Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

What’s On Your Bookshelf – February 2024?

Retirement Reflections

My reading goal for 2024 is to read less than I did last year and the year before (56 and 65 books, respectively). No more than a book per week would be perfect. Although this may sound like an unusual goal, especially for an avid reader, it makes sense to me. I love to linger over a book and to tumble down enticing rabbit holes. I also want to participate in more active outdoor activities (books by the fireplace are always very tempting when I need to get out and move). With this goal in mind, I have failed miserably this past month. In the last 28 days, I have read six books (and I’m now greedily on my 7th). Yup, that fireplace of mine is way too inviting!

So I have lots to share on the reading front this month. Feel free to skip (or linger over) any of the reviews below. If you have read any of the books I shared here, I’d love to know your thoughts.

The Devil Wears Prada, 3 Stars

My book club chose The Devil Wears Prada as a light and easy post-holiday read. Based on these criteria, the book definitely delivered.
I had seen the movie when it first came out (2006) and still had fond, vivid recollections of the screen version 17 years later. Sadly, those positive recollections added to my disappointment with the book. Andy seemed whinier than I remembered, Miranda even less human, and much of the writing felt repetitive. Upon completing my reading, I watched the movie again. 

This is a rare case where I found the film to be much more satisfying than the novel.
The movie did have the advantage of making the visuals of the high fashion world come alive. Beyond that, the movie version’s characters were more satisfying, and we see glimmers of humanity in Miranda that were not present in the book.
Still, the book and the movie did provide me with many wonderful rabbit hole finds. Two of my favourite finds were:
• With a nod to the character she was portraying, Streep, who had previously avoided salary negotiations, decided at age 55 that enough was enough, gave her “goodbye moment,” and her salary was more than doubled.
• Actor Stanley Tucci is now married to the sister of his costar, Emily Blunt, initially developing this relationship when he was invited to be a guest at Emily’s wedding. You gotta love happy endings!

Revenge Wears Prada, 2 Stars


This book has proven once and for all that I honestly have no ability to DNF a book…no matter how bad. The novel’s first third revealed little plot and featured a whinny, self-righteous, paranoid, deceptive, hard-to-like protagonist. (What happened to the Andy that we knew and loved in the film?) The repeated fast-forwarding of time-frames only added to my reading frustration. Still, I continued until the end. Although the remainder of the novel was better than the start, it was sadly a disappointing read.

The Midnight Library, 4.5 Stars

Recently, I inadvertently clicked on an unsolicited “best books” list sent to me by Google. Since then, my inbox has been flooded with various “read this ” recommendations of all kinds. Among the recurrent mentions was Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library,” a book that close friends have also repeatedly recommended. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. In short, I found this book to be a thought-provoking, delightful read.

“The Midnight Library” is a poignant exploration of the roads not taken and the infinite possibilities that reside within our choices. Matt Haig skillfully guides readers through a thought-provoking journey, prompting them to reflect on their own regrets. His masterful storytelling serves as a mirror, encouraging us to recognize that altering a single aspect of our lives can have a ripple effect, often affecting our positive impact on others (that is frequently unbeknownst to us). The novel delicately weaves a narrative that resonates long after the last page is turned, leaving readers with a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of our choices and their far-reaching consequences. Highly recommended!

My Name Is Lucy Barton, 5 Stars

With a modest star rating on Goodreads (currently 3.58), I was not expecting ‘My Name is Lucy Barton’ to be a five-star read. But Strout quickly had me at every precisely chosen word (and resounding silence). Without sharing her background experiences, the voice of Lucy Barton was so real, her emotions so relatable, that I felt that a close friend was confiding in me. Despite my penchant for ‘getting things done’ (including finishing books), I was very sad to have this one end.

Fortunately, this series extends to three more volumes (Anything is Possible, Oh William, Lucy By the Sea). I am eager to spend more time with Lucy. It is also unlike me to read multiple books by a single author (unless for book club). This in itself attests to the profound impact and inspiration Elizabeth Strout’s writing has had on me. I’m off to reserve my copies now!

Their Inseparable Bond, 5 Stars

I met Jill Weatherholt several years ago through her blog. Throughout that time, she has continually proven herself to be genuine, thoughtful and positive despite life’s more difficult moments. These traits are deeply embedded into Jill’s stories, where she writes of love, loss, broken dreams and second chances. Her newest release, ‘Their Inseparable Bond’, is an excellent example of Jill’s work. Her well-developed characters leap off the page and tug at your emotions. This is Jill’s seventh Love Inspired novel. If you like gentle, inspirational romances, this is a perfect choice.

A Tale Of Two Cities, 5+ Stars

Bless me, Book Club, for I have sinned! I know I was only supposed to read to the end of Book 2 for our next meeting, but I was trapped on an airplane for four+ hours with no movie screen and nothing else to read. So, I thought I would read just one page, then one page more, until before I knew it, I was moved to tears, and the entire book was finished.
It’s incredible, really, because I struggled so much at the start of the book. But once I persevered, the pages literally flew by.

I read somewhere that Dicken’s claimed that Tale of Two Cities was the ‘best story’ he ever created. Come to think about it, I believe Dickens is quoted as saying that about many of his works. Still, I can see how this comment legitimately applies here.
Suspenseful, comedic and with a cast of quirky characters, Dickens vividly portrays the social injustices and political turmoil of the time of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, providing a commentary on the consequences of oppression and the quest for justice. He masterfully weaves together a tapestry of characters, from the virtuous Lucie Manette to the complex badass Madame Defarge. The back-and-forth narrative of Madame Defarge making her way to the unsuspecting Mrs. Voss had me breathless.
The intricate relationships and conflicts that emerge intensify the novel’s emotional depth. Love, sacrifice, and redemption are central themes as characters grapple with personal dilemmas against larger historical forces. There is little doubt why this novel remains a timeless classic, engaging readers with its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and profound exploration of humans in times of upheaval.
In addition, Tale of Two Cities is bookended with two of the most quoted literal lines in the English language. That alone is worth the read! What began as a three-star read quickly became a five-star read for me!

What have you been reading lately….or if life has been crazy busy for you, what’s on your Reading Wish Pile? You can share with us in the comments or via the link up below. We’d love to hear from you.
Donna
Debbie
Jo
Sue

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

119 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf – February 2024?”

    1. Thanks, Kate. My secret to great book selections is book clubs and other bloggers. It never ceases to amaze me what wonderful gems can be gleaned from this little corner of the blogosphere!

      I hope that Gus and his surrounding family are doing well.

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  2. Hello from Portugal…I have read a few books here on rainy days!! Quick easy mystery Christmas Presents, Lisa Unger; The Paris Agent, Kelly Rimmer have a box of tissues; and The Resistance Girl, Mandy Robotham another excellent read . Both of the last two are stories based on SOE during WW11

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    1. Hi, Georgia – Thanks for dropping by. I saw some of your reads on FB and copied many of them down. Sounds like you have found some incredible books. I hope that your weather has improved and that you have been able to do much exploring!

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  4. While I enjoyed the movie The Devil Wears Prada, I’ve never read the book. I think it will stay that way.

    I read and enjoyed The Midnight Library. We read it for book club a while ago and had a good discussion about different life paths.

    I think I’ve now read all Of Elizabeth Strout’s books and love the quirkiness of her writing and her characters.

    It sounds like I need to revisit A Tale of Two Cities. I read it so long ago all I can remember is, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I’m sure there were more words… 🙂

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    1. Hi, Janis – I recommend giving ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ a miss. And if anyone hands you a copy of ‘Revenge Wears Prada,’ I suggest running away screaming! Thank you for the favourable recommendation of Elizabeth Strout’s books. I read ‘The Burgess Boys’ many years ago and remember enjoying it. And I absolutely loved ‘My Name is Elizabeth Barton.’ I was able to get an immediate copy of ‘Oh William’ from our local library. I am currently halfway through. So far, it’s been okay, but it has not yet had the power or impact on me that ‘MNIEB’ did. Hopefully, things will pick up for me in the final portion. Yes to revisiting ATOTC. That book left me in tears!

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      2. Hi, Janis – I haven’t read that one but will add it to my pile. About previous characters making appearances in her different books – I absolutely love that. I did notice brief mention of the Burgess Boys in ‘Oh Willaim.’ I absolutely agree that it’s like running into old friends! <3

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  6. Love the fact that you feel you have ‘failed’ Donna! Only you could fail so well 🙂 I really must read Elizabeth Strout, my sister recommended it ages ago! Great to have you as a co-host as I always enjoy your reviews and thoughts, not to mention the rabbit holes you go down! We’ll deal with the bookclub breach later!

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    1. Thanks so much, Debbie. I highly recommend ‘My Name is Elizabeth Barton’ to you. It is a quick, easy, highly absorbing read with an absolutely incredible voice.

      Oh, and about the book club breach…I am very happy to write out 100 lines that I will not breach again! :D

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    1. Hi, Barb – Thank you for your positive recommendation of the Lucy Barton books. I will definitely continue with ‘Oh William” (it’s short anyways). But I have been slightly disappointed so far. I think that my expectations may have been too high! 

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  8. I had picked up Revenge Wears Prada but never got around to reading it before I had to return it (and debated about reading the first since I only ever watched the movie)..but it doesn’t sound like I’m missing anything! LOL. Thank you so much for your blog comments (they did both show up on my “to be approved” page).

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    1. Hi, Joanne – Take it from me, you are definitely NOT missing anything by not having read DWP or RWP — actually you’re far ahead of the game by not doing so. 😀

      I am so glad that my comments appeared on your site. I really should remember to save them after I write them. :D

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  9. You always read an eclectic mix of books Donna (much like Jo). I read a LOT but I tend towards easy, breezy reads that suck me in and keep me turning pages for far too long. I’m aware that we can spend too much time in a book too, and I do try to diversify my dabblings so I don’t spend all day with my head down and my feet up 🙂

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  10. Hi Donna, although I’m taking the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge this year, like you I want to take my time absorbing the books that I read this year. I’ve just finished The Tale of Two Cities and whilst it took me until Book 2 to get into it, once I did I couldn’t put it down. Shhh don’t tell the Book Club I’ve finished LOL :) Such a powerful book I will be reading it again. x

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    1. Hi, Sue – Once again, great minds think alike! I love lingering over whatever current book I am reading, and tumbling down rabbit hole after rabbit hole. Tale of Two Cities was fabulous for this! I absolutely loved how that book so vividly delves into the power of love, the sacrifices one is willing to make, and the possibility of resurrection, both literal and metaphorical. It is definitely a book worth reading slowly, and reading again and again! (I also loved, really loved, that the closing lines of TOTC are also the closing lines of Batman, The Dark Knight. Truly timeless! ❤

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  11. Hi Donna, a varied selection of books. I must admit, i would not finish a 2 star read, I do can books if I don’t like them. I loved The Midnight Library and I enjoyed A Tale of two cities. I read it years ago and I’ve never revisited that one.

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  12. Hi Donna, I tried to read Devil Wears Prada but couldn’t get into it, even though I enjoyed the movie. I loved The Midnight Library and enjoyed reading your review. I have Lucy Barton on my TBR. I read another of Elizabeth Stroud’s books and loved it.

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    1. Hi, Jennifer – I’m glad that you felt the same about DWP.

      I highly recommend My Name is Lucy Barton to you. I think that you will really like it. I am currently reading another book in this series, Oh William. For me, Lucy’s voice is not as powerful here as it was in the first book. ‘Oh William’ at least tries to mix Plot Driven with Character Driven (the former book is all Character Driven). It is getting better for me as I am in now the final quarter. Still, l very much miss the power of Lucy’s voice from Book 1. Perhaps my expectations were too high, or too much of a good thng just become tiring?

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  14. I wouldn’t call your tally a failure, especially as the first two must have been a struggle. It is good to see my loyal blogging friend Jill Wesatherholt in the list. I have read A Tale of Two Cities a couple of times. Today I should finish and perhaps review Emil Zola’s Nana for the second time after 50 years

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    1. Thanks, Derrick –

      My failure here (at least in my mind) is that despite my avowed goal, in January/February I already surpassed the ‘reading time limit’ that I have set for myself. I am a huge fan of Jill Weatherholt. Her genuine kindness overflows from every word she writes whether it be in her books. her blog posts or her personal emails.

      I greatly look forward to your review of Emil Zola’s Nana.

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  15. Yes, an unusual goal for a reader but I understand why you don’t want to blast through books. For book group, I read “I am Lucy Barton” and really liked this spare, elegiac book about an abusive childhood.

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    1. Hi, Laurie – ‘spare, elegiac’ are wonderful descriptors for Elizabeth Strout’s first Lucy book. I also loved how this novel brilliantly captured loneliness, an individual’s isolation, an overwhelming sense of invisiblity and the attempt to reach the lonliness of others through writing. Very powerful!

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  16. 52 books a year is a lofty goal & you exceed that. I usually manage to read 1-2 books/month. I’m still reading When The Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Mate. I’ve always been a firm believer in the psychosomatic roots of diseases – dis-ease vs disease. My bedtime read of late is Rick Mercer’s The Road Years. His humor can’t be beat in my books. I’ve been absorbed by the series Call the Midwife in the past month, based on the memoirs of midwife Jennifer Worth.

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    1. Hi, Mona – I like your reading style!
      No more than a book a week (or an hour a day for book reading) would be perfect for me. Blog reading is in a separate reading category.
      Once I start reading it is often hard to stop (and then I spend an absorbient amount of time on rabbit holing)! :D I reavow to balance this all out before my next WOYBS post.

      I also fully agree with you on the deep connection between dis-ease and disease. Gabor Mate’s book sounds fascinating!

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  17. I have seen the film Devil Wears Prada. I now know never to read the book(s)! Another Elizabeth Strout fan here, I endorse the recommendation of Olive Kitteridge. All Strout’s books open rabbit holes for me in that, as someone else mentioned, characters from one book pop up in a minor role in others. When that happens I have to start searching to work out where and what their full story is! Currently reading Rachel Joyce: The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Very gentle and poignant. First of three so I think I’ll be going on to the others. I also liked one of her other books, The Music Shop.

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  18. I’m about to start The Devil Wears Prada and like you, I enjoyed the movie but have trepidations about the book LOL!

    A Tale of Two Cities – added to the Must Read List! I don’t know how I’ve missed this one all these years…

    Lucy Barton – I know I’ve read A book (if not both) about this character but can’t remember which one. Will revisit!

    Thanks for the inspiring review!!!

    Deb

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  19. Some good suggestions to check out! I just finished The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger. It got a 4.6 on Amazon and a 4.3 on Goodreads. I love his series as well as his standalone books.

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      2. I love reading books from fellow bloggers. I have read every book that Jo Tracey and Jill Weatherholt have written. I have also read books and stories by Liesbet Collaert, Terri Webster-Schrandt, Annika Perry, Darlene Foster, Laurie Graves, Pam Wight, Yvette Prior, Kathy Gottberg, Marsha Ingrao, Robbie Cheadle, Trent McDonald, Miriam Hurdle, Hugh Roberts…and several others. I enjoyed them all!

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  21. I have Oh William in my TBR pile so there’s that. As for reading this last month, after decades I re-read Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and I wanted to like it now, but it seemed so obvious to me. Maybe I’m older and wiser, but it seemed trite. And I didn’t want it to be. I wanted to be inspired. 🫤

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    1. I totally get that — wanting to be inspired only to be disappointed by triteness. I absolutely loved ‘My Name is Lucy Barton’ and read ‘Oh William’ in rapid succession. What I loved most about the first book was Lucy’s raw, real and striking voice. Although Lucy also narrates ‘Oh William,’ I wasn’t moved by her voice in the same way that I had been. That combined with a slower start made me initially disappointed. But it was a good ending so a satisfying read overall.

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  22. I ADORED Midnight Library – it was one of those books that has stayed with me so long after I finished it and if I close my eyes and can see the bookcases whirling by in my head … which life to choose? I’ve immediately gone and put Lucy Barton on reservation from the library and can’t wait to discuss Two Cities with you.

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  23. Thank you so much for your lovely review, Donna. I appreciate you including my book on your blog. You’ve been such a dear friend over the years. I’ll always remember the photo you shared of you reading one of my book while relaxing on a boat. I loved The Devil Wears Prada, but as you said, the book wasn’t nearly as good as the movie. Thanks again! xo

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    1. Hi, Jill – I feel exactly the same way about you. You remain a cherished friend to me. When I was a newbie blogger, you invited me to write a guest post for your blog. I was so touched by this. It meant a great deal to me. I also remember that day (and that photo) reading your book on the water. Very fond memories!
      I was delighted to share “Their Inseparable Bond’ here. Our world is in desperate need of more kindness and compassion. Your books provide this in spade.
      Thinking of you and your family!

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  24. I had read the Lucy Barton book and did not find it worth finishing, but from your review, I will give Strout another try. Thanks a bunch.

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  25. Hi Donna, Thank you for your book reviews. I read The Midnight Library book in 2021 and enjoyed it. I’m currently reading Fresh Water for Flowers which I picked up from your previous book post. Happy reading!

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  30. I read 40 last year with a goal of 3 per month. I read less in the summer as I tend to be outside more with the good weather. I just started Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. It is very interesting reading so far. I also have John Grisham’s newest book, The Exchange, in the que. It is a sequel of his bestseller The Firm.

    https://retirementcoffeeshop.blogspot.com/

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  31. You read some awesome books. Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to not read books when the weather gets nice! I loved The Midnight Library and A Tale of Two Cities is Dickens at his best. A story that has stuck with me for years.

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  33. I had no idea there was a sequel to the Devil Wears Prada, though it sounds like I should steer clear.

    I really liked The Midnight Library as well. Beautifully written.

    I can relate to your goal. I used to read 140+ books a year but remembered little about most. My goal now is 100. The reading part is fine but I review on my site and it takes hours to write them sometimes so becomes tedious.

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    1. Hi, Deb – It’s great to hear from you. My recommendation is definitely to give Revenge Wears Prada a miss!
      I agree – Midnight Library was beautifully written and is very thought-provoking.
      I know what you mean about the time that reviews can take to write. I put a review on Goodreads for every book I read. Sometimes they are quick and easy and other times not so much. I usually remember everything that I read even years later because I spend way too much time reading, rereading and rabbit-holing. There within lies my need to reduce the amount of time I spend reading…and rabbitholing!  :D

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  34. The Premier’s History Award went to St Kilda 1841-1900: Movers and Shakers and Money-Makers, by Carmel McKenzie. The book sh­owed how St Kilda in Melbourne was a bastion of aristocratic privilege back then. The judges described the book as a beautifully presented and profusely illustrated social history which may not appeal to non-Australians as keenly as it does to me. But 19th century bloggers will love it.

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  35. I 100% agree about the movie for Devil Wears Prada being better than the book! It was probably one of the first books I could ever say that to

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  36. I am not an avid reader and average about one book a month. Wow! you do a lot of reading. The Midnight Library was a great book and I’m intrigued to read My Name Is Lucy Barton. Thanks for the reviews! Judee from Gluten Free A-Z Blog.

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    1. Hi, Judee – I think that reading one book a month is great. You can really get into a book that way. I highly recommend ‘My Name is Lucy Barton.’ I just couldn’t get over her penetrating voice. It really grabbed me!

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  37. Pingback: This week’s small pleasures #375 – Thistles and Kiwis

  38. Hi Donna – I had to re-read your opening statement as I thought I must have misread it! However I totally understand why. When I find a good book it’s so lovely to savour it but usually this also makes me want to keep reading it faster and faster.
    I don’t think I’ve ever read A Tale of two cities, so I will have to rectify this. I can’t say the Prada books appeal at all.

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    1. Hi, Janine – Thank you for rereading the opening. I think that many people misread it and commented that reading 6 books this month was good, especially since two of them began with a struggle. I am currently on my 8th book this month so that’s definitely a big fail for me. But this book (Amy and Isabelle) just might break the curse. It is a painful read and I just may take a big break before I finish the last half.

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      2. I’m not sure if it is a good thing to keep on reading a book that you don’t enjoy. But, I did struggle (I mean really struggle) with the first chapter of A Tale of Two Cities. But as the book went on, I truly could not put it down and when it ended I was reduced to a sobbing heap! ❤

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  40. Hi Donna – what a great selection of books. I’m so pleased to see one of Jill’s books here – I really enjoy her writing! I just had a mini discussion with my work friend about A Tale of Two Cities – what a nice coincidence to see it here on your blog too! Happy reading – I can only handle one book a week – that’s plenty for me 🙂

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    1. Hi, Barbara – I am a huge fan of Jill Weatherholt, voth as a writer and as one of the kindnest people ever. Last night, our book club just had our second (out of three) discussion of A Tale of Two Cities. We all struggled with the beginning of it but truly could not put it down once we continued reading.

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      1. Hi Donna – yes, Jill is the best! I’ve enjoyed several of her books and just love interacting with her. I remember having a tough time in the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities, but once I got into it I thought it was excellent 🙂

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  41. I’ve never been interested in “The Devil Wears Prada” and didn’t realize there was more than one. My Book Club has read several in the Lucy Barton series and LOVE them. “Lucy by the Sea” has been my favorite so far; it was as though she was talking directly to me. The style of writing drew me in. I’m intrigued by “The Midnight Library.” I would enjoy it as long as the writing is up to par; a book like that can easily cross into the overly sentimental/cheesy.

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    1. Hi, Margaret – Thank you for your recommendation for the full set of Lucy Barton books. I was held spellbound, from beginning to end, by Lucy’s voice in ‘My Name is Lucy Barton.’ Although I enjoyed ‘Oh William,’ it didn’t hold the same captivation for me as the first book, so I was a bit disappointed. Going with what was available at my local llibrary, I then began reading “Amy and Isabel,’ not a Lucy Barton book but Elizabeth Strout’s original debut novel. I am half way through and needed to take a break, so have switched to something lighter by a different author. I will pick it up again, but the emotional horror in that book is intense.
      I feel the same about well written books. I fouund that ‘The Midnight Library’ read beautifully. If you try it, I’d love to know your thoughts.

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  42. I’m loving your recent reads! Your reviews give such a personal touch to each book, making me feel like I’m right there with you on the reading journey. Can’t wait to hear more about what you dive into next!

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      1. You’re so welcome! I’m glad I could bring a little sunshine to your morning. Can’t wait to hear what you think of my blog and website. Keep shining!

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  44. I loved the Midnight Library. The Measure was a good one too. I just finished Before We Were Yours and The Killers of the Flower Moon. Both based on true stories. Powerful. I need to find a light funny read after those.

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  45. You sure read a lot compared to me, Donna! I really enjoyed seeing what you’ve been reading. A Tale of Two Cities is a classic, and it sounded very much like a page turner for you despite struggling to read it at the start. When I struggle at the start of the book, I do persevere to read it til the end – don’t want to judge a book by it’s cover or opening pages 😄

    Recently I decided I want to read more consistently, aiming to read about 2-3 books a month. I read mainly non-fiction which I take longer to read than fiction. Sometimes I like to stop and re-read certain sections of non-fiction books, and if it’s a really complex book, I may take a longer time to finish it.

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    1. Hi, Mabel – I also love to stop and re-read sections of books, especially those passages with striking, poetic prose. I am currently reading Anne of Green Gables for our Classic Book Club. Amazingly, I had never read it before. I am deliberately reading it slowly, lingering over passages that strike me. I am greatly enjoying it.

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      1. Yes to re-reading sections of books that are striking. For these sections, I tend to re-read to savour the writing and thoughts 😊 Enjoy Anne of Green Gables. It’s wonderful when you get stuck into a god book – you want to finish it, but then you also don’t!

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      2. “You want to finish it,ut you don’t” is so true. I am treating Anne Gables as a book of short stories, trying just to read one chapter at a time, never more than two chapters in a day. That pace is working for me, and allowing me to really immerse myself in the writing and the story!

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  46. Donna, we seem to be in sync with lowering the number of books we want to read this year! I too took mine down to one a week and very happy about that. Well, you’ve confirmed I’ve been right to avoid The Devil Wears Prada books although I too enjoyed the first film! Thank you for your lovely review about Lucy Barton and you’ve sold me on this – for so long I’ve been wondering whether to read it! Yeah! It’s great Dickens was so compelling and super read – makes me want to revisit these! I’ve got The Bee Sting waiting to be read soon but currently enjoyed a NetGalley book called Love is a Curse by a Keith Stuart – very promising so far! Btw. I enjoyed your review of Jill’s book, a gifted writer who wins her way into the readers heart every time! I hadn’t realised this is her seventh release – she is truly prolific! Xx

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    1. Hi, Annnika – I am honoured to be in such great company. I am glad to hear that you are also limiting your books to one a week. So far this past month I have been ontrack with this plan and my workouts increased in length, my steps increased, and I found myself more mindful in the reading (and other things). It could be a considence or wishful thinking but I’m going to continue to stick with the plan! :D

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