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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week, and showcase books and things we have received.
Stacking The Shelves is also a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Marlene from Reading Reality. It’s all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
Don’t forget to look at my giveaways on the right sidebar. Last day on the current month Patricia Briggs giveaway. Open International.
Sunday started a bit slow since I stayed up late reading. Then my brother called to chat about 2 minutes after when I woke up. After my Sunday post visiting and email cleanup, I did finally get to hanging pictures, clock and calendar in the guest room. I also set up tables so my daughter could sort her jewelry and craft supplies.
Monday, I started out with some energy and my daughter was online for her classes. Another of her doctors who she has an appointment every 3-4 months emailed and is going to offer online appts. YAY! I vacuumed the entire house which really needed it and laundered the rugs.
I decided since it was warm and I wanted to wear flip-flops I need to polish my toes. After 3 hours, I needed to go to the pharmacy before it closed and they still weren’t dry! So I went to the pharmacy in the grocery store and got a few things. I didn’t want to go out. It went fine. Six hours later, I realized I had used the gel polish instead of regular. Of course, it would never dry. *Head desk*
My daughter has been trying to make the adjustment to online classes and one of them just isn’t going to work out that way. Her teacher doesn’t respond promptly. I’m in a funk over the dropped class but it is the best decision. On the plus side, her community college only has 2 honor societies and she is now inducted into both of them! Next week we will be looking at summer and fall class catalogs. The question is will it be online or in person, because some of these classes will not be great online.
I put together a Sam’s club delivery for Sunday and then, for the first time since March 16, I was able to get in a Walmart pickup order for Saturday night. There are things they still don’t have which we buy regularly but at least I got the other stuff. It’s weird because we ate almost every meal at home before but it seems more important to have everything available to eat but we are using some things up. Then I worry we won’t be able to get things if we eat them. I like Aldis the best but there are a few things they don’t have.
My other big fail this week was I cancelled Audible Escape at the end of March. I got a deal to get it for 3 months for cheap at the end of December and … I didn’t listen to a single audio from it. I do much better with the library and KU. I do get KU deals when available and I do tend to use it.
The weather has been gorgeous this week 65-70F, around 20C, only a little light rain, usually overnight. The trees got all their leaves. I need to do some more yard work and planting but I don’t feel like it, or anything. Hopefully, I can get back on track with a few projects this next week.
March Reading: I managed to read 36 books. Audiobooks were harder when I was home which is weird, maybe because I multitask with them. Some count for more than one challenge. I listened to 12 audiobooks, read 15 library books, 8 COYER reads, and 4 books which I already own.
All Library books (including ones not reviewed on the blog) 2020 Library Love Challenge
Bookish Resolutions update: I’m really behind now and since I have more time you would think I could get organized. Not yet. I read many library books I just wanted to read, however. I created post shells as I got ARCs.
I did manage to read 4 books I own (goal is 3 per month):
- Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
- Fast Kill by Kaylea Cross (freebie)
- Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
- Close to the Bone by Kendra Elliot (freebie)
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. These are the exciting ARCs I received this week (If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry):
Thank you so much Zebra Publishing, Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Audio, Recorded Books
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
NOTHING.
Now the really scary one. This is all the Kindle and Audible freebies I grabbed this past week. You can see why I need to do Thrifty Thursday to be sure I read a few at least one each month.
I really meant to cut back on freebies BUT they are free so I guess that won’t be happening.
I’m not including things like reviews posted or upcoming as they are always in the right sidebar. And, my challenge status is also there.
If you like this and want to see me do the Sunday post, as often as I can manage, leave me a comment and let me know.
Anne
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series by Elena Taylor @elenataylorauthor.bsky.social @crookedlanebooks.bsky.social @severnhouse.bsky.social @partnersincrimevbt.bsky.social@elenataylorauthor - May 3, 2025
- 🎧 Closer Than You Think by Debra Webb @DebraWebbAuthor#EliseArsenault #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - May 1, 2025
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Sounds like you had a pretty good week Anne! I’m still laughing about the nail polish because that is so something I would do. Hence, my nails being undone until I can go to the nail salon.
It’s so crazy how you’d think we’d have more time right now and yet my reading has slowed down too. I think for me, it’s the loss of my commute. But also just my brain feeling more stressed and needing to get in the phone more to just connect.
Good luck this week and stay safe!
That was so frustrating. Six hours and it still wasn’t dry! I have the same colors in gel and regular because I do my fingers in gel and toes in regular. I am not doing my fingers at all but I just couldn’t stand my toes without polish. It lasts a long time so I did polish them with regular at bedtime. When I went to saloons, I took my own polish along in case they didn’t have the color I wanted.
I’m reading somewhat more, but more ebooks and less audio. It’s an escape thing. But I am way more moody about my reads.
Another big week for you with Dante home now. My girl slept like clockwork at that age, 10-12 and 3-5pm without fail and always through the night (11-7). The first year I only worked 4 days but still 40 hours a week at least. Hang in there!
Ah yes, the grocery situation *smile* No matter where I look, I hear kind of the same thing. If the kindle unlimited thing wouldn´t be so damn expensive here in Germany I would do it too. But on the other hand Amazon is facing some trouble here in Europe and people try to avoid buying things there. It is more the local businesses we support now. Hang in there and I hope your daughter is successful with all her online classes.
Thanks Vi! I am doing fine. It just all feels weird.
I already have an Audible subscription, just the regular one, and they offered it cheaper if I purchased the whole year at once, so I did that. I use the library a lot for audios, and I also have Kindle Unlimited which I really like. I tried to schedule a Walmart pickup yesterday morning and they had nothing available. I ended up going to the store with a scarf around my face. I ordered some cloth masks for our infrequent trips to the store, but they won’t be here for another few days. Hope your daughter’s online schedule works out.
We ate at home mostly, too, but I agree, now it feels different. Maybe because we have to? I started a vegetable garden to supplement our supplies, but I wonder if it’ll produce much, lol! Crossing my fingers.
I’ll be starting my 3rd re-read of Iron Kissed, the one I’m most nervous about reading again, because you know, intense! Happy reading and stay safe, Anne! 🙂
Thank you Rachel! Yes I have the regular 12 month Audible which I get the whole year at a time, also. I got a longer period on the KU renewal with a deal also. I just don’t seem to use the Audible Escape.
I had to go online early in the morning to get a Walmart pickup time. And the only thing left was 6-7 on Saturday night There was no one else there either which was actually great. I also wore a scarf. I need to go get supplies for the warm weather veggies like tomatoes and herbs but I also don’t want to leave the house.
Iron Kissed is intense but it is also a really great book.
It sounds like you had a productive week. My husband did a supply run yesterday and actually found toilet paper. The first time since this all started. Cleaning supplies are still near impossible to find, however. I am sorry to hear the one class wasn’t a good fit since it switched to online. You make a good point. Some classes are better in person. We finally heard from my daughter’s teacher in terms of her switching to “distant learning”. This week is a test run on Google Classroom and then next it will begin officially. I am really grateful to the teachers. I know it can’t be easy. For some there’s a sharp learning curve and for others it probably comes easily. Same for us parents and the kids. We are all doing the best we can.
It looks like you had a great reading month in March. I hope you enjoy your new books! I notice you have a Hollows book there! I have only read the first book in the series, can you believe it? It sounds wrong. I really enjoyed it too. I would like to try Zanetti’s books. They all sound so good.
I hope you have a good week. Stay safe and well.
Thank you! I am sorry to say it doesn’t feel productive when I am too moody and unfocused. I have been escaping into my books so my reading month was awesome. Plus I do have an incredible selection between the ARCS, library and what I buy.
Sounds like the week was a mixed bag. Sorry about the dropped class. Education is going to be funky for a few years. I’m glad my kiddos are still a couple years from applying to colleges. I haven’t been reading or listening all the much, either. I find that I’m filling my free time with other things like watching TV with my family or visiting with friends via text, social media, or zoom.
It’s all an adjustment and when I think I’m starting to get into some kind of routine something seems to upset it. So I just do the best I can. I’m grateful we are healthy and able to just stay home. I am very worried about so many people with lost jobs, no computers at home, both parents working and lots of kids at home, many uncomfortable and difficult situations. I think it will be awhile before anything approaches the past normal. I also think a fast, early response with testing and isolation would have meant less areas needing isolation and many, many less deaths.
Your cheerful connections are helpful to me and probably many others! Thanks for visiting! Have a wonderful week!
Sounds like a mixed sort of week for you. I’ve had something similar in that I’ve gotten stuff done and books read, but not necessarily what I planned on. Yay for getting your pictures and hanging stuff up. Grocery shopping was a mixed bag, too,. I got what I needed, but there were a lot of our usual purchases not available. I’ve been holding off on a Sam’s Club run for now.
There were a ton of sales and freebies that I couldn’t pass up this week. I messed up with my Audible Escape trial and managed to only listen to two when I had it.
Have a good week, Anne!
Thanks Sophia! I think things will be mixed or unpredictable for quite awhile now. I’m grateful we are ok. There are many others I am very worried will not do well. I did a Sam’s Club “run” by delivery today which was ok. The shopper was excellent but many things were not available and we can’t do substitutions as much needing gluten free. At least I have plenty of amazing options for reading! Have a great week and stay safe and healthy!
36 books? WOW. Go you ! Congrats to your daughter, that’s fantastic! I had to laugh at your nail polish story but that must have been so frustrating.
Escape by reading! It was SO frustating and then I felt so stupid. Now they are polished with the regular. I have both because I use gel on my hands and regular on my toes. I take them to the salon in case they don’t have the same color for both (to match).
Sorry online classes aren’t really working for your daughter. That is tough. I have several high schoolers right now who have determined online college classes are NOT for them because they hate this. I canceled AE a while ago because I just wasn’t listening to them. I get most of my audios through the library!
The online class which didn’t work was Spanish. She needs the added lab session at the FLC (foreign language center) to make it work for her to practice speaking. She used to go for an hour after her class 3 days a week. Her other 2 classes she is doing ok. The teachers of those 2 classes are also responsive to questions (within 24 hours at least). I know it’s a rough situation all around. I definitely use the library a lot more than AE too. Luckily it was an inexpensive trial.
I mostly listen to audiobooks on my commute…which is just walking down the stairs now. I always just get them from the library, though. I’m excited for Pretty Things. Stay safe and happy reading!
Thank you! I’m having less audio time with my changed routine too.
What a busy week, Anne:)). And yes… I can imagine that some classes work a lot better online than others. I am so impressed at the rate you read – 36 books last month! That’s insane… I enjoy Audible, but our library is currently closed so it is a lifesaver just now. Have a peaceful, healthy week, Anne:)
Thank you! Escape through reading! Our libraries are closed but we have access to all the online books and audios which is mostly all I use anyway. I’m so moody though and not sticking to my planned review schedule as well.
all in all it sounds like a pretty good week. hope you have another good one
Thank you Sherry. I’m grateful we can stay home and we are healthy and I have plenty of great things to read. It was just a bummer about the class and worrying about everyone who loses jobs, or is sick, etc.
When this is all over, I’ll be long overdue for hair styling and a mani-pedi!
Pretty Things looks tempting. Enjoy your week and stay safe!
Thank you! I will want a mani-pedi, maybe a haircut. I tend to only cut my hair about once a year.
Pretty Things sure looks eye catching. Enjoy your next read 🙂
Thank you! I better get Pretty Things loaded up on my phone as everyone things it looks like a great read!
I got Broken and The Negotiator too. I can’t wait to read those.
36 books in a month is amazing. I love that.
Stay safe and happy reading!
Thanks Maureen! I hope you enjoy those reads!
That’s too bad about the dropped class, but it sounds like it just wasn’t going to work out. That’s great that you were able to finally schedule a Walmart pick-up. Thankfully we haven’t had too much trouble with that. I’ve been able to schedule next-day pick-ups 2 or 3 times over the last several weeks. Although yesterday’s pick-up was one where they were out of seven items I ordered. *sigh* Time to rearrange the week’s menus.
Yes it’s tricky to schedule those menus At least I have a pretty full freezer. And the fresh fruits and veggies are usually available. It’s the convenience type products or the cleaning products, meats or paper products. I am just more and more worried about going out at all.
Only seniors 65+ and those on disability can access online ordering w pick up or delivery here. I Was actually able to get just about everything in my last shop, except flour which I haven’t been able to get for 6 weeks, and I scored TP only because they were putting it on the floor when I was there.
Some classes just don’t translate well to online learning. My daughter is in her last year of highschool and doing chemistry, but with no lab access they may have to rewrite the entire course for the year. I hope your daughter is able to find subjects that work for her online if need be.
Wishing you a great reading week and good health
Thank you! It is an adjustment all around. If we don’t get TP at some point I’ll have to go to the store first thing during the senior hours since I just qualify for some places. The online thing there is a little odd since some of those are the least computer literate. We have the added restriction of needing gluten free items.
Bwahaha Anne you made me laugh with the gel polish! I do custom funko and sometimes use nail polish to have a glittering color. I ordered some new amazing colors but was astonished when I applied it that the day after it was not dry. That’s when I realized it was gel polish!!!!
Exactly!! It’s funny now but those were some really frustrating hours until I figured it out
I cancelled my Audible Escape too because I didn’t read any of them. I love Audible though and just renewed it for a year.
My oldest granddaughter is having to take college classes via the internet too, and she’s not a fan it that.
Stay healthy!
I also love my Audible. There are things I would like in Audible Escape but I can’t seem to get to them.
I got the Fall 2020 schedule and have been working to figure out what she can take, especially if it has to be online.
I bet it is hard planning for school when we have no idea how things are going to play out. We are only going to grocery once a week and we actually made sew-free masks this week and have been using gloves for a long time. I haven’t mentioned it but yea, I’m up for The Stranger on the 17th. Stay safe!
Sounds great. Well the school plans to only offer online courses for the summer. I’ll look forward to the 17th with you!
I could see myself doing the same thing with the gel polish, lol. Wow, 36 books? Very impressive!
Well when I really need to escape I hit the books hard.
Some classes just don’t translate to online courses very well. My daughter told me that it is a lot more work now since the professors are giving them more work since they thing they have a lot of extra time. We haven’t done a lot of grocery shopping but I have a lot of things in the freezer that I am trying to use. You had a great reading month! I hope you have a great week and stay safe!
Thank you Carole! It’s a weird time. Some things are better and I’m grateful we have what we need. Other things are frustrating. We specifically went to a distant campus – an hour drive each way – to take this class NOT online. And now it’s online.