September Reading Round-Up

Hard to believe that fall is here and October begins tomorrow.
It’s that time to share what I have been reading this past month.
The total read for September was 32 books with the following breakdown:

Fantasy –5
Historical Romance– 8
Romance – 9
Women’s Fiction – 3
Classics – 0
MG – 1
PB – 2
NF – 1
Poetry – 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 – 22
TBR books –2
e-books – 8
Charity reads – 0

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:

Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)
As I near the end of books to finish this challenge, I have slowed down a bit only 1 this month.
18 – Someone with superpowers – Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

52 Books in 52 Weeks
I was able to cross off 2 for this challenge this month.
41 – Suggested by Someone in challenge – The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
51 – Organized crime/mob: Not a favourite read at all so I stretched it a bit and read 3 MC books:
Slashes in the Snow by M. Never
Slow Burn by Autumn Jones Lake
Striker by Lily Atlas

Monthly Key Word Challenge
I chose 2 key words this month:
Book: The Book of Summer by Michelle Gable
School: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “Animal, Number, Color, Name in the Title” and I was able to read a book or books for each:
Animal: The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
Number: Fifty Ways to Feed Your Soul by Rosemary Cunningham
Color: Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews   and  Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
Name: Tara by Ginny Baird

Beyond the Bookends
The theme was “the next book in a series”.
I read 3 books in Anne Bishop’s “The Others” series: Vision in Silver, Marked in Flesh and Etched in Bone
I also read the “Rules of Scoundrels “series by Sarah MacLean: A Rogue by Any Other Name, One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, No Good Duke Goes Unpunished, Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover

Diversify Your Reading
The genre was Non-fiction: I read 2 NF books:
Anthony Bourdain Remembered by CNN
Fifty Ways to Feed Your Soul by Rosemary Cunningham

Connect Five
I post a separate post on any Connect Five books I read each month.

Books by Anne Bishop – “The Others” – /
Books by Sarah MacLean 
4 Letters in the Title 

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. I’ll list my favourite authors this month, along with their books:
Anne Bishop (fantasy) – Vision in Silver, Marked in Flesh and Etched in Bone
Sarah MacLean (historical fiction) – A Rogue by Any Other Name, One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, No Good Duke Goes Unpunished, Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover
Ilona Andrews -Sapphire Flames
Susan Wiggs – The Oysterville Sewing Circle
Lynda Mullaly Hunt (MG) – Shouting at the Rain
Also enjoyed these two women’s fiction novels:
The Book of Summer by Michelle Gable
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

October Goals
I plan to read mystery books this month and more books on my TBR shelves. I also need to read more books for the Popsugar and 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenges.

 

 

I am linking with the following:

Monthly Wrap-up (At Feed Your Fiction Addiction)

 

Best of the Bunch (at A Cocoon of Books)

 

Monthly Review

Spread the Love (at As Told by Tina)

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

Time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme IMWAYR at Book Date where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week

What I’ve Read This Past Week
Last week was again a good reading week with several genres read, from historical romance to fantasy to romance to MG to NF

Here are the books I read:

 

Anthony Bourdain Remembered by CNN

This was a  true celebration of him, full of  engaging quotes and wonderful photos.

 

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

I’ve been waiting months for this latest in their fantasy Hidden Legacy series – it was so worth the wait! And now I have to wait a mlong while for the next in the series!

 

Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

This was such a powerful, moving middle grade novel.

 

The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

A humorous, enjoyable historical romance, with a new author I aim to follow (with more books to this series to read!)

 

Tara by Ginny Baird

A sweet romance, where love blossoms after a note in a bottle is found.

 

Slashes in the Snow 

An MC romance, that was surprisingly good.

 

What I’m Reading Now

Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery

Dear Mother by Bunmi Laditan  Still reading this book of poetry celebrating motherhood.

What’s Up Next

Lake Silence by Anne Bishop

Blue Future by Maude Barlow

More books by Tessa Dare

 

Connect Five – 4 Letter Titles

The Connect 5 reading challenge hosted at “The Book Date” urges us to connect five books in some way.

I am working on several connections now and finally finished one tonight –

Books that have 4 letter titles.

 

Here are the books read for this connection:

3 romances:

Tara by Ginny Baird
A sweet romance, where love blossoms after a note in a bottle is discovered, my favourite of the group.

 

Tank by M. Malone

 

Stay by Allie Larkin

 

 

2 Science Fictions (sexy, mail-order brides for aliens :

Kash by Susan Hayes

 

Axen by Arcadia Shield

Top Ten Tuesday – MY Fall TBR

This week for “Top Ten Tuesday” – the weekly meme hosted at “That Artsy Reader Girl” – asks:

 

What is on my Fall TBR list?

Several of the books on this list are books that have been on former lists. Now they must be read!

1.  Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood I have to finally finish it if I want to read her sequel.

2. The Better Man by Louise Penny

3. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

4. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

5. Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

6. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

7. The Alchemist by Paul Coehlo

8. Becoming by Michelle Obama

9. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

10. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

 

When I completed the list, I realized many were dystopian or fantasy. many of these are also meant to fulfill categories for several reading challenges I participate in.

I know I will read quite a few more books, in different genres but these are the must-read books for the next three months.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Time again for Kathryn’s weekly meme IMWAYR at Book Date where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week

What I’ve Read
Last week was a very good reading week – in fact, I rated all these books a 5 on Goodreads.

Here are the books I read:

Four historical fiction romances by Sarah MacLean. I have so enjoyed the scoundrels in her series and the women they engage with. It was definitely a binge of historical romance reading!

A Rogue by Any Other Name

One Good Earl Deserves a Love

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished

Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover

 

In Shining Armor by Elliott James
This is the fourth book in this urban fantasy series of the Pax Arcana, which I finally finished and enjoyed

!

The Book of Summer by Michelle Gable
I really enjoyed the switch between the various timelines and the use of the guest book to learn about past characters.

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
An interesting, enjoyable book, looking at the interactions of the 8 students who attend Lillian’s cooking classes in her restaurant.

 

What I’m Reading Now
Legend Has It by Elliott James The last book in the series.

Dear Mother by Bunmi Laditan A lovely book of poetry celebrating motherhood.

Anthony Bourdain Remembered by CNN   Still shocked by his death – this is a true celebration of him.

 

What’s Up Next

Lake Silence by Anne Bishop

Rules of Rain by Leah Scheier

Connect 5 – Books by Sarah MacLean

The Connect 5 reading challenge hosted at “The Book Date” urges us to connect five books in some way.

I had seen a recommendation for Sarah MacLean’s historical romances and so I ordered a couple from the library – the first of two series. Well, I read the first at the end of August and was hooked. I quickly read through one series and have started work on the second series. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed a good historical romance.

The first series, “Scandal and Scoundrel”, follows the scandals of the Talbot sisters and the men they become involved with.

 

The Rogue Not Taken

A Scot in the Dark

The Day of the Duchess

 

I have read one of the Bareknuckle Bastards and thoroughly enjoyed it

Brazen and the Beast

 

I am now working on the “Rules of Scoundrels” series, about the men who run “The Fallen Angel” and the women who get involved with them. I just finished:

A Rogue by Any Other Name

 

I

It’s Monday. What Are You Reading?

Time again for Kathryn’s weekly meme IMWAYR at Book Date where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week

What I’ve Read
Last week was a good reading week. Here are the books I read:

The Chai Factor by Farah Heron
A diverse romance, where hate turns to love.

 

The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
Wiggs is one of my favourite authors and she doesn’t disappoint in this women’s fiction. Loved it.

Two historical fiction romances by Sarah MacLean

   

The Rogue Not Taken
The Day of the Duchess

 

What I’m Reading Now

I’m still reading these 2 books (got sidetracked with MacLean’s books!)

In Shining Armor by Elliott James
This is the fourth book in this urban fantasy series of the Pax Arcana. Such imagination and such an interesting flawed hero in John Charming.

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Another historical romance.

Sit, Stay, Love by Debbie Burns

A sweet romance, with dogs.

 

What’s Up Next

Lake Silence by Anne Bishop (a fantasy in the world of The Others)

Dear Mother by Bunmi Laditan (A book of poetry celebrating motherhood)

 

Top Ten Tuesday – Forgotten on My TBR Shelves

This week for “Top Ten Tuesday” – the weekly meme hosted at “That Artsy Reader Girl” – asks:

What Books On My TBR I’m Avoiding Reading and Why

or in other words

Forgotten/Ignored Books on My TBR Shelves

1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

I know and it is one of the books I’ve had the longest! I’ve started and stopped it numerous times. And, I’m glued to the series. Not sure why, but it is on my 2019 must read lists!

2. Into the Abyss by Carol Shaben

This true account of the deadly crash that killed politician Grant Notley (father of the former premier of Alberta Rachel Notley) is about what happened to the 4 men who survived. I was living in Alberta when the crash happened and it still haunts me. Maybe now I am ready to read it.

3. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

I bought it because it was highly recommended but it still sits on the shelf unread. I haven’t even started it.

4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

A book with lots of hype and when I started it, I just couldn’t get into it.

5. The last 6 books of Sue Grafton.

When she died before she finished her series, I was starting T . I closed the book and haven’t finished the series. Really must do that.

6. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

When I started it, I was really intrigued by the concept, but it is another one I just couldn’t get into. I never even saw the movie.

7. Casual Vacancy (as well as the others by) J.K. Rowling/Robert Galbraith

the Harry Potter series has too strong a hold – and just can’t seem to be able to switch to her other adult series.

8. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

I had this book for years and never read it. Then gave it away. last year I saw it in a thrift shop and bought it to try again. Still waiting!

9. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemeronsky

I was intrigued by the author and the book and  started it, but never finished it.

10. Books by Jane Austen

Until this year I had never read any of Jane Austen’s books. I started a challenge for myself and dared myself to read them all as well as any Jane Austen retellings. I’ve read two (Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion and several retellings. Still need to finish the others.

 

Which are your favourites from my list? Any recommendations? Which to start first??

 

Fall Reading Challenge

I love a good reading challenge and participate in many. Colletta at Colletta’s Kitchen Sink has posted a “Fall Into Reading” challenge and it looks like a fun and easy way to read this fall.

Here are the particulars:

It will run from September 1st – November 30th.

The Challenge is super simple and there is still time to join in:

1. Decide how many books you’d like to challenge yourself to read this Fall. It can be 5, 10, 15, 20, …etc.

2. Create a post about the Challenge telling us how many books you are going to read, if you are picking out certain books you’d like to read or if you are going to freestyle it. Make sure you put a link back to the Sign-up postso all your friends can join in!

3. Come back to the Sign-up post and leave a comment with a link to your goal post. I’ll then add you to the Participant List.

4. Visit the other participants’ sign up posts

5. Read, Read, Read!!!!

 

MY FALL READING GOAL:

I do read a lot (the advantage of being retired!), so I know I can read at least 25 books.

But an additional goal is to read at least 10 books that are on my TBR shelves. More if possible! I really do have to clear some (to make room for more of course!)

Why not join in the fun!

 

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Time again for Kathryn’s weekly meme IMWAYR at Book Date where we share what we’rereading and have read over the past week

What I’ve Read
Last week was a varied reading week – from poetry to fantasy  to romance  Here are the books I read:

the final 3 books by Anne Bishop in her Others series

Vision in Silver 

Marked in Flesh

Etched in Bone

This ranks as my most favourite fantasy series of the year! Loved it.

The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One by Amanda Lovelace

A book of feminist poetry. Very powerful.

 

A is for Author by Brenna Jacobs

A fun, quick romance ebook about two authors who start as enemies.

 

What I’m Reading Now

In Shining Armor by Elliott James
This is the fourth book in this urban fantasy series of the Pax Arcana. I’m still reading this – but Bishop’s books forced this one to the side.

Sit, Stay, Love by Debbie Burns

A sweet romance, about two people who are trying to rehabilitate a bunch of  rescue dogs.

 

What’s Up Next

The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma

How Alice and her father stated a reading promise to read together that would last years.

 

Lake Silence by Anne Bishop

First of the two books based on the Others’ world.