January Reading Round-Up

Here we are, the end of the first month of 2021. We here in Ontario are once again in lockdown. We are limiting our trips out to once a week and no visitors. Thankfully, facetime lets us see the grandkids. Hard to believe a whole year has gone by with this pandemic, a year since I held my grandkids. 

Reading has definitely been a huge stress-reliever. I still usually turn to fantasy or romance.

It’s time to share what I have been reading this past month.

The total read for January was 29 books, with the following breakdown:

Fantasy /Paranormal – 7
Romance – 8
Historical fiction –1

Historical romance – 3
Non-fiction – 2
Pix books – 6  

Inspirational – 1

Magical Realism – 1

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _     

YA – 1

MG – 1

Epistolary – 1

I continue to record in more detail where the books originated – from the library, on my TBR shelves (bought/gifted or won) or an e-book. Here’s the breakdown

Library reads –19                                  

 TBR/owned books –4

E-books – 6                                                           

 

I am participating in quite a few challenges (check here for my list) but I have a few that are my favourites and have done these for a few years. Here are the books read for these challenges:

 

 POPSUGAR Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)

#6 – with gem, mineral or rock in title – Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

#17 – Has same title as a song – Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

#27 – about do-overs or fresh starts – Loving Trouble by Becke Turner

#28 – Magical realism book – Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Teashop by Roselle Lim

#37 – Book you think your best friend would like – The Wright Sister by Anne Dann

 

52 Books in 52 Weeks

#6 – Character with same name as male family member – Dave in Loving Trouble by Becke Turner

#10 – related to fire – Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

#11 – Has discussion questions – Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Teashop by Roselle Lim

#12 – Title starting with “D” – Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

#25 – Has multiple character POVs – Written in Red by Anne Bishop

#27 – First chapter ends on an odd number – Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Baston

#48 – Cover with a woman facing away – The Wright Sister by Anne Dann
#59 – Shoe on the cover – The Christmas Dare by Lori Wilde

 

Beyond the Bookends
The theme this month was “Set in a location you want to travel to”.

With travel now restricted it will be a long time before I can visit Paris.  Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Teashop by Roselle Lim

 

 Monthly Key Word Challenge

I used 2 key words this month:

“Dance” – Dance Me a Dream by Kait Nolan

“Winter” – Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis

 

Monthly Motif

The theme this month was “Once Upon a Time”,

I chose fantasy and read several:

3 books by Anne Bishop: Written in Red, Murder of Crows and Vision in Silver

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

 

Diversity Reading Challenge

The theme this month was “diverse folktales or mythology”: Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokski

 

2 new challenges I am also taking part in:

 

Debbie Macomber’s Reading Challenge

The theme this month was “historical romance” and I read 3:

Daring and the Duke by Sarah Maclean

Dreaming of You and Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

 

 Indigo Reading Challenge

#11. Can be read in a day – Dance Me a Dream by Kait Nolan

#13 – A Heather’s Pick –The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy 

#18 – A book to help you escape to another world – all my fantasy books!  

 

My Kitchen Year

I’m continuing my read and cooking through Ruth Reichl’s cookbook My Kitchen Year. I’m enjoying reading her stories that are mixed in with her recipes.

This month I only made 1 winter recipe, adjusting it to suit our tastes; Beef, Wine and Onion Stew (definitely kept the wine!)

I now have several favourites which I have made several times.

Favourite Reads

My overall favourite read of the month was The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. I discovered this author/artist on Instagram and fell in love with his inspirational posts. I had to buy his book – and it has already become a keepsake. I even told my daughter I wouldn’t be lending it to her. Instead, I plan to gift my children with their own copy.

The rest of my top reads

3 books by Anne Bishop: Written in Red, Murder of Crows and Vision in Silver

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

The Wright Sister by Anne Dann
The Christmas Dare by Lori Wilde

Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Teashop by Roselle Lim

Daring and the Duke by Sarah Maclean

Don’t Overthink It! By Anne Bogel

The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau

 

Looking Ahead to February

 I need to focus on reading more from my TBR shelves! I hope to read more diverse books as well this month.

  

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 – Epistolary Novels

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

For one of the challenges I participate in (Popsugar through Goodreads), one of the categories is an epistolary book.

Here is an excellent definition of epistolary from “Literary Devices”

  “Epistolary comes from a Greek word, epistolē, which means “letter.” Epistolary is a literary genre pertaining to letters, in which writers use letters, journals, and diary entries in their works, or they tell their stories or deliver messages through a series of letters. Though the usual format of epistolary is letters, writers sometimes use other forms of document such as newspaper clippings and diary entries. Recently, writers also use electronic documents like emails, blogs, radio broadcast, and recordings”

Here are 5 epistolary novels which I have read and really enjoyed.

The Wright Sister by Anne Dann. I finished this historical fiction novel this week and loved it. Based on Katharine Wright, the sister of the Wright Brothers, from the time of her marriage, it is written with letters to Orville and diary entries.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. This is probably one of the most famous diaries ever published and one of the most poignant. I plan to reread it this year, as I received a newer version last year.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows. Such a delightful story about a war-time correspondence between Juliet, a writer and a man and his friends on the isle of Guernsey during the German occupation. Loved it.

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. It has been a few years since I read this delightful book about the 20 year correspondence between Helene, a writer and the used-book dealer in London, England.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary. Such a fun read, about 2 people who share a flat and never get to meet, except through the letters and messages they write to each other. A lovely romantic comedy.

After I checked on Goodreads for their list, I realized just how many epistolary novels there are and how many I actually have read. Here is a list of places to check for more novels:

Goodreads List      

The Best Epistolary Novels  

100 Best Epistolary Novels  

Top Ten Tuesday – New-To-Me Authors in 2020

This week at Top Ten Tuesday, the topic is “10 authors I discovered in 2020 that I am excited to read more books by”.

 This weekly meme for book bloggers is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

10 New-To-Me Authors from 2020

Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter series)

Rebecca Serle (In Five Years)

Cory McCarthy (Now a Major Motion Picture)

Abby Jiminez (The Happy Ever After Playlist)

Juliet Gauven (The Irish Cottage)

Amy Andrews (The Trouble with Christmas)

Lyssa Kay Adams (Bromance Book Club, Undercover Bromance)

Talia Hibbert (Get a Life, Chloe Brown)

Kelly Collins (100 Reasons, 100 Excuses)

Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall, Demon Glass)

 

I only made it back to July – I know there were more new-to-me authors I enjoyed last year. These were all 5* reads for me – most were fantasy or romance

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.

Again,  I didn’t read as much as i used to, as I continue to work on several book studies and two courses – one in writing and one in art. But I definitely enjoyed the books I did read.

 What I Read Last Week

I read 4 books – 3 picture books. a romance novella, 2 fantasies and an inspirational book.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackasy. I have been following Mackasy for some time on Instagram and love his drawings and inspiring words. I had to buy the book – and I know I will be gifting this one as well. A must read, especially in these darker times.

Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop. I am rereading this series once again. The past few weeks I really needed a comfort read and this series is that.

The Selection by Kiera Cass. Someone recommended this YA fantasy series and I enjoyed the first one.

Dance Me a Dream by Kait Nolan. I always enjoy Nolan’s sweet romances and this one definitely was one.

I also read 3 picture books by Diana Murray, all of which I enjoyed:

     

Grimelda the Very Messy Witch    Goodnight Veggies   City Shapes

 

What I’m Reading Now

 Merry Misrule by Ellie St. Clair (won this one!)

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman (a reread for a writing course)

Don’t Over Think It by Anne Bogel (for a book study)

What’s Up Next

If I Knew Then by Jann Arden

Connect Five Friday – Non-Fiction Reads

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

I am currently reading, working through a number of non-fiction books and am enjoying them all. I always have several books on the go – I just seem to have more right now. But I am a mood reader, especially now, and I will pick up one of these as the mood hits.

Here are 5:

Don’t Overthink It! By Anne Bogel. I am reading this as a book study and am impressed. The sections on values and cycles really hit home. I really enjoy her blog (Modern Mrs. Darcy) and her book challenge.

The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker. I’m enjoying his tips for ways to spark our creativity, for ways to really notice all that is around us. Walker has a newsletter that is full of more tips.

 

Keep it Moving by Twyla Tharp. I loved her previous book The Creative Habit and this one is full of advice. especially for us “older” adults. I really must get back to it and finish it.

 

If I knew Then by Jann Arden. I love her music and her other book Feeding My Mother. Have only just started it, but so far enjoying it. 

 

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I started this last year but had to return it to the library. I just got it back as I think we all need a year of saying yes.

Top Ten Tuesday – Books Not Read Last Year (But Hoped To)

This week at Top Ten Tuesday, the topic is “Books I Meant to Read In 2020 but Didn’t Get To″. This weekly meme for book bloggers is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

At the start of every season, I make a list of books I plan/hope to read in the next few months. Too often, books get rolled onto the next season’s list, as I just didn’t get to read them.

Here are books from my own TBR shelves, that languished on my seasonal lists from 2020, for too long. Hopefully, I’ll read them this year!

A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman

What You Wish For by Katherine Center

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

A Better Man by Louise Penny

   

A Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

There There by Tommy Orange

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Into the Abyss by Carol Shaben

Embers by Richard Wagamese

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 didn’t read as much this week, as I have been working on several book studies and have started two course – one in writing and one in art. But I definitely enjoyed the books I did read.

  What I Read Last Week

I read 4 books – a picture book, 2 romances and an historical romance.

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean. This was the final in her historical romance series “The Bareknuckle Bastards” and I really enjoyed it.

 

One Wild Night by Magan Vernon. A romance ebook novella, a free read and also enjoyable.

 

Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis, A contemporary romance I enjoyed as well and by one of my favourite authors.

 

The Great Realization by Tomos Roberts, illus. by Nomoco. Such a special picture book – explains so well how we need to prepare for a different, improved world after covid.

 

 What I’m Reading Now

 Merry Misrule by Ellie St. Clair (won this one!)

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman (a reread for a writing course)

Don’t Over Think It by Anne Bogel (for a book study)

 

What’s Up Next

If I Knew Then by Jann Arden

 

Connect Five Friday – Spine Poem

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

Today, I came across several blogs that posted book spine poetry (Check here)  I have tried my hand at this a few times and enjoyed the hunt for books that would work together. It inspired me to create my own spine poem, just 5 books, using only the books I have now from the library (40 to choose from)and plan to read.

Here it is:

Finding Love

The Wright Sister

Fierce, free and full of fire.

The great realization

Finding grace

Never too old for love

Here are the books with highlights from Goodreads):

The Wright Sister by Patty Dann

“An epistolary novel of historical fiction that imagines the life of Katharine Wright and her relationship with her famous brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright.“

Fierce, Free and Full of Fire by Jen Hatmaker

“No more hiding or people-pleasing up in here, sisters. No more being sidelined in your own life. It is time for us to be brave, to claim our gifts and quirks and emotions. You are set free and set up and set on fire.“

 

The Great Realization by Tomos Roberts, illus. by Nomoco

“A post-pandemic bedtime tale that has captured the hearts of millions.

First performed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Tomos Roberts’ inspiring poem, with its message of hope and resilience, has been viewed over 60 million times and translated into over 20 languages worldwide.”

 

 

Finding Grace by Donna VanLiere

“Finding Grace is the powerful, often humorous, and deeply moving story of one woman’s journey of broken dreams. It is the story of how a painful legacy of the past is confronted and met with peace. This book is for anyone who has struggled to understand why our desires- even the simplest ones-are sometimes denied or who has questioned where God is when we need him most.”

 

Never Too Old for Love by Rosie Harris

“It’s never too late to fall in love …   Now in her seventies and widowed for the past three years, Mary Wilson never expected to find love again. But when a kindly stranger helps her home with her shopping and she invites him in for a cup of tea, it marks the start of a slow-burning friendship.”

 

Top Ten Tuesday – Resolutions/Hopes

This week at Top Ten Tuesday, the topic is “Resolutions/Hopes for 2021″. This weekly meme for book bloggers is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

January 1^st, I posted about my OLW, resolutions and reading challenges I hoped to participate in (Check here)

But I want to summarize these hopes, resolutions and even dreams, so I am better able to check off at the end of the year.

My Resolutions/hopes for 2021

1. “Live Life to the fullest, and focus on the Positive.”

This quote by Matt Cameron sums up what I hope to do this year and why my OLW is LIVE.

2. Read 350 books for the Goodreads reading challenge.

3. Read at least 100 picture books and middle grade novels.

4. Take part in at least 10 reading challenges.

5. Read at least 50 books that I already own.

6. Write daily, even if only 500 words.

7. Complete at least one writing course (online)

8. Finish at least one writing project a season and submit.

9. Create on a regular basis. Have fun and play, using up the art supplies I own.

10. Reach out to others, connect through blogs, emails, phone and facetime. Have hope for better times.

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 a week this has been! I had my socially-distanced birthday, with my husband away at dialysis. But at least we are all well. Then hell broke out in the US capitol. Let’s hope sanity will prevail and Trump can be impeached.

 What I Read Last Week

I read 6 books – 2 picture books, a romance novella, a non-fiction book, a contemporary romance and an historical romance.

The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau I read this for a book study and found it fascinating. We all need a passion, a pursuit to follow.

The Christmas Dare by Lori Wilde. So enjoyed this contemporary romance.

Set for New Year’s by Amie Denman. A sweet romance novella.

Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas, an historical romance with a main character I disliked at the beginning but warmed to by the end.

 

2 picture books I enjoyed immensely:

   

100 Ways to Celebrate 100 Days by Bruce Goldstone

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illus by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

What I’m Reading Now still reading these two)

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean

 Merry Misrule by Ellie St. Clair (won this one!)

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman (a reread for a writing course)

What’s Up Next

If I Knew Then by Jann Arden