Greetings once again from West Texas. I returned to Plainview on Wednesday afternoon, just in time to begin professional development in preparation for another semester of teaching. As a result of driving from Arkansas over two days, I spent a lot of time in the car. That means much of my reading this week was in the form of audiobooks. I’m continuing to make progress in my physical reads…..well, sort of making progress. The current brick that is in my reading rotation may be the death of me!
What I Finished This Week
Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble. This audiobook was with me through most of my drive back to West Texas this week. The story focuses on Mallory, a single mother who is trying to discover what happened on her father’s boat that ultimately led to his sudden death. This one is full of intrigue with lots of twists and turns. However, now that I had read Coble’s previous book in the Sunset Cove series, I saw things coming a little more clearly. Still, a fun read. 3.75 stars.
Twilight at Blueberry Barrens by Colleen Coble. It seems that audiobooks are the only thing I can finish this week! The conclusion to the Sunset Cove series, Twilight focuses on Kate’s story. With her father, mother, and uncle all serving time, Kate is convinced that she is destined to be alone. However, it appears that she has a stalker who wants to take advantage of her loneliness. Enter Drake, the handsome Boston entrepreneur who finds himself falling in love with Kate. Can the two find their way through the obstacles of their relationship while keeping Kate and Drake’s nieces safe? I found the conclusion of the series to be very fulfilling and enjoyed how the loose ends were all tied up. 4 stars.
What I’m Currently Reading
Mona’s Eyes by Thomas Schlesser (p. 382 of 446). I thought I would finish this novel before I had to post my weekly update, but it didn’t quite happen. I have really enjoyed watching Mona learn more about herself, her family, and her place in the world as she and her grandfather explore the masterpieces housed in Paris. It’s a lovely read.
The Inferno by Dante Alighieri (p. 287 of 387). My descent into Hell took a back seat again this week. I’m finding myself looking forward to seeing the sinners frozen around Satan himself. So the cantos leading up to that momentous image are becoming a bit of a drudge to plow through. There are only so many times that I can imagine people tormented in rivers of various kinds.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (p. 290 of 1304). Travel was not kind to my reading of this massive tome this week. I enjoyed seeing Valjean’s distress as he tried to decide if he should come forward so a falsely accused man would not have to face a life sentence he did not deserve. I was horrified as Fantine’s death occurred so suddenly. Repeatedly, I found myself recalling images from the stage productions I have seen over the years as I read the most visually stunning scenes. As I approach the passages describing the scenes of carnage in the wake of Waterloo, I am struggling to proceed. There are other works calling my name and I’m ready for some lighter reading in my world. Here’s hoping that I can get back on track this week.
Reading for Me 
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