This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books and blogs they have written.
This week was one I’ve been looking forward to with really mixed feelings. On Monday, Himself drove up to Cambridge to collect up Robbie’s possessions and bring them back here, as he was moving out, so 
that when he travelled down on the train on Wednesday evening, he only had a light bag to carry. Thursday was spent sorting out Robbie’s clothes – what he was going to take with him, and what he was going to leave behind for the clothing bank or his nephews. But Friday morning pitched up far too fast, when came the time to load everything in the car, drive him up to Gatwick airport and see him off on his journey to L.A. I am so thrilled for him that he has found a lovely girl and his career is falling into place. But so sad that from now on, I can’t just hop on a train and get a fix of that huge personality of his…
Thank goodness I didn’t have time to brood – because that evening, I was off to Chichester Festival Theatre with my daughter and grandson to see Six, the hit musical about Henry VIII’s six wives. I can see what the fuss is about – it was absolutely brilliant. We were on our feet whooping and clapping till our hands stung at the end and as the show is about to embark on an international tour, I recommend you go and see it if you get the chance. Afterwards, we went for a meal together and agreed we must do this more often.
On Saturday, I was running a Poetry Day here at the house for a few folks, so we were both up early, flying around and getting the kitchen presentable – it frankly looked as though a bomb had hit it. And organising the casserole and apple pudding I was serving for lunch. It was a lovely day – wonderful to catch up with the five folks who attended, hear their work and immerse myself back into another world. Rob has arrived safely in L.A. and today we need to start dealing with the pile of stuff in the spare room, as I have Mhairi arriving tomorrow… Thank goodness for busyness. And the amazing rock in my life – Himself.
Last week I read:
Termination Shock – Book 1 of the Interstellar Enforcement Agency by Gillian Andrews
Ryler Mallivan’s comfortable life as an upstanding young freighter captain has just imploded. Avaraks are storming the training ship he is on and the bullets being fired are not blanks. Interstellar war has broken out and unless he moves fast they will all be as stone dead as the instructor lying at his feet. But this is one conflict they can never escape. The cause of the trouble is far closer than they know and will bring Mallivan and his ragbag fledgling crew under ferocious attack from all sides
I spotted this one on Netgalley, and wanted a bit of space opera goodness, so requested it. Great fun – full of action and an engaging protagonists – but also including a really annoying alien child… Review to follow.
AUDIOBOOK Over Sea, Under Stone – Book 1 of The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper
On holiday in Cornwall, the three Drew children discover an ancient map in the attic of the house that they are staying in. They know immediately that it is special…
This classic fantasy adventure is one I never got around to reading as a child, but as it was on Frankie’s audiobook list, I gave it a go. While in places it showed its age, I nonetheless thoroughly enjoyed it, aided by the excellent narration.
The Last Smile in Sunder City – Book 1 of the Fetch Phillips Archives by Luke Arnold
I’m Fetch Phillips, just like it says on the window. There are a few things you should know before you hire me:
1. Sobriety costs extra.
2. My services are confidential – the cops can never make me talk.
3. I don’t work for humans.
It’s nothing personal – I’m human myself. But after what happened, Humans don’t need my help. Not like every other creature who had the magic ripped out of them when the Coda came…
I just want one real case. One chance to do something good.
Because it’s my fault the magic is never coming back.
I was attracted by the premise and quirky cover. I haven’t seen Black Sails, so the author’s other life as an actor wasn’t a factor in my picking this one up. The world didn’t disappoint – wonderfully described dystopian landscape where magic has abruptly disappeared. Review to follow.
A Longer Fall – Book 2 of the Gunnie Rose series by Charlaine Harris
Lizbeth Rose is hired onto a new crew for a seemingly easy protection job, transporting a crate into Dixie, just about the last part of the former United States of America she wants to visit. But what seemed like a straight-forward job turns into a massacre as the crate is stolen.
I really enjoyed my second visit to this dystopian world, following the twists and turns of the plot as Rose tries to find out why so many people had to die.
My posts last week:
Friday Faceoff featuring Heavy Time – Book 4 of The Company Wars by C.J. Cherryh
*NEW RELEASE SPECIAL* Review of A Longer Fall – Book 2 of the Gunnie Rose series by Charlaine Harris
Can’t-Wait-Wednesday featuring The Apollo Deception by Mitch Silver
Review of AUDIOBOOK The Rules of Magic – prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Interesting/outstanding blogs and articles that have caught my attention during the last week, in no particular order:
10 of the Best and Most Famous Opening Lines in English Poetry https://interestingliterature.com/2020/01/famous-opening-lines-poetry/ There are some lovely examples here – but do you think a great opening line has been unfairly left out?
Thursday Doors – Boats https://jeanreinhardt.wordpress.com/2020/01/16/thursday-doors-boats/ Jean rings the changes – we get to see a number of boats, instead of doors. And you’ll NEVER guess what is growing on the cabin roof of one little motor cruiser…
Tidings from the Crew – galaxy quest (1999) movie review – old sci fi movies reviews continue! https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/2020/01/15/tidings-from-the-crew-galaxy-quest-1999-movie-review-old-sci-fi-movie-reviews-continue/ This is a lovely, affectionate review of one of my all-time favourite films…
The brilliance of RUNNING UP THAT HILL by Meg Myers https://redpenofdoom.com/the-brilliance-of-running-up-that-hill-by-meg-myers/ I loved this tribute to both Kate Bush (whose work I ADORE) and this fabulous cover version – including the remarkable video to accompany it…
A Little Bit Like Grandpa https://writersite.org/2020/01/13/like-grandpa/ I really enjoyed this slice of family history, along with Luanne’s musings on her writing…
Thank you for visiting, reading, liking and/or commenting on my blog – I hope you have a wonderful week.
Brainfluff 
Loved the link to the boat doors. I approve of the children’s pirate ship. And thanks for linking to me review.
x The Captain
It’s always a good tactic to grab them while they’re young, Cap – I’m sure that goes for pirating, too! It was my pleasure – I thought it a lovely article and that it deserved to be shared.
You are blessed with great family and friends and many wonderful activities! Have a wonderful week! Happy reading!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
Thank you, Anne. Yes, I am! Thank you for the reminder:). I hope you, too, have a fabulous week with plenty of awesome books!
Good luck to your son! Sounds like he’s in my neck of the woods now😁 And I’ve heard great things about Six and I’m eager to see it for myself!
Thank you, Tammy. Yes… he will be regularly found hanging out at Santa Monica at the beach there with the swinging rings:)). As for Six – it is a fabulous show. I hope you manage to get tickets! And as for Kate Bush – I’m not surprised you’re a huge fan – you have such good taste:)).
Oh, also forgot to mention I’m also a huge Kate Bush fan and I think Meg Myers’ version is brilliant😁
Thank you for the mention! I can’t believe there is a musical I have never heard of! Six sounds like such a great idea but I’m surprise nobody thought of it before. I just went and looked it up and see it is going to open on Broadway in March.
You’re very welcome! Oh, do get a ticket if you can – I think you’ll be blown away:)) And if you do get a ticket, then read up a bit about the six women Henry VIII married – it’s an amazing story…
I used to be a Henry VIII wives junkie. I read every book about them I could get my hands on. Maybe it was because I saw A Man for All Seasons when I was a kid?
I love A Man For All Seasons! In fact – I played Margaret in an open-air production of the play which was performed on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. Every night we went across in the ferry and our dressing room was the old cowshed with names above the mangers… It was a wonderful experience:)
Wow, so so so very cool!!! How fun was that?! I was very interested in acting when I was young, but then I got married very young and never went back to it. My daughter is an actor, though. Funny thing, now that I am sort of doing Cameron’s The Artist’s Way I wanted to take an acting course, but it’s very hard to find a course for a beginning senior adult who doesn’t want to sign up for a whole semester at a community college. I think I might have found one, but I can’t do it just yet. I have to commit to at least a month.
Yes… I used to belong to one of the excellent amateur groups in the area, but in the end I gave it up, because it takes up a lump of time – what with rehearsals and line-learning. And when I was doing that – there was no headspace for writing…
Best of luck with the acting course – it sounds great fun:)).
Oh good point! Yes, my short term memory is eroding, so the thought of learning lines is REALLY daunting. Maybe too much stress haha.
Good luck to your son. That’s quite a move! And I think keeping busy sounds like the best thing to do. Enjoy your reading and have a great week!
Thank you, Katherine:). Yes, keeping busy is certainly helping…
You have had a very busy week, Sarah! And I agree that’s very good when you’re missing your son. I hope LA will be a great place for him and at least there are lots of flights to LA.
You read some great-sounding books and I hope you have some good ones lined up this next week. Your Poetry Day sounds like a lot of fun, too.
Thank you, Jan… Yes, it was more happenstance than intentional – but I am glad it was quite so full-on. And yes. I am surrounding myself with lovely books!
Just finished reading The Last Smile in Sunder City as well (my review is being posted on 6th Feb … I think that’s release day?). I loved it. The only complaint I had was the the novel was half story, half info-dump 😭
Yes… the pacing was very iffy, particularly in the second half of the book. But I loved the premise and that fabulous dystopian world…
Is Robbie your son, Sarah? You’ll miss him but it’s great to see your kids spread their wings and forge their way through life. Every time my youngest comes home on college breaks I have empty nest syndrome for a week after she leaves.
Yes, he is, Jean. And he’s lived away from home for quite a few years now. But it’s the sheer distance of having him on another continent that is winding me… especially as if he gets his way, the US is where he wants to settle. And yet – you’re right. The very fact that he is making this move means he is getting to where he wants to be and I’m absolutely supportive of that. Hence being very glad I’m so busy – because actually grieving for that fact seems wrong and selfish…
Not selfish at all. Totally natural to feel that way. Good excuse for a visit to the States 🙂
Yes… hoping to save up the money after having to have the roof replaced last year!
Tell me more about your poetry night/afternoon/whatever for “a few people.” sounds like something ‘d like to do.
Your week went well, and will keep an eye out for the show if it comes across the pond. Thanks for the recommendation.
Have a good week. I start my classes Tuesday after MLK Holiday tomorrow.
I hope the classes go well today, Rae – thinking of you:)). The Poetry Day was for a handful of students who especially enjoy poetry – they brought along their own work, read them out in turn and we discussed them and critiqued them. As ever, I was blown away by the sheer quality of the work produced by these talented folks:). I also had put together a handful of contemporary poems with a very loose theme of POWER, which we also discussed in groups and there was also a writing exercise, where we fed back afterwards and listened to what everyone had produced – and then we looked around and it was already 4 pm!
I’m glad to hear your Rob has made it safely to L.A. That definitely had to be bittersweet to see him go, but hopefully he’ll thrive there. I hadn’t heard of Six before but it sounds fantastic. I love musicals so will definitely be on the lookout for it if it comes here.
Thank you, Suzanne:). Yes, I’m sure he’ll thrive – he loves the US, the attitude and the people, as well as the special girl he’s met:). And if you get a chance to catch Six, it’s really worth it!
I know what you mean about having loved ones so far away! Last summer my nephew spent almost 3 months away and I missed not having him for the usual Sunday lunches… Thankfully, these days we can rely on Skype to bridge those vast distances 🙂
Yes, I have spoken to him via Skype, and he was clearly so happy – it’s where he feels he belongs. And it made me feel a lot better:))
I haven’t heard of The Six, but it does sound good. I will keep my eye out for it if it comes this way. I know it must be bittersweet to say goodbye to your son and see him off so far away–and yet following his dreams. I wish him the best and send a big hug to you, Sarah. He’s not too far from me now. I am glad you have been busy to help keep your mind of his moving. I am reading A Longer Fall right now and enjoying it. I loved the first book (just like you said I would!). I hope you have a great week, Sarah.
If you do get a chance to see Six, I highly recommend it. And yes… it’s hard. Though I have already had a facetime chat with him – and seeing him glow with happiness and that’s helped a lot.
So glad you are enjoying A Longer Fall – I don’t think it’s quite as good as An Easy Death, but I do love the world and dear Rose:). I hope you are also having a wonderful week, Wendy.
I selfishly hope none of my children will ever relocate so far away. I have The Last Smile in Sunder City to read, I am looking forward to it.
Wishing you a great reading week
I hope your children stay closer, too! I look forward to reading your response to The Last Smile in Sunder City. I hope you also have a wonderful reading week:)
A busy and sort of bittersweet week. It’s difficult when loved ones move further afield but the beauty of new technology means they’re never too far away. I know it’s not the same as a face to face buy skype is pretty good. And, you have Himself 😀
Lynn 😀
Yes – you’re so right about Skype. It makes all the difference and I’ve already had a chance to chat to him since he safely arrived, which has been a real comfort. And you’re right – there’s always Himself:))
My daughter has been telling me about Six. She says the music for it is great. I hope we’ll get to see it when it comes to town. 🙂
Your daughter is right! It’s amazing:)). I love the strong feminist message, too.
So many new adventures for your family! Maybe you’ll travel to the States someday… 😉
Oh, I’d LOVE to. Always wanted to – and now my son is in the process of settling in LA – it would be a dream to come across and visit:))
WEEEEEEEE! Well, not counting chickens yet, but I’ll still give a small weeee!
Yes… though after paying for our new roof last summer, it will be a while. Though given the storms we’ve suffered so far this winter – I’m so GRATEFUL we had it done!