Friday Reads 6.27.25
Taking Inspiration From The Most Unlikely Places
Happy Friday, friends. A quickie from me this week, as I am deep, deep into the new book. Soon enough, I will have to turn my focus elsewhere, and I need to get as much done as I possibly can before that happens.
Most of my reading has been research-related, dipping in and out of articles that I’ve been saving as I go. But a few fantastic books dropped this week, including Lisa Jewell’s really great DON’T LET HIM IN, which I read in galley form several months ago and absolutely loved. It’s a really creepy, insular, Ripley-esque book, and I know it’s going to be a huge bestseller.
I’ve been in TV mode instead of book mode this week. We finished DEPARTMENT Q, which was fantastic (and might be giving me the vibes I needed to really get cooking in this draft.) And because I do love me some Matthew Goode, I decided to watch A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES again. The books by Deborah Harkness are a favorite of mine, and the show—especially the first season—is spectacular. Definitely pre-pandemic in its scope and range, being shot in Oxford and Venice and France. The ultimate elemental love story, this is one of the first real romantasies that I fell in love with. Highly recommended, both the books and the show. Happily, they’ve really kicked the creative spirit in the tush this week.
I also read JACKRABBIT SKIN by Ivy Pachoda, her short story that won the thriller award last week. (Congrats, Ivy!) Very cool, very creepy, very intense.
And THE SECRET ROMANTIC’S BOOK OF MAGIC, an anthology by the amazing Marie O’Regan and Paul Blake, popped up on my Kindle—yay! There is nary an anthology Marie and Paul edit that I don’t love to pieces.
If you missed it, the June Newsletter dropped on Sunday, full of musings and news. I was very happy with the response, so that experiment was a success!
That’s it from me this week. Sorry for the brevity! What are you reading this weekend? Would love to hear your recommendations for us!
A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES is a definite win for me. I loved the books and the first season too. I hope you crank out all the words and feel all the vibes needed.
I didn't start anything new this week. My house had a partial foundation lift, and I have had tons of workers here. This has brought me a ton of relief and joy as our brand new (built in 2020) house was sinking before we bought it, which we didn't know. It's been a fight with the builder and tons of issues with the house--broken appliances due to the pressure of an uneven foundation, flooding, leaking, and so many things. I had no idea that this is a common thing here in the Dallas area. The other big joy is that we're leaving for Denver tomorrow. So excited. Also, the other reason I haven't read as much.
Wishing you a word filled week!
I agree on DISCOVERY OF WITCHES. The books are amazing and the TV adaptation is excellent!
I'm late to the game on 3 series on TV. I watched Nine Perfect Strangers season 1 and im halfway through season 2. I never read the book its based on but I may have to check it out. It's slightly creepy and really well done.
I also just finished season 1 of the Lioness. I really like this show.
Apparently im on a Nichole Kidman kick because she's in 2 of theses series!
I also just finished season 1 of The Bear. I lived in Chicago in the early 90s so its very nostalgic for me.
Reading this week:
BEACH READS AND DEADLY DEADS by Allison Brennan. This is different than her "normal" books. It's heavy on romance with a mystery. I liked it but it didn't seem like an Allison Brennan book to me. I applaud anyone whoever tries something different.
DREAM ON by Angie Hickman. This is a new to me author. I purchased it because it had a blurb by Abby Jimenez and I love her. I love the concept. Woman gets in a car accident and is in a coma. While in the coma she dreams of a boyfriend. When she wakes up from the coma she discovers he doesn't exist....until she runs into him months later!
We're going to have an exciting week as one set of grandkids arrives tonight and another set will be here next Wed. I probably won't get much reading done but im sure we'll have great time!