WEEKLY UPDATES: A RAINY WEEK….

On By Laurel-Rain SnowIn weekly updates

picmonkey-image-updates-on-114

 

Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.

**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.

And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.

 

The mini-bloggiesta started yesterday.  Typically, I started working away on it earlier in the week.  I am impatient, and since I had my plans all ready to go…well, I had to do just that!  Here’s what I have done on my Serendipity blog (and Curl up and Read):  Mini-Bloggiesta!  January 13-15…Sign-up * Start.

My impatience could also be attributed to a very rainy week, and yes, I did some reading and movie watching…but I can never settle on just one thing.  I don’t have anything special going on Netflix…so there you have it.  The makings of misdeeds—if you can count STARTING EARLY as a misdeed.

The THREE books I read and reviewed were very engaging…and I now have FOUR books to add to my Read the Books You Buy Challenge – 2017.

I am happy that some of my favorite TV shows are back:  This Is Us...and another one that I haven’t seen much around the blogosphere, Tyler Perry’s Too Close to Home.  I started watching it because of Kelly Sullivan, who once was a favorite character that was “killed off” on General Hospital.  Just as Justin Hartley, on This Is Us, was a fan fave killed on Young & the Restless.  So…the “dead” soap stars find new life on nighttime.

Soon…(January 26), TGIT will be back!

Grab some coffee or a mimosa…and let’s chat about the past week. (Check out that mug for my “marital status”).  LOL

 

coffeemimosa-morning

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LAST WEEK ON THE BLOG:

A Coffee Morning on Sunday:  Bloggiesta, Reading, & Changes…

Tuesday Potpourri:  “The Marriage Lie”

Hump Day Reading:  Glued to My Books…

Hump Day Potpourri:  Rain, Reading, & Blog Difficulties

A Journey:  Utilizing My One Word in My Daily Life….

Bookish Friday:  “The Stepmother”

Review:  The Woman in Cabin 10 (e-book), by Ruth Warecropped-again-5Review:  The Other Widow (e-book), by Susan Crawfordcropped-again-5Review:  Claiming Noah, by Amanda Ortlepp (Amazon Vine Review)ratings-worms-4-cropped

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INCOMING BOOKS:  (Titles/Covers Linked to Amazon)

My mailbox brought me three books I had purchased over the holidays…and then I downloaded two books.  Yay, me!  So much for trying to curtail the book buying.

The Princess Diarist, by Carrie Fisher

 

 

princess-diarist

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Becoming Queen Victoria, by Kate Williams

 

 

becoming-queen-victoria

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The Best Awful, by Carrie Fisher (Sequel to Postcards from the Edge)

 

 

the-best-awful

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Downloads:

The Vanishing Year (e-book), by Kate Moretti

 

 

the-vanishing-year***

The Dry (e-book), by Jane Harper

 

 

the-dry

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WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Currently Reading:  The Stepmother (e-book), by Claire Seeber

 

 

the-stepmother

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And then?

Always (e-book), by Sarah Jio (NetGalley – 2/7/17)

 

 

always

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The Orphan’s Tale, by Pam Jenoff (Amazon Vine)

 

 

the-orphans-tale

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So that was my week…what did yours look like?  Since last week was rainy, I scarcely left the house…but here’s something I enjoyed the Saturday before….Elephant Bar’s Pomegranate Martini, with Mac & Cheese.

 

 

lunch***

82 thoughts on “WEEKLY UPDATES: A RAINY WEEK….”

  2. The Dry was hugely popular here in Australia, so I hope you enjoy it. I love the Carrie / Debbie theme you have going there too Laurel. The Vanishing Year looks great as well.

    And… I completely forgot about bloggiesta! I had some commitments yesterday (my Saturday) so didn’t even think about it!

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    1. Thanks, Deborah, and there’s still time on Bloggiesta…tomorrow.

      I tend to obsess about people or things I love, hence the Carrie/Debbie fascination. I’ve been a fan of Carrie since I read Postcards from the Edge…and Debbie was fabulous in a movie with Albert Brooks, called Mother.

      I didn’t see any of Debbie’s old movies. I might have to, now, though.

      I think The Dry sounds really good, too. Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Greg Hill

    Good luck with Bloggiesta! I’ve taken a step back from being ahead so I should work on posts… nah lol! Glad your reads were good – and so glad you like Woman in Cabin 10! I thought it was pretty great as well. 🙂

    Not much going on with me with Netflix either- I tried Paranoid (one episode) but I’m not sure… I like those British dramas but it’s not grabbing me like say MArcella did or Doctor Foster. No rain here just snow although it did melt after we got in the 40’s… but that was just one day, it’s mostly been 20’s since. Sigh.

    Hope the reads this week turn out well. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Greg, and I didn’t quite connect with Paranoid, either, although I ended up watching the whole Season I. It was definitely not a favorite, though.

      I should probably check out my queue, and also what is trending. Sometimes I find things I enjoy on that list.

      I think one of my favorite British dramas in the last little while was Last Tango in Halifax. For some reason, I really enjoyed that one.

      Happy reading!

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  4. Starting early on bloggiesta must be a good thing – right! You’d achieve more. I have Always to read as well and I just scored The Orphan’s Tale at NetGalley from an Australian publisher so will be reading it after you so will be watching what you think of it.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Kathryn, and I am trying to pace the review books, so Always will be later in the week.

      I’ve been eager to read The Orphan’s Tale, and with Vine, I get to enjoy a print book again. I hope I am not disappointed, as so many have raved about the book.

      I tend to start early on Bloggiesta…and end up doing more than planned. That works for me. Enjoy your week!

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  5. Reading doesn’t seem to be on the top of a lot of people’s lists this week with weather, TV and life in general getting in the way. I was the same and only read one book because I couldn’t let go of the remote! You have some good looking books coming up – all of which I think are on or would go on my list.

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    1. Thanks, Emma, our TV shows that were on hiatus are coming back…and I am sure there will be more on Netflix to consider. I am trying to stick to reading by day and TV shows by night.

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Deb, and I am excited about the newest Carrie Fisher book…as well as the older one I somehow missed along the way.

      My obsession with The Crown led to the Becoming Victoria purchase.

      I love changing up my blogs, which is probably why I don’t have the headers designed…it would be hard to part with one that was professionally done. Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks, JoAnn, and we did have flood warnings, but I didn’t see anything too drastic in the city. I know the foothills nearby (where I used to live) got quite a bit of flooding. That reminds me of 1997, when I was living there; we had to be evacuated when the dam overflowed. Scary! My house didn’t have any damage, as I was on a hill.

      Enjoy your week…and thanks for visiting.

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  9. I really think I should check out The Girl on a Train and The Woman in Cabin 10… It’s been icy here, but now is wet and cold – I’m officially sick of the winter… I always love your site and think your design is wonderful:). Have a great week, whether reading or viewing.

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    1. Thanks, Sarah, and I really enjoyed both of those thrillers…I loved the movie of TGOT, too….and would love to see a film of The Woman in Cabin 10…but haven’t heard any rumblings about a movie.

      We’ve had a lot of rain, and so far, it’s manageable and we need it. But I am very glad not to live in the foothills any longer, where they have had flooding.

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.

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  10. A rainy week actually sounds nice to me. While I am thankful for the beautiful whether that we have had this week, rain is a rarity where I live, and it is just those times that I cherish for reading and movie binging. Getting an early start on Blogiesta is good. I don’t consider it as a misdeed. 🙂
    I am going to check out that ‘Read the Books You Buy challenge. It’s good timing now that I have cleaned up my book pile and have renewed my interest in the books that are on my shelf.

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    1. Thanks, B. B., I do love curling up to read in the rain. So far, we haven’t had any power outages…which is helpful.

      I have enjoyed the Read the Books You Buy Challenge, and last year’s participation yielded 100 books read and reviewed! Enjoy your week.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Olivia, and we don’t usually have ice. Our winters include rain, sometimes a lot of it, other times not so much. And fog. Lots of fog.

      Enjoy your week, and I love Netflix, although right now I’m watching movies from my DVR. One is interesting: Cas & Dylan, a mismatched pair taking a road trip out west, with Richard Dreyfuss playing the role of a dying doctor, and the girl is a young writer.

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  14. Well it’s good you are getting rain for the drought, right? I like your Married to Books status. LOL. I’m really interested to read The Dry — I hear it’s rip-roaring thriller. Perfect for the new year. Enjoy your week!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Susan, and yes, we do need the rain…maybe not all at once! LOL.

      Enjoy your week…and I am eager to find out what’s between the pages of The Dry.

      My daughter got me that Married to Books mug.

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    1. I have been noticing The Princess Diarist all around, too, and it warms my heart. As for Bloggiesta, I tend to start early, so if I have weekend plans, it’s okay. Thanks for stopping by, Laura, and enjoy your week!

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  19. Are you in the area having lots of flooding with all the rain? I hope you enjoy The Vanishing Year as much as I did. Always is one of my most anticipated books this winter. I got caught up on my review by title and author links! A good feeling to be caught up and it is always a goal to keep those links up-to-date this year! Have a great week.

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    1. Thanks, Nise, and I love keeping the blog up to date, which is why I enjoy Bloggiesta.

      I am eager to start Always…I enjoy Sarah’s books. I like the look of The Vanishing Year, too…glad you enjoyed it.

      As for flooding, there are some streets that are a bit “puddled,” but most of the flooding is in the outer areas, like the foothills. We go for too long without rain, and then we are drenched!

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.

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  20. katarguelles

    It’s good to hear you survived the rain storm. It rained a lot in Sacramento and areas are still flooded. I hope this week’s storm isn’t too bad. You did really good on the mini-bloggiesta. I’ll have to try to participate when I don’t have a busy weekend. I hope you enjoy the next books you are reading. Have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Kathy, I remember those Sacramento rain storms! I still miss living there, though. Our weather patterns here are similar, but I think you probably have a bit more rain there.

      I deal with the weekend aspect of bloggiesta by doing a lot of stuff ahead of time, during the week.

      Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.

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  21. My daughter is a soap fan too and Kelly Sullivan is one of her favorite-favorite actresses. My daughter stared watching Too Close to Home because of Kelly as well. She says it’s a fun show. She also wants to watch This is Us for Justin Hartley. You and she would probably get along famously.

    Now the books you are reading are what interest me. They all sound wonderful.

    Have a good week of reading and TV watching ahead!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Vicky, and I think us soap opera fans feel like the actors and characters are “friends,” since they visit in our homes everyday…LOL. As for Kelly, I forgot to mention: she was also “killed off” on Young and Restless, too. She has played two characters who died! Hopefully the second “death” was because she was doing Too Close to Home.

      I started watching This Is Us because of Justin, but now I’m hooked on the show itself. It is excellent!

      Yes, those of us who are soap fans do have that special connection, and I’ve noticed it a lot on the FB groups for soap fans…we get ferocious! LOL.

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    1. Thanks, Martha, and some weeks are all four star reads, like last week. Not that those books weren’t enjoyable.

      I am looking forward to The Dry, too…and some more mac and cheese.

      I had fun finishing up bloggiesta…and I’m loving The Orphan’s Tale.

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  25. Best wishes with the Bloggiesta – sounds like fun!

    I love the Carrie Fisher theme you have going, I can understand why you wish to treasure those books.

    Wow – you have a great list of books this week. I am so pleased to see The Dry on your blog this week, it was my favourite thriller last year, just brilliant! So do enjoy!

    The Vanishing Year looks great and I just treated myself to a copy of The Other Widow.

    Have a lovely week!

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    1. Thanks, Amanda, I do enjoy everything on my shelf this week…and plan to treasure the Carrie Fisher books.

      Looking forward to The Dry as well, and I hope you enjoy The Other Widow as much as I did. Thanks for visiting.

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    1. Definitely! Additionally, I had just read Debbie Reynolds’ book Unsinkable a couple of months ago, purchased in hardcover as well. I always enjoy getting celebrity or author memoirs in the print format, since there are usually photos.

      Thanks for visiting, Kathy, and have a great week!

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  31. sarahsbookshelvesblog

    I’ve been hearing some buzz about The Dry and the Aussie setting intrigues me (I lived there for 6 months right after college) – will be interested to hear your thoughts!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Ooh, lucky you! Visiting Australia is on my bucket list…problematic, since I hate flying. LOL.

      In the meantime, I love reading books set in the Aussie world…and watching shows on Netflix.

      Thanks for visiting, Sarah, and I’m hoping to love The Dry. Enjoy your week.

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  35. Kathy Martin

    Carrie Fisher’s death tempted me to buy her books but I resisted because I know they would just languish on my Kindle unread. I am so bad about reading memoirs even when I like the author. Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy reading!

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  36. exploringallgenres

    I recently got The Princess Diarist as well. In fact, I had ordered all of her books only a week and a half before her death, so it’s been bittersweet to be getting them in the mail now. Going to have to set aside some time and read them all soon. Looks like you have a pretty good week. Enjoy your books this week!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Laurie, and it does feel bittersweet having her books surrounding me, now…I also watched the documentary on HBO of her and Debbie, before….I loved how they lived on the same compound and could visit each other every day.

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  38. Oh, my gosh, we are SO GLAD that This is Us has finally returned; that felt like the longest break ever because I wanted to know what happened to Toby! GAH! I’m looking forward to The Princess Diarist; I had it on my list before her death but I think it will feel even more significant now.

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  39. Hi Lorraine,

    The weather has been unseasonably mild here in the UK, although it is always slightly milder here in the south than in more central and northern areas. We have had a few mornings which have been sub zero and more are forecast for the rest of this week, although today has been very wet, yet extremely mild.

    You have some great reads in store. I particularly like the sound of your two downloads and the book you are currenty reading. Although I have heard about some of the authors you feature, they are all new to me in respect of my personal reading, so thanks for the introductions.

    Have a great week and ‘Happy Reading’ 🙂

    Yvonne

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