Saturday, February 06, 2021

Weekly Mews: January Wrap Up & February's TBR List Poll (Please Vote!)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz  where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.

As part of my monthly wrap up, I am linking up to Nicole of Feed Your Addiction's Monthly Wrap-Up Post and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently. 

New to the Shelves:

I took advantage of my local independent bookstore's curbside service and bought four books this past month. I figured three of them could serve as late Christmas presents to myself (and in of support a local small business). The fourth book I picked up for my daughter because I cannot buy myself books without buying her something too.


Kent State by Deborah Wiles
The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.


Who Is Kamala Harris? by Kirsten Anderson, Who Hq, Manuel Gutiérrez
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris

A January e-purchase which I couldn't resist after hearing about it from a fellow blogger (I really need to keep better track of where I find these recommendations so I can credit them to the blogger--if it was you, thank you!):


A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

What I Am Reading: I ended January on a high note reading Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #1) by Charlaine Harris, where Lizbeth Rose makes her way to the San Diego in the Holy Russian Empire to save Prince Eli whose landed himself in jail. 


I have two books going right now (three if you count If the Shoe Fits in the Whatever After series by Sarah Mlynowski, which I'm reading with my daughter). During my lunch break, I am reading (and loving) Becoming by Michelle Obama. I have been enjoying Valerie Wilson Wesley's A Glimmer of Death as my bedtime reading. 

I have not quite settled on the book I want to read next. Maybe The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory, which I have heard so many good things about. I also want to get to Emily Henry's Beach Read at some point this month so I will be ready for the COYER book club discussion.


What I Am Watching: My family and I are all caught up with WandaVision. It is such a good show. We also are still making our way through our re-watch Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We are about 5 episodes away from the end of Season 3 of Angel and Season 6 of Buffy. I also have resumed watching The 100 and just started Season 4

Off the Blog: I have been busy at work, as has my husband. He has been putting in overtime every week. Mouse is still active in her dance and musical theater classes via Zoom and recently started an online piano (keyboard in our case) class. The casting call for the summer musical is today, and she will be taking part in that. She is excited but nervous too. She's missed being part of a show. 

Last week Mouse's Girl Scout Troop held a virtual bridging ceremony for the girls who aged out of Brownies and into the Junior level of the program. It had been delayed in hopes the girls could hold it in person, but with that not likely to happen this Girl Scout Season, they went ahead with a virtual ceremony. While not quite what everyone had hoped for, it did make it possible for out of town family and friends to attend who wouldn't have been able to otherwise. It was a nice ceremony and everyone did a great job. The Girl Scout Cookie Season is well under way. Sales are down, but we expected that. 

The two week window is now open for us to decide which school program she will be taking part in this coming school year. The district cannot offer much in the way of answers as to how things will play out given no one knows what the situation will be come August. Still, it has left a lot of people frustrated, teachers and parents alike.

Here is what I finished reading in January:
January turned out to be a great reading month. My daughter and I continue to enjoy the Dork Diaries series together, and we started at the beginning of the Whatever After series.

I read several great books this past month. I enjoyed visiting with Lizbeth Rose in Charlaine Harris's latest Gunnie Rose book. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It was just plain fun, and I liked Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder quite a bit. The latter mystery has a steampunk feel to it with a bit of alchemy mixed in. I look forward to reading more by both authors. 

I also read and enjoyed Ruth Ware's latest, One by One. While not her strongest book in my opinion, I did enjoy it. I felt like I was right there with the characters in the French Alps, caught up in the storm. I took part in my first COYER book club this past Sunday to discuss the book. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed putting faces and voices to names I have only seen in the COYER Facebook group or around the blogosphere. I am hoping to take part in this month's book club as well. The group will be discussing Beach Read by Emily Henry and To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. I have a copy of Beach Read and so hope to take part in that part of the discussion. I have heard good things about it but am not sure I will be able to get a copy and fit it in.

My stand out January reads were The Island of Sea Women and What Mothers Withhold. Both were 5 paw reads for me. One is a historical fiction novel set on an island in South Korea, and the other a collection of poetry about motherhood. Both were amazing.

Blogging wise, I seem to be managing okay. I sure posted a lot! More than I usually do, at least. I am a little behind on my review writing but hope to get caught up soon. I do have a couple done that are waiting on me to hit the publish button. I generally only post two Sunday posts a month, but last month decided to try something different, adding in a Poetry Corner and bringing back Mouse's Corner. As much as I would like to make those monthly features, it may not be realistic given my higher, non-blogging priorities. 

Challenge Progress: 
This Past January In Reading Mews:

Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your January? Do you have anything planned for this month?


Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next: 

My TBR List is hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise). 


I considered a few different themes to go with for my TBR poll this month and kept returning to Valentine's Day. My three choices this week all speak to love in some form: romance, friendship, and crimes of passion. There has been a lot of positive buzz around the blogosphere surrounding all three, and I cannot wait to read all of them. But which should I read next? Please help me decide! 


The Ex Talk
 by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Rachel Lynn Solomon's sparkling romantic comedy debut.

Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can't imagine working anywhere else. But lately it's been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who's fresh off a journalism master's program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.

When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.

As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers. [Goodreads Summary]

Miss Benson's Beetle
by Rachel Joyce
She's going too far to go it alone.

It is 1950. London is still reeling from World War II, and Margery Benson, a schoolteacher and spinster, is trying to get through life, surviving on scraps. One day, she reaches her breaking point, abandoning her job and small existence to set out on an expedition to the other side of the world in search of her childhood obsession: an insect that may or may not exist--the golden beetle of New Caledonia. When she advertises for an assistant to accompany her, the woman she ends up with is the last person she had in mind. Fun-loving Enid Pretty in her tight-fitting pink suit and pom-pom sandals seems to attract trouble wherever she goes. But together these two British women find themselves drawn into a cross-ocean adventure that exceeds all expectations and delivers something neither of them expected to find: the transformative power of friendship. [Goodreads Summary]

The Wife Upstairs 
by Rachel Hawkins

A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie­ Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?

With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, 
The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending? [Goodreads Summary]


Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!


© 2020, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

79 comments:

  1. I've been a bit curious about WandaVision but right now we are trying to get through a crime show. Good luck to Mouse on her casting call! And, you got some great books to add to your shelves. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy some downtime before work starts all over again.

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    1. Iliana - Disney is only putting out one episode a week at this point of WandaVision, and so waiting to see it might not be a bad idea. Then you won't have to wait for every episode. I hope you have a great weekend too. Thank you for visiting!

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  2. It's got to be such a tough decision to make about school for kiddos. I can only hope that as vaccinations increase, numbers for Covid will continue to decline.

    I like your idea of buying books to help out small businesses. I've been trying to buy a few books from independent bookstores now and then during the pandemic.

    Glad you and your daughter have been enjoying Dork Diaries together. And Ruth Ware always seems like a sure thing.

    I was torn between Miss Benson's Beetle and The Ex Talk. I enjoyed Beetle very much, and Ex sounds like a delightful story.

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    1. Deb - I hope we continue to see the COVID numbers go down and the vaccine numbers to go up.

      I may not be able to do much to help the independent bookstore in town, but I hope my purchases now and then help some. I know it's been hard on them.

      Finding books my daughter is excited about is a big win given her reading struggles.

      Thank you for voting! I look forward to seeing which one wins.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. I've been wanting to hit the used bookstore but it's been MONTHS. I miss the browsing...

    The whatever after books are cute. :)

    I voted the Wife Upstairs cause I've heard good things and I want to try it haha!

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    1. Greg - I miss the browsing too. The indie bookstore just opened up for browsing with appointment (15 minute limit), but that was after I'd made my curbside visit.

      Mouse loves the Whatever After books. I wasn't convinced after the first one we read last year, but the two we have read so far this year (books 1 & 2), I have enjoyed more.

      Thank you for voting and for visiting!

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  4. How cool that your local independent bookshop was able to a kerbside service, that's brilliant and of course you had to support it by buying some books! 😉 Also pleased to hear that January was a great month of reading for you. Here's hoping February will be too! Take care and happy reading, Wendy 🙂

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    1. Jessica - I am so glad they offer that service too! It's been so hard for many small businesses, and they've had to be innovative to keep business going. I hope February will be a good month all around for all of us. Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. I'm enjoying WandaVision too! Every week it gets better, imo.
    I need to set a reminder for COYER book club! I've only been to one in all the time Michelle and Berls have been hosting the live chats...

    Hope you have a good week!

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    1. Nicci - I agree! The show keeps getting better and better. I hope you can come to the next book club meeting. :-) I really appreciate Berls--I tend to be shy around people I don't know well, and she made sure I had a chance to join in too.

      I hope you have a good week too. Thank you for visiting!

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  6. One by One sounds really good! I am going to add that to my list ASAP!

    It seems so unfair to have to choose a school program right now. :( No one has any idea what things will look like in even a month, much less by fall. Although, hopefully better than where we are all at now!

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    1. Erin - I hope you like One by One if you read it!

      I agree. It feels way to soon to have to decide which program to do when we are still months out and not knowing where we will be then. Especially since it's still being decided if anyone will go back this school year. I do hope things will be better by August . . .

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. I voted for Rachel Joyce. I think I have that book as well and may read it soon! Happy February!

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    1. Freda - Thank you for voting! I have been hearing such great things about Joyce's book. I look forward to reading it. I hope you have a Happy February too! Thank you for visiting!

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  8. Buffy and Angel were two of my husband's & my favorite shows back in the day! We tried re-watching them with our teen daughter, but for some reason she wasn't interested. We were bummed! :-) I voted for The Wife Upstairs — I have it to read as well. I've seen mixed reviews, but I'm very curious about the Jane Eyre connection.

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    1. Diana - My daughter really enjoyed the first couple of seasons of Buffy. She's still a bit young for the later seasons though. Thank you for voting! I have been hearing great things about The Wife Upstairs and look forward to reading it. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  9. Wow! January was a busy month for you and your blog! I'm looking forward to reading Russian Cage when I can get it from the library. I read Beach Read last summer and liked it quite a bit. Good luck to your daughter with her casting call! I hope you have fun reading this month!

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    1. Jan - I hope you are able to get Russian Cage from the library. I really enjoyed it and hope you will too. I am glad to hear you liked Beach Read. I've heard such good things about it.

      Thank you for the good luck wishes for my daughter. We should find out in about a week which part she will be playing. Everyone who auditions is in automatically, which is nice.

      Thank you for visiting!

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  10. I picked up Ex Talk too. Its a little slow getting to know the characters and the MC being hesitant to enter the radio room--I'm guessing that's going to be her demeanor throughout. I've got to start Kamala's book soon. I haven't been back to the library in a bit. Its cold. I need to write down that the book mobile is coming tomorrow to our apartment.

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    1. Trin - Our libraries are still closed, although I hear they might be opening soon for curbside pick up again. I hope so. I'm looking forward to reading The Ex Talk. I keep hearing good things about it. Thank you for stopping by!

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  11. I have Russian Cage, but haven't started it. I haven't read the previous books in the series, but I am looking forward to this one.

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    1. Jenclair - I hope you enjoy Russian Cage when you read it. The books are fairly interconnected and so it'll be interesting to see what you think if you read them out of order. Thank you for visiting!

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  12. You have a lot going on Wendy and still managed to read lots of books. I loved Becoming (audio is awesome read by Michelle) and want to read a Kamala book as well - not sure which one yet. I also want to read Island of Sea Women, Miss Benson's Beetle and The Wife Upstairs - so many books so little time.

    My daughter is upset as her girls were all remote but now the first grader will be going in person in a few weeks while the 3rd grader is still remote and my daughter works in the same school - how do parents make this work? terrible.

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    1. Diane - I have made a point to spend more time reading this past month and hope I can keep it up. I considered getting the new biography on Kamala Harris but decided to go with her own memoir for now.

      The school situation is such a conundrum. I really feel for parents, teachers and students alike. I'll be thinking of your daughter and granddaughters as they try to figure this all out.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  13. I love that you can't go to a bookstore without buying books for your daughter. Good mom!

    How have you been liking rewatching Buffy and Angel? Do the shows hold up after all these years? I really want to rewatch them.

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. Nicole - I had just bought her some other books online, which is why I didn't get her any more than just the one. :-)

      We are enjoying our re-watch of Buffy and Angel. We still love both shows. Buffy probably slightly more.

      Thank you for visiting!

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  14. I am so looking forward to reading The Prophets! It is actually available for me to pickup at the library but I have not been able to go yet.

    So much of this year has been so different and challenging. I hope next year will open up everything that was closed. While I am glad that we still found ways to do certain things but there are so many activities we've missed out on.

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    1. Athira - I hope we both enjoy The Prophets. I am really looking forward to reading it too.

      I hope we are able to open up more as time goes on too. Zoom and online classes and such are just not the same.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  15. I loved The Wife Upstairs. I am eager to read One by One, and now that I finally finished The Turn of the Key, I can do so!

    I have a Kamala Harris biography on my stack to read soon.

    Enjoy your week, and here are my WEEKLY UPDATES

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    1. Laurel-Rain - I hope you enjoy One by One. I am glad you liked The Wife Upstairs. I look forward to reading it.

      I heard about the new biography about Kamala Harris. I hope you like it when you read it.

      Have a great week too! Thank you for visiting!

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  16. I got my Girl Scout cookies! I'm always looking to support the cause (and get some sweets in the process). Enjoy the rest of your week!

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    1. Marie - Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts. :-) I'm trying not to eat all the ones in my house we're hoping to sell. LOL I hope you have a great week. Thank you for stopping by!

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  17. A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking looks so cute! I hope you love Becoming, I heard is fantastic!

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    1. Mar - I think so too! I look forward to reading it. Thank you for visiting!

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  18. Rita - Sometimes I worry she has too much going on, honestly. She has plenty of down time too though even with everything.

    Wiles' Kent State is a book in verse, which was an added appeal to me. Such a tragic time.

    Thank you for voting! I look forward to seeing which one wins--they are all so different from one another. I hope you have a great week, Rita. Stay safe and well.

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  19. I’ve missed reading Charlaine Harris, I always used to auto buy her books but I haven’t since the last Midnight book. I think my favourite series was Aurora Teagarden which is due a reread.

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    1. Heather - I haven't read any of her Aurora Teagarden books. I've always wanted to. I read her Southern Vampire series (now referred to as the Trueblood series) and Shakespeare's Landlord before. And of course the Gunnie Rose books. I haven't read her other series though.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  20. I just finished The Wife Upstairs and enjoyed it (so it got my vote), but I also really want to read Ms. Benson's Beetle.

    I am shocked that your school district is making you think about Fall already! We're just surveying families to see what they want to do in March.

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    1. Helen - I am glad to hear you enjoyed The Wife Upstairs. I look forward to reading it too.

      It seems way to early to think about the upcoming school year, but I understand them wanting to be prepared. But, yeah, it's still way too soon. Especially since they aren't even sure how the rest of this school year will pay off.

      Thank you for visiting!

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  21. I was glad to see you at Book Club! I got Beach Read on audio from the library because Julia Whelan is a favorite narrator. I voted for Ex Talk because I enjoyed that one.

    Anne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

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    1. Anne - I really enjoyed joining in on the book club. It was nice to see you too! I hope we both love Beach Read. Thank you for voting and for stopping by!

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  22. I'm really interested in the Kamala Harris' books. I have to check and see if my library has them. The Ruth Ware book is on my wishlist. Looks good.

    I hope you enjoy your books and have a great week! (Love the pic of Nina!)

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    1. Yvonne - I hope your library has them! Thank you for visiting!

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  23. I've read both THE WEDDING DATE and BEACH READ and while I enjoyed them both, I'd say that THE WEDDING DATE was the better of the two.

    School decisions are hard! Our district *might* be transitioning to hybrid this spring and we need to decide soon if our kids are going to take part of if we're going to keep them home. I think, socially, they need the hybrid. However, my husband is concerned about them going back to school before we (he and I) are vaccinated. Since we have no idea when we can get the vaccine, this is making things hard!

    We've also really enjoyed WandaVision. My kids are totally into Marvel and have all sorts of theories. More often than not, their theories end up being correct. Since I decided to get Disney+ for the Marvel content, I'm glad it is finally here!

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    1. Melinda - I have a feeling The Wedding Date will be my next read. I do want to read Beach Read as well, but I'm anxious to read Guillory's book. I read the sequel last year and enjoyed it.

      It's a hard decision to make--whether to send the kids back or not. Our district gave tentative dates for hybrid students to return, but talking to a friend who is a teacher with the district, she doesn't think anyone will be going in-person this school year. I wish you luck, whatever you decide--if it even becomes an option.

      That's great that your kids are into WandaVision too. We got Disney+ for Mandalorian and when I heard about all the Marvel stuff, I told my husband we're stuck with it. LOL

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  24. Nice to buying books and supporting bookstores which is very laudable of course. Yes often if I am buying a book I want to get some for younger generations in my family as well. You've got a great bunch of books. I want to read a Jasmine Guillory book - I too have heard so much about her books.

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    1. Kathryn - I wish I could afford to send money there way more often! It's a great indie bookstore. Thank you for visiting!

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  25. My heart hurts for every kid and teacher and all the uncertainty about opening schools. On a happier note, I'm excited to start The Russian Cage! Hope you have a good week, Wendy😁

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    1. Tammy - I really feel for the teachers and students too. I am really glad my husband and I went the way we did at the beginning of this school year--choosing to go virtual. It has taken some of the stress away over not knowing what's going to happen when. Next year will be a different story, but at least for this school year we had some stability.

      I hope you love The Russian Cage. I really enjoyed it. I hope you have a good week too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  26. I really need to watch Buffy. I just tend to pick up a book when I have free time so I never get around to watching much of anything. Virtual ceremonies aren't quite the same are they? Nice new reads this month. I also picked up a copy of The Prophets. I hope we both enjoy it. Have a great week!

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    1. Carole - We usually watch one episode of Buffy or Angel in the evening before heading to bed. Although Friday's right now are reserved for WandaVision. Much of my TV/movie time is also blogging time. I like to have something on while I am visiting blogs or working on my own. I hope we will both enjoy The Prophets too! I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for visiting!

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  27. Nice assortment of books. I liked The Russian Cage too. I have been eyeing Becoming since I finished Obama's The Promised Land but haven't gotten a copy yet. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - Thank you! If you do read Becoming, I hope you like it! Thank you for stopping by!

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  28. I really liked The Russian Cage. It was a solid triology. I hope that if Charlaine does anything else with this universe that she does a book with Felix as the protagonist. I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Victoria - Are there only going to be three books in the Gunnie Rose series? I hadn't heard, but I'm not really in the know about publishing news. Felix would make a great protagonist. I wouldn't mind knowing more about Felicia. I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for visiting!

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  29. I voted for The wife upstairs, but I heard a lot about Miss Benson's beetle too. Ruth Ware too. So many books ! My youngest is on holidays but my eldest is still working from home - not easy. I'm on a book buying ban this year but I still take my daughters to the bookshops and I binged a little at the end of last year to support independant stores. Enjoy your week :)

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    1. Iza - Thank you for voting! I am eager to read all three but know it won't happen this month. I am looking forward to seeing which book wins! Since our public libraries have been closed because of the Pandemic and my daughter doesn't read e-books, buying is the only option if we don't have the books on hand. Luckily we have a lot of books already. Thank you for stopping by!

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  30. My son wants me to watch WandaVision but I'm not sure it's for me.

    As for your next read, I voted for Miss Benson because it's so sweet and feels good to read but The Wife Upstairs was very good in a very different way. Either one would be great.

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    1. Ti - Do you like the Marvel movies? If so, you would probably enjoy WandaVision.

      Thank you for voting and visiting!

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  31. These school decisions just seem impossible. How are you supposed to make an informed decision when we really don't know what things will be like in a week or a month much less half a year! I'm glad that she has been able to attend classes and her girl scout ceremony virtually. All three books look great so I'm looking forward to seeing what you end up reading! Have a great week!

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    1. Katherine - They really do. So much is unknown. I am glad she is able to still do so much virtually, even if it's not ideal. Thank you for stopping by!

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  32. I want to read Beach Read after reading a few positive reviews of it. And I voted for The Wife Upstairs. It sounds like an intriguing read; what with the premise and the characterisations. :)

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    1. Melody - Me too. I have heard good things about Beach Read and am looking forward to it. Thank you for voting! The Wife Upstairs does sound good. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  33. Kent State by Deborah Wiles is a book I want to read. I have heard that it is really good. Wanda Vision is so strange, but I love it. Have a great week.

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    1. Serena - I read a book blogger's review of Kent State and knew I had to read it. I'm looking forward to it. I agree-WandaVision is really strange, but so good. I hope you have a great week too! Thank you for stopping by. :-)

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  34. Heard good things about The Prophets. Enjoy.

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    1. Vi - Thanks! I am looking forward to reading The Prophets. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  35. I've been wanting to read Becoming by Michelle Obama for a long time. I sure hope I'll get to it this year.
    I love the look of your new books. And I totally get the having to buy a book for your daughter too if you get one. LOL!! I do that too.
    I voted for The Wife Upstairs. It just sounds so good.
    Have a great week and happy reading.

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    1. Maureen - Me too! I am so glad to finally have picked it up to read.

      More often than not these days I buy books for her over me even. I can't help myself. :-)

      Thank you for stopping by and voting!

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  36. I think this might be the first year ever where I won’t get Girl Scout cookies. Usually the kids sell them at a table in the grocery store, but I’ve been getting my groceries delivered. I’m glad you had a good reading month. I hope you’re having a great February.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. AJ - Not having booth sales at stores is a bummer. Troops sell a lot that way. I think anyone who really wants Girl Scout Cookies can find a way to get them. A lot of the regional Girl Scout Council websites offer ways to connect with girls to get them if a person doesn't know a Girl Scout personally. Not to mention there are option to have cookies shipped or delivered in-person directly to a person's door. Part of our weekend routine right now is delivering cookies to local friends who order online. Unfortunately for my daughter, most of her sales took place through my work--and since we employees are all rotating in and out and not seeing one another much, she has fewer customers. We aren't big on going door to door in our neighborhood (that's not allowed right now where we live because of the COVID restrictions), but even before this, door to door sales were hit and miss. My neighborhood is saturated with Girl Scouts. Everyone knows someone who is a Girl Scout.

      I hope you have a great February too! Thank you for visiting!

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  37. I forgot all about the bridging ceremony my daughter had until I read your post! Good memories :) I hope you can stop by. I'm a little late to the party:

    https://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2021/02/january-2021-monthly-wrap-up.html

    Colletta

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    1. Colletta - I took photos to commemorate the event, but it really isn't the same as being able to do the ceremony in person. Thank you for stopping by!

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  38. I loved The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, so I hope that you enjoy it, too:)). You clearly had a really productive January on your blog - I hope February is a good one, too.

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    1. Sarah - I am looking forward to reading The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  39. You had an excellent book month. I love that you and your daughter are enjoying reading together. I bought The Ex-Talk from an indie bookstore in January and it's next on my TBR. The author is one of my favorites.

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    1. Danielle - Yes, January was very good to me reading wise. :-) I hope you enjoy The Ex Talk when you read it! I haven't read the author before but am looking forward to giving her work a try. Thank you for stopping by!

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  40. I'm a GS leader and we've been doing virtual meetings the last couple of months--my choice--and hopefully the weather will be nice in March and we can go live. I did two inside meetings and was a nervous wreck, so decided no more.

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    1. RAnn - My daughter's troop has been meeting virtually all season twice a month. In-person meetings aren't permitted by our Council at this time. It'd be nice if the girls could get together in-person before the end of the GS season, but it's not likely. Thank you for visiting!

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