane Belk Moncure
Math
Other
Poetry selections from Mother Goose
Packet about My World
Field Trip
We missed the first week our coop theme about bridges, but made it home in time for a field trip to the Bob Kerry Bridge . The kids walked all the way across it to Iowa, checked out the plaza there, and walked all the way back. They then proceeded to roll down the hills at the Nebraska plaza. Great fun was had by everyone and we got in a great walk on a beautiful day. Afterward, I treated the kids to a stop at Hollywood Candy before we headed home.
Documentary Selection
I have carved out a one hour time block each week to watch a documentary related to our studies. This week, we watched two episodes about the Vikings.
NOVA S43 E9: Vikings Unearthed
NOVA S46 E10: Lost Viking Army
NOVA S46 E17: Why Bridges Collapse
Misc. - Random picture books read
A Little Book About Colors by Leo Lionni
Ducks Run Amok! by J.E. Morris
Mary Wrightly, So Politely by Shirin Him Bridges
Wordy Birdy by Tammi Sauer
Fall Pumpkin Fun by Martha E.H. Rustad
Iggy Iguanodon: Bath Time and Bedtime by Maryann Macdonald
The weather was absolutely gorgeous. The temps were a bit cooler, but it was still nice and sunny. Perfect for our field trip to the river and for our coop meeting.
Nothing really… We had a good week overall.
Next Week
Reading Arthurian Tales
Continuing Unit 3 in Math
Moving on to Camping for Coop
But following up on bridges for Science
Learning about the British Isles and 1066 for history
Next up on the TBR pile:
Serious obsessed with this song right now. I need to go download their album immediately.
Fall TBR: A mix of older books and new releases for this fall. All the spooky books are on tap for October and the others will probably be read for November…
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Girls Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare
The Wallflower Wager
The Bride Bet
The Woods are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle
The Guide by Peter Heller
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
Well Matched by Jen DeLuca
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
The Diabolical Miss Hyde by Viola Carr
Lives of the Monster Dogs by Kristin Bakis
Underground Airplines by Ben Winters
Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
A Court of Throne sand Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Witches by Stacy Schiff
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George
Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian
Rereads
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
Summer TBR: Let’s see how I did on my Summer TBR. I managed to read 12/25. I lost the plot a bit… but I did read some ones that I was looking forward to.
Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood
Troy by Stephen Fry
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain ✓
A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot #1) by Becky Chambers ✓
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid ✓
For the Wolf (Wilderwood #1) by Hannah Whitten ✓
The Guide by Peter Heller
Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric Richardson ✓
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley ✓
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry ✓
Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America 1619-2019 ✓
Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw Series by Michelle Hodkin
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1)
The Becoming of Noah Shaw (The Shaw Confessions #1)
The Reckoning of Noah Shaw (The Shaw Confessions #2)
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May ✓
Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
The Whispering House by Elizabeth Brooks ✓
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir ✓
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Black Cobra Quartet by Stephanie Laurens
The Untamed Bride
The Elusive Bride
The Brazen Bride
The Reckless Bride
The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
The Thousandth Floor
The Dazzling Heights
Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel
Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark ✓
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: Spell or High Water (Magic 2.0 #2)
Author: Scott Meyer
Publisher: 47North 2014
Genre: Sci-Fantasy
Pages: 442
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
The adventures of an American hacker in Medieval England continue as Martin Banks takes his next step on the journey toward mastering his reality-altering powers and fulfilling his destiny.
A month has passed since Martin helped to defeat the evil programmer Jimmy, and things couldn’t be going better. Except for his love life, that is. Feeling distant and lost, Gwen has journeyed to Atlantis, a tolerant and benevolent kingdom governed by the Sorceresses, and a place known to be a safe haven to all female time-travelers.
Thankfully, Martin and Philip are invited to a summit in Atlantis for all of the leaders of the time-traveler colonies, and now Martin thinks this will be a chance to try again with Gwen. Of course, this is Martin Banks we’re talking about, so murder, mystery, and high intrigue all get in the way of a guy who just wants one more shot to get the girl.
Another pretty fun scifi fantasy romp through time and space. After the big reveals at the end of the first book, I was hoping that we would get to see Atlantis and more of Gwen. Thankfully that has happened in this book. I loved seeing Gwen and Martin’s relationship developed as well as different sides of Philip. I was less excited about the Jimmy storyline. I did enjoy seeing the trials and tribulations that Miller and Murphy went through, Jimmy was still very annoying. He became even more annoying once he arrived in the past. That storyline was really lacking. Thankfully the murder mystery in Atlantis more than made up for that lack.
Magic 2.0
#2 Spell or High Water
#3 An Unwelcome Quest
#4 Fight or Flight
#5 Out of Spite, Out of Mind
#6 The Vexed Generation
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: In a Holidaze
Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books 2020
Genre: Romance
Pages: 336
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.
But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.
The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.
A lovely fun romance set at Christmas. I know that I’m a bit early for holiday reads, but I got on a contemporary romance kick and decided to read it now. I really did enjoy this novel. It was fairly light and breezy with some fun moments and a sweet romance. I love Maelyn’s chaotic energy throughout her various Groundhog Day days. I really loved many of the side characters and the focus on Maelyn’s found family. I wasn’t completely in love with Andrew myself and kept waiting for some big twist, but it didn’t come. I can’t quite place why I didn’t love Andrew; maybe we didn’t get of his personality? I wasn’t totally there for their romance, but it was a decently fun romance book.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: Second Foundation
Author: Isaac Asimov
Publisher:
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 304
Rating: 5/5 stars
Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Scifi
The Foundation lies in ruins—destroyed by a mutant mind bent on humanity’s annihilation. But it’s rumored that there’s a Second Foundation hidden somewhere at the end of the Galaxy, established as insurance to preserve the knowledge of mankind. Now a desperate race has begun between the survivors of the First Foundation and an alien entity to find this last flicker of humanity’s shining past—and future hope. Yet the key to it all might be a fourteen-year-old girl burdened with a terrible secret. Is she the Foundation’s savior—or its deadliest enemy?
This was such a ride! We’re immediately thrown back into the chaos of the power struggle between the First and Second Foundations. We finally get the reveal of where the Second Foundation is based (How did I not see that? Obvious and yet such a surprise.) and we meet the First Speaker ( I did not see that coming!). Thankfully we get to follow a fun and adventurous young lady, Arkady, throughout the galaxy to seek the answers to all the big questions. After that whirlwind of a book, I cannot wait to see what happens next. Who will emerge at the leaders of the galaxy? Will they ever figure out that Earth is the home planet of us all? I’m so close to the end.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: Off to Be the Wizard (Magic 2.0 #1)
Author: Scott Meyer
Publisher: 47North 2014
Genre: Sci-Fantasy
Pages: 277
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
Martin Banks is just a normal guy who has made an abnormal discovery: he can manipulate reality, thanks to reality being nothing more than a computer program. With every use of this ability, though, Martin finds his little “tweaks” have not escaped notice. Rather than face prosecution, he decides instead to travel back in time to the Middle Ages and pose as a wizard.
What could possibly go wrong?
An American hacker in King Arthur's court, Martin must now train to become a full-fledged master of his powers, discover the truth behind the ancient wizard Merlin…and not, y'know, die or anything.
J downloaded this audio book for our road trip enjoyment. He has read the entire series and has been wanting me to read them too. This is a fun and delightful medieval magical romp featuring a very silly, but likable main character. I loved the scenes of typical life in medieval England and the random side characters. The “exorcism” scene was my absolute favorite! I was laughing so hard. The ending battle with Merlin was a bit overwrought in places, but I do love the reveals of Jimmy’s plan. This was a quick listen and perfect for our road trip mindset.
Magic 2.0
#1 Off to Be the Wizard
#2 Spell or High Water
#3 An Unwelcome Quest
#4 Fight or Flight
#5 Out of Spite, Out of Mind
#6 The Vexed Generation
Next up on the TBR pile:
Reading: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren. I finally picked it up off the library stack and dug right in.
Watching: I need to catch up with the antics on Bachelor in Paradise. I cannot wait!
Listening: We started listening to the Magic 2.0 series from Scott Meyer on our road trip. We finished the first book, Off to Be the Wizard, and have almost finished the second book, Spell or High Water.
Making: October is traditionally our spooky movie month. I usually make a list of options that we choose from each day. I’m making that list this week and I’m really excited for some of the entries.
Feeling: I love our family road trips, but it’s just so good to be home…
Planning: I’m less than 2 weeks away from the bookish retreat so I’m planning my packing lists. I have good to pack, food to buy on the way, personal items to pack, alcohol to pack, crafts. to pack, and all the miscellaneous stuff.
Loving: After a week sleeping in hotels, I’m so excited to sleep in my own bed. My back thanks me for being back.
Next up on the TBR pile:
Title: The Governess Game (Girl meets Duke #2)
Author: Tessa Dare
Publisher: Avon 2018
Genre: Romance
Pages: 385
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
The accidental governess
After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart . . . without risking her own.
The infamous rake
Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling . . . and he’s in danger of falling, hard.
Another fun Regency romance. I was totally invested in Alex and Chase right from the start. I loved their dynamic and their banter. I especially loved the inclusion of Daisy and Rosamund as very important characters to the story. I love how Tessa Dare writes banter between characters. That is really what keeps me coming back time and again to this genre. The steamy scenes were not anything particularly different or new, but they definitely got the job done. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in this series.
Girl Meets Duke
#2 The Governess Game
#3 The Wallflower Wager
#4 The Bride Bet
Next up on the TBR pile:
As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny with a decent breeze. I had a lovely morning read before it got too warm in the sun.
Right now I am: Making a grocery list. I really hate the part of returning from vacation and you realize that no one is going to make you food or acquire food or even tell you what there is to eat (because there’s nothing in the fridge at all). Guess I need to get working on that.
Thinking and pondering: Where should we go next year on our family road trip? And when? I’m thinking early May at least (fall is so busy around our house). Maybe west-ish?
On my bedside table: Foundation’s Edge by Isaac Asimov (the penultimate book in the big Foundation series) and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
On my tv this week: Nothing as we were away on our family road trip. I am hoping to catch up on Bachelor in Paradise this afternoon or tomorrow.
Listening to: We spent the road trip listening to an audio book and almost all of the second in the series. The kids really enjoyed it and I loved not listening to a movie they wanted to watch.
On the menu for this week: Crap. My family expects at least two meals a day…
Monday - General Tso’s chicken with rice, edamame, and egg rolls
Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken sandwiches and fries
Wednesday - ???
Thursday - ???
Friday - ???
Saturday - ???
Sunday - ???
On my to do list: I have almost put the house back together after our trip. Now I need to check out my big to-do list and get it updated. I know that one of my next big things it sorting out Aetna and CHI to get well-check visits for the boys scheduled. I also want to get flu shots taken care of soon.
Happening this week:
Monday - Picking up our glasses, Board Games playdate, groceries?
Tuesday - Field Trip to the pedestrian bridge across the Missouri River
Wednesday - Normal home day
Thursday - Coop Day
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Home day
Sunday - Home day
What I am creating: Working on a few small craft items fro the bookish retreat. I hope to finish at least one or those by Thursday.
My simple pleasures: Quiet on the back deck, my own bed (seriously hate hotel mattresses), clean laundry
Looking around the house: The kitchen is a bit of a mess after unloading the uneaten snacks, but everything else looks good.
From the camera: We love looking at fossils. We took a detour, but finally made it to Ashfall Fossil Beds to look at. the ancient rhinos in the volcanic ash. Very cool!
Title: Neon Gods (Dark Olympus #1)
Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca 2021
Genre: Romance
Pages: 386
Rating: 4/5 stars
Reading Challenges:
Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over far from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all that's ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city's dark facade.
With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil's bargain with a man she once believed a myth...a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed.
Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he's spent years craving, it's all the excuse he needs to help her—for a price. Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he'll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close...
Hmmm.. Overall, I enjoyed this contemporary romance. I have always enjoyed the myth of Persephone and Hades. It was nice to see a contemporary version of the story. I liked the connection between the two main characters. The occasional appearance of Hermes was a delightful inclusion. I very much enjoyed the steamy scenes. Although I warn you that they are very open door. Nothing I haven’t read before, but very open door. Be forewarned. I would have liked the author to be a little less on-the-nose about the who each character is and I don’t quite understand the logistics of the River Styx. But overall, I really did enjoy the book. Another book as part of my slightly lighter weight September reads.
Next up on the TBR pile:
