Welcome to The Weekend Post #168! 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 quieter week, and I’ve had more time to myself—time I’ve spent doing the things I enjoy most. There’s a bit more stability in my family right now, especially for those dealing with health challenges. Dad still has good days and bad days when it comes to his energy, but overall, things feel steadier. The process for starting Mom on her new heart medication is finally underway, and we’re hopeful she’ll be able to begin it very soon.
After a steady 24-hour downpour, the sun is back, bringing hotter weather just in time for the weekend. The rain was much needed and has helped with some of the many wildfires burning across the province. Hopefully, more of them will soon be under control, as hundreds of people have already been evacuated or are on alert.
Summer is flying by. Even though the warm nights can make sleeping a bit uncomfortable, it’s still my favourite season of the year. I love the longer days and the bounty of flowers (in addition to the local fruit and berry season). What is your favourite season and why?
Books I’ve Added to My Shelves This Week:
From Publishers, Netgalley, & Libro.fm: I have one audiobook still pending.
From The Library:
Seventeen-year-old Lenni Petterssen knows her time is limited—she’s living on the Terminal ward—but she’s determined to make every moment count. When she meets 83-year-old Margot, a spirited fellow patient with a talent for art and a lifetime of stories, an unexpected and life-affirming friendship begins. Together, they embark on a project to share the tales that shaped their combined one hundred years, uncovering stories of love, loss, resilience, and joy. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a tender, funny, and deeply moving celebration of life, friendship, and the power of human connection—even at the end.
How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, is a comprehensive guide packed with expert strategies to help you turn travel dreams into reality. From maximizing airline, hotel, and credit card loyalty programs to finding cheap flights, conquering jet lag, and scoring free upgrades, Kelly shares practical tips for every kind of traveller. He also covers essentials like travel insurance, must-have tech, handling travel mishaps, and choosing the perfect destination. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, frequent flyer, family traveller, or retiree, this accessible and inspiring book is your go-to resource for planning unforgettable journeys.
In this emotional debut by Ashley Jordan, rising playwright Eve Ambroise escapes a crumbling personal life by retreating to the Tennessee mountains, posing as a writer on retreat while secretly battling heartbreak and creative burnout. Her plans for solitude unravel when she meets Jamie Gallagher, a single dad navigating life after a tough custody battle. Though neither is looking for love, their connection deepens from a fling into something real—forcing Eve to confront her fears of vulnerability and loss. As their lives slowly align like the fireflies around them, they must decide whether to protect their hearts or take a chance on a future together. This is the August Reese’s Book Club selection.
What I’m Watching:
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been watching Survival Mode, which airs Mondays on NBC and Global TV. The series shares powerful firsthand accounts from survivors of natural disasters—including the Maui wildfires, the Montecito mudslide, and Hurricane Ian—paired with gripping historical footage from the events. It’s been a compelling and emotional watch, and we’re really enjoying it.
On The Blog This Week:
Book Review: Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings – A Sharp, Modern Second-Chance Romance
Book Review: The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen – A Twisted Tale of Family and Deception
Can’t Wait Wednesday #150: The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye
It’s All About Travel For July 2025: Where Books Have Taken Me
Celebrity Book Club Picks for August 2025
This post: The Weekend Post #168
Next Week On That Happy Reader:
What You Loved Most: Most Popular Book Reviews from the First Half of 2025
Book Review: Everything is Probably Fine by Julia London
Can’t Wait Wednesday #151
Book Review: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
Who Wears It Better in August 2025?
The Weekend Post #169
That’s a wrap on The Weekend Post #168. How was your week?
I wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
Glad you got to spend some much needed time for yourself, Jodie💜 I’m already obsessed with Survival Mode. They’ve done a phenomenal job of storytelling. I clear the decks of interruptions when I watch.
Have a great week!
thathappyreader
I’m glad that you’re enjoying the show too Jonetta! I hope you have a great week too.
Trish
The One Hundred Years is on my TBR – it looks good!
thathappyreader
I’m enjoying it so far Trish.
Cindy's Book Corner
Yay for a quieter week and stabilizing health issues! I hope you have a fabulous weekend and great week ahead. Happy readiing!
thathappyreader
Thank you Cindy.
Vicki
I’m going to add Survival Mode to my watch list. I’m already watching a few shows like that.
thathappyreader
I hope you enjoy it Vicki!
Joy's Book Blog
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood has a terrific cover and title. I haven’t been reading much romance, lately, but that’s tempting.
thathappyreader
I love the cover too Joy. ☺️
Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life
I am glad to hear that your parents are on an upswing and things are easing up. How to Win at Travel sounds like a good book. I feel like I need it!
My favorite season is fall!
thathappyreader
Thank you Erin. Fall is a popular season for many.
sjhigbee
So glad to hear you’ve had an easier week, Jodie. And that your parents’ health issues are a bit easier just now. Like you, I’m a fan of summer. I love the increased light levels – the sunshine pours through the windows in our kitchen in the morning when I come down for breakfast, making me feel really cheerful:). Have a great week.
thathappyreader
You too Sarah!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Looks like you got some good books this week. And glad the health issues for your family seemed to be staying okay for the week. In my world my mom had some issues and we ended up in the ER from about 9 pm Friday night and I brought her home about 3:30 am Saturday morning. She seems to be feeling a little better, mostly because of the steroids they put her on I’m sure, but we’ve got to figure out what is going on and help get things fixed because she can’t stay on those forever. You got some good books this week, hope you enjoy them!
thathappyreader
Oh I’m sorry to hear that Lisa. Take care.
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Glad that everyone’s health is steadier. Hopefully the wild fires will calm down. We are due some hotter weather which I am not looking forward to. If I had to pick a favourite season maybe Autumn? I like grey skies, cooler weather and darker evenings
Have a good weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2025/08/10/sunday-post-sunday-salon-64/
thathappyreader
Thanks Emily.
Anne - Books of My Heart
So glad to hear the health issues are steadily positive right now. I used to always say Autumn was my favorite for the cooler temperatures and gorgeous colors. Now I think it’s spring with the garden planting and new food and flowers starting. But the range of temperatures here is mostly reasonable and every season has its beauty.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Anne.
Bellezza
It sounds like your parents have similar health issues to mine. May we continue to help them find the strength they need on the journey, and the strength we need, too!
thathappyreader
Well said Bellezza. Life is a rollercoaster this days.
sherry fundin
Seems there are a lot of fires everywhere. Stay safe.
thathappyreader
Thanks Sherry.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
Oh, I do like the sound of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot. I am always interested in reading about friendships across generations, and I also enjoy reading about people who are facing death. I hope it is available around here.
thathappyreader
It’s well worth the search Deb!
Her Digital Coffee
I’m happy to hear that things have been steady and that you’ve had more time to enjoy yourself. I’m looking forward to Fall. I love cozy season! I hope you have a great week, Jodie!
thathappyreader
You too Winnie.
Becki
The One Hundred Years and Once Upon a Time sound good to me 🙂 Glad life is evening out a bit – stress seems to come all at once, which is certainly never a good idea.
thathappyreader
I agree. It’s been compounding all week which is never a good thing.
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
I’m happy to hear that the health issues in the family are settling down a bit, Jodie. It is always so stressful when someone you love is ill. Yes, rain is definitely appreciated. My daughter was almost evacuated in Nova Scotia when the fires came within 28 miles of her town, but water bombers from Quebec and New Brunswick helped get the fire under control. I am a summer gal. Although I am not a fan of the humidity, I love the sunshine, the flowers, and the time in the pool by myself and with my grandkids.
thathappyreader
Thanks Carla.