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: 

It's a long post this week, so grab a cup of tea or if you're just interested in the book stuff scroll right on past, I promise I won't be offended lol. Another busy week ... appointments, my partner's birthday, day trips to the coast with Anthony, Christine & Mia to visit my dad and Mike's mum and dad, lots of family time and photo opportunities. Callum and his girlfriend are happily settled in a 1 bedroom unit, still in south Brisbane but about 25 mins from us. 

Thanks for your well wishes last week, bummed I didn't get a definitive answer from the specialist about the burning pain I've had in my hands for a couple of months ... more tests, more specialist appointments and more waiting, something I'm not particularly good at lol. Lupus hasn't been ruled out and neither has permanent or semi-permanent nerve damage from the kidney medication I've been on for over ten years. "Be patient ... we'll figure it out" ... yep, thanks Doc. When you figure out how I can go through the day with my hands in the freezer or a bucket of cold water I'll be laughing ;)

It was officially the first day of Autumn yesterday but summer is not finished with us yet. This week we are in for scorching weather and high humidity *blah* 

my gorgeous granddaughter 8 months old
photos taken ~ the Broadwater, Gold Coast

#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'm now in for March :)

A trip to the coast to visit my dad and then Mike's family at Bribie Island meant a couple of beach walks which is always much nicer than walking at home.  The annual Sand Safari sand sculpting competition was on at the Gold Coast so we got to see the amazing entries on our walk. This one was the winner ... very cool since I'm a big Eeyore fan :)

Fitbit Steps: 

Mon: 8196 steps

Tue:  8064 steps

Wed: 9788 steps 

Thurs: 8555 steps ~ walk on beach & esplanade

Fri: 6340 steps ~ short walk with Mia & Bella

Sat:  7034 steps ~ walk on the beach with Bella

Sun: 8082 steps 

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Reviews & Posts: (click on title)

THE ROAD TO HOPE by Rachael Johns ~ trademark humour, passion & emotion

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

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Finished last week:

THE GIRLS OF MISCHIEF BAY by Susan Mallery ~ review Wed. Loved it! 

THE TAPESTRY by Nancy Bilyeau (Joanna Stafford #3) ~ blog tour review 17th March

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This Week's Reading List: 

TELL THE TRUTH by Katherine Howell (Ella Marconi #8) ~ woohoo

MIST OF MIDNIGHT by Sandra Bryd 

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand (audiobook) ~ 1 hour to go. A departure from Cynthia Hand's usual, very moving. 

THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF by Norman Doidge (audiobook) ~ 30% done. Fascinating stuff but I can only listen to so much before my eyes glaze over ;)

And these three audiobooks are all available tomorrow from the library via Borrow Box ... love this service. Not sure which one to listen to first but I'm going to be busy haha

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Reviews Coming:

ONE WISH by Robyn Carr ~ guest review by Karen + giveaway on Tue

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.