Monday, February 23, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. I love this meme, it helps me stay on track ... well, most of the time. Thanks Sheila! 

On the home front: 
A huge week, I helped the youngest and his girlfriend with leaving the nest again. Mike had another weekend in the field as flights were cancelled due to impending cyclone Marcia. 

Fortunately my eldest son was here to check the roof, clean gutters etc in preparation for the deluge of expected rain. We got approx 250ml over 48hrs but some areas copped in excess of 500ml (that's like 20" of rain) and flash flooding. Category 5 cyclone Marcia did quite a bit of damage on the central coast of QLD but thankfully there was no loss of life. And bonus we didn't lose power (our area of Brisbane is notorious for it) and our sad, old roof didn't spring any new leaks ... just the usual ones lol 

Highlight of the week was the latest episode of Scandal and then Mia stayed for a sleepover.   

Mia loves standing on my bed, she can open the shutters and watch the birds




#FitReaders co-hosted by Felicia @ Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About.  

FitReaders is a great way to stay motivated, accountable and it's more fun having bloggy friends to check in with. If you also have a fitbit and want to add me, let me know :) 

I had a couple of big days with helping son move out, 2 short walks with Bella and I got some steps up chasing Mia as she speed-crawls and walks around the furniture. Hoping to get some good news on test results with a specialist appointment this week.  

Fitbit Steps: 
Mon: 14,938 steps
Tue:  6020 steps
Wed: 11,193 steps 
Thurs: 11,429 steps
Fri: 6039 steps
Sat: 8058 steps
Sun: 5071 steps

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

THE SEAFRONT TEA ROOMS by Vanessa Greene ~ perfect escapism complete with tea and comfort food. Weekend cooking post with English Scones recipe

THE MIME ORDER by Samantha Shannon (Bone Season #2) ~ slow start and then addictive! 

I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman ~ important issue but me who cries at a Kleenex ad did not squeeze out a tear. 

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Finished last week:

JILTED by Rachael Johns

THE ROAD TO HOPE by Rachael Johns 

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This Week's Reading List: 


THE GIRLS OF MISCHIEF BAY by Susan Mallery ~ enjoying this one a whole lot!

THE TAPESTRY by Nancy Bilyeau (Joanna Stafford #3)

THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF by Norman Doidge (audiobook) ~ 20% done. Saw this on Brona's blog and couldn't resist ... really fascinating! 

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Reviews Coming:

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins (audiobook) ~ these characters were messed up (and that's putting it politely)

THE VIOLETS OF MARCH by Sarah Jio ~ this one was a win from Stacy @Stacy's Books quite a few years ago. Love Sarah Jio's writing and enjoyed this little treasure. 

THE TUDOR VENDETTA by C.W. Gortner (The Spymaster Chronicles #3) ~ enjoyed it and surreal to be visiting Westminster, walking London and Southwalk while reading this one. 




28 comments:

  1. Enjoy all your books - you've got some nice reads.

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    1. Thanks Mystica, I'm looking forward to historical fiction this week :)

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  2. Heard about some of the rain. Some of the cricket commentators were talking about how much rain 500 to 600 mls of rain looked like. A lot! Mia is gorgeous, don't they love looking at the birds. I spent a little time with my 14 month grand nephew yesterday, he grabbed my leg and didn't want me to go when I went! His grandmother (my sister) said he could have a play date with Kathryn some time!!

    I do hope you receive good medical results, been thinking about you.
    Great stepping!

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    1. Aww that's so sweet Kathryn, would have brought a smile to your face. Hope you get that play date soon! I've been hanging out for this appointment, hoping for answers!

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    2. I hope you get answers and that they are positive and hopeful.

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  3. Glad all was safe for you and no power outage - no xtra leaks always a bonus!
    Lots of reading so you had a good week in that respect.
    Sweetie in the window. 2nd grandbaby due here in 3 wks.. exciting :)

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    1. a new grandbaby, how exciting!! Having grandchildren is just the best :)

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  4. Some good books to read and review. The Tapestry caught my eye because of the cover. Really like it. Emma

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    1. I'm looking forward to getting back to historical this week Emma and I loved the first 2 books in the series.

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  5. So glad you're into the brain book...I really need to make more time to get into it's follow-up properly!

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    1. I'm hoping the next one is also available from the library on audio. I'm finding Borrow Box awesome!

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  6. Your little Mia is just a charmer! Love the pictures. I'm interested in THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF. Had a book group member recommend it to me a few years ago and I had kind of forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder.

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  7. I think we dodged a bullet with Cyclone Marcia...my household sprung a leak in the roof but considering what others have gone through I can't really complain!

    Looking forward to your Susan Mallery review, I haven't read one of her books for awhile now.

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  8. I know I've said it before, but Mia is a cutie. I love how the most simple things make kids so happy (like opening the window). Oh for life to be that simple...

    Have a great week.

    xx

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  9. Hmmm...The Brain that Changes Itself? Intriguing! Thanks for sharing. And enjoy your week.

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  10. Glad your area didn't get damage!! And LOVING that sweet photo of Mia!!! She is adorable!!!!!!!!

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  11. Wow, that's a lot of rain!! I hope your appt this week goes well! Enjoy your books this week. :)

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  12. A cyclone sounds scary! I'm glad you and your family were safe and the house didn't sustain damage.

    I love the picture of your granddaughter. She is such a cutie! I'm glad you got to spend some time with her :)

    I enjoyed your review of The Seafront Tea Rooms. I was sad to find out that it wasn't released here in the States but it is only $5 or so on Book Depository so I'm toying with the idea of buying it.

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  13. Fabulous group of books. I loved The Violets of March, it was the book that introduced me to Sarah Jio and made her one of my favorite authors. The Seafront Tea Rooms looks like one I'd enjoy...I put it on my Goodreads list, and am not sure if I should try to get it online or wait until I'm in Dublin again and search for it then.

    Hope your weather next week is more enjoyable...happy reading and thanks for visiting my blog.

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  14. Wow, I thought contending with the cold was bad , but a cyclone...that's scary. Btw, Mia is absolutely adorable! Enjoy The Brain, it will amaze you.

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  15. Oh, Mia is adorable, as usual...I love seeing little ones in their PJs, and the expression on her face is priceless.

    Glad you are enjoying your books...hoping for good test results!

    I have I Was Here, but now I'm wondering about it.

    The Girls of Mischief Bay looks like fun. Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  16. This is my first visit, you sure are an eclectic reader! Those three awaiting review posts all greatly appeal to me. I'll be looking for them.

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  17. Awe a sleepover and Mia is adorable! So glad there was no loss of life and that all of yours are safe, moved, home etc. Have a lovely week!

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  18. I'm glad you escaped the wrath of the cyclone! I hope your son and his family haven't ventured too far away this time

    Have a great week,
    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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  19. Yikes! That's a lot of rain! Good thing Mia was there to spread happiness :)

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