January Reading Round-Up

We are already finished the first month of 2020. It has been an excellent month for reading. Being sick with a cold helped – I really didn’t feel like doing much else other than reading. Didn’t even get to celebrate my birthday.
It’s time to share what I have been reading this past month.

The total read for January was 48 books (15 of them picture books!) with the following breakdown:
Fantasy /Paranormal – 1
Historical Romance– 7
Romance – 15
Women’s Fiction -3
Non-fiction – 1
Memoir – 0
Picture books – 15
Humour – 0
Mystery – 0

(Diverse books – 3)

I will continue to record in more detail where the books originated – from the library, on my TBR shelves (bought/gifted or won), an e-book, or a charity read (Bought from a charity store). Here’s the breakdown
Library reads – 36
TBR books –0
E-books – 10
Charity reads – 2

Jane Austen Challenge
Last year I created my own challenge to ensure that I read Jane Austen’s books s well as retellings of her books. I did not read all of her books so I hope to do so this year.

I enjoy the retellings and read one this month: Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:

Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)
I read a lot for this challenge – and many fit other challenges as well. So many good books!

#1 – Book published in 2020 – The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr
#10- recommended by favourite blog – How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
#11 – anthology – How the Dukes Stole Christmas
#14 – by author with flora or fauna in name – Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
#16- has book on cover – The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
#18- with made-up language – Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
#21 – published in month of my birthday (Jan.) – The Best of Us by Robyn Carr
#22 – about or by a woman in STEM – The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

#27 -features one of 7 deadly sins –Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
#37 – A WESTERN – One Heart to Win by Johanna Lindsey
#40 – fav. Past prompt – debut novel – The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Advanced
#2- 20 or Twenty in the title – Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
#6 – by author who’s written over 20 books – Johanna Lindsay (Wildfire in His Arms)
#7- more than 20 letters in title – Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston

52 Books in 52 Weeks
I read quite a few books that fit prompts for this challenge.

#1- with letter “W” in the title – Wildfire in His Arms by Johanna Lindsay
#2- A hardcover – Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
#4 – set in winter – Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains
#8- orange on the cover – The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
#10- a bestseller – Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
#13- written by female author (lots of these!) – Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston
#14- book in a series – The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr
#15- with romance (lots of those too!) –Writing Mr. Right by Michaela Wright
#17 -by more than 1 author – How the Dukes Stole Christmas
#20- by author with same last initial as yours (L) – One Heart to Win by Johanna Lindsey
#23 – title begins with A – Almost Jamie by Gina Robinson
#24 – title begins with a B – Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
#31 – featuring royalty – Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
#35- debut book – The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
#42 – prompt from past year – pub. In 2018 – How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
#45 – cost less than $5 – I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel
#46 – by author used in earlier prompt – Robyn Carr – Best of Us

Modern Mrs. Darcy 2020 Reading Challenge
#2 – debut novel – The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
#3 – recommended by trusted source – Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

#8 – a re-read – Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
#10-12 – 3 books by same author: Johanna Lindsey
– One Heart to Win; Wildfire in His Arms; Let Love Find You

Monthly Key Word Challenge
The key words I used this month were:
New – Not Another New Year’s by Christine Ridgway
Six – Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “Winter Wonderland”
I read: Seduction on a Snowy Night  –Anthology by Hunter, Jeffries, Ridley)
Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains

Beyond the Bookends
The theme was omen in the Workplace” – The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

Diversify Your Reading
The genre was “historical fiction”, I read 3 books (and several historical romances, which I am not including)

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis

Favourite Reads
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:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

 

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)

 

Connect Five Friday – 5 Goodreads Wins I Must Read

Friday means it’s time for Connect Five Friday, hosted at Book Date by Kathryn – the meme where we share five book/reading things that connect in some way.

 

The 5 books I want to share this week are 5 books I have won through the Goodreads giveaways. I have won over a dozen so far, although only one in the past couple of months.

These are the 5 that  I plan to read first. There’s a nice mixture of genres – from historical romance to contemporary fiction to memoir to non-fiction. Looking forward to reading these books.

How to Heal a Highland Heart  by Julie Johnstone

I’ve read a couple of her historical romances and enjoyed them. This looks like it will be as well.

 

The Golden House by Salman Rushdie

With all the controversy that Rusdie has experienced, I thought this would be an intersting read. I haven’t read anything else by him though.

Eat to Beat Disease by William W. Li

Just the kind of informative book about improving my health I need.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

I’d forgotten I had this – seems like an especially intriguing book.

 

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs by Becky Lewellen Povich

I am trying to write a memoir and this could be a mentor text.

 

 

Have any of you read any of these books?

 

 

 

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?“, at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.
Finally starting to feel better – this cold has lingered for a while. At least I could read!

What I Read Last Week
I read 11 books: 6 picture books, 3 historical romances, 1 contemporary romance, and a middle grade novella.

Here are the books I read:

2 historical romances by Johanna Lindsay.

   

 

Let Love Find You
Wildfire in His Arms

Seduction on a Snowy Night – historical romance anthology, which I enjoyed

The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr – Loved it

The Julian Chapter by R. J. Palacio – Loved Wonder and this enlarges our understanding of Julian. Really enjoyed it. Read this, then read White Bird, Palacio’s graphic novel.

PBs:
Where oh Where is Baby Bear? By Ashley Wolff
If You’re a Monster and You Know it by Rebecca and Ed Emberley
Circle by Jeannie Baker
Miss Brook’s Story Nook by Barbara Bottner, illus. by Michael Emberley
Sonya’s Chickens by Phoebe Wahl
Olga’s Christmas Postcards by Kevin Major, illus. by Bruce Robets

What I’m Reading Now
The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis
An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

What’s Up Next
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

 

Connect Five Friday – Grief

Friday means it’s time for Connect Five Friday, hosted at Book Date by Kathryn – the meme where we share five book/reading things that connect in some way.

This week I want to share books on grief, loss, starting over, coping.

I had borrowed a book from the library by Danny Gregory, an artist whose other books I have read. But this was so different – an illustrated memoir about the loss of his wife Patti. Very moving. It got me thinking of books on grief I have read, have on my shelves or want to read.

After my mother died in 2008, a teacher blogger suggested I read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. THis MG novel really was a balm for the soul. And I have since read it several times, including to different classes. It started me seeking books about loss, grief and grieving.

Here are some of those books:

Novels I have read:

The Dog Year by Ann Garvin -Losing her husband and then caught stealing, Lucy faces a new difficult future

 

The Birthday List by Devney Perry -Poppy is determined to complete her husband’s birthday list so that just maybe she can move forward.

 

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros -A last letter from a friend forces Beckett to help the man’s grieving sister.

 

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley -Eva is trying to face down ghosts after her sister dies. My favourite book, and favourite author!

 

The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abi Waxman -Lilian finds it difficult to move on after her husband dies, but a job at a garden center offers hope

 

Books on My TBR Shelves – that I want/plan to Read

Mourning Has Broken by Erin Davis A memoir by radio host Erin Davis after their daughter died

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion – Memoir written after her husband died

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald -Memoir written after her father died

Wild by Cheryl Strayed – Memoir written after her mother died

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg -Novel about loss and loneliness

 

Books I Want to Read and plan to order from my local Library

A Kiss Before You Go by Danny Gregory

The Lost Husband by Katherine Center – She has become a favourite author

Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis – A Memoir after the death of his wife

Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister

The Iceberg by Marion Coutts

The Long Goodbye by Meghan O’Rourke

 

One post I discovered today listed some of these books and others. Check it out here.

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday – Newest Additions

Time once again for Top Ten Tuesday, that bookish meme hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl.
The topic this week is

“The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf”

Most of my newest additions arrived under the Christmas tree – for both m,y husband and I (of course I bought his books so I could read them as well!)

For Christmas I Got

1. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare ( a new fantasy series!)
2.  Empire of the Wild by Cherie Dimaline (can’t wait to read this one)
3. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (a must read!)
4. What If by Randall Munroe (intriguing)

My Hubby Got

5. Finding Chika by Mitch Albom

6. Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean (so miss this Canadian storyteller)

7. Me by Elton John

From Goodwill (in January)

8. Let Love Find You by Johanna Lindsay (read it already and enjoyed it – can’t believe she died and I hadn’t read anything by her)

9. Bear Town by Fredrik Backman

10. The Girl in the Picture by Denise Chong (that Vietnam photo has haunted me – I want to know more about the life of  Kim Phuc)

 

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme “It’s Monday! What are You Reading“, at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.
It snowed all day Saturday – woke up to about 6 inches of snow. We are both sick here and I really wasn’t up to shoveling. A neighbour came by and plowed not only our long sidewalk (we’re a corner lot) but also our driveway. I will definitely be bringing them a bottle of wine when I feel better. What wonderful neighbours!

What I Read Last Week
I read 11 books: 3 picture books, 1 historical romance, 6 contemporary romances, and a fantasy.

Here are the books I read:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Finally read this fantasy – and LOVED it! Can’t wait to read the sequel.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory. What a sweet romance, especially with an older, diverse main character

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr. I so enjoy her romances and this didn’t disappoint.

Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains. I’ve enjoyed this romance series by Rains

Not Another New Year’s by Christine Ridgway. Enjoyable romance.

 

One Heart to Win by Johanna Lindsay. When I learned Johanna had died, I realized I had never read any of her books. Decided I needed to. This was a sweet historical romance.

Floored by Melanie Harlow. A sexy, fun romance.

PBs:
Pencil: A Story with a Point by Ann Ingalls; illus. Dean Griffiths
A Kite for Moon by Jan Yolan and Heidi E. Y. Stemple; illus. Matt Phelan
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty; illus David Roberts
What I’m Reading Now
Seduction on a Snowy Night – historical romance anthology
Let Love Find You by Johanna Lindsay
An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

 

What’s Up Next

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Still on TBR list for January!
The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Connect Five Friday

Friday means it’s time for Connect Five Friday,hosted at Book Date by Kathryn – the meme where we share five book/reading things that connect in some way.

This week I want to share 5 ways you can get more books cheaply or with little or no cost.

1. From the library
I use the library extensively and order many books each week. I love that the notifications let me know when books are in and when books are due.

2. From family and friends
I always ask for a bookstore gift card every birthday and have gotten some great books that way (from my local bookstore tho – not Amazon) I also exchange books with friends and family.

3. Free (or cheap) ebooks)

I use BookBub and Freebooksy frequently to get free ebooks. When I find an author I enjoy, I will spend a bit (usually under $5) to finish n interesting series.

4. Giveaways
Whether from blogs, Twitter contests or Goodreads, giveaways can be found and books won.

5. Thrift Stores and yard sales
Books can be cheaply bought from Thrift stores (my local Goodwill store is a frequent stop) and serve as a way to donate and get something in return.

Top Ten Tuesday – 2019 Discoveries

Time once again for Top Ten Tuesday, that bookish meme hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl.
The topic this week is “Bookish Discoveries I Made in 2019”

As I looked back over my monthly reading summaries, two major discoveries stood out:

I binged on several series and I found some delightful new authors to read.

Fantasy/Paranormal series/authors I binged on:

   
1. Sarah J. Maas  – Throne of Glass series
2. Elliott James – Charming series
3. Anne Bishop – The Others series (LOVED it!)

Historical Romance series/authors I binged on:

          
4. Tessa Dare – Girl Meets Duke series; Spindle Cove series; Castles Ever After series
5. Sarah MacLean – Rules of Scoundrels series; Scandal and Scoundrel series
6. Lisa Kleypas – The Ravenals series; The Wallflowers series

New-to-me Authors At least, my favourite ones last year – so many others though)

     

7. Katherine Center – Things You Save in a Fire
8. Deborah Harkness – A Discovery of Witches
9. Barbara O’Neal – Garden of Happy Endings
10. Helen Hoang – The Bride Test

It was a good year for reading overall – I completed a lot of reading challenges and I read a lot of great books. Looking forward to more of the same this year!
What discoveries did you make?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme “It’s Monday! What are You Reading“, at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

It rained all day Saturday and then turned to freezing rain over night. I couldn’t sleep so thought I’d post this in case we lost power. Not looking forward to morning to see what transpired over night.

What I Read Last Week
I read 11 books: 4 picture books, 2 historical romances, 3 contemporary romances, a non-fiction and 1 women’s fiction.

Here are the books I read:

I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel. Anne is Modern Mrs. Darcy and hosts a reading challenge. Her book really explored the life of readers and I found so much to relate to.

 

How the Dukes Stole Christmas – historical romance anthology by 4 wonderful writers

 

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore – an historical romance and such an enjoyable read

 

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber – this was a reread, and enjoye3d it as much as I did the first time – for the Popsugar Reading Challenge

 

Running from the Law by Jami Albright – a cute ebook romance

 

Almost Jamie by Gina Robinson – really enjoyed this ebook – just too bad it was first of 5

 

25 Days ‘Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander – another enjoyable read (still enjoy reading holiday books into the New Year!)

PBS:
Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang
You Loves Ewe! By Cece Bell
A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel
LaLaLa BY Kate DiCamillo

What I’m Reading Now

Not Another New Year’s by Christie Ridgway
An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

 

What’s Up Next
Determined to read these books in January! (and still plugging away at them)

The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

 

Connect Five Friday

Every Friday, Kathryn at the Bookdate, asks us to share 5 things that connect in some way – whether books or bookish things.

As I was reading Chapter 10 (“Bookworm Problems”) from Anne Bogel’s (Modern Mrs. Darcy) book “I’d Rather Be Reading” (The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life), I realized that most of the problems she described, I can relate to.

The top 5?
1. I have thousands of books, between my TBR list, ebooks and my own shelves, but I often can’t decide what to read next, so I will go out and buy more books.

2. I borrow so many books from the library that I have to keep a print-out of when books are due so that I don’t get overdue charges. It also helps me organize what to read first.

3. I often read til 2 or 3 in the morning because I just need to finish one more chapter, then one more, then one more…

4. How can you just list 3 of your favourite books???

5. You come to the end of an amazing book or series (especially a series!) and you despair – how can there ever be another one like that??