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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
A week plus of vacation can be exhausting! But seriously, my week in San Diego was gorgeous and so laid back. We took really long walks by the beach every morning, read, visited, cooked, etc. It was perfect. I’m in Scottsdale now just for a couple days and will head back home Monday afternoon, where I’ll stay put for a few weeks and try to get back to a more normal blogging schedule.
Speaking of which, a really big milestone passed quietly for Novel Visits last week. On July 6th, this little blog turned three. In many ways it feels like I’ve been working on it MUCH longer, but in many others it feels shorter. In any case, the best part has been meeting so many other book lovers and getting to talk books with all of you. Let the journey continue!
Last Week’s Reads
- There’s no doubt about it Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes is on the lighter side and a romance story, two things I don’t normally go for, but somehow it all worked for me. Evvie was just right for a summer audiobook. She kept me interested and I was always eager to get back to Julia Whelan’s wonderful narration. Mini-review later this month.
- I liked The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess well enough. I can’t say it totally wowed me, but the quiet story of a young woman finding her own way over a Cape Cod summer made for an enjoyable summer book. Mini-review coming soon.
Currently Reading
- I’m now listening to We Came Here to Forget by Andrea Dunlop and I’m really, really enjoying this one. It’s the story of an Olympic class skier, who experienced some sort of family tragedy that derailed her career and eventually sent her to hide away in Buenos Aries where she takes up the tango. It sounds like a lot, but the dual timeline format is great and narrator Julia Whelan is fantastic, as always.
- I still have July books to read, but was so curious about We Are All Good People Here by Susan Rebecca White that I went ahead and jumped to this August book. I’m only at about 35%, but so far like this story of a couple of 60’s era college roommates. The story will span more than 40 years and eventually include their daughters.
Likely to Read Next
I’m not sure what I’ll turn to next, but both these books are likely candidates.
- My library hold on Cygnet by Season Butler came in while I was gone, so I’ll be picking it up on Tuesday. Catherine from The Gilmore Guide to Books highly recommended this short, and very different coming-of-age story to me, so I’m looking forward to starting it.
- I’m also eager to read A Prayer for Travelers by Ruchika Tomar, as I mentioned last week. I don’t have an ARC, and haven’t even been able to find it listed on Libby, so this may be one I have ante up for.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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Congrats on 3 years! That’s incredible! Can’t wait to read more from you.
Thanks, Angela! Time really flies.
Many congratulations on the blog turning three! Really love your posts and reviews.
I always appreciate your kind words, RK.
Congrats on your blog turning three! I really enjoy your reviews and have found several new authors from you. You are one of my trusted sources for book recommendations. Thanks for your great blog.
Thank you so much, Susan. It’s an honor to be one of your trusted sources!
Happy blog anniversary! Love reading about what you’re reading and listening to.
Thanks for your kind words, Katie.
Nice looking assortment of books. Even though traveling is fun, I bet you are eager to get back home and to a more regular schedule. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Yay on three years! We have a lot of overlap in books this month. Glad your travels have been fun, but I bet you’ll be happy to be home again. Oh, and good move on skipping Bunny!
It is nice to be back home and getting some things accomplished around here. It’s always nice having books in common with you.
Congratulations on your blogaversary! These are all cover love for me! I hadn’t heard of A Prayer for Travelers but it looks fantastic. I just added it on GR.
Thanks, Ann Marie. It’s crazy that it has already been three years, but I love talking books with you and others.
Congratulations! Seeing this reminded me that my blogiversary is some time in July as well. I’m so glad you’re here because you’ve turned into my most reliable recommendation source.
Excited for you to read Cygnet. I had a copy to bring to you- let me know if you still want it.
I’m fumbling a bit on July reads. Suddenly, I’m tired of reading unusual situations. I may try Book Party just because light and fluffy would be welcome.
Wow, Catherine! That’s a big role to fill. I feel like we both get a lot of good feedback and vetting from each other.
July feels a little off for me, too. June was such a great month for me, so it’s hard to live up to that.
Happy Blogoversary 🎉
I just added Evvie Drake to my wishlist, I think I might add We are all Good People Here too.
Have a great reading week
Thanks, Shelleyrae!
Glad you’re liking We Came Here to Forget! And congratulations on your 3rd birthday!! It does feel like you’ve been around longer than that…are blogging years like dog years?
Yes! Blogging years are like dog years because it does feel more like 21 than 3. I really appreciate all your help and advice over those 3 years. Thank you!