Welcome to The Weekend Post #149! The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme. I will also be joining Deb at Readerbuzz for the Sunday Salon and Marlene of Reading Reality in her meme Stacking The Shelves.
My Week:
We’ve had another wild week of weather. Yet another atmospheric river swept through, followed by two gloriously warm days, only for the rain to return once again. The forecast for the coming week promises more of the same. But those brief sunny days put on a beautiful show—my daffodils have bloomed, the magnolia and ornamental cherry trees are in full flower, and the forsythia is glowing with bright yellow blossoms. We’re also gaining 3.5 minutes of daylight each day, and sunset now arrives after 7:30. I love this time of year and the sense of renewal it brings.
I received my echocardiogram results, and they were a mix of good and unexpected news. While I don’t have my mom’s heart condition, I do have one of my own that will require ongoing monitoring. The diagnosis caught me off guard, but I’m grateful it was discovered now, allowing for early intervention if needed. On the bright side, neither my sister nor my brother inherited our mom’s condition either, which is a huge relief, considering we each had a 50-50 chance.
In other news, we had another great extended family outing this week—lunch followed by some casino time, which we really enjoyed. Family is everything to me as I know it is to many of you as well.
Books I’ve Added to My Shelves This Week:
From Publishers, Netgalley, Edelweiss+ & Libro.fm:
Wendy, a devoted wife, mother, and nurse, has spent years caring for others without ever asking herself what she truly wants. With her children grown and her marriage crumbling, she rents a remote cabin in France to reflect on her life and figure out what comes next. Initially regretting her decision as the solitude forces her to confront painful truths about her family’s struggles, Wendy begins to unravel the story she’s been telling herself for years. Just when she feels at her lowest, unexpected support helps her realise that this is not the end of her story—it’s a new beginning.
I had this book in ebook format, but wanted to listen to it in audiobook format. Thanks to Bookouture audio and Netgalley for this audiobook.
Blythe Benedict is content with her life in Boston, raising four teenagers and enjoying her steady routine. Every summer, she cherishes the family’s annual trip to Nantucket, but this year’s visit is anything but relaxing. Alongside managing teenage drama and her ex-mother-in-law’s declining health, Blythe faces a troubling secret about her ex-husband. Adding to the chaos, she reconnects with her high school sweetheart Aaden, only for a new romantic interest to complicate things further. Despite the unexpected challenges, Blythe leans on the love and support of her family to navigate this unpredictable summer. Thanks to Brilliance Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook.
From The Library: None.
What I’m Watching:
I’m looking forward to watching A Complete Unknown which releases on Disney+ this weekend. It’s the story of 19 year old Bob Dylan who arrives in New York to meet with musical icons on his own course to stardom. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton and Elle Fanning.
On The Blog This Week:
Must-Read General Fiction Publishing in Spring 2025!
Book Review: Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben
Can’t Wait Wednesday #131: The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
Book Review: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Book Review: Back After This by Linda Holmes
This Post: The Weekend Post #149
Next Week On That Happy Reader:
March 2025 Wrap Up
Book Review: To Sicily With Love by Jennifer Probst
Can’t Wait Wednesday #132
Book Review: Where Do We Go From Here? by Nick Alexander
Celebrity Book Club Picks for April 2025
The Weekend Post #150
That’s a wrap on The Weekend Post #149. How was your week?
I wish you a wonderful week ahead!
ER LeVar
It must be scary to get a heart diagnosis, especially when it wasn’t the one you were expecting! Glad you caught it early, at least.
thathappyreader
Thank you ER.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
I’m glad that you did not inherit your mom’s condition, and it’s good that the condition you do have can be monitored. I’m very curious about Where Do We Go From Here.
thathappyreader
Thank you Deb.
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
That’s great health news, even if it was a little mixed. I’m also interested in that Bob Dylan pic and didn’t know it was releasing this weekend so that so for that. Have a great week, Jodie💜
thathappyreader
Thanks Jonetta. You too.
Tina
Daffodils are my favorite and I loved seeing them pop up around our home when I was growing up. Sounds lovely. I am glad you have early diagnosis on the heart issue. That can make all the difference in monitoring and staying healthy.
I have also added Where Do We Go From Here to my shelf,
thathappyreader
I love daffodils too Tina!
Jody
That’s excellent news, Jodie, in a mixed sort of way. Happy Saturday!
thathappyreader
Thanks Jody! You too.
mae
I have always been curious about that New York era. Several of the participants have written interesting memoirs about who was doing what where… I’m interested in this new pic.
best…. mae at maefood.blogspot.com
thathappyreader
I think you will enjoy it Mae.
Joy Weese Moll
I’m glad for the huge relief about the heart condition, even if it did leave you with something else to monitor. Both of the books look like excellent ways to explore life through transitional times.
thathappyreader
Thank you Joy.
Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life
It’s always a shock to receive news you weren’t expecting – I am glad to hear that you don’t have your mom’s condition, and that yours has been discovered and can be monitored. Knowledge is power!
Your books look lovely. Enjoy!
thathappyreader
You are so right Erin.
Becki
Knowledge is definitely power, from the echocardiogram 😉 And my phone app said sunset by me is almost 8pm already! Definitely ready for some nicer weather.
thathappyreader
You are so right Becki! Enjoy the longer days!
Carla
Sorry to hear about the mixed bag of news regarding your heart. I hope that the monitoring shows no changes as you move forward. Have a wonderful week!
thathappyreader
Thank you so much Carla.
Cindy's Book Corner
Well, mixed results for sure. Glad that you don’t have your mom’s condition, and hopefully yours is not as serious. So thankful they caught it. I hope you have a great week!
thathappyreader
Thank you Cindy.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Like you, family is very important to me! So I understand what you’re saying. Glad you don’t have the same condition as your mom, and even with finding something else, at least you can be prepared and do what is necessary to be safe with that. I am loving all the blooming things too. In my yard no flowers yet, but the peony shoots are starting to peek through the dirt so I know those are coming! Have a great week!
thathappyreader
That’s exciting Lisa! Thanks for your kind words.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Glad your test news for the family was mostly good and that you have early notice to take care of yourself. Blooming and garden veggies are really happening now, but we could use some of that rain.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
thathappyreader
Thanks Anne.
stylefrontier
Glad to hear the result although it is mixed, please take care of yourself!
thathappyreader
Thank you.
Her Digital Coffee
I’m happy to hear that you, your brother, and sister are well! Unexpected news can be scary, and I’m glad you embraced it with gratitude. Having the knowledge and information will be very helpful. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
thathappyreader
Thank you Winnie.
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
I’m happy to hear that you didn’t inherit your mom’s heart issue, but sorry to have one of your own. Ongoing monitoring must give you some peace of mind at least, Jodie. Wow, the weather has been crazy. I hope things settle down for you. I have been watching The Chosen, and am on season 4. Season five releases in a couple of weeks. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
thathappyreader
Thank you Carla.