Tag: reading

Posted on

What I’m Reading – June 2026

What I’m Reading Now

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (The Midnight World #2) – This is billed as a magical, time-traveling love story from the world of The Midnight Library (which I loved).

What I Recently Finished

  • Lies and Other Love Languages by Sonali Dev
  • The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev (short story)
  • In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams (Rome Kentucky #4)
  • Lift Me Up by Milly Johnson (short story)
  • Jigsaw by Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware #41)
  • The Anti-Heroes by Jen Lancaster
  • Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza (For the Love of Austen #1)

What I Added to my TBR

  • A Wind Turned Dark with Burning by Mercedes Lackey (Elemental Masters #19)
  • The General Hospital by Anne Buist (Menzies Mental Health #3)
  • The Slow Cooker Supper Club by Sue Heath
  • A Bookshop Summer by Stephanie Butland
  • Sari, Not Sari by Sonya Singh
  • Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Lee Piper
  • The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez (Librarians in Love #1)
  • Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez (Librarians in Love #2)

TBR Stats/Goal Updates

  • I currently have 177 books on my TBR. Of these, 8 are nonfiction and 169 are fiction.
  • I have read 31 books so far in 2026. My goal is 100, so I still a bit behind. It’s okay if I don’t meet my goal, though. My reading ebbs and flows depending on my mood and circumstances.
  • I have not finished any nonfiction books so far in 2026. My goal is 6.
  • I ended my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I read 15 books and had 1 DNF during the time I had KU.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph:
Posted on

What I’m Reading – May 2026

What I’m Reading Now

Lies and Other Love Languages by Sonali Dev – I have enjoyed several books by this author. This one is pretty good so far. It does have a dual timeline, and I am still trying to put together how the story from the past fits in with the present events. I have a vague idea but it hasn’t been revealed yet.

Jigsaw by Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware #41) – I really like this series. When my turn came for it on Libby, I was in a bit of a reading slump and I only got to 80% before it got automatically returned. Now I am back on the waiting list to get it again so I can finish it. Update: I am still on the waiting list for this one!

What I Recently Finished

  • Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra (The March Sisters #1)
  • Beth and Amy by Virginia Kantra (The March Sisters #2)
  • Revenge Prey by John Sandford (Lucas Davenport #36)
  • Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams (When in Rome #3)
  • Lessons at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan (School by the Sea #3)
  • Studies at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan (School by the Sea #4)
  • Everybody’s Favorite Guy by Katherine Center (short story)

What I Added to my TBR

  • Allegiant by Veronica Roth (Divergent #3)
  • The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth (The Sixth Faction #1)
  • Start at the End by Emmy Grey
  • The Last Love Note by Emma Grey
  • Pictures of You by Emma Grey

TBR Stats/Goal Updates

  • I currently have 184 books on my TBR. Of these, 8 are nonfiction and 176 are fiction.
  • I have read 24 books so far in 2026. My goal is 100, so I am 8 books behind. It’s okay if I don’t meet my goal, though. My reading ebbs and flows depending on my mood and circumstances.
  • I have not finished any nonfiction books so far in 2026. My goal is 6.
  • I ended my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I read 15 books and had 1 DNF during the time I had KU.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph:
Posted on

What I’m Reading – April 2026

What I’m Reading Now

Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld – this is a collection of short stories. I am not sure how I feel about it so far. It seems to be designed to expose the hidden parts of ourselves and our beliefs about ourselves and others.

Jigsaw by Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware #41) – I really like this series. When my turn came for it on Libby, I was in a bit of a reading slump and I only got to 80% before it got automatically returned. Now I am back on the waiting list to get it again so I can finish it.

What I Recently Finished

  • Stolen in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death #62)
  • Storm Peak by John A. Flanagan (Jesse Parker Mystery #1)
  • Avalanche Pass by John A. Flanagan (Jesse Parker Mystery #2)

What I Added to my TBR

  • Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning with and Reimagining Faith by Rachel Held Evans
  • The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
  • The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley by Lindz McLeod (Austentatious #2)
  • The Fake Matchmaker by Sonya Singh
  • Everyone’s Favorite Guy by Katherine Center

TBR Stats/Goal Updates

  • I currently have 187 books on my TBR. Of these, 8 are nonfiction and 179 are fiction.
  • I have read 16 books so far in 2026. My goal is 100, so I am 9 books behind. I do occasionally have times where I read less than my usual, so I’m sure it will pick up later in the year.
  • I have not finished any nonfiction books so far in 2026. My goal is 6.
  • I ended my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I read 15 books and had 1 DNF during the time I had KU.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph:
Posted on

Week in Review: March 22, 2026

This has been a pretty good week. Peanut Butter turned 13 on Monday. He is still pretty healthy, despite his age, which I am thankful for.

In health news, I had my three-month check-in with the orthodontist, and he was pleased at how much movement has happened with my teeth so far. He gave me trays 13-25, so I will see him again in another three months.

I got to spend time with two good friends this week. Renee came over Friday evening and we ate together and played a bit of puzzle chess and then watched a few episodes of Best Medicine. She is a fan of Doc Martin, so I wanted her to see the new American version of the show, and she liked it. Then Kim came over Saturday for lunch and a movie. We get together every other weekend and take turns hosting. We had a nice time.

I haven’t been reading as much lately as I usually do. I have only finished two books in March, both of which were mysteries. I was about 80% done with a third one and then it automatically returned to Libby and I had to put it on hold again! I am currently about 40% done with another one; this one is on my Kindle so I don’t have to worry about it going away, lol.

Michael seems to be doing pretty well at his job. He feels like he has a good handle on the daily tasks. He has had a few awkward interactions with people, but we talk through them and I try to give him suggestions on how to handle them in the future. I know I have my own share of social issues, but I do have the benefit of a few more years of experiences to draw on.

All in all, a pretty good week!

Posted on

What I’m Reading – March 2026

What I’m Reading Now

Storm Peak by John A. Flanagan (Jesse Parker Mystery #1) – I have read all of the young adult fantasy books by this author and decided I wanted to read his mysteries, of which there are 2. I am really enjoying it so far.

What I Recently Finished

  • The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Cerulean Chronicles #1)
  • Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune (Cerulean Chronicles #2)
  • The Devil You Know by Freida McFadden (Dr. Jane McGill #2)
  • All the Broken Places by M. Jean Pike
  • Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne (Tomes & Tea #1)

What I Added to my TBR

  • The Final Target by Nora Roberts
  • Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts
  • Dear Debbie by Frieda McFadden
  • Destination Funeral by Paige Harbison
  • The Last Marriage of Dot Brightmore by Laura Pearson (Mabel Beaumont #2)
  • The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery
  • A Pirate’s Life for Tea by Rebecca Thorne (Tomes & Tea #2)
  • Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne (Tomes & Tea #3)
  • Alchemy and a Cup of Tea by Rebecca Thorne (Tomes & Tea #4)

TBR Stats/Updates

  • I currently have 190 books on my TBR. Of these, 8 are nonfiction and 182 are fiction.
  • I have read 13 books so far in 2026. My goal is 100, so I am a little bit behind.
  • I have not finished any nonfiction books so far in 2026. My goal is 6.
  • I ended my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I read 15 books and had 1 DNF during the time I had KU.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph:
Posted on

What I’m Reading – February 2026

What I’m Reading Now

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Cerulean Chronicles #1) – I have seen this book around a lot and decided to give it a try.

How God Sees Women: The End of Patriarchy by Terran Williams – Good book but pretty dry. I keep avoiding going back to it, so I may have to skim the rest.

What I Recently Finished

  • The Cyprian by Mercedes Lackey (Elemental Masters #18)
  • Christmas Wedding at Bella Beach by Kate Wentworth (Bella Beach #8)
  • The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms
  • Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das
  • The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation by Elizabeth Berg
  • The Dandelion and the Thistle by Pip Dolyn
  • Sheepfarmer’s Daughter by Elizabeth Moon (The Deed of Paksenarrion #1)
  • Butterfly Inn by Kate Wentworth (Butterfly Lane #1)

What I Added to my TBR

  • Driving with the Top Down by Beth Harbison
  • Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin
  • Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
  • Fury in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death #63)
  • The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
  • Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg
  • Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber
  • Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven
  • Book Club at Butterfly Inn by Kate Wentworth (Butterfly Lane #2)
  • Divided Allegiance by Elizabeth Moon (The Deed of Paksenarrion #2)
  • Oath of Gold by Elizabeth Moon (The Deed of Paksenarrion #3)
  • Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
  • This Little Light of Mine: The Life of Fannie Lou Hamer by Kay Mills

TBR Stats/Updates

  • I currently have 184 books on my TBR. Of these, 7 are nonfiction and 177 are fiction.
  • I have read 8 books so far in 2026. My goal is 100.
  • I have not finished any nonfiction books so far in 2026. My goal is 6.
  • I am still on my 3-month free trial of Kindle Unlimited. I have read 12 books on KU so far and have 2 currently borrowed. I only have 1 more book planned to borrow, so I should be able to cancel before the free trial is over.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph:
Posted on

Bookish Question: DNF

Bookish Question: How do you decide when to DNF a book?

I ask this because I recently had my first DNF of 2026. It was women’s fiction, which is normally right up my alley, but I picked it up twice and both times just felt stressed out by it. 

I am not going to name the book, but I will say that I found the situation the main character was in to be very stressful and I also thought the book was kind of dated. When I checked my progress in the Libby app, I was only at 10%, but I just decided to be done with it. I have plenty of other books on my TBR.

I feel a mild sense of guilt about this, although I will say that is a vast improvement over where I was a decade ago when I wouldn’t have considered not finishing a book. So that makes me curious how other people decide when and why to DNF a book.

Posted on

What I’m Reading – January 2026

What I’m Reading Now

The Cyprian by Mercedes Lackey – Elemental Masters #18 – I have been a fan of hers since she started writing almost 40 years ago and am so thankful she is still writing books!

The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms – I am working my way through her backlist, so this one is up next!

What I Recently Finished

Fiction

  • Goblins & Greatcoats by Travis Baldree – Legends & Lattes #0.6 (short story)
  • Get Lucky by Katherine Center
  • The Bright Side of Going Dark by Kelly Harms
  • Wherever the Wind Takes Us by Kelly Harms
  • Catch Us When We Fall by Juliette Fay
  • The Half of It by Juliette Fay
  • The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
  • Feeling the Fireworks: Starting Over in Devon by Rebecca Paulinyi (South West #3)
  • The Best Christmas Ever: A Wedding in Devon Novella by Rebecca Paulinyi (South West #4)
  • Trouble in Tartan: True Love in Devon by Rebecca Paulinyi (South West #5)
  • Summer of Sunshine: Missing Devon Novella by Rebecca Paulinyi (South West #6)
  • Healing the Heartbreak: Moving on in Devon by Rebecca Paulinyi (South West #7)
  • Dancing Till Dawn: First Love in Devon by Rebecca Paulinyi (South West #8)

Nonfiction

  • Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table by Brandan J. Robertson

What I Added to my TBR

  • An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward
  • This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
  • The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

TBR Stats/Updates

  • I currently have 179 books on my TBR. Of those, 6 are nonfiction and 173 are fiction.
  • At the end of June, I created a focused reading list of 25 books I wanted to read by the end of the year. I have completed that list with 24 read and 1 DNF.
  • I read 126 books in 2025 (my goal was 75).
  • My nonfiction goal for 2025 was 12, which I achieved.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph:
Posted on

Ten Before the End Update

A few weeks ago I posted a list of 10 books that I wanted to read before the end of the year. I am very happy to say that I was able to complete the entire list!!

It was touch and go for a minute because when I put The Seven Year Slip on hold, it had a several month wait. But it finally started moving and I was eventually able to borrow it this month.

Here are the books from my Ten Before the End list:

  • Funny Story by Emily Henry
  • The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont
  • Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
  • Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
  • A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
  • Modern Persuasion by Sara Marks
  • Loveless by Alice Oseman
  • The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
  • What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
  • The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

This was a fun little challenge!

Posted on

What I’m Reading – December 2025

What I’m Reading Now

The Bright Side of Going Dark by Kelly Harms – This is a novel focused on the place of social media in our lives. It is okay so far.

Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table by Brandan Robertson – This book has given me a lot to think about. It goes beyond the regular discussion of Bible passages that have been used to condemn the LGBTQ community and covers some really interesting topics.

What I Recently Finished

Fiction

  • The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
  • What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama
  • Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes #2)
  • The Library by Bella Osborne
  • 3 Days, 9 Months, 27 Years by John Scalzi (short story)
  • The Toy Car by Rose Tremain (short story)

Nonfiction

  • Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop: A Memoir by Alba Donati

What I Added to my TBR

  • In the Paris Fashion by Sophie Beaumont
  • Jigsaw by Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware #41)
  • Revenge Prey by John Sandford (Lucas Davenport #36)
  • The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer
  • Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer
  • Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer
  • Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer
  • The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods
  • Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott
  • The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
  • Now That I Know You by Heart by Amy Hagstrom
  • Goblins & Greatcoats by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes #1.5)
  • Not Quite Done with Dating by Bella Osborne
  • You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd
  • The Shippers by Katherine Center
  • Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
  • A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber
  • The Phoebe Variations by Jane Hamilton

TBR Stats/Updates

  • I currently have 186 books on my TBR. Of those, 6 are nonfiction and 180 are fiction.
  • At the end of June, I created a focused reading list of 25 books I would like to read by the end of the year. So far, I have read 23 of those books. One was a DNF, and the last one is still on hold with Libby, so I’m hoping it will be available in time.
  • I have read 113 books this year (my goal was 75).
  • My nonfiction goal is 1 per month, which I have met so far with a total of 11.
  • Here are some more stats from StoryGraph: