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!
DeleteThe 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!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand. Back when I was doing a lot of blog tours and review deadlines, I had to be much more intentional about what I picked up too. I don’t seem to find as many book tour companies these days, so it’s been nice having a little more freedom in my reading. Happy Reading!
DeleteSometimes, I chose a book at random and sometimes, the book turns out to be really good and other times, it turns out to be pretty bad.
ReplyDeleteHere’s my The Sunday Watch
The Surreal Movies and TV Blog: WORLD’S WEIRDEST MOVIE AND TV BLOG!
That’s the fun—and the risk—of choosing a book at random! Thankfully this one was a winner for me, but I’ve definitely had a few misses over the years too. Happy Reading!
DeleteI love the combination of books and food on your blog- two of my favourite things! Have a wonderful week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Books and food are definitely two of my favorite things too, so combining them just felt natural. I hope you have a wonderful week as well. Happy Reading!
DeleteI love that idea of just randomly choosing something off your Kindle!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Thank you! 😊 It’s a fun way to rediscover books you’ve forgotten about, and it takes the pressure out of deciding what to read next. Happy Reading!
DeleteI don't usually pick books at random–I have my reading planned out months in advance based on what challenges I'm trying to complete. I know that sounds like it takes the fun out of reading, but I love it! I'm a very goal-oriented reader, I guess. Sometimes, though, I come across a book that I need to read NOW, so I change up my reading plan a little bit to fit it in!
ReplyDeleteI admire your organization! There’s definitely something satisfying about working through a reading plan, and I think it’s fun that you still leave room for those irresistible books that jump to the front of the line. Happy Reading!
DeleteI've used random.org to choose a number from my GoodReads TBR or Libby wishlist before but I give myself the option to veto whatever comes up. There's no point in forcing something I'm absolutely not in the mood for! Lucy's marking does look like Mickey ears! A couple of my oldest friends are Disney adults. They play a "game" called Hidden Mickey. I think they would count Lucy's spot as a Hidden Mickey! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I like your veto rule—that takes the pressure off while still making it fun. And I love the idea of Lucy’s spot being a “Hidden Mickey”; I’m going to have to tell everyone that from now on! Happy Reading!
DeleteI wish there were some storms here, it might clear out some of the humidity! We did at least get a bit of rain over the weekend, but not neatly enough.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week!
Thank you! We had a little rain too, but the humidity seems determined to stick around. Hopefully you get a good storm soon to cool things off a bit. Happy Reading!
DeleteOccasionally I do a Classics Club Spin, but, even that is something I've felt free to change if I didn't like it. Mood, for me, is everything. Your Campfire Book Club Night sounds like fun, but it would work here better in the fall---it's too hot here right now.
ReplyDeleteI agree—mood plays a big part in what I choose to read too! And you’re right, a Campfire Book Club Night is definitely more enjoyable once the weather cools off a bit. Happy Reading!
DeleteLooks like Lucy lucked out missing the storm by going on an adventure with you instead! That egg recipe looks good! This last week I was flip flopping on what book to pick up, but and ended up with a cozy mystery I'm loving. Hope you enjoyed your blind pick! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Lucy definitely had much better timing than I did. 😊 I’m so glad you found a cozy mystery you’re loving, and I really enjoyed my blind pick—it was a fun change of pace. Happy Reading!
DeleteI believe it's safe to say Lucy enjoyed the ride. LOL Those egg bites look yummy - trying to decide what to eat now ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Lucy loves riding in the car, so she was thrilled to skip the storm. 😊 I hope you give the egg nests a try—they’re easy to make and were a big hit at our house. Happy Reading!
DeleteOMG! Lucy is a cutie. A Whisper in the Shadows sounds really good. It's great that you can just jump back into the book after an interruption and feel immersed. I haven't tried choosing a book at random. I may need to try it and see if I like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Lucy certainly knows how to steal the spotlight. 😊 A Whisper in the Shadows pulled me right back in every time, and I’d definitely try the random pick again—it made choosing my next book more fun. Happy Reading!
DeleteI like the Blind Date with a Book idea. I might have to try that for my next read. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! 😊 It was a lot of fun to put together, and I hope you give the Blind Date with a Book idea a try. I’d love to hear what book you end up with! Happy Reading!
Delete