Saturday, January 17, 2015

This Week in Reading - January 18


It's Sunday Post time!  Hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all to recap our week!

What I Got

Recipes for a Beautiful Life by Rebecca Barry - The blurb on this one really grabbed me. The house needs work, the bills need to be paid and will the children ever eat anything other than peanut butter and cake?  This is published in April and it sounds like good spring reading. (NetGalley)

The Dead Play On by Heather Graham - It's Heather Graham and set in New Orleans.  I can only resist so much! (NetGalley)

Valentine's Day is Murder by Carolyn Arnold - It's a Valentine's Day themed cozy that sounds really fun! (from the publisher)

Heartbreak Hotel by Deborah Moggach - This is the next book from the author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  The plot sounds like something right up my alley -and there's a house being restored!  (from the publisher)

Death in a Dacron Sail by N.A. Granger - The 2nd book in a cozy series set in Maine. I read the first few pages right after downloading it and I'm excited to see where the story goes.  So far there's a finger in a lobster trap! (from the author)

The Monogram Murders by Agatha Christie/Sophie Hannah - I don't want to talk about it.  It just jumped in my bag when I was picking out books for the Tornado. (Library)

Currently:

Reading: The City of Blood by Frederique Molay and Peril at End House by Agatha Christie

Listening: I'm almost done with The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and plan on starting Wild by Cheryl Strayed in the next couple of days.

Watching:  So after being bereft that The Great American Bake-Off didn't happen this summer I was thrilled to discover that PBS is playing The Great British Bake-Off. I'm loving it!  One of the hosts is off the show The Supersizers Go which J and I loved.  I'm now on the hunt for a Mary Berry cookbook.  J and I are watching Worst Cooks of American which is always entertaining.  I've developed a new appreciation for Tyler Florence.  He's hilarious in this.  

Off the Blog:

No Spend January is still going well.  We did cheat a little bit and went out to lunch on Saturday but other than that we've been pretty good.  We're watching some of the movies we either own or have on Amazon or Netflix and have been meaning to watch and have been tackling some projects that had been getting put off.  Part of my New Year's resolutions this year was to actually use my Pinterest account and I've been doing one new pin a week.  So far I've done 2 cleaning pins and this coming week I'm making Apple Cider Donut Cake.  I'm really looking forward to it!

We're looking at changing cable companies because the one we've had for ages has been slowly raising our bill and in the final straw they dropped BBC America.  The other one that services our area has a data cap on their internet.  Does anyone else have one?  How much data do you find yourself using?  The starter package is for 350 GB/month but they go up to 1000 GB/month. I'm just not sure!

On the Blog:

What Happened:

Saturday: Relish - Review

What's Coming Up:

Monday: Jaded (a SciFi YA novel) - Review
Tuesday: Top Ten List which is a freebie this week!
Wednesday: City of Blood - Blog Tour Review
Thursday: Cunning Cruise Ship Caper - Blog Tour Review
Friday: Friday Linkups with whatever book I'm reading
Saturday: Kitchen in France - Cookbook Review

Have a great week and happy reading!

73 comments:

  1. Enjoy your new books. I haven't ready anything by Heather Graham in so long! Is she still writing well?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only read a couple of hers lately but I've really enjoyed them. Not perfect but definitely worth picking up!

      Delete
  2. I am excited about Dead Play..I am really loving this series and cannot wait to see what develops. LOL..books tend to jump in my bag at the library, bookstore and while surfing the web..hehe. Hope you have an amazing week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right! Book are constantly jumping out at me. I'm constantly having to fend them off! I'm excited about the Heather Graham too! I desperately need to get caught up I her books.

      Delete
  3. We canceled our cable and with Netflix we've been watching that. And yes they kept dropping channels due to "rate disputes." With our monthly bill and the commercials I didn't feel too bad about their rates. :) We do miss some channels...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it wasn't for sports dropping cable would be an easy decision but we watch a lot of sports. I hate those rate disputes!

      Delete
  4. I'm excited you got The Monogram Murders! I love Sophie Hannah already and the fact she is tacking Poiret excites me. I did pick it up in the bookshop as it looks fab but I stuck with my book ban and left it down again. I know it's coming home with me sooner or later though!
    Well done on sticking to your goals :) I'm always pinning things on pinterest and then never looking at them again. That's a great goal to do one a week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm excited about The Monogram Murders though it doesn't look exactly like an Agatha plot. So far I'm really enjoying my Pinterest challenge. I've been able to delete some pins and get my boards more organized.

      Delete
  5. I try to be more active on Pinterest but I'm very on and off with it. It's a fun site.
    I hope you enjoy your new books and have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'm definitely enjoying getting more out of Pinterest instead of just pinning (which is so much fun!)

      Delete
  6. Recipies for a Beautiful Life sounds wonderful. It might help me out when I am in a reading slump and need something out of my main reading genres. I used to love watching Supersizers Go! Have they made any new episodes? I too got sick of our cable company raising prices, so we cut back to phone and internet only because my son rarely watches tv with me anymore, and I watch programs on my Kindle. I am going to purchase Amazon Prime. My cable company doesn't offer the major networks through their internet feed, so I am going to see if I can figure out how to get the free public reception for those. Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Amazon Prime! I watch it and Netflix all the time. I don't think they've made any more episodes of Supersizers Go which makes me sad. We loved that show and actually still reference it pretty regularly!

      Delete
  7. We use Tie Warner Cable. They kept going up and up on our cable modem and so we bought our own. Here's me! http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/2015/01/sun-jan-18.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cable stuff is such a headache! I just wish it would all be easy.

      Delete
  8. I love reading about everyone's New Year's resolutions. No spend January is something I need! Although I really haven't left the house recently anyway, as I've been curling up on these dreary days to read. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's kind of cheating for me to do a No Spend January because I leave the house as little as possible when it's cold! It still helps because we are spending a lot less on food and just bits and pieces.

      Delete
  9. That's a nice roundup of books you've re and ones to plan to tackle. We canceled satellite about three years ago and have been pretty happy with the savings. It was well over $100 a month and we are doing well with Netflicks DVD delivery. Can't do streaming as it eats up our MiFi data.
    They bonus there, besides savings, is we are reading more.

    On my list is Amwrican Sniper, Talon and I am still reading Orange is the New Black.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can't rid of cable altogether unfortunately because of sports. We are big football baseball and soccer fans. American Sniper sounds great!

      Delete
  10. Sounds like you had a fun week. The Granger cozy caught my eye. Haven't heard of this series before, so I'm off to check it out.

    My Sunday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/01/weekly-book-recap-94.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This few pages I've read of the Granger mystery was really good. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes.

      Delete
  11. I love Heather Graham and it looks like a good read. I have a love/hate relationship with my cable company too. Seems "everyone" is so greedy and they no longer care what you think. Take it or leave it. I used to have the fastest internet connection until they "upgraded". Yeah, right. They just figured out a way to charge more. I remember when I first started surfing the internet. Remember the funny noise and it took forever to connect. I just keep telling myself it is better and cheaper than it was. How long will cable company last? What will our alternative be if they can't make it? Oh well, life is all about change, right?
    sherry @ fundinmental Sherry's Shelves

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that modem sound! I used to hear it in my sleep. If it wasn't for sports I think we'd just drop cable all together and just do streaming.

      Delete
  12. We're having the same problem with our TV/Internet provider. The costs keep going up, but we're news and political junkies plus I love the British mystery shows . . .and one of the satellite channels I looked into has a cap on Internet. I think we use way more internet than we could get at a price we want to pay. I really want TV and Internet companies who really compete.

    I just found The Great British Bake-Off and watched an episode. I don't know how many episodes I've missed, but it was really fun. I hope you have a great reading week, Katherine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the 3 rd episode was this week so you haven't missed much. It's such fun! The data cap scares me just because I have no idea how much we use. We do a lot of streaming and online stuff. I wish everything could just be easy!

      Delete
  13. The Monogram Murders sounds tempting...enjoy all of your books!

    I sigh whenever I think of cable companies and plans...I have had both of the ones that seem to dominate my area...and there is always something that one offers and the other doesn't, or vice versa. If I switch to the other one, I'll miss out on some features I love.

    Every time my bill goes up, I call them and complain, and end up with some kind of special package that cuts the costs for a couple of years. If I keep that up, maybe I can stave off the beasts...LOL.

    Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really looking forward to The Monogram Murders! The cable thing is so frustrating! I just want everything to work!

      Delete
  14. Interesting that the Internet has a data cap. That would make me nervous. I don't like thinking and worrying about how much data I might be using.

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's my concern as well. Supposedly the data cap is going to become more and more common but that doesn't mean I have to like it!

      Delete
  15. LOL I have SO had books just jump into my cart like that. Heh.

    Ooo internet data cap would make me sweat. I've never been good with those. Are you able to check on your current company and see how much you use? I think ours had that option.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Books are constantly flinging themselves at me. It's a problem! I think if I could find out how much data we use now that would make the decision easier. As of now I have no idea. So annoying!

      Delete
  16. Over here in the UK we've been hearing about BBC America pulling out of cable and coming off Netflix. That really sucks and will only increase piracy. Saying that, I have my consoles set up so I get US Netflix, purely because UK tv is renowned for taking forever to get stuff over here, and our advert placement is rubbish.
    Well done on the no spend too. :)

    My Sunday Post & Shelf Stack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The no spend is easier in some ways but I'm definitely missing eating out! BBC America coming off Netflix and cable concerns me. Doctor Who is mandatory and I love several other BBC shows. I'd be very sad!

      Delete
  17. Same problem here. I have cable for phone and internet and satellite for TV because I live in a rural area. The costs go up and I can't do much about it because they are the only providers. I do call them once a year to complain because new customers get it cheaper than I do. It works too. I usually get about $30 to $50 off for about 6 to 9 months and then it creeps up again.

    Enjoy your new books!

    My Sunday Post - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/01/18/whats-new-on-my-bookshelf-93-and-the-sunday-post/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We live outside city limits so it does bar to our choices. It drives me nuts. I just want everything to work!

      Delete
  18. We have Verizon Fios, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Roku and pay extra for Showtime/HBO package, & MLB in the summer. Can't you tell my family is tv addicted, lol? Wish I could get them to read more. We wanted to drop cable and just use Netflix and Hulu like some people do, but we want our local stations: ABC, CBS, NBS, PBS, and we have to have basic cable for that here.

    I understand your compulsion to let flying books jump in your bag, but hey, at the library it's free so who cares if you struggle with an armload back from there, rather than a bookstore :) I know you love A. Christie, so enjoy that one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm excited about The Monogram Murders. I don't worry to much about library books because I don't have to find shelf space for them but at times it does seem silly to add more to the pile! Our problem with dropping cable is sports and then on a lesser level J loves to flip channel levels and I think he'd miss that if we dropped it!

      Delete
  19. Loads of mystery in there. Recipes for a Beautiful Life looks like a goo book. I hope you like it. I don't know about data caps. I am sure if they had one here I would have exceeded it. I am never sure what to put on Pinterest. I am thinking about getting an instagram because I like posting my own pics.
    My Sunday Post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Instagram but don't use it nearly as much as I should. I wish I had some idea about how much data we use but we really have no clue. We do a lot of streaming but aren't gamers. The dilemma!!

      Delete
  20. Apple Cider Donut Cake sounds delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh, a "No Spend" month is such a great idea! I may have us do something similar for February, since January was about no sugar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No spend and no sugar all and once seems just cruel! In some ways no spend is easy during the winter because I have no desire to leave my house. Figure I should take advantage of that and do some saving!

      Delete
  22. I tried to get the Graham book on NetGalley but it's no longer available. :( As always , you have a great mix of books.

    I gave up my cable and use NeFlix, HuluPlus, and Amazon Prime. Works pretty well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that's to bad about the Graham book! I hope you'll be able to get it some other way. I think I could do pretty well with Netflix Amazon and Hulu but J watched a lot of sports so I don't think it's an option - atleast for awhile.

      Delete
  23. You are tempting me with Heather Graham's book but I haven't read the other books in the series. Do you recommend reading those first? Please say yes so I don't request it on Netgalley lol.

    We also need to change or negotiate with our cable company. My husband keeps telling me to call them but I hate having to stay on hold on the phone. But it is getting expensive in our area so I should call soon. I hope you get it worked out because I hate it when they drop a channel and not tell us about it.

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't hate me but I think it'd be okay to read this one without reading the others. I haven't read this one but the other series I have read are basically loosely linked stand alones.
      I'm dragging my feet about calling too! I hate doing it so it always gets dropped down to the bottom of the list.

      Delete
  24. We have up cable. It was too expensive. So we switched to Roku, having Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. We've learned to do without.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it wasn't for sorts I think we could do without as well but sports are the stumbling block!

      Delete
  25. Thanks for the info on Heartbreak Hotel. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was wonderful. Hope you enjoy the rest of my book - gotta send you a PDF because the mobi file had major problems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really want to read Marigold Hotel though I hadn't heard of it until the movie came out. Both look great!
      So far I haven't had any problems with the .mobi file but I'm not very far in. I'll keep an eye out for the pdf

      Delete
  26. I have Valentine's Day is Murder for review you too. It sounds good. I love Heather Graham but I haven't read her books in awhile. I hope you have a great week and enjoy your books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so behind on Heather Graham's books as well. It kind of feels like I'm just collecting them at this point. I'm looking forward to The Valentine's Day Murder! It sounds like a fun cozy!

      Delete
  27. Just flicked over to read your review of Teardrop Lane, I love this series and have my own waiting to post. I've read the whole series and loved them all. Yes the previous one had more action and suspense in it and it was good to see Cicero far more human in this book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to read more of this series. I've enjoyed the 2 I've read though they're a bit darker than my usual contemps.

      Delete
  28. I contemplated getting the new Graham book when I saw it on NG, but I didn't. I might change my mind, though. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried to resist but it didn't work. This brings me up to 3 Grahams I have to review. I love her books so I have no idea why I keep putting them off!

      Delete
  29. I've been trying to use Pinterest more too, but I end up using it to procrastinate and nothing else!

    Hope you have a lovely week and happy reading! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm an expert on procrastinating with Pinterest! One of my favorite things to do!

      Delete
  30. Yay! Keep up the good work with no spend January. *high-five*
    You're a crafty one. Pinterest just taunts people with all the things we could accomplish. Way to take the step and actually do the things. :D
    We have cable but I don't watch it. I do all my watching online and with Netflix. So I'm more concerned with having enough internet, which we do.
    Happy reading!
    Brittany @ This is the Story of My(Reading) Life
    P.S. Finish Sherlock. It doesn't end on a real cliff hanger and the episode is sooooo brilliant. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll finish Sherlock and I'm glad to know it's not a cluffhanger. I couldn't go 3 years or however long wondering what was going to happen next. I'd like to rewatch them though. There's details I've forgotten. I do a lot of streaming but my husband watches a lot of sports so we can't ditch cable. It's slowly driving me crazy!

      Delete
  31. I wish I got BBC America! Netflix can be over whelming when browsing for something to watch- I spend longer trying to pick something to watch than actually watching it!
    Thanks for stopping by The Local Muse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love BBC America but mostly because of Doctor Who. I agree about Netflix! It doesn't help they're always dropping stuff!

      Delete
  32. I suddenly have a few new NetGalley titles on my Kindle--I swear it wasn't me. It was the cats. They are terrible enablers. I tried to tell them more books wouldn't mean I could skip work and stay home with them, but they are in denial.

    Graham's new book sounds like it will be good. I have a copy of The Monogram Murders, but haven't yet read it.

    I hope you have a great week, Katherine! Mouse and I have the day to ourselves. I'm sure we'll spend part of the day being mermaid princesses. And maybe I can persuade her to spend some time at the park. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those blasted cats! Always up to no good! I hope they got you some great ones off NetGalley though. It'll just be the Tornado and me tomorrow as well. Not sure what we will do as it's too cold for me to spend much time outside but we will figure out something. Mermaid Princesses sound pretty fun. I miss all the princess-y stuff with having a boy though he did sing Let It Go with his Darth Vader voice changing mask the other day!

      Delete
  33. We don't have TV here, too many hours at work, so I subscribed to Netflix recently (it only arrived recently in France) and am happy with that. We have choice for everyone, the kids as well as us. And I simply can't stand commercials, so we're good with that too !
    I love how that Agatha Christie book jumped right into your bag by its own volition, it's weird but I won't press the subject any further :p Enjoy and have a great week !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Netflix! Between that and the DVR I don't watch commercials either. It's definitely weird about the book! I have to fend them off all the time!

      Delete
  34. I keep seeing all of these awesome review books and it's so hard not to go check out Netgalley, lol! I need to do a No Spend month soon, maybe next month. I hope you have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NetGalley is sooo dangerous! I end up with way to many books!

      Delete
  35. You have interesting books this week. Hope you'll enjoy them :)

    WeeklyWrap@EverythingNyze

    ReplyDelete
  36. You got a great haul, Katherine, and congrats on being so good about the no spending in January! It's not easy, but it can be done :)
    I hope you're having a fantastic week.

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I cracked a little on no spend this week but we are still hanging on!

      Delete
  37. Can't wait to see what you think of the Monogram Murders! I borrowed it from the library, too, before the holidays. Your other new books look interesting too - I hope you enjoy them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm enjoying The Monogram mysteries but I have lots of thoughts on it! I'm looking forward to the others as well.

      Delete