May Reading Summary

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May READING SUMMARY

Our flowers have definitely started to bloom. And June is soon here.
It’s that time to share what I have been reading this past month. I did not have as much variety in my reading this past month, not even reading any picture books. The total read for may was 24 books) with the following breakdown:

Fantasy –4
Historical – 1

Romance –10
Women’s Fiction – 3
Classics – 1
YA – 1
Memoir -1
Mystery –1
Inspirational – 2

Diverse books – 2

I decided this year to record in more detail where the books originated – from the library, on my TBR shelves, an e-book, bought /gifted or a charity read (Bought from a charity store). Here’s the breakdown
Library reads – 16
TBR books –2
e-books – 4
Charity reads – 1 (= $2 donated to St. Vincent De Paul)

Books won – 1

 

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I had planned as well to do a separate post for my Jane Austen Reading Challenge, but for now, I will post it here:
I finally (!) read Persuasion.

I also read these Austen :

The Jane Austen Marriage Manual by Kim Izzo

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:

Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)
13. Book published posthumously: Persuasion by Jane Austen
38. Book based on a true story: How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee

Adv. 6: Book with unusual Chapters:  Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 52 Books in 52 Weeks
31. Book everyone’s talking about: The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

 Monthly Key Word Challenge
The key word I chose this month was “You”

Unforgettable You by Brenda Novak

Tangled Up in You by Samantha Chase

 Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “One sitting reads”.

A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson

Save the Date by Susan Hatler

Diversify Your Reading
The genre was history and biography

How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee

  Just One More Pa(i)ge

The theme was Asian pacific Heritage Month

How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee

Connect Five
I will now be posting a separate post on any Connect Five books I read each month. My latest:  “List” in the title can be found here.

Favourite Books Read This Month
Once again, this was an excellent month for reading books that I rated a number of books a 5 at Goodreads.

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Lavender Blue by Donna Kaufman

The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle

The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan

A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Tangled Up in You by Samantha Chase

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

The Secret Letters of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S, Sharma

The book that moved me the most, was most disturbing but so informative was:

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How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee – a book about the “comfort women”, held against their will by the Japanese troops during WWII. So powerful!

 

June Goals
I hope to read more MG and YA novels this month as well as reading more books on my TBR shelves.

I plan to take part in 2 more challenges, which are running for the summer months only:

Summer Reading Challenge 2019 at the Messy Middle (Jun. 1 – Aug. 16)

2019 Summer reading Challenge at Early Bird Books  (May 27-Sept. 2)

There is another challenge as well, that runs from July 1- Oct. 31)

Book Challenge by Erin

 

I am linking with the following:

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Monthly Wrap-up (At Feed Your Fiction Addiction)

 

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Best of the Bunch (at a Cocoon of Books)

 

Monthly Review

 

 

 

 

WOW! Women on Writing Review: “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-Pierre

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I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Michelle Dim–St. Pierre’s book Bloody Coffee, which I read and am now reviewing.
(Please note: I received a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

I have not read Book 1 of Dim-St. Pierre’s “Pinnacle” series but I was quickly drawn into this tale full of secrets, distrust, lies and even betrayal.

Leigh is an interesting character, hurt by the lies her mother has told her all her life, but determined to find out the truth.

We meet many different people, both in New York and Israel, where the action takes place. We travel with Leigh as she goes to Israel several times, the country where her mother was born. We get to see glimpses of life in Jerusalem as well. We definitely learn about the legal system in Israel, which Leigh must maneuver through.

The anger and distrust leigh has for her mother drives her to continue the search, even when others try to discourage her.  There is even a budding romance.

The ending leaves us wondering – what will Leigh do now – about Sloan, Dankner and even her mother?

I enjoyed this book and the mystery Leigh is trying to solve. I’d like to read book 3 next to see the conclusion to this suspenseful novel.

 

 

About the Book:

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A complex, suspenseful, and engrossing tale of doubts, trust, budding romance, and two bullets.

Eighteen-year-old Leigh arrives at a Tel Aviv hospital, seeking information about her probable father, Dr. Sloan, who had a cardiac arrest right after they met for the first time. As she stands next to her father’s bed and watches him, her past, present and future collide. Despite the advice of those around her, Leigh decides to face the challenges of the legal system in Israel. She obtains a court order for a paternity test and confronts Sloan. During her quest to find the truth about her biological father, Leigh is exposed to violent religious intolerance, faces life in a country where church and state are not separate, and meets the man who may be her first true love. Will she change her view of the world she thought she knew? Will she forgive her mother? Will a gunshot change her attitude towards her probable father? And, what will she say to Steve, the only father she ever really had?

· Paperback: 332 pages

· Publisher: Mountain Abor Press; 1st edition (April 22, 2019)

· ISBN-10: 163183522X

· ISBN-13: 978-1631835223

 

About the Author:  

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Michelle Dim-St. Pierre was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, where she spent more than half of her life before relocating to the United States.

She lived through four wars and served in the Israel Defense Forces for two years. Unlike her first year of service in an armored division in the Golan Heights, she served her second year serving in the medical corps where she interacted directly with the injured soldiers of the Peace of Galilee war and their families. This interaction, along with the exposure to the hospital atmosphere, fascinated Michelle and further touched her heart.  She went on to get a BS degree in Nursing in Tel-Aviv, and practiced internationally for 32 years in various positions in the surgical field and quickly advanced into health care administration. During her career she worked in the Operating Room, Recovery Room, and CCU—along with many other duties.

Writing was Michelle’s outlet at first, but it soon became her passion. Now, she is a full-time writer. Her international background, along with her military and nursing experience is always at the tip of her pen. Her first novel, Pinnacle Lust, started the Pinnacle trilogy and won the Beach Book Festival in the Romance category, as well as received several honorable mentions in other book contests. It was published to rave reviews.

Michelle is a world traveler who enjoys cooking epicurean food and creating original recipes. She currently splits her time between Florida and Georgia, where she is at work on her next two books.

Find Michelle Online:

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13199731.Michelle_Dim_St_Pierre

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25048045-pinnacle-

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Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDimStPierre/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dim-st-pierre-

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Website(s):

www.MichelleDimStPierre.com

www.PinnacleLust.com

www.BloodyCoffeeBook.com

Buy the Book:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/163183522X?ref=myi_title_dp

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloody-coffee-michelle-dim-st-pierre/1131320894?ean=2940161424711

Apple Store: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1461500705

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bloody-coffee

Publisher: https://www.shop.booklogix.com/Bloody-Coffee-Hardcover-20881-HC.htm

———-Blog Tour Dates

Launch Day – May 13th

Michelle Dim-St. Pierre launches her tour of “Bloody Coffee” with an interview and giveaway at the Muffin!

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 14th @ Jill Sheets

Jill Sheets hosts Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with a guest post about Michelle’s writing process. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about “Bloody Coffee” and this successful author!

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com

May 16th @ BreakEven Books

Today’s author spotlight at BreakEven books is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling novel “Bloody Coffee” – a psychological thriller!

https://breakevenbooks.com/

May 17th @ Reviews by Deb

Deb Blanchard reviews “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and shares her thoughts with friends on Facebook and Goodreads!

https://www.facebook.com/Reviews-by-Deb-1737715249887520/

May 20th @ Coffee with Lacey

Lacey delights her readers with her review of “Bloody Coffee” – this is thrilling novel readers can’t get enough of – find out more about Lacey’s thoughts and Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s book by stopping at Coffee with Lacey today!

https://coffeewithlacey.com/

May 21st @ Amanda Diaries

Amanda L. Sanders offers her review of “Bloody Coffee”. Readers will delight in learning more about this fast-paced mystery!

https://amandadiaries.com/

May 22nd @ The Muffin

Crystal Otto from WOW! Women on Writing couldn’t put down “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and she can’t wait to tell readers of the Muffin about this absolute must read thriller! Today is Michelle’s birthday – will Crystal give her a 5 Star Present? Stop by to find out!

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina

Fellow author Anthony Avina gives a raving review after reading Michelle Dim-St. Pierre’s thrilling mystery “Bloody Coffee” – readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear Anthony’s insight into this must read novel!

https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

May 27th @ Beverley A. Baird

Michelle Dim-St. Pierre has done it again with another best seller – this time it’s a mystery/thriller called “Bloody Coffee” and Beverley A. Baird can’t wait to tell readers all about it in her review! This is a complex and suspenseful mystery readers will be excited to get their hands on!

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 28th @ Deal Sharing Aunt

Vicki, the Deal Sharing Aunt, shares her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about “Bloody Coffee”!

http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

May 29th @ Margo Dill

Editor and Author Margo Dill couldn’t wait to read “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Stop by her blog today and read her review about this thrilling new release!

https://editor-911.com/articles

May 30th @ Sreevarsha  Sreejith

“Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre travels all the way to France today as Sreevarsha Sreejith reviews this mystery and shares her thoughts with readers at her book blog!

https://sreejithsreevarsha.wordpress.com/

June 3rd @ World of My Imagination

Nicole Pyles couldn’t put down this 5 star read – let’s hear her review of “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Readers will delight as they put this mystery/thriller on their TBRPile!

https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

June 5th @ Bring on Lemons with Tara Forst

Wisconsin business woman and mother, Tara Forst is a friend of WOW! and is excited to talk about her thoughts after reading “Bloody Coffee” by Michelle Dim-St. Pierre. Don’t miss this review and giveaway!

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

June 6th @ Cassandra’s Writing World

Stop by Cassandra’s Writing World to hear more about Michelle Dim-St. Pierre and her latest best seller “Bloody Coffee” as Cassandra shares her review with readers!

http://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

June 7th @ Choices with Madeline Sharples

The author spotlight at Choices today is Michelle Dim-St. Pierre with her latest bestselling thriller “Bloody Coffee” – readers won’t want to miss an opportunity to learn more about this fabulous novel!

http://madelinesharples.com/

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Can you read a series in a Month? Challenge

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When I saw this challenge hosted at “Because Reading is Better than Real Life” , I wasn’t sure if I would be able to read a series this month as I had a number of books I wanted to finish/read.

But when I picked up a book at a thrift shop by Jennifer Armentrout and read it, I knew I had to read the whole series.

This paranormal YA series intrigued me with its take on demons, angels and gargoyles. Sounds strange but was actually a fun read. Loved the imagination behind the writing.

Dark Elements Series

White Hot Kiss                Stone Cold Touch        Every Last Breath

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Slice of Life Tuesday

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Today is Slice of Life Tuesday – the weekly writing challenge hosted at “Two Writing Teachers”

 

I was checking blog posts from favourite bloggers tonight when I came across Joanne Goddard’s of “A Cup of Jo“.

She asked the question: What makes you come alive?

It really stopped me short and made me think.

She included Mary Oliver’s famous words (words really to live by!)

Instructions for living a life.

               Pay attention.

               Be astonished.

               Tell about it.

SOL is just that – telling about something we have paid attention to.

Joanne’s shared a list of things that brought her joy and encouraged us to do the same – to list the things that make us feel, or come alive.

 

Here’s my list:

*Hearing my granddaughter laugh

Seeing her discover something new

Hugs and kisses

Snuggling on the couch

Talking with my husband, kids and grandkids

Looking at pictures of family & friends on Instagram & Facebook

Making art

Walking along the beach with water lapping my feet, looking for shells

Playing cards with friends

Getting lost in a good book

Hearing my favourite music

Being caught up ion a mesmerizing stage play

Beautiful flowers

Seeing a beautiful sunset, in an array of colours

 

There are so many things to notice, relish, to enjoy – that fill you with joy. You just have to keep your eyes open!

Connect 5

 

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Looking through my reading journal the past couple of months looking for book connections, i realized i had finally read 5 books published in 2019. And, they were so good as well.

Suddenly Mine by Samantha Chase

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A romance novel by one of my favourite authors about new beginnings.

 

The Cliff House by Rae Anne Thayne

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Women’s fiction with a story of two sisters, the aunt that raised them and a secret. Well told!

 

Unforgettable You by Brenda Novak

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This is the 5 novel in the Silver Springs series – a story about family, loss and second chances.

 

Lavender Blue by Donna Kauffman

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Two grieving people and a chance to find love.

 

99 Per Cent Mine by Sally Thorne

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What happens when the forbidden crush is free and you decide to stay put?

 

Connect 5 is a most enjoyable reading challenge. The fun is in the hunt – how can you connect five books?  Check here to take part.