Welcome to The Weekend Post #198! 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.
My Week:
We’ve had quite a mix of weather this week—sunshine, rain, and a windstorm. At one point we had a trace of snow that lasted only a couple of hours. This weekend another atmospheric river is expected, but the forecast also promises warmer, sunnier weather next week. Ah, the joys of spring in Vancouver.
I had a wonderful time spending an hour shopping with Mom this week. We used to shop together for entire days and always had such fun. These days, Mom’s back and chronic heart condition have placed some limits on her, but I’m grateful for any time we can still spend together doing the things we love. I never take those moments for granted.
We also booked a summer trip to Halifax, which has been on our travel list for quite some time. With fuel costs projected to rise, we thought it would be best to book now. We always choose refundable airfares and hotel rooms, just in case our plans need to change.
Have you made any plans for a summer vacation yet?
Recent Additions To My Bookshelf:
From Publishers, Netgalley, & Libro.fm: None
From The Library:
🇨🇦 Sydney Lowe’s life in New York unravels when her husband, Curtis, confesses to a meaningless affair, and in a desperate attempt to save their marriage he persuades her to retreat with him to a remote hilltop villa in Spain. Isolated high above the Mediterranean, they struggle to restore both the neglected property and their fractured relationship until two attractive Australian travelers arrive at their door seeking help. Drawn by loneliness and the promise of extra hands, Sydney and Curtis invite the couple to stay, but as tensions rise and dark secrets surface, the fragile trust between the Lowes is pushed to its limits—and not everyone will survive their time at the villa.
Inspired by The Golden Girls, Wade Rouse’s poignant and hilarious novel follows Theodore “Teddy” Copeland and his three chosen-family housemates in Palm Springs—Barry, Ron, and Sid—who have turned their later years into a joyful, bickering, love-filled golden era as the self-proclaimed “Golden Gays.” Their carefully balanced life, complete with monthly drag tributes and razor-sharp one-liners, is upended when Teddy’s estranged sister, Trudy, arrives with her dramatic teenage granddaughter, bringing unresolved tensions and long-buried secrets with her. As Trudy embeds herself into their lives and her true motives come to light, the friends are forced to confront their pasts and one another, ultimately reaffirming that while blood may make you related, it’s chosen family that truly holds you together.
From Audible: None
What I’m Watching:
I’m really enjoying the new season of The Voice and its new three-coach format. There seems to be more banter than ever between the coaches, which makes the show even more entertaining. I’m curious to see what other changes might appear as the contestants move through the different rounds.
On The Blog This Week:
Can’t Wait Wednesday #179: Falling for Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Who Wears It Better in March 2026?
This Post: The Weekend Post #198
Next Week On That Happy Reader:
April 2026 TBR: The New Books I’m Most Looking Forward to
Book Review: Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding
Can’t Wait Wednesday #180
Book Review: That’s What Friends Are For by Wade Rouse
From Page to Screen: Must-See March 2026 Book-to-Film Adaptations
The Weekend Post #199
That’s a wrap on The Weekend Post #198. How was your week?
I wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
I’m enjoying The Voice and the new format, too. All of the coaches seem to have an easy relationship with each other, too. I’m also watching the new season of Virgin River and the last episode of Bridgerton.
Have a great week, Jodie💜
thathappyreader
You too Jonetta!
Harvee
We really like the Voice and the new,slimmed down Kelly Clarkson. Sunny here but cold today! I might get to go out after all the rain and sleet we’ve been having.
thathappyreader
She looks amazing, doesn’t she?
Patricia in New Mexico
Your words about spending time with your precious mama warmed my heart. Hugs to you both. Daddy passed away 7 months ago and I’m so grateful we spent time together. We are closing following American Idol as one of the contestants is from our hometown! The Villa sounds intriguing. I just finished my first suspense novel in some time; this one sounds like a good follow-up read. Thank you so much for sharing.
thathappyreader
I lost my Dad in September Patricia so we lost our Dad’s about the same time. Take care.
hena
Nice that you got to spend time time with your mom. My mom lives on a whole different continent so our time together is always limited. I have never been to Halifax. Hope you have a nice time.
thathappyreader
Thanks Hena. It’s something nice to look forward to.
Steph
Glad you got to spend some time with mom. Sometimes I wish mine was closer for more quality time.
thathappyreader
Thanks Steph. I often think of those of you who live a distance from your parents. It must be so challenging especially in their older years.
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
The only overnight trip we have planned in the near future is to attend my son’s university graduation ceremony in May, which for us is the late autumn. We also booked refundable accommodation because flooding preventing us getting there is always a risk.
Wishing you a happy reading week
thathappyreader
How exciting Shelleyrae. I book refundable fares all around because life happens when you are in your sixties and have older parents.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
We had the crazy mix of all seasons this week too! Up to 80 degrees one day and that night then we had thunderstorms and tornado warnings. Today the temp started at 60 and is dropping to 30 by evening and possible snow. My mom and I used to shop all day too! It is probably why I like to just go wander around stores still. Of course my mom can’t quite do it anymore either. Needing to sit to rest a lot more. But when we can go do small shopping trips I enjoy it still. Hope you have a good week!
thathappyreader
That is crazy weather Lisa! I hope you have a great week.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Glad you are enjoying some activities with your Mom this spring. Exciting to be planning a trip to Halifax.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
thathappyreader
Thanks Anne.
Bree @ Bibliophilebree
Hope you have a good week!
thathappyreader
You too Bree.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer
Strangers in the Villa looks good. Everyone’s weather has been crazy. Have a great week 😀
thathappyreader
That seems to be the case Kimberly!
Marg @ The Intrepid Reader
I like Wade Rouse writing as Viola Shipman but I haven’t ever read one of his books writing as himself!
Have a great week!
thathappyreader
This is his first one writing as himself Marg.
Her Digital Coffee
That’s great that you already booked your trip for the summer! I’m hoping to visit Vancouver. The summers are so beautiful there. Have a great week Jodie!
thathappyreader
Thanks Winnie!
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
I’m glad you were able to shop with your mom. I miss those times!
And it’s great that you are enjoying the new format of The Voice. Excellent!
thathappyreader
Thanks Deb!
Trish
The weather has definitely been all over the place lately! I’m not much of a traveler, so no plans for the summer. I think I need to find a friend who is good at traveling and willing to go with me!
thathappyreader
I hope you find someone Trish.
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
Spending time with your mom is so lovely, and important as parents age. I have never watched the Voice, but occasionally catch auditions as I scroll through facebook. I’ve been enjoying The Marlow Murder Club on PBS. I will be in Halifax the first week of July. I will be visiting my daughter and going to the Tattoo on Canada Day. Last year when I went out, I met up with Lynne from Fictionophile. It was so fun. I hope you’ve been enjoying your week, Jodie.
thathappyreader
Thanks Carla. You will have to let me know your recommendations before my August trip!