November Reading Round-Up

Hard to believe we are almost at the end of 2019 and Christmas is only weeks away.

It’s time to share what I have been reading this past month. I was surprised with my reading in a number of ways – I read no fantasy or paranormal and I did not read any books for two of my challenges. I also continued with my love for historical romance and romance this month – almost half of the books I read were from these genres. A feel-good reading month for sure. Guess I needed it.

The total read for November was 28 books with the following breakdown:
Fantasy /Paranormal – 0
Historical Romance– 8
Romance – 7
Women’s Fiction -3
Non-fiction – 2
Poetry -1
Time travel -1
Graphic novel – 1
Picture books – 5

(Diverse books – 3)

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 – 20
TBR books –1
E-books – 6
Charity reads – 1

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:

Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads) / 52 Books in 52 Weeks
This was the first month all year that I did not read ANY books for either challenge! Now I will have to push myself in December to finish each challenge. I did some rearranging of books for the prompts and I have 5 books for Popsugar challenge and 7 for 52Books challenge. I am determined to finish both! There are a couple of overlaps so it is doable.

Monthly Key Word Challenge
I chose Have as the key words this month:
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “Seasons, Elements and Weather”.  I read:
Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

Beyond the Bookends
The theme was “Graphic novel”.
I read White Bird by R.J. Palacio. It so moved me. It should be a mandatory read for everyone, especially young people!

Diversify Your Reading
The genre was poetry. I read To Make Monsters Out of Girls by Amanda Lovelace

Connect Five
I post a separate post on any Connect Five books I read each month. In November, my connections were:
Wallflowers, Wolf Shifters and Emotions 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.

My top 10 though were:

2 Books by Tessa Dare:  The Duchess Deal and A Week to Be Wicked
White Bird by R.J. Palacio – A must read about a child during the Holocaust
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later by Barbara Barth (Check my review here)
Tall, Dark and Wicked by Madeline Hunter
Running Wild by Linda Howard and Linda Jones
Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle
A Dash of Christmas by Samantha Chase
Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

December Goals
I am determined to complete all my challenges and so will be focused on reading books for these. I also hope to squeeze in some Christmas romances.

I am linking with the following:

Monthly Wrap-up(At Feed Your Fiction Addiction)

Best of the Bunch(at A Cocoon of Books)

Spread the Love(at As Told by Tina)

Monthly Review

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s 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 Read Last Week
Last week I read 6 books: 2 historical romances, 3 contemporary romances and a memoir.

Here are the books I read:

The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later by Barbara Barth ( reviewed for a WOW blog tour – check my review here)  Loved this inspiring memoir

Your Love is Mine by Bella Andre – another enjoyable contemporary romance by a favourite author

A Dash of Christmas by Samantha Chase – loved this holiday romance; will read anything by this author as I know I’ll love it

Met Her Match by Jude Deveraux – an enjoyable contemporary romance

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean – loved this historical romance

Tall, Dark and Wicked by Madeline Hunter – loved the 2 main characters in this sexy historical romance; first book I have read by this author and will definitely read more

 

What I’m Reading Now

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston (2nd in her series)

 

What’s Up Next
Still working on these
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

 

Linking as well with

Spread the Love

Book Nook Blog Party at Create with Joy

 

WOW Blog Tour for Barbara Barth’s Memoir: “The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later”

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Barbara Barth’s memoir The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later, which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:
As someone who is facing seventy in just a few years, it was so encouraging to see that we do not have to be defined by our age. We can and should continue to dream, make plans and see those dreams realized.

This book follows Barth’s first one, The Unfaithful Widow, written about the first year following her husband’s death when she was sixty.

Written in short, engaging vignettes, many drawn from her blog posts over the years, covers the ten years following her husband’s death. She calls this decade 9and is the subtitle of this book) “My Life with dogs and every day magic”.

So much happened to her in these years – selling antiques in different places, losing her mother, as well as some of her precious dogs, adopting new rescue dogs, surgery on her shoulder and having two hip replacements, just to name a few.
Barth is, for the most part, positive, always looking for “what’s next”.

Each short story draws you into her adventures and gives a glimpse of her life, full of her sparkling personality. She sought creativity, love, adventure, friendships and was blessed with several tribes of friends.

So many times, I chuckled as she described her ups and downs. As she has said, she’s “all about the laughter”.
Two of my favourite chapters were:
* ”In Texting Hell”, about the Italian student she hosted. I could so relate.
* ”My Obituary” Read it and you’ll see why.

There is much wisdom in its pages. My favourite quote from the book (although there were many to choose from), was shared when her dog Annabelle was diagnosed with lymphoma:
“I count my blessings. Each day is a miracle. For her, for me, for you. None of us, canine or human, know how many days or years we have left. The gift is to live those days full of love and compassion.”

Barbara Barth’s memoir is touching, inspiring and a very enjoyable read. This is a must-read book.

About the Author 

Author, blogger, sometimes antique dealer, dog hoarder, bedazzled by life. Widowed ten years ago, Barth writes about finding a creative path back to happiness. Her recent move to a 1906 historic cottage brought many surprises, including discovering the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts where she started the monthly Walton Writers group and is on the MWCA Board as Literary Arts Chair. Barth is a contributor to Walton Living Magazine and a former blogger for The Balancing Act, Lifetime Television’s morning show for women. Currently she lives with six dogs, rescue dogs that rescued her.

Visit her website at https://www.barbarabarthwriter.com/, follow her on Twitter @writerwithdogs, and follow her Amazon author page.

About the Book

Picking up where The Unfaithful Widow ended, Ten Years Later continues the author’s journey from widow to a slightly askew woman. A memoir written with warmth and candor on being single again, aging, and finding a creative path surrounded by dogs, friends, laughter, and a bit of craziness. Barbara Barth shares stories on the adventures that followed her first year alone as she moved headfirst into a new life, listening to her heart, sometimes not so wisely, but always full speed ahead. Join her on the ride of her life, from owning an antique shop to moving to a Victorian cottage outside of Atlanta, and all the follies in between. Going into the next decade with six dogs by her side, the author proves you are only as old as you feel, and happiness begins with a grateful heart. A funny and engaging memoir for anyone who wants to be their own superhero facing life’s good and bad moments.

Print Length: 374 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Gilbert Street Press
ASIN: B07YBNHXZG
ISBN-10: 0983171564
ISBN-13: 978-0983171560

The Unfaithful widow Ten Years Later is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon.com.

 

Be sure to check out all the stops on the blog tour for this delightful memoir. Barth has several guest posts that are well worth the stop!

Blog Tour Dates

 @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us in celebrating the launch of Barbara Barth’s new book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

November 12th @ All Things Audry
Author Barbara Barth is a guest writer over at Audry’s blog today and will be talking about women friendships.
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/

November 13th @ Words from the Heart
Stop by Linda’s blog and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about publishing anthologies.
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

November 14th @ Thoughts in Progress
Visit Mason’s blog today and you can read Barbara’s guest post about starting a writing group. Don’t miss it!
https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

November 15th @ The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

November 16th @ Lori Duff Writes
Stop by Lori’s blog today where you can read her interview with Barbara Barth and read her review of Barbara’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://www.loriduffwrites.com/blog/

November 16th @ Jill Sheets Blog
Visit Jill’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s guest post about self-publishing.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com

November 17th @ A Storybook World
Be sure to stop by Deirdra’s blog today and check out her spotlight of the book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later and enter to win a copy of the book!
http://www.astorybookworld.com

November 18th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Be sure you visit Bev’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about starting over at 70. You won’t want to miss this!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

November 19th @ Look to the Western Sky
Be sure to visit Margo’s blog and read her interview with author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!
https://margoldill.com/blog

November 20th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Make sure you visit Anthony’s blog today and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about publishing anthologies.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

November 21st @ Cassandra’s Writing World
Stop by Cassandra’s blog today and read her review of The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

November 22nd @ Karen Brown Tyson’s Blog
Join us at Karen Brown Tyson’s blog where you can read a guest post about self-publishing by author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!
http://www.karenbrowntyson.com

November 23rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Visit Bev’s blog again and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

November 24th @ Choices
Be sure to stop by Madeline’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post that will be talking about women friendships.
http://madelinesharples.com/

November 25th @ Wild Woman Writer
Visit Anne’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s blog guest post about starting over at 70.
https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com/

November 26th @ Life Like A Galaxy Girl
Stop by Alanna’s blog today and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s memoir The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/

November 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog today and you can read her interview with author Barbara Barth and find out more about this incredible author!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

November 28th @ Bibliotica
Stop by Melissa’s blog and make sure you read Barbara Barth’s guest post about grief over the years and finding happiness again.
https://www.bibliotica.com/

November 29th @ Stranded in Chaos
Visit Sara’s blog and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://strandupdate.blogspot.com/

November 30th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again and read his review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

December 1st @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. 
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com

December 2nd @ Women’s Writing Circle
Stop by the blog Women’s Writing Circle and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about adopting dogs while all her friends are having grandkids. Don’t miss this one!
http://www.susanweidener.com/

 

Top Ten Tuesday – Changes in My Reading Life

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week a new topic or question is posted and we are asked to respond with 10 books or items.

This week’s TTT topic is ‘Changes in My Reading Life’.

Many are choosing to look at changes since a decade ago.
The greatest changes in my reading life though, have occurred since I retired in 2013 after 30+ years of teaching.

The changes I have seen:

1. I definitely read way more – usually a book a day. While teaching, I was lucky to read 40-50 books a year. Now, I read 400+ books (which does include at least 100 picture books a year).

2. I faithfully record my reading now and in much more detail. For the past four years I’ve kept a weekly planner and list the books read, along with the author, genre, *rating, where I got it and any info relating to a challenge for which I read it. I set goals for each month as well.

3. I use Goodreads regularly – to keep track of books read (I list by year and genre), for contests (I’ve won several books), for looking up books for reading challenges or for other books by favourite authors.

4. I participate in a number of reading challenges (PopSugar, 52 Books in 54 Weeks, Monthly Motif, Beyond the Bookends, Connect 5). These challenges have stretched my reading (especially by genre) and have been challenging at times. I’ve read many books I never would have but for the challenges.

5. I have tried to curb my spending on books, although I still prefer books over e-books and definitely over audiobooks. I use the library frequently, ordering books online to save time searching at the library. I try to frequent thrift shops, use BookBub and Freebooksy for e-books and swap with friends. But my shelves are still overflowing – and I still have way too many TBR!

6. I tend to binge read certain authors and genres, although I usually read more romance or fantasy. This fall my genre choices have been historical romances, fantasy and paranormal series and contemporary romances. I have been reading more diverse books as well as diverse authors.

7. I started a book/writing blog just a few years ago and enjoy taking part in numerous weekly memes.

8. I joined WOW (Women on Writing) as a reviewer. I’ve read and reviewed a number of fascinating books.

9. I am involved more online in the bookish community, as well as in our local boo community: joining groups on facebook, following authors on twitter and Instagram. I try to attend author visits through our library or local bookstores.

10. I will now stop reading a book and declare it a DNF if it doesn’t capture my attention. There are just too many books to read to keep reading uninspiring books, even if it is part of a series.

How has your reading life changed in the past few years??

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s 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 Read Last Week
Last week I read 7 books: 4 historical romances, a time travel book and 2 picture books.

Here are the books I read:

      

The Duchess Deal and Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare (enjoyed both)

Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh – my first historical romance by her; so enjoyed it

Heiress Gone Wild by Laura Lee Guhrke -another enjoyable historical romance

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston. My favourite read of the month so far. Loved the dynamics between characters and how Brackston engineered the time travel to early 1600s England. Now onto the second!

 

Crazy Hair by Neil Gaiman, illus. Dave McKean

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illus. by Vashti Harrison

 

What I’m Reading Now

The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later by Barbara Barth (to review for a WOW blog tour)

Your Love is Mine by Bella Andre – a contemporary romance

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston (2nd in her series)

 

What’s Up Next
Still working on these

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

 

Linking as well with
Spread the Love
Book Nook Blog Party at Create with Joy

Blog Visit from Barbara Barth

As part of the WOW blog tour for Barbara Barth’s book “The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later”, Barbara has agreed to share with us how she was able to start over at age seventy.

As someone who has had to start over after divorce and then to remarry at 50. Barbara’s  book has inspired me to see that having a purpose and making more of one’s life can be done at any age – and should be!

Welcome Barbara!

Starting Over at Seventy   by Barbara Barth 

Who am I? Even those strong at the core, like I think I am, ask this question at some point. Of course, the other question I always ask myself is what do I want to be when I grow up? For me, the two go hand in hand, especially as a single woman of a certain age without kids. I didn’t worry so much when my husband was alive, but as a new widow at sixty, I needed purpose. And purpose for me is creating and doing. I created a grand world for myself between sixty and soon to be seventy in the home I’d lived in for thirty years in a Metro-Atlanta suburb, one of the hottest areas around. But I wanted more, something different.
For as long as I remember I’ve dreamed of old houses, wanting to live in a Victorian cottage or a farmhouse, maybe run a B & B. I hoarded my best old painted pieces as an antique dealer for my future home. My Zillow list was long. My Pinterest boards growing daily. Would there be cows along my drive? I finally found the one and the universe moved me quickly and smoothly to a historic community about forty miles outside of Atlanta. It was a dream come true until I realized all my basic support systems had changed and I was indeed starting over.
The who am I question hit me hard. Thirty years in one house, everything was familiar. My friendships included women from when I worked for the federal government, my antique dealer buddies, people who knew me when I was married, and so many wonderful people I’d met along the way as a widow. We had a history that only time can give. Because of all my activities, I ran into someone I knew everywhere I went. Then there were my favorite little pubs and independent book shops. I would be leaving all that. While the mileage between my old home and new was not terrible, the drive in Atlanta traffic makes it hard to just pop in and out for a visit. And all my friends have busy lives, grandchildren, some still work, others already moved to the mountains, and a bestie got married. We are only a phone call away, but that grounding face to face chatting about our lives over dinner dramatically changed.
Doubts crept in, not about the move, but about me. Would I suddenly be that older woman on a cane that everyone called ma’am? No one had a clue as to what I’d done in the past, except, of course, I tossed the author word around to help my mental self-image. Sometimes the drama queen crown fits me well.
Social Circle, the sweet town where I bought my house is fifteen minutes from Monroe, Georgia, where I used to have antique booths in 2012. I knew people there, so a quick drive (passing all those wonderful cows in pastures) put me back onto familiar turf where I could pop in for a quick chat until I got my bearings on my new life.
My move was the best thing I could have done for myself. I could have stayed where I was, life was good there, the town full of things to do. But that was not what I wanted. If I were going to make a move, I felt it was now or never. I didn’t downsize, didn’t give up all the things I love to live with, brought five dogs with me, and managed it all while still recovering from hip replacement surgery that went badly the past spring. My 1906 historic cottage is a dream come true. I love to stare at my twelve-foot ceilings, snuggle with my dogs, and wonder how I got so lucky.
The best news of all, I found my new creative place at the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts, where I can do all that I love pulling together a writing community. Starting over at seventy? You bet. I’m not getting older I’m sprouting new growth!

 

Thank you so much Barbara for your reflections!

Author Bio:

Author, blogger, sometimes antique dealer, dog hoarder, bedazzled by life. Widowed eleven years ago, Barth writes about finding a creative path back to happiness. Her recent move to a 1906 historic cottage brought many surprises, including discovering the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts where she started the monthly Walton Writers group and is on the MWCA Board as Literary Arts Chair. Barth is a contributor to Walton Living Magazine and a former blogger for The Balancing Act, Lifetime Television’s morning show for women. Currently she lives with six dogs, rescue dogs that rescued her. Visit her web at https://www.barbarabarthwriter.com/  Her books are available on Amazon and Kindle. Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Barth/e/B0049M0IXO

Be sure to read her book:

and check out all the stops for her blog tour :

November 12th @ All Things Audry
Author Barbara Barth is a guest writer over at Audry’s blog today and will be talking about women friendships.
http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/

November 13th @ Words from the Heart
Stop by Linda’s blog and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about publishing anthologies.
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

November 14th @ Thoughts in Progress
Visit Mason’s blog today and you can read Barbara’s guest post about starting a writing group. Don’t miss it!
https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

November 15th @ The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

November 16th @ Lori Duff Writes
Stop by Lori’s blog today where you can read her interview with Barbara Barth and read her review of Barbara’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://www.loriduffwrites.com/blog/

November 16th @ Jill Sheets Blog
Visit Jill’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s guest post about self-publishing.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com

November 17th @ A Storybook World
Be sure to stop by Deirdra’s blog today and check out her spotlight of the book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later and enter to win a copy of the book!
http://www.astorybookworld.com

November 18th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Be sure you visit Bev’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about starting over at 70. You won’t want to miss this!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

November 19th @ Look to the Western Sky
Be sure to visit Margo’s blog and read her interview with author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!
https://margoldill.com/blog

November 20th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Make sure you visit Anthony’s blog today and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about publishing anthologies.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

November 21st @ Cassandra’s Writing World
Stop by Cassandra’s blog today and read her review of The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!
https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

November 22nd @ Karen Brown Tyson’s Blog
Join us at Karen Brown Tyson’s blog where you can read a guest post about self-publishing by author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!
http://www.karenbrowntyson.com

November 23rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Visit Bev’s blog again and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

November 24th @ Choices
Be sure to stop by Madeline’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post that will be talking about women friendships.
http://madelinesharples.com/

November 25th @ Wild Woman Writer
Visit Anne’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s blog guest post about starting over at 70.
https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com/

November 26th @ Life Like A Galaxy Girl
Stop by Alanna’s blog today and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s memoir The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/

November 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog today and you can read her interview with author Barbara Barth and find out more about this incredible author!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

November 28th @ Bibliotica
Stop by Melissa’s blog and make sure you read Barbara Barth’s guest post about grief over the years and finding happiness again.
https://www.bibliotica.com/

November 29th @ Stranded in Chaos
Visit Sara’s blog and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
https://strandupdate.blogspot.com/

November 30th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again and read his review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

December 1st @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. 
https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com

December 2nd @ Women’s Writing Circle
Stop by the blog Women’s Writing Circle and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about adopting dogs while all her friends are having grandkids. Don’t miss this one!
http://www.susanweidener.com/

Connect Five – 3 Sets of Connections

The Connect 5 reading challenge hosted at “The Book Date” urges us to connect five books in some way. There are now two more months to finish up any connections – do take part!
I am working on several connections now and finished three recently:

Books about Wallflowers – with Wallflower in the title
Here are the books read for this connection, mostly historical romance, all enjoyable reads.

The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

 

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

 

Diary of an Accidental Wallflower by Jennifer McQuiston

 

The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower by Erica Ridley

 

Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook
Using Emotions in the Title
These books range from mystery to non-fiction to historical and contemporary romance. An interesting mixture of genres and very enjoyable reads, especially the first.

 

Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell

 

Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

 

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig

 

Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O’Neal

 

Joyfully Yours by Amy Lamont

 

Books About Wolf Shifters – With Wolf in the Title
These paranormal books were fun reads.

Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger

 

Indecent Werewolf Exposure by Eve Langlois

 

Werewolves of New York: Nathaniel by Faleena Hopkins

 

Of Witches and Wolves by Elinor Lawson

 

The Artist Cries Wolf by Heather Horrocks

 

 

Linking as well with:

Friendship Friday at Create With Joy

Top 5 Tuesday – Top Five Authors I Must Read

I’ve seen the Top Five Tuesday meme several times and thought I’d finally take part. This weekly meme is hosted by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm.

The topic this week is “5 Authors I NEED to Read” (or in other words – authors I just haven’t read yet, but really should)

1. Nalini Singh
This paranormal romance author has written several series that have had great reviews and so many recommendations. Can’t believe I still haven’t read any of her books.
Check her out here.

2. Leah Bardigo
This fantasy author has several series as well. The Six of Crows has been on my radar to read for some time but still haven’t read any of her books – yet.
Check her out here.

3. Fredrik Backman
I bought A Man Called Ove quite a while ago and it has been on my TBR list for sometime. Now I need to finish it for a reading challenge before the end of the year. Then I’ll have to tackle his other books – which have good reviews as well.

4. Rainbow Rowell
Even tho I enjoy reading YA books, I still have not read any of her books.
Check her out here.

5. Erin Morgenstern
There is a new fantasy by Morgenstern just published, but still need to read The Night Circus.
Check her out here. 

As I compiled this list of 5 authors I had not read, I realized there were several I had only just read for the first time this year – authors who had been recommended many times in the past. Once I started reading them, I was amazed at how I could have delayed so long in reading them:

1. Anne Bishop – LOVE her! Now I am zipping through her Others series.
2. Patricia Briggs – another author I fell in love with and had to read everything by her.
3. Tessa Dare – rediscovered a love of historical romances through her novels
4. Deborah Harkness – Finally tackled A Discovery of Witches and now turning to the rest in her series
5. Elliott James – only the second male in these lists, but so enjoyed his quirky Pax Arcana series

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s 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 Read Last Week
Last week I read 7 books: a memoir, an historical romance, 2 women’s fiction and 3 contemporary romances.

Here are the books I read:

How to Catch a Wild Viscount by Tessa Dare, another of her historical romances

3 sweet Christmas novels (for the HOHoHo Readathon):

Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods

Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis

Joyfully Yours by Amy Lamont

 

Writing with Grace, A Journey Beyond Down Syndrome – a memoir by Judy McFarlane

2 women’s fiction about women who decide to take control of their lives and push for what they want; enjoyed them both

Highland Fling by Katie Fforde

 

Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook

 

What I’m Reading Now

Wicked and the Wallflower by Tessa Dare (read several other of her books this past week, so must finish this one this week)

The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later by Barbara Barth (to review for a WOW blog tour)

What’s Up Next
Still working on these – trouble is I get distracted from another book too easily!

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

 

Linking as well with

Spread the Love

Book Nook Blog Party at Create with Joy

 

Non-Fiction November – Week 2

Nonfiction November is a month-long celebrating non-fiction books.

It is hosted by Julie (JulzReads), Sarah (Sarah’s Book Shelves), Katie (Doing Dewey), Rennie (What’s Nonfiction) . Each week, they’ll be a different prompt, with a different host.

Sarah’s Bookshelves is hosting our second week of Nonfiction November with the theme:  Book Pairings.

This week, pair up a nonfiction book with a fiction title.  It can be a “If you loved this book, read this!” or just two titles that you think would go well together.  Maybe it’s a historical novel and you’d like to get the real history by reading a nonfiction version of the story.

I have read a number of intriguing historical fiction novels this year but 3 in particular whetted my appetite to learn more about the time period they were written in. Here are the three books I read and loved, and a NF book I hope to read to round out the experience.

1. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

This is my favourite of her books (I do love them all though) and a favourite this year. It involves time travel to early 18th century Cornwall.

Two books intrigued me and I want to learn more.

Queen Anne: The Politics of Passion by Anne Somerset

Poldark’s Cornwall by Winston Graham (I’ve never seen the Poldark series – I will be checking it out!)

 

 

2. The Beast’s Bride by Jayne Castel 

This novel takes place in 14th Century Scotland on the Isle of Skye, one place I have actually visited – when I was 21, and it has always remained one of my favourite tours.

The History and Traditions of the Isle of Skye by Alexander Cameron

 

3. Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Elizabethan England has always intrigued me and over the years I have read many historical fiction books of this time. Harkness’s series, beginning with A Discovery of Witches really captured my imagination. Such descriptions of the time in the second book and the intrigues made me want to learn more.

Shakespeare’s England by R.E. Pritchard