Welcome to The Weekend Post #154! 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:
It’s been a heartbreaking week here in Vancouver. For those who may not have heard, a car sped through a pedestrian-only area during a Filipino street fair last Saturday night, killing 11 people and injuring many more. Our city has never experienced a tragedy of this scale, and it has deeply shaken us. I hope we never have to face anything like this again. My thoughts and prayers are with all those directly affected — I can only imagine the trauma of witnessing such an event, or being among the first responders on the scene.
On a personal note, I spent part of Wednesday in the Emergency Room with my mom after she began experiencing some troubling heart symptoms. She lives with a chronic heart condition and is currently 15 months into a 24-month wait to access a specialized clinic that could help her manage it more effectively. While the ER doctor was attentive and supportive, it’s incredibly frustrating to see her health decline while we wait for more specialized care.
On a lighter note, the weather in Vancouver has been beautifully warm and sunny, with the occasional evening shower to keep our gardens happy. And with Monday’s federal election behind us, we now have a new Prime Minister. Regardless of where one stands politically, I’m grateful the campaign is over and hopeful that we can move forward and focus on building a stronger future together.
Books I’ve Added to My Shelves This Week:
From Publishers, Netgalley, Edelweiss+ & Libro.fm:
In her heartwarming and hilarious debut, body-acceptance advocate and MEGABABE founder Katie Sturino introduces Sunny Greene, a 35-year-old recently divorced woman navigating body image, self-love, and the chaos of dating. With her brother’s wedding approaching and swimsuit shopping proving demoralizing, Sunny decides it’s time to embrace herself fully. Backed by her thriving PR business, a stylish Chelsea apartment, loyal friends, and her dogs, she sets out to reclaim her confidence and happiness. As she juggles a budding romance with a charming mailman, a promising business opportunity with a suave tycoon, and an ex who wants a second chance, Sunny’s journey is one of self-discovery, empowerment, and learning to love herself just as she is. Thank you to Drew at Macmillan Audio for the invitation to listen to this audiobook.
From The Library: None. I’ve declined a few I’ve had on hold to try and get through my already long TBR list first.
From Audible: None.
What I’m Watching:
I’m looking forward to starting to watch The Four Seasons this weekend on Netflix. This eight part series is the story of a friendship between three married couples who get away together each season and what happens when one of the couples decides to divorce. It stars Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Will Forte.
On The Blog This Week:
Review: The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
Eight Debut Novels to Read For Spring 2025
Can’t Wait Wednesday #136: Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Who Wears it Better in May 2025?
This Post: The Weekend Post #154
Next Week On That Happy Reader:
It’s All About Travel for April 2025: Where Books Have Taken Me
Book Review: The Love Haters by Katherine Center
Can’t Wait Wednesday #137
Book Review: Dogged Pursuit by David Rosenfelt
Celebrity Book Club Picks for May 2025
The Weekend Post #155
That’s a wrap on The Weekend Post #154. How was your week?
I wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
I am heartbroken about the senseless tragedy in Vancouver. Words fail. I was overjoyed about your elections outcomes as the alternatives seemed to be the leaky lifeboat we’re currently in. I also hope your mother’s health improves.
Have a wonderful reading week, Jodie💜
thathappyreader
Thank you Jonetta. 🙏
mae
I hope your mother manages to get the help she needs. I think every system of medical care these days involves a lot of desperation waiting for an appointment.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Cindy's Book Corner
It sounds like this past week had a lot of hard. I hope this upcoming week is a much better week for you, your family, and your community! That is devasting to hear about and so scary.
thathappyreader
Thank you Cindy. I appreciate your kind words.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
I wonder why your mom has such a long wait for the care she needs. I am sorry she has to wait.
I added my name to the list for Sunny Side Up. I’m always looking for books that remind me how to focus on the positive.
thathappyreader
It’s crazy isn’t it Deb. I hope she can get in soon.
Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life
I am so sorry your mother has that wait. It has to be incredibly frustrating! And that accident. All those poor families that are affected. Too much sadness and tragedy these days.
Your book however, sounds like a great antidote.
I hope you have a better week this week.
thathappyreader
Thanks Erin!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I did hear about that horrible event. It is so sad that people are doing things like that more and more it seems. I hope your mom is doing better, it is so scary to worry about all of that with our parents. Especially trips to the emergency room. I hope your week is better.
thathappyreader
Thank you Lisa.
Olivia
I did hear about the horrible incident with the car and pedestrians. I am so sorry. I think of that as more typically an American form of craziness. And I’m also sorry about your mom. It’s tough to have to wait for care. And yet it happens in the U.S. too. I like Mark Carney. He seems well suited to stand up to Trump.
thathappyreader
Thank you Olivia. Yes I feel like Mark Carney will take care of us.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’m so sorry your mother has to wait for the right care. I did see the sad news about the parade. I think your election outcome was great but also still glad it is over. I’m enjoying the springish weather because it will be too hot too soon.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
thathappyreader
Thank you Anne.
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
I was shocked when I heard about the tragedy, Jodie. It was so senseless and to not know why it happened makes it worse. I was thrilled at the election results. I hope Carney can unite the country, as Alberta seems ready to separate. I hope your mom gets to see the specialist soon. My BIL is playing the waiting game here as well. He needs to have an ablation done for his defib issues. We are getting lots of rain here, and the grass is really growing. I hope it stops soon so I can get it cut again. I tried to go to your review of The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison, but the link doesn’t work. I hope you have a great week.
thathappyreader
Thanks Carla. I’ve fixed the link. Thanks for letting me know.
Her Digital Coffee
I was devastated to hear about what happened in Vancouver. I hope your mom can see someone soon, it’s difficult when you have to wait for care. I hope you enjoy your week Jodie!
thathappyreader
Thanks Winnie.
Marg @ The Intrepid Reader
I hope your mum gets the care that she needs! And that your city recovers from such a terrible event.
Have a great week!
thathappyreader
Thank you Marg!