This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books and blogs they have written.
Another busy week… It didn’t start all that well as I woke up on Monday morning with a headache, and took the decision to cancel my lesson with Tim. I probably could have struggled through it – but didn’t seem fair to either of us. Fortunately, resting up and looking after it meant that come lunchtime it had faded, so I was able to go to Pilates, at long last. But oh my – wasn’t I creaking on Tuesday! Fortunately Fitstep on Wednesday sorted that out… My poor sister woke up on Wednesday to no heating, so on Thursday afternoon I nipped up the road and waited for the engineers to come and sort it out – and she took me out for a meal at The Arun View in the evening. We had a lovely time – she’s been under the weather with a heavy cold that won’t leave, so we haven’t had a chance to get together recently, so 
it was lovely to be able to have a good old natter.
On Friday, Himself and I travelled up to Brighton to see Frankie perform in the school production of Bugsy Malone – he was Doodles and so got splurged early on, but we both thoroughly enjoyed the show. And on Saturday, we were back up in Brighton – this time to 
look after the three grandchildren, while Gareth took Rebecca to see Upstart Crow in London. It was quite a big deal – obviously the older two are very used to us – but this was the first time we’d looked after little Eliza alone, giving her supper, bathing and putting her to bed. It went like clockwork and the children were all a delight, although poor Frankie was very much under the weather with a feverish cold. It was the dogs who disgraced themselves by messing in the house!
We got home after 1 am, so I didn’t rise very early this morning – but decided to have a walk along the seafront as Storm Ciara was blowing a hoolie, and the rain hadn’t yet started lashing down. Which are the pics… Thinking of everyone at risk of flooding around the country and hoping those affected are safe.
Last week I read:
You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce
Everyone knew bestselling novelist Cassandra Tipp had twice got away with murder. Even her family 
were convinced of her guilt. So when she disappears, leaving only a long letter behind, they can but suspect that her conscience finally killed her. But the letter is not what anyone expected. It tells two chilling, darkly disturbing stories. One is a story of bloody nights and magical gifts, of children lost to the woods, of husbands made from twigs and leaves and feathers and bones . . . The other is the story of a little girl who was cruelly treated and grew up crooked in the shadows . . . But which story is true? And where is Cassie now?
I was drawn to this one by the paranormal element – and didn’t expect it to be such a heartbreaking, disturbing read. That said – despite the darker aspect, this is a beautifully written book and one that has stayed with me. Review to follow.
The Case of the Reincarnated Client – Book 5 of the Vish Puri series by Tarquin Hall
When a young woman comes forward claiming to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a wife and mother who vanished during the bloody 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Puri is dismissive. He’s busy enough dealing with an irate matrimonial client whose daughter is complaining about her groom’s thunderous snoring. Puri’s indomitable Mummy-ji however is adamant the client is genuine. How else could she so accurately describe under hypnosis Riya Kaur’s life and final hours? Driven by a sense of duty – the original case was his late father’s – Puri manages to acquire the police file only to find that someone powerful has orchestrated a cover-up…
I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky book set in India, following the adventures of P.I. Vish Puri, a middle-aged private detective. To the extent that Himself went and bought the previous four books in the series for me as an early Valentine’s present. I love that man!
AUDIOBOOK Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the 
corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood. But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.
I’d read this one back when it first came out and absolutely loved it – though was a bit horrified at just how much of the story I’d forgotten, as I listened to it all over again… It was a real treat – and made me grateful for having the chance to get lost in books, even as I’m cleaning the bathroom.
My posts last week:
Friday Faceoff featuring The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay
*NEW RELEASE SPECIAL* Review of Journaled to Death by Heather Redmond
Interesting/outstanding blogs and articles that have caught my attention during the last couple of weeks, in no particular order:
William Gibson talks at Bristol’s Festival of Ideas https://rosieoliver.wordpress.com/2020/02/04/william-gibson-talks-at-bristols-festival-of-ideas/ Rosie did a very good job in summing up this fascinating get-together.
Frozen Wavelets presents: Waiting for Beauty by Marie Brennan https://earthianhivemind.net/2020/01/17/frozen-wavelets-presents-waiting-for-beauty-by-marie-brennan/ Steph gives us this gem of a story by one of my favourite authors – proving she can also handle the demands of short fiction as well as novels…
The Silvery Sands of Rosehearty Beach https://ailishsinclair.com/2020/02/rosehearty-beach/ What lovely pics of a beautiful place with an intriguing name…
Writing a Novel When You’re Too Busy to Write a Novel https://writerunboxed.com/2020/02/03/writing-a-novel-when-youre-too-busy-to-write-a-novel-video/ This quirky animated video is fun, whether you’re struggling to write said book, or not. Then you can just thank your luck stars you haven’t boxed yourself into this kind of impossible corner…
Screen Time vs Serene Tim https://wandaluthman.wordpress.com/2020/02/03/screen-time-vs-serene-time/ This practical tips might prove helpful when faced with setting boundaries around this vexed issue with our children…
Thank you for visiting, reading, liking and/or commenting on my blog – I hope you have a wonderful week.
Brainfluff 
You had a good week overall. I am so impressed with you doing your Pilates and Fitstep. I got out of my routines when I spent all day hauling boxes during the move and haven’t gotten back to it. It’s not good. Those family times are precious; I am glad you have them.
Have a great week and happy reading!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
Ah, yes, but you need to remember that I spend HOURS a day stuck in front of a computer. If I didn’t do at least a bit of physical exercise, I’d turn into a blob! Whereas you are so involved in all your fabulous projects:)). Thank you for your good wishes – and I hope you, too, have a lovely reading week, Anne:)
Oh my, it does look cold there! I’m glad you enjoyed You Let Me In, since I have it coming up very soon on my TBR.😁
That was a odd it about this storm – and why I wanted to go for a walk along the beach… It wasn’t all that cold – nearly 52 degrees F, which in the middle of February is amazingly mild! I am looking forward to finding out how you get on with You Let Me In – it’s an extraordinary read.
I’m sitting here with the back door open, enjoying a balmy breeze with clear skies! Wish I could send some of this your way, Sarah:) You had a fun week!
Ah… if only you could, Laura! I’m very glad that at least someone is enjoying fabulous weather, though! Have a lovely week:))
I’m curious about You Let Me In…and Uprooted looks good, too.
Enjoy your new week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
We used to have a restaurant/bookstore here called The Upstart Crow. It was a favorite spot.
I think You Let Me In is right up your alley, Laurel, judging by your reading lists. I certainly highly recommend that you take a look at getting hold of it. It’s on Netgalley…
Thank you – I hope you, too, have a wonderful week. And what an unusual name for a restaurant/bookshop. Upstart Crow is a very funny series about William Shakespeare’s adventures and struggles with writing his plays. Rebecca and I want to go and see it together, now:))
What a good week sarah – and look at that weather, it feels good to go and walk in the blustery weather sometimes doesn’t it – I wouldn’t fancy the pouring rain though.
Look forward to your reviews.
Lynn 😀
Thank you, Lynn. Yes, it was a good week – busy and very satisfying, too. And I rather dragged Himself for that walk, because it was mild and at that point – not raining. But when it did come down – oh my word! I’m very glad we didn’t get caught out in it!
You had a busy week, the Bugsy Malone play sounds like fun. I sent you an email Friday and now I know you were having a good time. No headaches this week..ok.
Yes – I’ve always enjoyed watching the kids performing:)). Sorry I missed the email – right now I’m horribly behind with keeping up with comments etc! Have a great week, Kimberly and let’s hope it gets warmer, soon!
I love the photo. I wish we bloggers would post more photos of ourselves. Your photo also grounds you so beautifully in the world.
Uprooted was a good story. I bet the bathroom cleaning went quickly with such a good book along.
I hope you have a lovely week!
Thank you, Deb! We were both rather pleased it wasn’t a blurred mess as it was something of a challenge to hold the camera steady in the gusting wind.
Yes – it certainly helped the cleaning go with a swing! I hope you continue to have a fabulous time in wonderful Paris. Au revoir, Deb:)
That storm looks dreary! Hopefully you have a great week!
More scary – those gusts of winds nearly had me off my feet at times. And being by the sea with the flying spume and salt spray, it got the blood singing. But I’m all too conscious that it has brought havoc to far too many people across the country who have been flooded and lost everything:(.
What a busy week you had. Your books look interesting. Hope you have a good week.
Thank you, Yvonne – I hope you, too, have a wonderful reading week:)
It sounds like you had quite the week! I am glad Uprooted was just as good the second time around. 🙂 I am planning to spend some quality time with an audiobook tomorrow as I do some major housecleaning . . . The Case of the Reincarnated Client sounds like a lot of fun. And You Let Me In sounds intriguing. I will have to give both a try. I hope you have a great week, Sarah!
Thank you, Wendy – yes, it was a hectic week… I’m hoping the coming one is a bit less full-on:). And isn’t book-listening one of the greatest boons to housework – I hope your cleaning is accompanied by a stormingly good read:)). Have a lovely week!
Uprooted has been on my wishlist now for four years. You had an eventful week. My weekly update
If you get a chance to squeeze it into your reading schedule – I recommend it, Sarah! Have a lovely week:))
It looks cold out there, glad to hear you aren’t at risk with the flooding though.
Wishing you a great reading week
Thank you, Shelleyrae – I hope you, too, have a wonderful reading week.
That looks like a very angry sea, indeed, but at the same time I can almost feel the fresh smell of it, so that’s a good thing. I guess… 😉
Yes, it was definitely angry – and exhilarating… Though disastrous for a lot of poor folk who were unlucky enough to be flooded…
Loved your photos. Way to go.
Thank you, Rae! I hope you have a lovely week:))
Rightbackatcha for the upcoming weekend.
I’m glad to hear you got to spend some quality time with your sister. I’m planning to read Uprooted this year and my go the audiobook route. I’m also loving being able to listen to books while I do unpleasant household chores. It certainly makes the chores a little more tolerable.
I highly recommend the audiobook version of Uprooted… and yes! I won’t say I ENJOY cleaning the bathroom – but it’s stopped being such a chore now I’m busy listening to an entertaining story:)).
Hope that storm came and went without much impact. I’m way behind on news as well so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. I just love that you live near the seafront – must be a beautiful experience (at least when it isn’t storming).
Yes – we are very blessed and I love walking along our lovely beach – though I don’t do it often enough!
Anytime you can spend time with family, especially grandchildren, it makes for a wonderful time. Glad you are sticking with your goals to take care of yourself. Enjoy all your upcoming activities.
Thank you, Carla:)). I completely agree with you about family time!
I am so glad ye be finding enjoying in rereading through audio book. Makes me happy.
x The Captain
Thank you, Cap! It’s been a real treat revisiting much-loved books on audio:))
That “You Let Me In” novel sounds delightfully chilling! I hope everyone’s a bit healthier now. I wanted to post writing today, but Bo, Biff, and Bash passed their germs to me and I’ve been under the weather all week while still teaching. UGH. Finally over the hump, I think, but now the US is in coronavirus panic and schools are shutting down for 3 weeks. It’s going to be an interesting house around here…
You Let Me In is my standout read of the year, so far… I’m sorry that you are having to grapple with children home for the unforeseeable future… I hope you soon feel a LOT better.
Standout Read? Well then, when the libraries open again, I’ll have to track it down. 🙂 Yeah, I could do without the congestion. But it could be a lot worse…
I hope you also enjoy this one – it’s a special read…
I hope you feel better very soon!
Me, too! I’m just prayin’ this country can feel better soon. 🙂
Yes – this is absolutely horrible…