Skip to main content

Palate Cleansers

small plate of lime sorbet on top of larger blue plate with a lime wedge and a metal spoon

Partially inspired by summer and partially because I like eating, I was thinking about the role of palate cleansers between courses of food, notably sorbet. I really enjoy the reset that the palate cleansers provide, allowing for a richer sense of taste to come with the next dish.

In terms of reading, I admit that I have had a lot of ARCs to read this year. I've read close to 30 ARCs so far and have another 20 or so to go. I'm by no means complaining as I really enjoy reading; however, I can attest to a bit of fatigue from trying to get in as much reading as possible to meet release deadlines. It doesn't quite feel like work yet, but I will admit that when the ARCs are back-to-back, it can be a little hard to continually be motivated.

As a result, I've been looking forward to setting aside a month to take a break from ARC commitments and to just enjoy whatever titles come my way and to make more of a dent in my TBR pile. While I will continue to try to meet a few upcoming deadlines and receive ARCs I've been waiting for, I want to take a break and see what books strike my mood in the moment. August will be a nice breather as I hope to finally make my way through the Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer!

In between a few ARCs right now, I've also resorted to some guilty pleasures to keep the momentum going, which have included some historical novellas. These have been fun bites of sorbet, and a great way to escape being sick this summer. I have a soft spot for novellas as they're a nice way to feel accomplished, but also lovely for becoming acquainted with authors' writing styles. I'm hopeful that these little spurts will help me reach the finish line for some upcoming books!

I wonder if anyone else treats guilty pleasure reading the same way that I do 😄

(To be clear, I'm not saying that ARCs require a cleansing experience afterwards. Just that a little variety makes the full reading experience even better!)

Comments

  1. I am probably doing the Restful August challenge already. Not sure if this is considered a reading slump but I’ve been reading novellas for two straight weeks or shorter books (less than 200 pages) it’s kinda weird but I’m loving being able to read more than one book a week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's wonderful! Novellas have kept me going as well :) It is a nice sense of accomplishment, and it feels less daunting. I hope you're enjoying your restful summer reading!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Singing Through Fire

I actually didn't know if I would be able to read this book in time for its release but from the moment I started, I couldn't help but keep on going until I knew the full story. Singing Through Fire by Lara Silverman is not only a captivating memoir, but it is so worshipful that I couldn't help but pray along as I read her story. If you're interested in this book before release date, you can visit Lara's form to receive the book order link on August 26, 2025. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What if you fall in love on the brink of death? Singing Through Fire invites readers into the Job-like true story of a young woman who loses everything—and dares to ask why a good God allows it. When Stanford Law graduate Lara Palanjian collapses on her dream job, she never imagines it will lead to four years bedridden—or to the love of her life. Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and...

Review: The Call of Living Water - Refuge #1

Be still, my missions-loving heart! This is hands-down, one of the best fictional books I've read on this theme, and I cannot gush enough about it. The Call of Living Water by Alexis M. Melvin is a new book that will be released on August 23, 2025 and  if I had to suggest a Christian fiction title that could make a difference in your walk with God this summer, it would be this one. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : tribal sacrifices, martyrdom Book Synopsis When the God of Living Water calls, will Suái be willing to risk her life and the lives of everyone she loves to answer? Deep in the jungle of Paraguay, Suái’s tribe worships indifferent gods who withhold the life-giving rain unless their worshippers make costly sacrifices. However, when a missionary arrives speaking of the loving God of Living Water, Suái’s curiosity leads her down a dangerous path. Thrust into a new life with p...

Review: No Stone Unturned - The Bluestocking Society #1

Seeing so many glowing reviews about No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde after it was released, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to still read a copy while it was available. Not only did the cover captivate me, I'm thrilled that its content was just as engaging as I envisioned it would be. Many thanks to  Tyndale House Publishers  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman r...