November 2018: Recap + On My Shelves
Dec 10, 2018
Does this mean I'm finally back on track? Not quite, since I'm still four months behind on Quick Lit posts. But it's a start! And honestly, it's hard for me to believe that it's December now. Where did the year go?
1. My (Mostly) Finished Library – In my October recap, I mentioned that Nick built me bookshelves. In November, I finally got them all filled in. It took me a little time to unpack my books, decide how to arrange them, and then find things to style the shelves. Now I just need a rug and window treatments. It's my favorite room in the house!
2. Thankful for My People – My sweet boy and I both caught colds in November that went away, came back, and then lingered. And so we spent more time than normal up at home, watching movies, reading books and just all cuddled up. But I'm thankful for that time, and that Nick was in town, because it was nice to rest and relax together.
3. #OperationGoPeachGo – Kelly came to visit at the end of the month, and the week passed in a blur. She got to see my new house, enjoy my library, and shop in bookstores all over Georgia. She had quite the book haul to send home! I'm so thankful for our friendship that is both silly and sweet. If only she'd move to Georgia...
Read 30 Books | Favorites:
The Hathaways Series by Lisa Kleypas
Strange the Dreamer (and Muse of Nightmares) by Laini Taylor
All Fall Down and All Aces by Ellie Marney
The Rules of Scoundrels series by Sarah MacLean
“You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.”
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
“And do not ever waste your breath again with more of that 'lost cause' nonsense.
Consider yourself found.”
The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
“It was finally becoming clear to her that love wasn't about finding someone perfect to marry.
Love was about seeing through to the truth of a person,
and accepting all their shades of light and dark. Love was an ability.”
Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas
“When I give you away at the altar, Bea, I want you to remember something.
I'm not really giving you away. I'm merely allowing him the chance
to love you as much as the rest of us do.”
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
“I carry thoughts of you like my own personal constellation. How far away you are,
my dearest friend, but no farther than those fixed stars in my soul.”
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
“I didn't mean to send love letters, but that is what they became.
On their way to you, my words turned into heartbeats on the page.”
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
“I think you’re a fairy tale. I think you’re magical, and brave, and exquisite.
And I hope you'll let me be in your story.”
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
“Once upon a time there was a silence that dreamed of becoming a song,
and then I found you, and now everything is music.”
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
“And that's what it's about, isn't it? Love?
Love's about making it last, making it stick, making it count -
even when it hurts, when times are hard, when people change, when life changes them.
If you love someone, then you have to want to love them, whoever they are.”
We Are All Made of Stars by Rowan Coleman
“It seems as if you see me exactly as I wish to be seen. There is no greater gift than that.”
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Love wants the best for others. Attachment takes hostages.”
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
“And do not ever waste your breath again with more of that 'lost cause' nonsense.
Consider yourself found.”
The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
“It was finally becoming clear to her that love wasn't about finding someone perfect to marry.
Love was about seeing through to the truth of a person,
and accepting all their shades of light and dark. Love was an ability.”
Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas
“When I give you away at the altar, Bea, I want you to remember something.
I'm not really giving you away. I'm merely allowing him the chance
to love you as much as the rest of us do.”
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
“I carry thoughts of you like my own personal constellation. How far away you are,
my dearest friend, but no farther than those fixed stars in my soul.”
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
“I didn't mean to send love letters, but that is what they became.
On their way to you, my words turned into heartbeats on the page.”
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
“I think you’re a fairy tale. I think you’re magical, and brave, and exquisite.
And I hope you'll let me be in your story.”
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
“Once upon a time there was a silence that dreamed of becoming a song,
and then I found you, and now everything is music.”
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
“And that's what it's about, isn't it? Love?
Love's about making it last, making it stick, making it count -
even when it hurts, when times are hard, when people change, when life changes them.
If you love someone, then you have to want to love them, whoever they are.”
We Are All Made of Stars by Rowan Coleman
“It seems as if you see me exactly as I wish to be seen. There is no greater gift than that.”
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Love wants the best for others. Attachment takes hostages.”
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Not one single thing! Struggle. In case you were wondering, that's how I was able to read 30 books in November. I basically ignored every other hobby / activity that I enjoy. But I think I've found my blogging mojo – and a little more balance in my reading life – and am hoping to end the year on a high note. I love end of the year recaps, which was good motivation to finally open my computer.
I had several favorite photos in November, but I think this one tops the list. I was so excited to finally get a letter board (a navy 10x10 one from Felt Like Sharing) and knew exactly what quote I wanted on it as soon as it arrived. It always makes me smile when I see it, and I'm already brainstorming what I'll do next. • @soobsessedblog
Favorite Song #1: "Beloved" by Mumford and Sons
I'm familiar with a few popular Mumford and Sons songs, but that's about it.
This popped up on my Spotify Release Radar playlist, and I was hooked. It's so good!
Favorite Song #2: "Between You and Me" by Betty Who
This is another artist that I only listen to sporadically, but I was loving this song in November.
It's just so catchy! I should probably listen to more of her older stuff.
Favorite Album: B Sides by Brooke Fraser
I've been a fan of Brooke Fraser for a while and was excited when I saw this release.
I prefer the new music on here to the live songs and demos, but it's still a great listen overall.
Bodyguard, Season 1, starring Richard Madden and Sophie Rundell – I picked this for Nick and I to watch, and it was SO GOOD. There were several times that I felt like I wasn't following the story (or found myself zoning out a little), but it won me over by the end. Rachard Madden was great, and I want to rewatch it in the future!
Sex and the City, Season 4, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon – After tearing through the first three seasons in October, I finally slowed down a little and only finished the fourth in November. I continue to cringe at the sex but love the friendship feels, so there's nothing new to report here.
The Princess Switch (2018) starring Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladino and Nick Sagar – I didn't used to watch many holiday movies, but Kelly has converted me. She's a Hallmark addict during Christmas, and it's rubbed off on me. This Netflix movie was cheesy and required so much suspension of disbelief... but also, it was fun? Haha!
Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia (2018) – After the twists and turns of The Bodyguard, Nick and I were in the mood to laugh. I loved Noah's 2017 comedy special on Netflix, so I was excited to see he had a new one in November. It definitely didn't disappoint! He makes me laugh and think, which is the best kind of comedy.
Used Bookstores #1: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Column of Fire and World Without End by Ken Follett, Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, We Are All Made of Stars by Rowan Coleman, Anne of Green Gables (x2) by L.M. Montgomery, We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter, Season of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Used Bookstores #2: Just Like Heaven, A Night Like This, The Sum of All Kisses, The Secret of Sir Richard Kenworthy, The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, What Happens in London and Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn, Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean, The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes, Wilde in Love, Too Wilde to Wed and Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James, and Christmas in Snowflake Canyon and The Cottages on Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne
Used Bookstore #3: Lorna Doone by R.D. Blakemore, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, and England Under the Stuarts by G.M. Trevelyn
From Kelly: Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor, Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh, and The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright
For Review: The Huntress by Kate Quinn and Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Audible: Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
NetGalley: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton, I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella, and Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Kindle: The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
Kindle: Devil in Winter, Dreaming of You and Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas, A Rogue by Any Other Name and One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean
