Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
My Week in Review
I am happily writing this next to an open window! NJ was on the receiving end of a lovely cool-front (is that a thing?), and I am going to enjoy it for as long as it's willing to stick around.
This month is flying by! I cannot believe September is upon us, though, I am excited about it. The weather is better, my vacation is approaching, my daughter will be visiting -- I feel like I have things to look forward to.
And, imagine how excited I was to see a post by NOOR cued up for next week. I love when my co-bloggers put up some posts. It's nice to give you guys a break from all my babble.
I never tire watching these pups bounce around
— The Animal fight🎅🎅 (@fightanimalss) August 20, 2019
This dog cracked me up!
I've added the helicopter noise and you are clear for takeoff. 🔊— Paul Bronks (@SlenderSherbet) August 20, 2019
📹: Imgur user: shnparp pic.twitter.com/SjiyLGgCbR
What's a Sunday Post without a hedgehog?
Wednesday 21st August, 2019 pic.twitter.com/XC6kdTIKyr— Hedgehog of the Day (@daily__hedgehog) August 21, 2019
Let's Discuss!
- Margaret continues her Future of YA series
- Mandy & Sha amused me with this fun How-To post
- Briana talks about allusion to other books - you all know how I feel about this
On the Blog:
- Monday: Blog Tour - Color Me in by Natasha Diaz
- Tuesday: TTT - My Favorite Tropes
- Wednesday: CWW - Jackpot, The Heir and the Spare
- Thursday: Blog Tour - All the Bad Apples by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
- Friday: Discussion - Before I was a blogger
STACKING THE SHELVES
Edelweiss/NetGalley
- Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
- Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
- Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me by Gae Polisher
- Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis
- We Met in December by Rosie Curtis
What I Read Last Week
Two books really stood out for me this week. American Royals gave me all the soap opera level drama I was looking for. I was a fan of McGee's last series, and if this book is any indication of how the rest of the series will play out, I think it will be rock solid for me. I also really adored Have a Little Faith in Me. It was really funny, but also took an interesting turn with its focus on the emotional side of sexual relationship and the responsibilities partner have to each other. I was a fan.
Books
- American Royals by Katharine McGee - ★★★★★
- Have a Little Faith in Me by Sonia Hartl - ★★★★ 1/2
- She's the Worst by Lauren Spieler - ★★★★
- Stuck with You by Christina Mandelski - ★★★ 1/2 review
- Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis - ★★★★ review
- The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright - ★★★★
- The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks - ★★★ 1/2 review
- When We Left Cuba by Chantel Cleeton - ★★★★ review
What I Am Currently Reading
I love Mathieu's books and will always read them. This is considered historical fiction, which is a little different for her, though, I feel like you cannot really pin her to any one thing.
I am glad I gave Corner another shot. I had put the book aside last week, because I could not get into it, but the audiobook is working well for me. The narrator is really bringing Emma to life and I am enjoying the story this time around.
- The Liars of Mariposa Island by Jennifer Mathieu
- On the Corner of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci (audiobook)
What I Plan to Read
- The Babysitters Coven by Kate M. Williams
- The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen
- Well Met by Jen Deluca
- Strange Birds by Celia C. Perez
How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
Yay for open windows haha! We had ours open today too, it was beautiful and not as hot. I'm ready for fall even as I lament the fact that summer has practically disappeared so fast! Love the videos (and the hedgehog) as always!
ReplyDeleteWe Met in December looks cute.
Looks like The Lifeboat Clique was pretty good but not amazing? that's good to know though, since I've gone back and forth on it a few times, never actually took the plunge. I might have to get that one after all.
I have an odd relationship with darker books. They seldom rate real high for me, and I always mention that in my reviews. If I finish a book, I liked it, but I always struggle a little with darker books.
DeleteWe've had another hot weekend so I got a bit more painting done which was a relief-except being chased constantly by a stupid wasp!!!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest problem with the outdoors are the bugs. If they didn't bite or sting, I think I would be ok with them. Glad you got some painting in though. That has been quite a project for you
DeleteA cool front? Wohooo! I need it to be fall-like weather when I return in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteThose puppies look like fluffy little potatoes! How cute! :)
I'm excited to read Wrapped In You! Love that series!
Happy reading, Sam!
It's been drier and in the low 70s, which I am all about. I know it will be back to mid-80s later in the week, but the nights are cool. Fluffy dogs will always own me. Shalvis is dependable. I have read so many of her books, and I liked that she did a little cross over with this one. Though, she did a jump ahead ending, which I hope doesn't mean she is done with Heartbreaker Bay.
DeleteWe've had cooler weather too, finally! We can all sleep at night again :) I'm happy fall is on the way, I love the crisper weather and the gorgeous colors.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have a visit from your daughter to look forward to, Sam :) I'm sure it's going to be great to spend some time together.
Accidentals is one of my favorite novels. I loved every single word, and hope you'll enjoy it too.
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
I didn't even realize my daughter was working in Newark this week, and then staying with us Thursday - Monday. That was a nice surprise. I thought she was coming the following weekend (which she is also doing). Good times. Yeah! I have seen a lot of good reviews for The Accidentals and am glad you enjoyed it so much.
DeleteI'm so glad your vacation is soon to come!!! I'm counting down to Labor Day already LOL I'll have two days off that week so I'm looking forward to that so much!!!I'm so excited for Tweet Cute!!!! I've seen so many getting that book and I'm jealous. I hope you enjoy!
ReplyDeleteGenesis @ Whispering Chapters
I only have the holiday off, but I love any days off. Tweet Cute looks like such a "me" book. I had to have it.
DeleteOh I'm sure! I know I can't wait LOL And I know! Tweet Cute looks exactly that: cute!
DeleteI hope you catch up on some rest during the holiday!
DeleteA cool front? EEEEENVYYYYY. I'm so fed up with this summer. Especially since my muscles suffer from the heat.
ReplyDeleteThat dog 😂.
Enjoy your holiday and mom-daughter time!
If I could find some place, where the temperatures stayed between 50 - 75 F, I'd be pretty happy. I don't like any extremes, and so, this weather, right this second, is perfection for me. I hope autumn finds you soon.
DeleteWe seemed to receive a cold front this week too! And it is AMAZING!! Omg. I was outside yesterday and I didn't melt when I walked from car to store or tot he mailbox and back! I think this week is going to be cooler too, like the highest it will get is the mid 80s so I am really excited for this break! Lol.
ReplyDeleteNice new reads! Totally new to me ones but I hope you enjoy them all!
Here's my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
I am definitely welcoming this weather with open arms. I am not a big outdoorsy person, but it's nice to be able to walk to the bus stop and what not without breaking a massive sweat.
DeleteI don't know where you find all these cute or funny videos with animals Sam! Now we have a new heat wave here while you have a cool front ...go figure! And you intrigued me on Mathieu's book as I do love a historical from time to time. Enjoy the cool weather!
ReplyDeleteI am almost done with Mathieu's book. I think she went the historical route, because she wanted the mother to have grown up in pre-Castro Cuba, other than that, it reads sort of contemporary. It's a sad story of a family that is stuck. I am hoping something good happens as I am at 91%.
DeleteOMG, this weather has been gorgeous!! I've had all the windows open for a couple days, and it's so nice to be able to sleep like that.
ReplyDeleteI always try to suck up some fresh air whenever I can, and I am getting excited for sweater weather - which is my favorite.
DeleteWe've has a cool week here too, I even lit one of my fall candles!
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% about American Royals being soap opera fun.
Ahhh, the scents of fall. *sniff, sniff* You know, sometimes you just want soapy drama, and McGee is terribly good at it.
DeleteWhat is it like to have cool weather? I've forgotten. XD I'm glad you enjoyed American Royals! I have that one on my shelf and really need to read it soon. I hope you enjoy all your upcoming reads. Babysitter's Coven is definitely one I'm interested in!
ReplyDeleteHey, I get all four seasons up in NJ, so, we know hot, really hot, cold, and really cold. The moderate temperatures are my favorite, though, and I hate precipitation. I will be interested to see what you think of American Royals, because it reads contemporary, even if it is technically fantasy via the alternative history.
DeleteAn open window? A cool front? What are these strange things you speak of? ;-) Just know that it's 88 degrees here with 80% humidity and I am quite envious of you. I was just saying the same thing about August flying by! How is it that next Sunday is September? Ack! I looked at Well Met in December and it sounds so cute. But I'm holding firm to my decision to NOT request more arcs. Go me. I'm seeing mixed reviews for the Bocci book. If I have trouble getting in to it now I know to try the audio version. I hope you're having a great weekend, Sam! Enjoy that open window! :)
ReplyDeleteIt like 72 and pretty dry. LOVING IT! You know I cannot resist free books, but I have been trying to request less. I am so happy Noor wrote a review, because I really needed a breath. I have been reviewing like crazy, but it's my own fault. I am shocked that I am enjoying the audio more than the book, but I am. I guess I am cheating on my ARC, but it could be a good thing.
DeleteOh my gosh that hedgehog is so cute! And yay for cooler weather! We had a nice cooling last week, but they're predicting triple digits for us this week, so I am not amused. Thankfully my work has a casual dress code and I can wear shorts if needed.
ReplyDeleteReally? I didn't think it got that hot out by you. We are business casual, but I wish we could wear jeans everyday. I mean, I work in a call center too, so the clients will not be walking around the campus.
DeleteIt’s officially Spring here in a week, I’m hoping it’s a mild one though.
ReplyDeleteTweet Cute seems to be popular, looks like you have great books to keep you busy this week.
Have a great reading week
Spring is my other favorite season. I am all about the moderate temperatures.
DeleteWe got a cool blast here too. Its been wonderful to not have 90+ degrees with 100% humidity. That is the most adorable hedgehog picture!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was teaching, I was in an old building with no a/c, so it was tough when it got hot. I hope your building is more modern.
DeleteYay for a cool-front! How lovely! Nice that you have some good times to look forward to as well. Hope you have fun with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteI hope we both love Well Met, Sam! :)
So far, Well Met is great! I have laughed out loud quite a few times, and that's a good sign for me
DeleteSeptember sounds exciting for you, Sam! I hope the month's gonna be good to you. I really love the videos you share. They're so adorable and enough to make me smile every time I read your Sunday Post. That hedgehog is both cute AND photogenic! And I'm convinced, When We Left Cuba is landing on the TBR officially. I've been meaning to read a Chanel Cleeton book but I didn't know where to start. So this one should be it.
ReplyDeleteCute stuff keeps me sane. I need it to survive the real world. I wish I was as photogenic as that hedgehog. I hardly ever read historical, but the Cuba series is excellent. I like that the sister's stories are taking place at different times, because then we get to see more of the history of Cuba. I loved Cleeton's Wild Aces series too.
DeleteI’m excited for September! Summer is too hot for me. Fall is my favorite season, and I look forward to it all year. :)
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Fall is by far the most superior season. Point. Blank. Period. The. End.
DeleteAh, I love cooler weather. I'm so ready for the Fall. I'm glad you have some fun things planned; that always makes me happy. :)
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I am such a better person, when I am not suffering from oppressive heat and humidity.
DeleteWe've had a perfect - windows open - summer but it's going out with a bang of 95 degrees this week. I'm trying not to complain because it's been so nice and I'll be cold soon lol
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
I heard it was going to be hot by you. Crazy! Because, it's great here right now.
DeleteWe don't get much time for pen window weather here. It goes from steamy hot to cold with little in between. LOL Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI feel like spring and fall have been getting shorter and shorter, but I will enjoy every second of the moderate temperatures, while I have them.
DeleteYes for the cool front! It was so nice here that I actually fell asleep outside on my deck for a couple of hours yesterday. I really hope it stays nice like this. Hope you enjoy all of your new reads. Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me is one caught my eye this week too.
ReplyDeleteIt's the simple pleasures, right? Being able to sit out on your deck, and not drown in the air. I know it's going to get to mid-80s at some point here, but then back to the 70s, which I love. I liked Polisner's last book, and this sounds like another good one to me.
DeleteIt's winter in Australia at the moment and all we've been having is a series of cold fronts down south, it's been beautiful. I love winter and the garden looks so lush with all the rain we're having. I just received a copy of The Liars of Mariposa Island by Jennifer Mathieu in the mail today too, but here it's just being called The Liars. I loved Moxie and The Truth About Alice so really looking forward to reading it and seeing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by how much I liked Liars, because it's a sad story of a stuck family, but I love Mathieu's writing, and she picked an interesting historical event to write about. Winter in NJ is usually cold, really cold, and it snows, and I hate snow. BUT, I will revel in the current blissful weather.
DeleteI love the title of Strange Birds!! And you read so much in a week Sam. You blow my mind. I must hit reading slumps more often than most other readers. Because your ratings are all so high too. I feel like you are on such a roll!! I hope it keeps rolling. ❤️
ReplyDeleteI keep telling you - contemporaries are usually shorter than SFF books, and they read faster for me. I think I am pretty good at picking out books I like, but I DNFed two books too.
DeleteI feel like August flew by too! I'm with you on enjoying every little breeze, and am looking forward to it cooling down. It sounds like you have a lot to look forward to with your vacation coming up, and getting to spend quality time with your daughter :)I hope you have a wonderful week Sam!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
As fast as August flew by, I feel like September will crawl, as I await my vacation. This weather has been a dream.
DeleteYay for nice cool weather! And I am looking forward to going to read that post by Noor now <3
ReplyDeleteNoor is a wonderful writer, and I love reading her reviews.
DeleteThe Babysitter's Coven sounds like it's going to be awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun! Lots of Buffy vibes.
Delete