October Reading Round-Up

Here it is, the end of October, with Hallowe’en to end the month. We are slowly settling into a routine. My hubby has dialysis 3 evenings a week, so these become the days I shop or get out. He is still recovering, and getting therapy. At least he is home.

Reading is my still my stress-reliever and I usually turn to fantasy or romance. Once again, there have been many excellent books this month to escape the stress.

It’s time to share what I have been reading this past month.
The total read for October was 34 books, with the following breakdown:
Fantasy /Paranormal – 10
Romance – 7
Women’s Fiction – 4

Historical fiction – 3
Non-fiction – 1
Pix books – 6

MG – 1

Thriller – 2

I 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 –21

TBR/owned books –3
E-books – 9

Charity reads – 1

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:

Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)
I read 2 books for this challenge, so have now 5 more books to complete this challenge.

#7 – First book you touch – Wild Designs by Katie Fforde

#29 – World leader – went with a fiction fantasy – Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh

52 Books in 52 Weeks
I read only 1 book for this challenge so have a bit of catching up to do (8 books)

#49 – World leader – went with a fiction fantasy – Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh

Beyond the Bookends
The theme this month was “Thriller”.

I read 2 books by Charlaine Harris, which were billed as thrillers.

An Easy Death and A Longer Fall

 Monthly Key Word Challenge
The key words I used this month were:

“Around” – Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson

“Shadow”   – Archangel’s Shadows by Nalini Singh

“Grave” – The Graveyard Shift by Darynda Jones

Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “Thriller” 

I read 2 books by Charlaine Harris, which were billed as thrillers.

An Easy Death and A Longer Fall

 Blogger’s Bookshelf
The theme was “a reread”

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley

My Kitchen Year

I’m continuing my read and cooking through Ruth Reichl’s cookbook “My Kitchen Year”.

This month I only made 2 recipes:

Cider Braised Pork Shoulder – I did this in the crockpot though and it was delicious.

Apple Crisp – this is my go-to comfort food. But Ruth does not use rolled oats in her recipe – and I could not leave them out. I never use lemon but tried it this time – it was okay. Will stick with my recipe tho – totally memorized and I know I love it.

But there is a soup and another dessert I plan to make in November.

 

Favourite Reads
Here are my top 10 reads:

Archangel’s books by Nalini Singh (4 of them but will count as one: Shadows, Enigma, Heart, Viper)

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley

Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis

Wild Designs by Katie Fforde

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson

Stand on the Sky by Erin Bow

Christmas in Silver Springs by Brenda Novak

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

Looking Ahead to November
I must finish up my reading challenges for sure. I also plan to read as many Christmas/holiday books as I can. It is also NANoWriMo and AEDM – so I hope to be writing and creating every day. I need to get back to this!

I am linking with the following:

Monthly Wrap-up (At Feed Your Fiction Addiction)

 Best of the Bunch (at A Cocoon of Books)

Inspire Me Monday (at Create with Joy)

Connect Five Friday – Witches

It’s Friday once again and that 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.

Hallowe’en is tomorrow so I thought I would share 5 “witchy” books that I’ve read and enjoyed – from MG to adult:

Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Had to be first – such an amazing series, amazing characters.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. I so enjoyed this first book in her All Soul’s trilogy. Still have to finish the other 2 books though.

 

Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins. Really enjoyed this YA series.

 

The Witches by Roald Dahl. Got such a chuckle from this one.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs – Loved the whole Mercy Thompson series – but this had witches.

 

Plus – 2 bonus books:

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum. Who can forget the wonderful wicked witch of the west?

The Crucible by Arthur Miller. A play about the witches of Salem.

 

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.

What I Read Last Week

I read 8 books this past week, a varied list –1 historical novel. I MG novel, 1 contemporary romance, a women’s fiction, a fantasy and 3 picture books.

 

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley. This was a reread but loved it as much as the first time. I wanted to prepare for her novella in the Deadly Hours, which features Mary and Hugh.

 

 Stand on the Sky by Erin Bow, This debut MG novel was excellent. So much research obviously done, but such a compelling story.

 

Burned by Magicby Jasmine Walt. I enjoyed this fantasy, first book in a series.

 

Barefoot on a Starlit Night by Jo McNally. This was an enjoyable romance.

 

Wild Designs by Katie Fforde. This has been on my TBR shelf for some time and once I got into it, I was caught up in the story, especially as the couple involved were in their 40s . Always enjoy her books.

 3 PBs – all wonderful reads

 

Bloom (about Elsa Schiaparelli) by Kyo Maclear and Julie Morstad

Bloom by Deborah Diesen and Mary Lindquist

A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson and Nina Crews

 

What I’m Reading Now – (still working on finishing the Nalini Singh series)

 Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman

 What’s Up Next

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron – this is for a writer’s book club; reading 2 chapters a week

The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley -planning for November as part of Novella November

 

 

Connect Five Friday – Books about Wedding Dresses

It’s Friday once again and that 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 month, I have had several nudges that got me thinking about wedding dresses: bankruptcy of a special wedding venue, wedding anniversaries of my brother and sister-in-law as well as a friend, and a free ebook for a wedding dress novella. It is actually a perfect month for a wedding, especially here in Ontario – colourful leaves, fairly nice weather.

So… here are 5 books about wedding dresses (with summaries from Goodreads):

The Gown by Jennifer Robson. This is probably the most recognized of the 5 – a fictionalized account of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress.

“With The Gown, Jennifer Robson takes us inside the workrooms where one of the most famous wedding gowns in history was created. Balancing behind-the-scenes details with a sweeping portrait of a society left reeling by the calamitous costs of victory, she introduces readers to three unforgettable heroines, their points of view alternating and intersecting throughout its pages, whose lives are woven together by the pain of survival, the bonds of friendship, and the redemptive power of love.”

 

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

“Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history-and its new bride-begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the timeless beauty of finding true love.”

 

The Wedding Dress Christmas by Rachel Hauck – a novella.

“Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. But when her high school crush returns to town, her buried feelings surface.   
But JoJo and Buck have opposing life goals, and there’s no middle ground. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmas, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?
With the help of a very special wedding dress, there just might a Christmas miracle. “

 

The Wedding Dress by Danielle Steel

“In Danielle Steel’s epic  novel, the lives of four generations of women in one family span fortune and loss, motherhood, tragedy and victories.
From inherited fortunes at the outset to self-made men and women, the wedding dress remains a cherished constant for the women who wear it in each generation and forge a destiny of their own. It is a symbol of their remaining traditions and the bond of family they share in an ever-changing world.”

 

The Whispering Dress Boutique by Louisa Leaman (Also goes by The Second Chance Boutique or The Perfect Dress)

“Francesca Delaney’s wedding gown shop has two necessary rules to guarantee success:
1. Never covet a dress
2. Never sell a dress that led to a doomed marriage

These two rules have helped Francesca build her reputation as a woman with a knack for matching a bride-to-be with the perfect gown.

At Fran’s shop every gown has its history, and the dresses seem to whisper their secrets to Fran, telling her the perfect match. 
But Francesca breaks both these rules the day she finds a beautiful 1950s couture floor-length gown. In her desperation to know the dress’s background, she inadvertently becomes entangled with the original owner’s son who would like the dark history of the dress to remain hidden forever.“

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.

I missed last week – Thanksgiving weekend and my hubby coming home resulted in other priorities – although I did read.

What I Read Last Week

I read 7 books this past week, a varied list –3 contemporary romances, 1 women’s fiction, 1 thriller and 2 paranormal books

 

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams. This is the second in her Bromance series – and I loved it, even more than the first. A must read.

The Switch by Beth O’Leary. It was slow for me at the beginning but I quickly got into it and enjoyed it so much.

 

The Graveyard Shift by Darynda Jones. I haven’t read this series in a while but this novella was a fun read.

 

 

A Longer Fall by Charlaine Harris. Really enjoyed this second book in her Gunnie Rose series.

Slow and Steady Rush by Laura Trentham. A lovely romance, by a new author to me and a free ebook.

 

2 quick ebooks, more for escape, were just okay

Wild by Eliza Gayle (a paranormal)

Road to Desire by Piper Davenport (n MC romance)

 

What I’m Reading Now – (still working on finishing the Nalini Singh series – right now reading – Archangel’s Shadows)

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley. More than half way through

 Stand on the Sky by Erin Bow

 

 What’s Up Next

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley

Marley and Me by John Grogan

 

Connect Five Friday – Fav. Book Bloggers

It’s Friday once again and that 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.

As I was visiting blogs today. I realized just how many great book bloggers there are. My favourite is this one “Book Date” or Celebrating Books and Reading”, hosted by Kathryn. I so enjoy two challenges she hosts: “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?” and “Connect Five Friday”. They are a great way to bookend a week of reading.

Here are 5 more blogs I enjoy visiting – whether it is for reading reviews, checking out their recommended books or taking part in the many challenges they offer.

1. Girl XOXO – there are lots of interesting book lists, reviews and 2 of my favourite monthly challenges: Monthly Motif and Monthly Key Word. They also provide an extensive list of the many reading challenges that are available throughout the year.
2. Because Reading if More Fun Than Real Life – there are lots of reviews and challenges here
3. Keeping Up with the Penguins – check here for reviews and recommended read lists
4. A Cocoon of Books – so enjoy their “best of the Bunch” monthly challenge
5. That Artsy Reader Girl – the weekly challenge “Top Ten Tuesday” is hosted here

Connect Five Friday – Giving Thanks

It’s Friday once again and that 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 weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada – the second Monday of October is always Thanksgiving Day. We will be having our big turkey dinner though on Sunday. As my hubby will finally be coming home Sunday (after 4 months in hospital!!!), it will truly be a time to be thankful.

(created by my granddaughter)

I thought this then a good time to share what bookish things I am truly thankful for.

 

1. Books – of course this is my number one. Through this pandemic and my hubby’s time in hospital, books have been my solace. They have decreased my stress, entertained me, made me laugh (and even cry at times), and even taught me a few things. Fantasy and romance have been my main go-to, but I have also enjoyed historicals, YA and MG novels as well.

           

Favourite series I reread      Favourite book          Favourite new series

 

 

 

2. Authors – So many great authors – we are blessed with such talent all over the world and through history. My top 5 authors, ones whose books I have to buy:

     

Susanna Kearsley             Anne Bishop                    Nalini Singh

 

     

Tessa Dare                            Katherine Center

 

3. Libraries – Such a necessary part of my life – especially through the pandemic, when I couldn’t actually visit one. I Was able to get books electronically and there were events online as well. Now, I can visit once again.

 

4. Free ebooks. These are a great opportunity to find new authors and quick reads.

 

5. Little Libraries, thrift stores, yard sales. Even though I haven’t been able to go to these the past few months, these are a wonderful source of different books, especially ones I might not be able to get through the library. You never know what you’ll find. 

 

 

What bookish things are you most thankful for??

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.

What I Read Last Week

I read 6 books this past week, a varied list –3 contemporary romances, 1 non-fiction and 2 MG/YA books

Get a Life Chloe Brown by Tallia Hibbert. What a fun novel. So enjoyed this diverse novel. (Favourite of the week)

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. A must read for any writer, full of short pieces of advice.

Looking for Alaska by John Green. Another interesting novel by this YA author.

March Vol. 1 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell. This graphic novel is a must read to understand the Black Lives beginnings.

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson. A surprisingly good romance.

The Horseman’s Son by Delores Fosen. This was a very quick read, a light romance.

What I’m Reading Now – (still working on finishing the Nalini Singh series – right now reading – Archangel’s Shadows)

A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley. Half way through

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Hello. Summer by Mary Kay Andrews

What’s Up Next

The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley

Marley and Me by John Grogan

Weekend Writing Prompt – Heather

I’m participating in the Weekend Writing Prompt 177 hosted by Sammi Scribbles using exactly 27 words as a challenge with the word heather.

I just discovered this challenge – it was similar to one I participated in several years ago and still miss.

Remembering Heather

It’s been forty years, but I remember it well:

                                                        (source)

                                                          

A sea of purple

Splashed across rugged hills

Through Scotland’s moors and glens

Its bonny scent surrounding us.

Six Degrees of Separation – From The Turn of the Screw to A Farewell to Arms

This is the first Saturday of the month which means that it is time for Six Degrees of Separation, the book challenge, hosted by Kate at Kate from Books are My Favourite and Best.

The starting point for all of us is The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.

This is not a book I have read or know much about other than the title. As I investigated this classic, several themes emerged: governess, unruly children, horror.

1. My first thought was to focus on the governess and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte fit the bill. She is hired as governess for Rochester’s ward. It is a classic as well, with a touch of horror.

From Goodreads: Orphaned as a child, Jane has felt an outcast her whole young life. Her courage is tested once again when she arrives at Thornfield Hall, where she has been hired by the brooding, proud Edward Rochester to care for his ward Adèle. Jane finds herself drawn to his troubled yet kind spirit. She falls in love. Hard

2. The next in the chain is Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart. It too is a classic that involves an English governess but with the French nobility.

From Goodreads: A governess in a French chateau encounters an apparent plot against her young charge’s life in this unforgettably haunting and beautifully written suspense novel.

3. Thinking of French nobility, had me thinking of Marie Antoinette, which led me to the novel Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Gray,

From Goodreads: This enthralling confection of a novel, the first in a new trilogy, follows the transformation of a coddled Austrian archduchess into the reckless, powerful, beautiful queen Marie Antoinette.

Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen.

4. Marie Antoinette led to thoughts about the French Revolution which led to Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran.

From Goodreads: The world knows Madame Tussaud as a wax artist extraordinaire… but who was this woman who became one of the most famous sculptresses of all time? In these pages, her tumultuous and amazing story comes to life … The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to begin.

Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom

5. Art saved Madame Tussaud, just as it saved the lives of Claire and Luc in At the Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole, during the time of another war.

From Goodreads: extraordinary story of a friendship born of proximity but boundless in the face of separation and war.

Luc Crépet is accustomed to his mother’s bringing wounded creatures to their idyllic château in the French countryside, where healing comes naturally amid the lush wildflowers and crumbling stone walls. Yet his maman’s newest project is the most surprising: a fifteen-year-old Scottish girl grieving over her parents’ fate. A curious child with an artistic soul, Clare Ross finds solace in her connection to Luc, and she in turn inspires him in ways he never thought possible. Then, just as suddenly as Clare arrives, she is gone, whisked away by her grandfather to the farthest reaches of the globe. Devastated by her departure, Luc begins to write letters to Clare—and, even as she moves from Portugal to Africa and beyond, the memory of the summer they shared keeps her grounded.

6. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, is another classic, and as well, is a story of love during war, between 2 people of different nationalities, and taking place in different countries.

From Goodreads: A Farewell to Arms is the unforgettable story of an American ambulance driver on the Italian front and his passion for a beautiful English nurse. Set against the looming horrors of the battlefield – the weary, demoralized men marching in the rain during the German attack on Caporetto; the profound struggle between loyalty and desertion—this gripping, semiautobiographical work captures the harsh realities of war and the pain of lovers caught in its inexorable sweep. 

So, the chain has traveled through from a classic in A Turn of the Screw to end with another classic, A Farewell to Arms. 

This challenge is such fun and can lead in so many directions. So many different chains could be created – please join in the fun.

From Kate: “Next month (November 7, 2020) is a wild card – start with the book you’ve ended a previous chain with, and continue from there (for those playing for the first time, start with the last book you finished reading).”