A week of summer storms, new posts, a road trip with Lucy, and an unexpected next read.
I'm wrapping up another week here on Forever Book Lover, and I'm so glad you stopped by.
This week I'm joining the
Sunday Post
hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and the
Sunday Salon
hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
Hi, friends!
Last week brought more of our familiar South Carolina summer weather — hot, humid days followed by afternoon thunderstorms. We certainly needed the rain, even if Lucy wasn't quite as enthusiastic about hearing thunder in the forecast.
We made a trip down to Mount Pleasant for a follow-up appointment, and because thunderstorms were possible, Lucy came along with us instead of staying home. She was perfectly happy with that arrangement and spent part of the ride with her head near the open window, taking in all the sights and smells along the way.
I also surprised myself when it was time to choose my next book. Last week, I thought I might read Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis or Summer with My Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates — but I chose neither one.
A Moment From My Week
Lucy enjoying the ride to Mount Pleasant. See that spot on her back? We swear it looks like Mickey Mouse ears! 🐾
Lucy usually heads to the closet when thunderstorms begin, so we didn't want to leave her home with storms in the forecast. Judging by how much she enjoyed the ride, I don't think she minded joining us at all.
New on the Blog
This week brought an easy breakfast recipe, a Victorian mystery review, and a Book Blogger Hop question that made me think about how differently we experience each book.
A Whisper in the Shadows by Darcy Burke Book Review
A fake marriage, a supernatural secret, and murder make A Whisper in the Shadows another captivating Victorian mystery in Darcy Burke's Raven & Wren series.
Book Blogger Hop: What's the Fastest or Slowest You've Ever Finished a Book?
Some books are finished in a single afternoon, while others stay on the nightstand for weeks. This week's Book Blogger Hop looks at what affects our reading pace.
What I've Been Reading
After finishing A Whisper in the Shadows, I couldn't decide what I wanted to read next. Instead of choosing one of the books I had planned, I borrowed an idea from my Blind Date with a Book post.
I opened my Kindle library, closed my eyes, and selected a book at random. My blind pick was Our Extraordinary Summer by Lori Wilde.
I loved The Summer That Shaped Us , so I was happy to discover that this book would bring me back to Hobby Island. Sometimes allowing chance to choose your next read is exactly what a mood reader needs.
I have a feeling this little blind Kindle experiment may become its own blog post. Stay tuned!
Popular on Pinterest
These are a few posts readers have been discovering and saving on Pinterest lately.
Saddle Up, Romance Reader: Cowboy Love Stories for Your TBR
Readers keep coming back to this roundup of cowboy romance picks — perfect if you're in the mood for wide-open spaces and slow-burn charm.
Summer 2025 Romance Reading List: Escapes, Thrills & Swoon
This summer reading list is still getting pinned and saved — a mix of escapist reads for anyone building out their beach bag TBR.
12 Romantic Suspense Books That Actually Deliver the Suspense
Readers looking for real tension alongside their romance have made this list one of the most-saved posts on the board.
Rediscover Forever Book Lover
One older favorite worth another look this week:
Small-Town Romance Books That Feel Like Home
If you enjoy close-knit communities, warm friendships, and romances with a strong sense of place, this reading list offers more comforting stories to add to your shelf.
Kat's Cozy Pairing
This week's cozy pairing combines If You Love Jill Shalvis: 10 Small-Town Romance Authors to Read Next with Baked Lamb Meatballs with Mint Pesto . If you're in the mood for small-town romance, humor, and heartfelt friendships, these flavorful lamb meatballs make a cozy dinner before settling in with your next book.
Coming Up Next Week
On Tuesday, I'm sharing Campfire Book Club Night: How to Host the Coziest Summer Book Club — complete with a s'mores dessert board, discussion cards, and cozy summer romance picks perfect for reading around the fire.
I'll also let you know whether my unexpected trip back to Hobby Island turned out to be the right book choice.
Let's Talk
Have you ever chosen your next book completely at random? Did it turn out to be a good choice?
What are you reading this week?
Happy Reading!
Kat
Happy Sunday! Sometimes I have my husband grab a book off my shelves for me to read - that is always fun. Normally it goes well unless he picks the biggest ones when I am not mentally prepared for them.
ReplyDeleteI like that idea! It takes the pressure out of deciding what to read next and adds a little surprise to your reading. I’d probably have to set a page limit though—I have a few doorstoppers on my shelves too! Happy Reading!
DeleteGreat post. I like the photo of Lucy enjoying her ride. I've never been to Mt. Pleasant but it looks gorgeous. Only Columbia and that area.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week!
Thank you! Lucy loves car rides, especially when there’s an adventure waiting at the other end. If you’re ever near Mount Pleasant, it’s definitely worth a visit—it’s one of my favorite areas along the South Carolina coast. Happy Reading!
DeleteHm. The control freak in me wouldn't want to hand over control regarding what I read next:). But I think it's a great idea for those who aren't so retentive about what to read next... Have a great week:).
ReplyDeleteI completely understand—giving up control of the next-book decision can be harder than it sounds! I think I’d need a few ground rules in place before letting someone choose from my shelves. Happy Reading!
DeleteYou are much braver than I for the blind books lol But glad it worked out well for you. I do enjoy Lori Wilde or atleast the books I have read from her so far. Hope you have some good reads this week to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think the blind pick worked because every book on my TBR was one I was excited to read, so I knew I couldn’t really go wrong. I’m looking forward to reading more Lori Wilde too. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteThe blind pick sounds like fun. Unfortunately, I have so many review deadlines that I have to be more careful with what I choose. It makes it difficult since I'm a moody reader too. I'm trying to get away from all the deadlines, though. So maybe I will eventually get to blind picking too :) Have a great week!
ReplyDelete