The Book Date

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Kathryn

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels or anything in those genres – join them.

My week on the whole was good. A load of wood arrived and it’s stacked away with some help on Saturday which really was great. I still need to get some hard wood as pine is soft wood and burns quickly. We have had some sunny weather too and that’s very welcome.

My reading was good. I really enjoyed This Book Made me Think of you, I think it would have been better to read rather than listen to it as I missed lots of book references but never mind. The Eloisa James book was a fun find on the library shelf and it was a quick, entertaining read.

What I read last week:

What I am reading now:

#3 in this series and I am really enjoying it.

And listening to these. Shadow of Night is really long, I am about half way through. The Belle of Belgrave Square is my walking audio. I may have to rethink my walks on the beach as it’s about a 7 min drive away. It depends on what happens in the next week with petrol as price escalates due to the Trump war on Iran.

Up next:

Most likely this one which came from my hold at the library. I think there is still a queue so I guess I better take a look, lots and lots of pages!

Last Week’s Posts

Titles with Ordinal Numbers. TTT
How Simi Got Her Groom Back.
Diabetes, Ted Lasso and Covid Response

Reading challenge, Review

Exploring Non-Fiction: Diabetes, Ted Lasso and Covid Response.

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 Kathryn

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes by Professor Roy Taylor was okay. Yes it’s factual but I am not sure why I bought this book. What recommended it!

Anyway it does say that type 2 diabetes comes about because we are too fat. It is becoming an increasingly big problem in our modern world. Countries spend millions of dollars on the results of it each year. People pay the cost to them in terms of various things that go wrong with their health.

So what about those of us with pre-diabetes? Well this author says – lose weight quickly. That’s for those who have already reached diabetic level. I am pre-diabetic but wouldn’t like to lose much weight. But the thing is the Professor says you must lose weight then…. keep it off. Which makes sense. I aim to lose a little bit of weight – maybe about 5kg – slowly. And keep it off. So I have to watch what I eat. Most likely it is making me eat more healthily. I have cut back on carbs and made sure I eat more protein.

Roy Taylor says that there are a variety of diets out there and most of them will work if they suit you. He also says it’s wise for diabetics to have the support of family and friends. I think that’s wise. If they understand they won’t be pressing you with sugary food. He believes diabetes is reversible and I think he is right. His research has shown him this.

The book is simple and easy reading. It gives motivation to combat diabetes.

Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the show that kicked its way into our hearts.
I very much enjoyed this book. Yes I have seen the TV show and thoroughly enjoyed it. However the book takes us through the whole three seasons with comments from the writers, actors and others.

I liked the insights into how it came about, filming through covid and the music for the show. I am not a music person so that all passed me by. I intend to now rewatch the show and pay attention to the music and other things mentioned. I wouldn’t recommend this book to those who haven’t watched the show, as there are a lot of spoilers. However I know some readers have done so and survived.

I listened to the audiobook version and I think it was a good way to go. The narrator wasn’t that interesting voice wise, but he was clear and imparted the information well. I enjoyed listening as I walked.

The Covid Response. A scientist’s account of New Zealand’s pandemic and what comes next.

I found this book really interesting. My respect for scientists grew as I read of Shaun Hendy’s work with his team. It is written in a narrative style that brings the ordinary reader in. I wouldn’t say I understood everything but it made me remember those covid days. While I remember some scientists on the media calls, for some reason I can’t recall Shaun Hendy’s face. I was sad that these scientists took so much flak from those filled with misinformation and disinformation. The dark underbelly of New Zealand certainly appeared. I appreciated the importance of reaching Maori in such a pandemic and preparation beforehand. The book has made me even more cautious of media as they spin their own opinions around things. They really don’t always have the right end of the situation. I was sad to see that New Zealand government no longer has a chief science advisor. Very shortsighted. And science in health should be funded far more. While this book explores the New Zealand journey, other countries are mentioned often and I think anyone in the world could read this and reflect. As Hendy says another pandemic will happen. Are we ready? (less)

Health.
TV
Science

Hosted by Bookdout.wordpress.com

Review

How Simi Got Her Groom Back. Sonali Dev

March 12, 2026 Kathryn

Published: Lake Union Publishing
Date: March 3rd 2026
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Two sisters. One fake marriage. Zero chance of keeping the truth hidden.

The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake.

With Rupi’s safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the country: Rupi must get married—and fast—even if it means Simi recruiting the man she’s been secretly dating as her sister’s groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren’t many alternatives.

As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love?

How Simi Got Her Groom Back was a very enjoyable read. I think this is my favorite book by Sonali Dev.

It is about two sisters, and what a background they come from. Rupi is the sister who really has brought Simi up, been a mother to them because their own mother was a hopeless case who just didn’t see them. As we are introduced to them we find they have been apart for quite some time but are about to meet up again.

I loved both these women, their faults and foibles, but also their love and generosity. Through the events in the story they both grow and become even more of their true selves. I hated saying good bye to them.

Prem is Simi’s boyfriend and they hope one day to marry, until they need to help Rupi. This introduces us to the whole Gupta family. Again I loved them all. What a family, it was easy to fall for each one of them. And to enjoy being witness to their family dynamics.

The difficulties of immigrating to the USA from India, being there legally and working towards a green card is very much part of the book. And as well as happens in many countries – being brought into the country and then bullied into low or no wages. Saj the lawyer who helps out – Prem’s best friend – proved very helpful in this and other areas.

The plot and characters really appealed to me, a romance of course so its all going to work out, and along the way a family who captured my heart.

Top Ten Tuesday

Titles with Ordinal Numbers for Top Ten Tuesday

March 10, 2026 Kathryn

Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl.

First Lady. Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I can’t believe this book First Lady was published 26 years ago. Amazon tells me I purchased my copy in 2008. Possibly it was around that year that I discovered Susan Elizabeth Phillips books and proceeded to read or listen to any one I could get my hands on.

On Second Thought. Kristan Higgins. A delectable, delightful read – it hit all the right buttons for me, I was captivated by every part of it. I feel a reread coming on.

The Second Story Bookshop. Denise Hunter. I really enjoyed The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter. I love that title – well bookstore for sure, but it’s the second story part I especially like. Shelby’s grandmother opened it up after her beloved husband died, it was her second story in life.

Third Grave Dead Ahead. Darynda Jones I haven’t read this one but I have read the first and at some point I wouldn’t mind reading through the series.

Fourth Wing. Rebecca Yarros LOVED this book, when a book sweeps me away into another world it is marvellous. Totally sold. Fantastic, dragons and a character to take to heart. Well written. Hooked me.

The Fourth Princess. Janie Cheung I haven’t read this one, sounds like it’s for those who love the gothic set in China. Published in February 2026.

The Lions of Fifth Avenue Fiona Davis. Enjoyable as an audiobook, and set around a library and books hooked me in.

The Sixth Wedding. Elin Hildebrand. A short story that I haven’t read. It follows 28 Summers which I have read. One for the future possibly.

The Tenth Circle. Jodi Picoult. While I have read many by Jodi Picoult I haven’t read this one.

The Eleventh Commandment Jeffrey Archer. This I have not read either. It’s a mystery/thriller first published in 1998. His books are generally good reading.

Review

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

March 9, 2026March 8, 2026 Kathryn

The week was pretty much a normal week. I got some walks in along the beach, some sewing etc. Then I decided I had better clean out the wood shed and prepare it for ordering wood which I will then need to wheelbarrow around the back to the shed. One of the joys of Autumn. I know many of you have moved into Spring and some places put their clocks forward. We have to wait till the end of the month until we go back.

What I finished reading last week:

What I am reading now:

Listening

And slow reading

Reading Next

Last Week’s Posts.

Speculative Fiction Top Ten Tuesday
The Library of Amorlin. Review

Review

The Library of Amorlin. Kalyn Josephson

March 5, 2026 Kathryn

Published: Kensington
Date: March 3rd 2026
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Kasira used to be a masterful con artist: choosing her target, building trust, judging the precise moment to make her move. Now, she’s working off a lengthy prison sentence by hunting dangerous magical creatures on behalf of the fanatical kingdom of Kalthos.

But Kasira’s past catches up to her when the ambassador from Kalthos arrives at her camp with a deal: her freedom in exchange for infiltrating and destabilizing the magical institution meant to protect all six kingdoms—the Library of Amorlin.

When Kasira assumes the role of the new Assistant Librarian, she enters an enchanting world brimming with books and beasts, tempting her with a life she can never have. But Kasira’s real future depends on her long con to bring down the Librarian. Unfortunately, Allaster is as prickly as he is handsome, and his monstrous secrets are about to catch up with them both . . .

If you came straight to my thoughts on The Library of Amorlin without reading the above summary of what this book is about – go back and read it because it would take me too long and I’d fail in explaining it.

It took me quite awhile to read it. It has 448 pages for a start. However that wasn’t what held me up. The names of the countries, the names of the characters and animals took some getting used to. As did the plot, I needed to stay on top of that.

Kasira is a complex character, she has had a tough life and is trying to keep her head above water and win some peace for herself. Yes she is a con artist, trained with the best. Now as the book opens she is with an army that kills the many beasts that threaten the people of Kalthos. The people have a religion that believes the sins people commit are embodied by the beasts.

By agreeing to take on a new con Kasira finds herself in the Library of Amorlin. Yes it has books like we know it, but it’s way more than that – its a place of great magic. Kasira is to become the Assistant to the Librarian. Amorlin is a place that loves animals and we find spirit leopards and Iylis an amazing snow leopard.

Kasira is a kind of grey character and I never knew what she might do next. I did like her, was in turn disappointed by her and then delighted with her.

I picked up this book to read because I want to read more fantasy this year. It turns out this is #1 in The Age of the Beasts. I will want to read on to the next book in the series when it comes out, so I think that speaks for the book.

Review

Speculative Fiction.

March 3, 2026 Kathryn

Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl

I am wanting to read more fantasy, so I am participating in Book’d Out’s Speccy Challenge 2026. Here are some possible books for 9/12 for various categories that I will most likely read. Plus one book because I want to read about 12 more as well. I like these TTT posts to be part of my book organisation in some way!

Published in 2026. Archangel’s Eternity by Nalini Singh

A speculative novella (less than 250 pages) Diamond Fire. Ilona Andrews

Dark Fantasy. Turns of Fate. Anne Bishop. Read 2026.

The first book in speculative fiction in a duology/ trilogies /series Burn for Me. Ilona Andrews. Read 2026

Romantic speculative fiction. Crown of War and Shadow. J. R. Ward

Speculative fiction that features a creature (animal/monster) The Library of Amorlin. Kalyn Josephson. Read 2026

A cosy fantasy. Stay for a Spell. Amy Coombe

Based on myth, legend, tale. Circe. Madeline Miller

On a space ship or space station Polaris Rising. Jesse Mihalik

A Translated Speculative Novel

If you have a favourite fantasy book of some sort let me know. I don’t go darker than Turns of Fate!

Review

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

March 2, 2026March 1, 2026 Kathryn

I hope you all had a good week. As always it passes so quickly. We have moved into Autumn and there certainly is a weather feeling like that. Our nights are quite cool which I don’t mind. I was on a quilt zoom call with USA quilters. Some of the temperatures in Nevada and Texas sounded rather hot!

The Library of Amorlin is for review. Wife by Wednesday was a sale audiobook lurking in my library. And the Crowd Went Wild was my my delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

What I read last week:

What I am reading now:

For Review

And listening to… both coming close to finishing, so I look forward to choosing a couple of others.

Up next:

Possibly this so long as nothing comes in from the library.

Last Week’s Posts

The Drowning. Fiona Lowe
Tracking My Books: What’s New.
February Reading Wrap

Review

February Reading Wrap: Book Ratings and Goals Update

March 1, 2026 Kathryn

Books Read in February: 16

Book Ratings:

Burn For Me. Own Kindle book. 4 stars
Atomic Habits. Own print book. 4.25 stars
What Tomorrow Will Be. Review Kindle. 4 stars
Just One Look. Audio 3 stars
Death is Not Enough. Audio. 4.25 stars
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes. Own Kindle. 3 stars
The Wedding People. Print – own. 2.75 stars
When Light Breaks. Audiobook – own. 4 stars
Winter Solstice. Own print book. 5 stars
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. Own audiobook 5 stars
The Funeral Crashers. Library print. 4.25 stars
The Drowning. Fiona Lowe. 4.5 stars
A Holiday by Gaslight. Novella on Kindle. 4 stars
For my Lady’s Heart. Audiobook – own. 3.75 stars
Wife by Wednesday. Audiobook – own. 3.75 stars
The Library of Amorlin. Review Kindle. 3.5 stars

New to Me Authors

James Clear*
Rosalind James
Alison Espach
Jesse Sutanto *
Kalyn Josephson*

* Would read again

Settings

Fantasy Setting 2
Canada 1
New Zealand 1
USA 5
Scotland 1
Australia 2
England 2

Genres

Fantasy 2
Contemporary Fiction 5
Contemporary Romance 3
Contemporary Suspense. 1
Non fiction 1
Cozy mystery 1
Historical romance 2

2026 Reading Goals check. Running Total

Limit NetGalley books to 20 12/20 already requested. 1 added = 13/20
New buys about 30. Print or ebook. 5/30 Five added =10/30
Reread about 20. 1/20 added 2. = 3/20
Borrow about 25 from library. 2/25 + 2 = 4/25
Listen to about 60 audiobooks. Buy or Library. 7/60 + 6 = 13/60
From shelf either print or ebook, pre ’26. 1/20 + 4 = 5/20

Participation in Reading Challenges.

Read 6 Non Fiction books. 1/6. + 2 = 3/6 for nibbler level challenge. 1/12 still for non fiction grazer.
Read 12 Science Fiction/Fantasy books. For Speccy Fiction challenge. 1/9 + 2 = 3/9 and 1/6 for general Spectator level of fantasy reading challenge.
Emilie Richards Reading Challenge. February. A book set in Winter. Winter Solstice. Rosamunde Pilcher.

General

Keep a slow reading book going. Some slow reading not every day though.
Take up the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. 1st read.
Start some new series. Three 1st in a series read this month.
Continue series I am reading. None
Using a Random Generator pick a book each month from my TBR on Goodreads and read. If is not yet published, choose another number. This turned out to be Just one Look by Rosalind James, for February. Read.

Book Haul

Tracking My Books: What’s New!

February 27, 2026 Kathryn

From the Library

The Funeral Crashers. Joanna Nell. Read.
The Covid Response: A Scientist’s Account of New Zealand’s pandemic and what comes next. Shaun Hendy. Reading at present.