just finished: Last week I reviewed the latest book in Vivien Chien’s superfun Noodle Shop murder mystery series. In between that one, Peking Duck and Cover, and the previous book, Misfortune Cookie, she wrote a novella. It’s called Gone to Hot Pot, and it’s a fun mystery where Lana is out of town and her dog Kikkoman gets out and goes missing. If you’re a fan of this series, you should check out this light read, as there are some interesting moments that point to some future happenings in Asia Village (which I am hoping come to fruition in her next book, The Chow Maniac, available next April).

currently reading: Lynh Ly Is Doing Just Fine, about a 27-year-old woman whose life is changing in almost every way. Her parents got divorced, and her mother is dating again. Her job has turned remote after a traumatic event at the office. And her best friend is moving away. She’s having a quarter-life crisis and has to figure out how to deal with it all. I’m listening to this one, and narrator Eunice Wong is definitely toying with my emotions here. This one isn’t as lighthearted as I thought it might be, but it is a very interesting story.

I’ve also started reading the new book by Elena Armas, The Fiancé Dilemma. Last year she wrote The Long Game, a soccer rom com that I loved so much I wanted to start reading it again as soon as I’d finished it. This one is set in the same world, only it’s all about the coffee shop owner, part-time mayor, and all-around busy woman Josie Moore. I loved her in The Long Game, so having her own story told is all I need to know I’m all in for this book. But add in the fact that she’s been engaged four times and broke up with them all? Are you hearing those church bells from Runaway Bride, from when Julia Roberts was hanging on the rope and Richard Gere was standing there saying, “Sanctuary.” Can you hear that? Because I can, and I am loving this! (Clearly, I adored the movie. As I do with most movies that include Joan Cusack in the cast list.) Anyway, the book. Josie is backed into a corner, and when Matthew shows up (he’s the best friend of Adalyn, from The Long Game), she invents a fifth engagement in a desperate moment. He goes along, and just like that, they’re in a big vat of trouble together. You don’t have to read The Long Game to understand what’s going on in The Fiance Dilemma, but I recommend reading The Long Game just because it’s so good. This one is out Tuesday, and rom communists (Ted Lasso throwback, because of the soccer in The Long Game) will want to put this one the list right away.

up next: I have gotten so many galleys for Christmas books the last couple of weeks. This is still a hot topic, as Hallmark Christmas movie fans probably already know. So soon I will be buried in mistletoe, ugly sweaters, grinches, and love, and I will be so happy! But if I get tired of those, I may have picked up a few interesting novels at my local Half Price Books this weekend, so I’m covered. How about you?