My Friday Five...

1. Planners. Ugh. I have way too many. I need to simply my system and yet, I ordered another planner. Ack! What is wrong with me? I posted a photo of all the planners/journals and a dear friend responded that after years of struggling to figure out which system worked for her she decided to use what she had used in the 80s, 90s, and early 00s - a composition notebook. Yep, one book for it all. Like she said, "if it worked then, why wouldn't it still work now?" Simple is always the answer, eh? 

2. My reading is slow to start this year. I've only read two books so far. I'm about to choose the next one and it's a toss up between:

Hmm...which one should I go with? 

3. Stranger Things. I already miss it. Such a great show. I cried a few times watching the final season. Loved the music. And of course, loved the characters and their stories. 

4. Grief. It still hits me hard at times. Seven months later and I still find myself crying over the smallest reminders. Yeah, I miss my dad. 

5.  Journaling. I'm continuing to 'write it out' and I really do think it helps. Plus, I'm finally using all those lovely notebooks I've been buying over the years. It's a win-win. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Remember That Day: A Ravenswood Novel by Mary Balogh

 

Historical fiction and romance - what more could I want? Mary Balogh's latest book in her popular Ravenswood series, Remember That Day, combines the two perfectly. 

Winifred and Nicholas are engaged to be married to other people and yet, they can't seem to stop falling deeper and deeper in love with one another. Yep, seems that there is trouble in Ravenswood and two families may be broken by an undeniable love story. WHOA! Talk about a riveting Regency romance. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters and seeing their love bloom and blossom. And, of course I wanted to find out if they would have their happily ever after. This was one book that I found to be a delight to read. 

I would happily recommend Balogh's books - they are always a joy to read. Make sure to grab a copy of her latest story, Remember That Day - you are going to fall in love with it and Balogh! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Castaways: A Novel by Lucy Clarke

 

I'm a fan of Lucy Clarke's novels - they are always such a treat to read. Mystery thrillers that will leave you gobsmacked at every twist and turn - absolutely LOVE it every time! So, of course I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of Clarke's latest book, The Castaways.  I dove right in and would not stop reading for anything - this story had me hooked right from the start. There was family drama, unexpected romance, betrayal, a plane crash, and an island - it was riveting and chock full of unpredictable moments. This book was fantastic!

So, what is the story about? Two sisters heading to their vacation destination. One misses their flight. The other one becomes a missing person when disaster strikes and the plane crashes. No one knows what happened or where it happened. We find out what happened from both sisters - the one who stayed behind and the one went missing. It's crazy, scary, and unbelievable all at once. And, that is all I will share about this riveting read. You have to check it out and find out what happened - it's a must-read! 

I would happily recommend any book written by Lucy Clarke - they are fun and exciting reads. So, I would definitely recommend The Castaways - you are going to LOVE it! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Currently reading...

JLC19 is here!

Hurrah! It's time for my dear friend, Meredith's (of Dolce Bellezza) annual Japanese Literature Challenge and this year marks the 19th year. How amazing is that?! The challenge runs from January through February - so, two whole months devoted to Japanese literature - how awesome is that? I know I'm excited to join in on the fun. The only question is...which books should I read? Hmm...

Here are a few options:

Hmm...so many wonderful choices...not sure which I'll start with. Most likely I'll reach for a Haruki Murkami book, because there's always just one more of his books that I haven't read. What about you? Are you joining in on the fun? If so, share which books you'll be reading. Or, if you have any recommendations- let me know. Cheers and Happy reading!