Fortnightly Update #23: Destination Destressed

I've been completely out of sorts this week- it started as tired apprehension pre-Election Day, and post-Election Day, let's say I'd rather have eaten bars of chocolate than talked (or even mentioned) books. Between my chronic illnesses, politics, and cloudy days, I was in a grumpy mood for much of the week, and other than the therapeutic cleaning I did, I didn't get much done.

Recent Acquisitions (or the Piling of the-Piles):

the-pile Additions:

None!

the-invisible-pile Additions:

None!

Currently Reading:

The Blood Mirror (Lightbringer, #4) by Brent Weeks 

I plan on adding another (lighter) read to my currently reading pile, as this one is dark and I can only take so much of that these days, 

Finished These Books:

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

A novella-length classic about vampires that predates Dracula, Carmilla won me over with its concise length. However, it did have racism, so the rating was knocked back. 

The Mage's Daughter (Nine Kingdoms #2) by Lynn Kurland

I really enjoyed this one, despite some of the parts of it being a bit too convenient for the plot, and the heroine changing a bit from the previous book. I think I might read the next book in the series soon, because these are traditional (rather happy) fantasies with just enough romance.

All the Stars Look Down (Elemental Mysteries #4.5) by Grace Draven and Elizabeth Hunter

This holiday-themed novella set was on sale for Kindle, and since it features two of my favorite indie authors, I snapped it up. Both of these have paranormal romance stories set during the holiday season, and one of them features a special needs child (in a realistic manner). I preferred All the Stars, as it was more standalone and had its own unique world- Look Down is part of the Elemental Mysteries series, which I'm not too fond of (though many people would beg to differ). 

In My Life:

To destress, as I've been in a terrible mood even pre-Election Day, I'm slowly beginning to decorate the house for Christmas. As I'm in a worse state physically than last year, it takes me twice as long to do anything that involves walking, reaching, and/or standing still. Mostly, Christmas decorating involves sorting through all the stuff my mother and I have accumulated and putting out what looks best. Also, I'm mad at my plant minions, because despite the fact it's November 13th, they still haven't died yet, which means I still have to hobble about to water them. If you want good, consistent exercise, make sure to have a lot of potted plants... and not live in a cold climate.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!