The Weekend Post #233: Weekly Highlights & More!

Welcome to The Weekend Post #233! 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 week of storms since Friday, with one atmospheric river following another and warm, high-speed winds becoming the norm for much of the week. The week has finally wrapped up with a couple of drier, although still overcast, days. More rain and wind for the rest of the weekend but sunnier days by midweek are forecasted.

This month, I’m infusing and enjoying Cinnamon Stick in my Bath & Body Works Wallflower while warming The Perfect Christmas candle in my candle warmer. The two scents complement each other beautifully, and I’m having fun switching things up with a new seasonal combination each month. It’s all part of my strategy to take in joy where I can – particularly while we are in this holding pattern of being unable to plan any travel while my hubby awaits further testing and specialist appointments.

We also purchased a new 6.5-foot lighted Christmas tree from Costco this week. We’ve been using their 7.5-foot version for the past several years in our living room, but we’ve decided we’d really like to have a smaller tree which fits in the family room where we spend most of our time. My son will be taking the larger tree, which works out perfectly! Our plan is to decorate in a couple of weeks, and I’m already looking forward to getting everything ready for Christmas!

Recent Additions To My Bookshelf:

From Netgalley, Libro.fm, publishers or authors:

Popular storyteller Sunny Callaway is struggling to write following a devastating diagnosis and a painful breakup when an unexpected discovery leads her to a small town facing an uncertain future after the closure of its tea factory. There, she reconnects with her long-lost cousin, Nova Frances Clark, a tea shop owner with a healer’s heart and a secret gift for creating medicinal tea blends. As the two women join forces to revitalize the struggling town, they discover the healing power of family, friendship, shared stories, and the magic that comes from opening their hearts to new possibilities. Thank you to Carla @ Carla Loves to Read for bringing this book to my attention and to Drew @ Macmillan Audio for the ARC. This book is set to publish December 1.

From the Library:

When newly single Nisa Ansari enters her small town’s Christmas house-decorating competition, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to distract herself from her failed marriage and irritate her longtime nemesis, neighbour Kerr Murdoch. Their rivalry intensifies when they discover their Christmas decorations are nearly identical, sparking an all-out festive decorating war. But beneath the twinkle lights and competitive spirit, Nisa begins to see a different side of the introverted, kind-hearted veterinarian, whose love of animals and Christmas charm are difficult to resist. As the holidays approach, Nisa must decide whether to cling to their familiar rivalry or let go of the past and open her heart to the possibility of a new romance.

From Audible:

When the wealthy Chapman family gathers for Christmas at their grand lakefront cottage on Mackinac Island, a snowstorm traps everyone under one roof, forcing long-buried tensions to the surface. As Chris Chapman struggles to hold onto his place in the family, his wife Kat disrupts tradition by inviting her working-class parents to the holiday, setting off clashes between generations, siblings, and opposing worldviews. With old grudges, hidden agendas, and a family secret threatening to unravel everything, The Bluff is a witty, heartfelt holiday novel that explores family dynamics, marriage, privilege, and the complicated ties that bind us.

Future Releases Recently Added to My TBR:

Burned-out screenwriter Beckett Heyburn has always dreamed of writing a classic romantic film, but after her mentor Perdita dies and leaves her a charming home in Santa Barbara, she finds herself unable to write another word. Seeking an escape, Beckett retreats to the sunny coastal town, where she discovers a house filled with vintage treasures, movie memorabilia, and bittersweet memories. Her peaceful getaway is soon interrupted by an adorable rescue dog who keeps appearing in her yard and the mysterious, grumpy foster dad who cares for her. As Beckett and her new neighbour grow closer, she begins to embrace Perdita’s advice to live boldly, collect regrets, and take chances on love. Perhaps this unexpected connection will give her the cinematic romance she has always wanted to write—and teach her what it truly means to say goodbye. I was alerted to this book from Fantastic Fiction. It is expected to publish April 6/27.

What Was On The Blog This Week:

A Married Little Christmas by Abby Jimenez Review: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Collection

Can’t Wait Wednesday #214: Woman Behaving Badly by Brenda Gilhooly

Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus – A Quirky Literary Fiction Novel: Book Review

November 2026 Who Wears it Better: Which Book Cover Is Your Favourite?

This Post: The Weekend Post #233

Coming Up Next Week on That Happy Reader:

Book Review: Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts

Can’t Wait Wednesday #215

Book Review: ER: The Oral History by Lynette Rice

From Page to Screen: Must-See November 2026 Book To Film Adaptations

The Weekend Post #234

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That’s a wrap on The Weekend Post #233. How was your week?

I wish you a wonderful week ahead!