birthstone book covers

Weekly Wrap-Up: 4/20 – 4/26

Hey everybody, and Happy Monday!

Last week was alright. It was better than the one before in that I read something, but there was still stuff going on for me. It’s been a rough month, honestly. Hopefully I can end on a higher note, though.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get on with the Weekly Wrap-Up!

Tuesday 4/21: Top Ten Tuesday

Last Tuesday, I participated in Top Ten Tuesday again for the first time in a few weeks. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly post currently hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. It celebrates lovely lists, wonderful books and the bookish community. The prompt for last week was April Showers.

Top Ten Tuesday: April Showers

Wednesday 4/22: Can’t-Wait Wednesday / WWW Wednesday

On Wednesday, I participated in Can’t-Wait Wednesday again. Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme currently hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings. It focuses on books you’re looking forward to reading, usually new releases.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday: An Arcane Study of Stars

I also participated in WWW Wednesday. WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme currently hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. It focuses on the Three Ws of Reading: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you’ll read next?

WWW Wednesday: 4/22

Sunday 4/26: Birthstone Book Covers

Yesterday, I participated in Birthstone Book Covers. Birthstone Book Covers is a fun little post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.

Each month, for the post, you feature book covers that are either the same color of the month’s birthstone or include the color in the title. This month was April, and its birthstone is diamond. So the color I picked was white.

Birthstone Book Covers: April 2026

Books I Read Last Week

Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, last week was okay. I’m hoping this week will at least be just as decent, but I’ve got something going on, so I might not be as on top of the blogging portion, and I’m not sure how much I’ll be up for reading. Hopefully everything is all good, though.

I’m not quite sure what I’m reading next, as I’m kind of in-between choices, but I’ll figure it out soon. For blogging this week, I want to participate in a few of my favorite weekly posts, and do a book review for Dungeon Crawler Carl, hopefully before the turn of the month.

Outside of books and blogging, everything is kind of the same as last week. I still haven’t gotten that IRL thing I mentioned last week resolved, but I should be getting it done this week.

Anyway, as always thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Birthstone Book Covers: April 2026

Hey. I hope everyone’s had a good weekend!

Leslie @ Books Are the New Black created a fun monthly post called Birthstone Book Covers. Each month, she features book covers that are either the same color of that month’s birthstone or include the color in the title.

Rules:

  • Mention the creater (Leslie @ Books Are the New Black) and link back to her so she can check out your post
  • Pick 5+ books covers that match the current month’s birthstone
  • HAVE FUN!
  • Nominate people if you want!

April had one birthstone: Diamond.

This one’s usually a little tougher for me, but this time around I didn’t really have any trouble. Anyway, I always go with white book covers, or at least have a fair amount of white on them.

Among the Beasts and Briars by Ashley Poston
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
The One by Kiera Cass
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne

What are your favorite books with white book covers? If you participated in Birthstone Books, which books did you choose this April?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have the most amazing day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 3/30 – 4/5

It’s a new week! Happy Monday everybody!

Last week was pretty good. My blog activity was really high; even though it wasn’t as strong during the second half of the week. I also read a new book, which I’m very happy about. Starting off April very well!

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get on with the Weekly Wrap-Up!

Monday 3/30: Birthstone Book Covers

Last Monday, I participated in Birthstone Book Covers. Birthstone Book Covers is a fun little post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.

Each month, for the post, you feature book covers that are either the same color of the month’s birthstone or include the color in the title. This month was March, and its birthstone is aquamarine. So the colors to pick from are shades of cyan.

Birthstone Book Covers: March 2026

Tuesday 3/31: Top Ten Tuesday

On Tuesday, I participated in Top Ten Tuesday for the first time in a couple of weeks. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly post currently hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. It celebrates lovely lists, wonderful books and the bookish community. The prompt for last week was Buzzwords or Phrases That Make Me Want to Read (or Avoid) a Book.

Top Ten Tuesday: Buzzwords or Phrases That Make Me Want to Read (or Avoid) a Book

Wednesday 4/1: Can’t-Wait Wednesday / WWW Wednesday

This past Wednesday, I participated in Can’t-Wait Wednesday again. Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme currently hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings. It focuses on books you’re looking forward to reading, usually new releases.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday: The Subtle Art of Folding Space

I also participated in WWW Wednesday. WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme currently hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. It focuses on the Three Ws of Reading: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you’ll read next?

WWW Wednesday: 4/1

Saturday 4/4: March Reading 2026

On Saturday, I posted my Monthly Reading Wrap-Up for March 2026. And I posted it even earlier than I did last month’s wrap-up! For those who don’t know, monthly wrap-ups are when I go over the books I read over the past month, as well as my stats over on The StoryGraph.

Monthly Wrap-Up: March Reading 2026

Sunday 4/5: Easter

Yesterday, it was Easter, so much like last year, I ended up not posting anything on the blog. But to those who celebrate, Happy Easter!! 🐇🐤🧺🥚 We had a great afternoon spending time with family – for us it’s one of the few times of the year when everyone is able to get together, so it’s important to me for pretty much that reason alone.

There were even a few more family members than usual, which made it extra special. Also, there was a lot of good food for dinner and some wonderful desserts. It was just a wonderful day in general.

Books I Read Last Week

Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, I’m pretty satisfied with everything I was able to do last week. I’m happy to have read a book, though I wouldn’t have minded reading a second one. The holiday made the weekend busy, however, and I had other stuff going on over the week, so I’m not that disappointed about it. I’m also really happy about the blogging I did. Five posts! Yay!

This week I want to participate in a couple of my favorite weekly posts, as well as post my review for A Widow’s Charm by Caitlyn Paxson. I also want to definitely post my list of most interesting new books of April 2026. I would’ve liked to do that this past week, but I ran out of time, unfortunately. And in regards to reading books, I want to finally start Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman next.

Outside of books and blogging, not much other than Easter went on last week. Other than that, nothing’s really changed. My spouse and I are still being healthier, and we’ve watched some stuff on and off, but other than that, not much.

Anyway, as always thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Birthstone Book Covers: March 2026

I’m cutting it a little close with this, but it isn’t even the last day of March yet, so I’m still in the clear. Ugh. I swore I wasn’t gonna be this late with this post anymore. Nothing for it now, I guess.

Anyway, Leslie @ Books Are the New Black created a fun monthly post called Birthstone Book Covers. Each month, she features book covers that are either the same color of that month’s birthstone or include the color in the title.

Rules:

  • Mention the creater (Leslie @ Books Are the New Black) and link back to her so she can check out your post
  • Pick 5+ books covers that match the current month’s birthstone
  • HAVE FUN!
  • Nominate people if you want!

March has one birthstone: Aquamarine.

This means book covers with lots of aquamarine. One of my favorite hues of cyan!

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A Time Traveler’s History of Tomorrow by Kendall Kulper
Seven Deadly Thorns by Amber Hamilton
Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown
Aquamarine & Indigo by Alice Hoffman
The Shattered Castle by Jennifer A. Nielsen

What are your favorite books with aqua book covers? If you participated in Birthstone Books, which books did you choose this March?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have the most amazing day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 2/16 – 2/22

Happy New Week! It’s slightly later than I usually aim for, but I’m here with last week’s Weekly Wrap-Up!

This past week was pretty prolific for me, particularly on the blog. My reading wasn’t too shabby either though – I started a new book! Either way, I’m pretty happy with last week’s stuff.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get on with the Weekly Wrap-Up!

Tuesday 2/17: January Reading 2026 / Top Ten Tuesday

Last Tuesday, I posted my Monthly Reading Wrap-Up for January 2026. Unfortunately, I posted it rather late in the month again. Ugh – I gotta stop that. For those who don’t know, monthly wrap-ups are when I go over the books I read over the past month, as well as my stats over on The StoryGraph.

Monthly Wrap-Up: January Reading 2026

I also participated in Top Ten Tuesday for the first time in a couple of weeks. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly post currently hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. It celebrates lovely lists, wonderful books and the bookish community. The prompt for last week was Books for Armchair Travelers, but I wasn’t feeling it, so I went with one from a TTT a couple of weeks ago that I missed – Book Covers Featuring Cool/Pretty/Unique/etc. Typography.

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Covers Featuring Pretty and/or Unique Typography

Wednesday 2/18: Can’t-Wait Wednesday

On Wednesday, I participated in Can’t-Wait Wednesday again – two weeks in a row. Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme currently hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings. It focuses on books you’re looking forward to reading, usually new releases.

Can’t-Wait Wednesday: The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox

Friday 2/20: First Line Friday

This past Friday, I participated in First Line Friday for the first time in a few weeks. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words. It’s where you guess what book the post is highlighting based on the book’s first words.

First Line Friday: 2/20

Sunday 2/22: Birthstone Book Covers

On Sunday, I participated in Birthstone Book Covers. Birthstone Book Covers is a fun little post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.

Each month, for the post, you feature book covers that are either the same color of the month’s birthstone or include the color in the title. This month was February, and its birthstone is amethyst. So the colors to pick from are shades of purple.

Birthstone Book Covers: February 2026

Books I Read Last Week

Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, last week was much better the week before. And two weeks ago as well, honestly. I hope to not only keep up the pace with what I managed to do this past week, but to hopefully surpass it. Just a little. As always, however, we’ll find out what happens.

In regards to my blogging for this week, I’m planning on at least one book review, participating in at least a couple of the usual posts I engage in, and possibly doing a Bewitching Book Covers post. I’m wanting to do at least three or four additional posts this week, aside from this one.

Concerning books and reading, I actually just finished up Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson, so I’ll be starting another book soon. And I’ve already decided which one – Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn. I’m pretty excited about it. And I’m also pretty certain I know what book I’m going to read after that one – Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drews. I’m also quite eager to read that one, too. After that, I’m not as sure, but I’m also reading Brighter Than Nine by June CL Tan (the sequel to Darker By Four) when it comes out. So that’s on the horizon.

Outside of books and blogging, not much else went on last week. Just my spouse and I trying to be healthier, but that’s pretty much it. As usual on weeks like that.

Anyway, as always thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Birthstone Book Covers: February 2026

It’s that time of the month again! Time for one of my favorite posts.

Leslie @ Books Are the New Black created a fun monthly post called Birthstone Book Covers. Each month, she features book covers that are either the same color of that month’s birthstone or include the color in the title.

February has one birthstone – Amethyst. Which means it’s time for purple book covers! I love purple!

Rules:
📚 Mention the creator (Leslie @ Books Are The New Black ) and link back to her so she can check out your post.
📚 Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
📚 HAVE FUN!
📚 Nominate people if you want!

Darker By Four by June CL Tan
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Hollow by Karina Halle
The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi
The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen
The Crown by Kiera Cass

What are your favorite books with purple book covers? If you participated in Birthstone Books, which books did you choose this February?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have the most amazing day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/19 – 1/25

Jeez, I can’t believe it’s been another week already. Oh well, time flies when you’re being relatively productive, I guess.

Last week wasn’t too bad, in regards to both my reading and my blog activity. I finished a book and reviewed it – and it was my first of both for the year too! I also managed to post a few times, and am happy with the amount of blog posts I was able to do. So yeah, a pretty good week overall.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get on with the Weekly Wrap-Up!

Wednesday 1/21: The Ashfire King Review

Last Wednesday, I finally posted my review for The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah. It’s the sequel to The Stardust Thief, as well as the second book in the Sandsea Trilogy. This one was a long time coming – but I finally read and reviewed it!

The book ended up being slower than I expected for a good portion of it, but I liked it overall. The plot and characters are still great, and the writing is as engaging as ever. I gave it ★★★★☆.

The Ashfire King Review

Thursday 1/22: Birthstone Book Covers

On Thursday, I participated in Birthstone Book Covers at a more reasonable time for the first time in months. Birthstone Book Covers is a fun little post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.

Each month, for the post, you feature book covers that are either the same color of the month’s birthstone or include the color in the title. This month was January, and its birthstone is garnet. So the colors to pick from are shades of red.

Birthstone Book Covers: January 2026

Friday 1/23: First Line Friday

Last Friday, I participated in First Line Friday for the first time in a few weeks. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words. It’s where you guess what book the post is highlighting based on the book’s first words.

First Line Friday: 1/23

The Books I Read Last Week

Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, my reading and blogging this past week was pretty good. I’m pretty happy with all that I did. I hope this week is just as good.

Concerning the blog this coming week, I want to participate in at least a couple of the usual weekly posts that I participate in as well as do a book review. So hopefully I’ll finish the book I’m about to start reading before the end of the week so that I can review it.

Speaking of what I’m planning to read next, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune. I already have it checked out from the library. I haven’t read any of his works in a couple of years, so I’m looking forward to it. This has actually been nebulously on my TBR for about a year, lol. I was going to read Water Moon and The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao, but I ended up not feeling either of them at the last second.

Being in late January, we’re now in the midst of winter, and it really displayed that in my area late last week. It snowed quite a bit, and said snow is still piled on the ground even now. It’s also been freezing cold and will continue to be for at least the next several days. Brrr. In other news, my spouse and I are still trying to be healthier.

Anyway, as always thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Birthstone Book Covers: January 2026

Another month, another bunch of birthstone colored book covers to showcase! It’s time for Birthstone Book Covers, this time posted at a reasonable time in the month.

Birthstone Book Covers is a fun monthly post created by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black. Each month, she features book covers that are either the same color of that month’s birthstone or include the color in the title.

January has one birthstone – Garnet. So shades of red for this month’s books!

Rules:

📚 Mention the creator (Leslie @ Books Are The New Black) and link back to her so she can check out your post.
📚 Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
📚 HAVE FUN!
📚 Nominate people if you want!

Wool by Hugh Howey
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
A New Darkness by Joseph Delaney
The Bronze Beasts by Roshani Chokshi
Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab

What are your favorite books with red covers? If you participated in Birthstone Book Covers, which books did you choose this January?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have the most amazing day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 12/22 – 12/28

I’m a little later than usual with this, but not too late. These last few weeks have just been flying by, as they usually do, and I’ve been a little busier since it’s the holiday season. But I still want to wrap up the past week.

Last week, I managed to post more than I usually do during the week of Christmas. I’m not quite sure how, though. These two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are always a little rough like that. But I did it somehow, and I’d at least like to match the number of posts from last week during this week. I also didn’t really read last week, but I’m not surprised or annoyed about that. I can’t remember the last time I was reading a book over the week of Christmas – it’s just not something I really do because it’s busy.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get on with the Weekly Wrap-Up!

Wednesday 12/24: Christmas Eve

Last Wednesday was the day before Christmas. So, to everyone who celebrates, here’s a belated Merry Christmas Eve!! 🦌🎅🔔🕯️ I didn’t really bake any cookies on this day this year like a normally do, but I still had a wonderful time with my spouse and dinner with my family. (I did do some baking this year, it was just on the Saturday before Christmas and one batch of Christmas Day itself. Christmas Eve just wasn’t the day this year.)

Thursday 12/25: Christmas Day / Birthstone Book Covers

On Thursday, I managed to squeeze a post out, so I got to wish everyone well on Christmas. But since I’m wrapping up the week, I’ll say it again: Merry Christmas!! 🎄🎁❄️🌟 I hope that everyone who celebrates had a great holiday. I spent more time with my family and some time with my husband’s family and it was really nice.

I was also able to post something before the day was out last Thursday. I participated in Birthstone Book Covers at a more reasonable time for the first time in months. Birthstone Book Covers is a fun little post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.

Each month, for the post, you feature book covers that are either the same color of the month’s birthstone or include the color in the title. This month was December, and its birthstones are tanzanite, zircon and turquoise. So the colors are all different shades of blue and cyan.

Birthstone Book Covers: December 2025

Friday 12/26: First Line Friday

Last Friday, I participated in First Line Fridays again. Two weeks in a row – almost a streak! First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words. It’s where you guess what book the post is highlighting based on the book’s first words.

First Line Friday: 12/26

Sunday 12/28: The Glass Scientists: Volume Three Review

On Sunday, I finally got my review out for the final volume of The Glass Scientists by S.H. Cotugno. And now I’m all caught up on my reviews! But yeah, I really enjoyed this story, both in its original form of a webcomic (that’s still finishing up) and the three graphic novels that came out of it, with their extra stuff. This was such a great reimagining of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Like the first two volumes, I gave it ★★★★★.

The Glass Scientists: Volume Three Review

Books I Read Last Week

Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, I ended up being more active on the blog than I thought I would, but my novel reading was pretty much the same as it usually is around Christmas – nearly non-existent. Oh well, maybe next year I’ll actually read around the holiday for once. We’ll see, I guess.

I’ve actually managed to pick a book to read next and I’m almost done with it. You’ll see what it is when I review it, hopefully later this week. After I’m done with it, though, I’m not sure which novel I’ll go with next. It’s still between most of the same books as it’s been, however.

For blogging this week, I want to get my end of the year post out, as well as either my December 2025 reading wrap-up or my list for the Most Interesting Looking Books of January 2026. And at least one more post to match last week’s amount of posting.

Regarding stuff outside books and blogging, it was pretty much just relaxing and Christmas stuff last week. Basically, what I expected, because it is the usual for that week. My spouse and I will focus on being healthier after the New Year. For now, it’s just holidays and relaxing.

Anyway, as always thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Birthstone Book Covers: December 2025

Merry Christmas!! 🎄🎁❄️🌟 It’s a little bit later in the month than I wanted to do this, but I’m participating in Birthstone Book Covers! I can’t believe it’s been three years since I’ve started joining in on this post. Time really flies!

Birthstone Book Covers is a fun monthly post created by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black. Each month, she features book covers that are either the same color of that month’s birthstone or include the color in the title.

December has three birthstones – Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. So shades of blue and cyan for this month’s books!

Rules:

📚 Mention the creator (Leslie @ Books Are The New Black) and link back to her so she can check out your post.
📚Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
📚 HAVE FUN!
📚 Nominate people if you want!

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson
How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

What are your favorite books with blue or cyan covers? If you participated in Birthstone Book Covers, which books did you choose this December?

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have the most amazing day/night!

See ya ~Mar