Hi Tracy, good to hear. I’m curious about Allen Eskens new book The Quiet Librarian … I had a copy but wasn’t able to get to it before it was due at the library. I will try to get it back later. I have enjoyed a few of his over the years.
Stone Yard Devotional was a bit of a disappointment for me, which surprised me since I thought I’d really like it. It was on 2024 Booker shortlist. Maybe still try it if your curious.
And I will look for your review of the Stevenson book — I’m not sure I know it but I am curious of Aussie-set books. I hope it is good.
We had two evenings with a bit of rain — which have immensely helped get rid of the smoky air here. So we are back to blue skies, yay! Hope your summer is enjoyable. And that it’s beautiful there. Have a great week.

Hi Stargazer, it is sad that the fires are a constant now each summer. It is a drag. Luckily we’ve had a bit of rain for the last two evenings so that is greatly helpful. I just posted my review of Nesting. It’s a strong debut! The husband in that novel is a crazy menace. See what you think of the book. The audio is good.
Hope your summer is going well. Enjoy your books.

I have not read anything by Allen Eskens but I want to. I should do that before the September book sale to see if I want to hunt for more books by him. I got a copy of The Road to Dalton last year but still haven’t read it.

I am glad you reviewed Stone Yard Devotional. I thought I would have liked it too, because of the setting — both the cloister and Australia — but it doesn’t sound so good based on your review so I will wait a while and see if I change my mind.

I am reading a book set in Australia (from my 20 Books of Summer list) right now. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson. I cannot remember why I bought it, although it has been very popular. And has two sequels. It is a weird crime fiction novel and I am enjoying it so far, although the Australian setting isn’t that prominent.

Hi Catherine, thanks for stopping by. Always great hearing from you.
Yeah I guess some of the books on my summer list are pretty bleak & sad. I just finished Nesting and nearing the end of Broken Country … those are pretty dark. Maybe I’ll wait a bit on Death of Us. I didn’t realize The Names was bleak too.
We finally got the blue sky back today after several grey smoke days … I can breathe again. Hope things are okay where you are. Keep busy … otherwise the news is just bleakness …

Hi Ti, great hearing from you., though I’m sorry to hear that your job has gotten so much more crazy. That’s terrible. Is it going to last that way?
The fire situation does seem to get a bit worse each year, sigh. I only hope the grey skies won’t last all summer.
I hope you have a good weekend …

Politics aside, you got quite the haul at the library! The only one I’ve read is the Death of Us. It was very good, but bleak. Have you noticed all the sad books lately? I feel as if I’ve read more depressing books in the last 3 months–The Names, The Bright Years, Death of Us.

Glad to hear you’re keeping busy with fun stuff and I hope the weather calms down.

What a great library haul. I am over here just barely getting by. Work has been too crazy. Poor (new) leadership and a bunch of people who have no idea what they are doing. My responsibilities have increased by at least 40% and often carries into my off hours. Makes reading a challenge which makes me cranky.

Hi Jane, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s back problems. It sounds very painful. Is it a herniated disc ? I hope he’s been able to find relief with the injections. And I’m sorry you have to cancel your trip. Aging is definitely not easy. We all are breaking down it appears.
On the positive side, you will love Bowring’s Book 2 if you liked Book 1. It was just as good as the first. We will have to get ready for Book 3 coming in October.
The smoke here is a drag. It’s just socked in with grey skies … and gives me a headache. Luckily we might get a thunderstorm overnight … which will give better air quality tomorrow. I hope Colorado stays clear! Hope your garden is doing well. Cheers.

Good to know Kathy. I think JoAnn and Lesley have been in on the books as well. I definitely hope Libby gets her second book. I’m loving Libby … as I have 3 libraries I can draw on for that. So good.