August Reading Round-Up

Once again, we are at the end of one month and beginning a new one. It is also the beginning of anew school year. Hopefully, this school year will not be a disrupted one.

August sped by, with high temperatures and humidity once again. My hubby had surgery and it was deemed successful. But then he got an infection, there was a small opening in the wound and now he is having it packed and bandaged daily. Thank heavens for good books – for both of us.

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

The total read for August was 32 books with the following breakdown:

Fantasy /Paranormal –4

Romance – 10

Women’s Fiction – 1

Historical romance – 8

Non-fiction – 2

Pix books – 4

Graphic Memoir – 1

Magical realism – 2

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 – 22       TBR/owned books –2        E-books –18 

 

Favourite Reads

My overall favourite read of the month was The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

The rest of my top 10 reads, by author (cheating a little – it was hard to choice just 10 books this month):

Emilie Richards – Wedding Ring

Julia Quinn – Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, To Sir Philip With Love

Grace Burrowes – Lady Jennie’s Christmas Portrait, Once Upon a Tartan

Lisa Kleypas: Devil in Disguise, Devil in Winter, Scandal in Spring, It Happened One Autumn, Sugar Daddy

Sarah Gailey – Magic for Liars

Mary Sinses – The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café

Carolyn Brown – The Hope Chest

Tyler Feder – Dancing at the Pity Party

Edith Eiger – The Gift

 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)

I read 3 books for this challenge.

#30 -Set in place want to visit in 2021 (Nfld) – Channel of Peace by Kevin Tuerff

#35 – In different format than normally read (graphic memoir) – Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

#Adv. 7 – Book associated with a thing (blueberries!) – The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Sinses

52 Books in 52 Weeks

I read 3 books for this challenge:

#7 -Author with only 1 published book – Channel of Peace by Kevin Tuerff

#30 -Dragons – Dragon of Glass by Zoe Chant

#49 – Flavour in the title – Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Monthly Key Word Challenge

The key word I used this month: “One” – It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Monthly Motif

The theme this month was “Magic”. I read: Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

Debbie McComber’s Reading Challenge

The theme this month was “something you seldom read”. I read a graphic memoir: Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Emilie Richards’ Reading Challenge

The theme this month was “a book by Emilie Richards”. I read her book: Wedding Ring

Looking Ahead to September

I am taking part in the “Read a Series” challenge in September. I need to read the last 4 books in the Gamache series by Louise Penny

I also need to keep working on the 20 Books for Summer Challenge as well as reading more books for The Popsugar and 52Books 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)

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

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

My hubby has bounced back once again -the infection is gone and the fluid is slowly draining. He has to have the opening packed and bandaged every day until it has healed. But at least the nurse comes to take care of him at home.

 

What I Read Last Week

I read 9 books – 2 pix books, 6 romances (3  of which were novellas) and a woman’s fiction.

Wedding Ring by Emilie Richards. I read this for a challenge and so glad I did. I loved it.

The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis. Another great book from the Wildstone series. Such a great read.

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Sinses. I bought this at a thrift store this week – and it ended up being such an enjoyable reread.

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. First in a series by Kleypas which I enjoyed.

Rescuing Harley by Susan Stoker. This is the 3^rd book in Stoker’s Delta Force series, but can be read as a standalone. Another enjoyable romance novella.

Once Upon a Bride by Jenny Holiday. Another enjoyable romance novella.

Shimmy for Me by DeAnna Cameron. A romance novella that was a quick, entertaining read.

2 pbs:

Flow Spin Grow by Patchen Barss, illus. by Todd Stewart

Lionheart by Richard Collingridge

What I’m Reading Now 

Wild at Heart b K.A. Tucker

 

 

What’s Up Next

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

Connect Five Friday – Used Books

 

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.

Finally, after over a year, I was able to visit a thrift store. Yesterday, I actually went to 2 – the local Goodwill and The Recovery Room, which supports our hospital.

I’ve missed looking for books in the thrift shops, so it was a treat to browse and find a few I’ve been wanting to read.

Here are 5 used books I bought yesterday (not only did I save money, but I supported charities) (Summaries from Goodreads)

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

“Middlesex is the story of Cal or Calliope Stephanides, a comic epic of a family’s American life, and the expansive history of a gene travelling down through time, starting with a rare genetic mutation.”

Second Time Around by Marcia Willett

“In Second Time Around, Mathilda Rainbird bequeaths her home to three unknown relatives: twenty-two-year-old Tessa, who misses her dead parents and brother but has learned to live alone; Will, a widower, who is drawn to Mathilda’s housekeeper, Isobel; and Beatrice, a retired prep-school matron who thinks the idea of living with her cousins is preposterous.”

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

“For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at.”

Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance

“Hillbilly Elegy is a passionate and personal analysis of a culture in crisis—that of white working-class Americans. The disintegration of this group, a process that has been slowly occurring now for more than forty years, has been reported with growing frequency and alarm, but has never before been written about as searingly from the inside.”

A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena De Blasi

“He saw her across the Piazza San Marco and fell in love from afar. When he sees her again in a Venice café a year later, he knows it is fate. He knows little English; and she, a divorced American chef, speaks only food-based Italian. Marlena thinks she is incapable of intimacy, that her heart has lost its capacity for romantic love. But within months of their first meeting, she has packed up her house in St. Louis to marry Fernando — “the stranger” as she calls him — and live in that achingly lovely city in which they met. “

Recommendations about what to read first or what your favourites are??

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

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

My hubby was doing so well – now has an infection and a pocket of fluid at the surgery site. Has to have the wound packed and drained every day, along with an IV antibiotic. This means a daily visit either to a clinic or a visiting nurse, which ever is available.

 

What I Read Last Week

I read 6 books – 3 historical romances and 3 fantasies.

Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes. Book 2 in her series and so enjoyable.

2 historical fiction books by Julia Quinn: Really enjoying her series.

                               

Romancing Mister Bridgerton  To Sir Philip, With Love

 

Books 2 and 3 of the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout. Fun reads. 

       

Onyx Opal

Dragon of Glass by Zoe Chant. Finally finished this one – an ebook about a dragon that I needed for a reading challenge. Just okay.  

What I’m Reading Now 

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Wild at Heart b K.A. Tucker

What’s Up Next

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

Connect Five Friday – Books I Have Taken Notes From

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 keep a yearly journal, in which I record:

*a monthly to-do list

*seasonal to-do lists

*a seasonally list of books to read

*lengthy quotes that inspire me

* books I need to get again from the library (as I ran out of time to finish them before they were due)

*notes from books that I want to refer to later

Really, my journal is just filled with what catches my eye, my thoughts, my heart. I have kept these journals for several years and have referred back to them many times.

Here are 5 books I have read this past year and recorded notes from them:

Non-fiction books:

The Gift by Edith Eger. Filled with wisdom, from this 90+ year old psychologist and Auschwitz survivor.

“To celebrate the gift of life is to find the gift in everything that happens.”

The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker. Lots to learn from – he even has a weekly newsletter that is so informative.

I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott. Essays that touch and inform.

“We all keep certain phrases in our minds. Not mantras exactly but go-to choruses that state how things are”

Fiction books:

What You Wish For by Katherine Center. Love this novel. Love the notion that we must do something joyful; “never miss a chance to celebrate.”

The Color of Light by Emilie Richards. We are called to do good works.

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

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

 

My hubby is slowly recovering. He came home a week ago and is moving a bit better and seems to be in less pain. Now if he would just not overdo it – as he usually does!

 

 What I Read Last Week

I read 7 books – 3 historical romances, 2 contemporary romances, a magical realism mystery novel and 1 pix book.

       

It Happened One Autumn         Devil in Winter                 Scandal in Spring   

by Lisa Kleypas.     So enjoyed this series

 

Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey.  A murder mystery, magic and lies – how could it not be fascinating?

 

Insight by Deborah Raney. Really enjoyed this romance that involved a widow and an who received a cornea transplant.

Eight Second Rule by Em Petrova. A romance novella that was a fun, quick read.

A Boy, a Mouse and A Spider by Barbara Herkert, illus by Lauren Castillo. A most informative, interesting picture book of E.B. White.

 

What I’m Reading Now 

 Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout

 

What’s Up Next

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

Wild at Heart b K.A. Tucker

Connect Five Friday – NF Books That Start with Keep

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.

 

As I was sorting through some books, I discovered several started with “Keep”. As I searched online, I found several more. Here are 5 non-fiction, informative books, whose title starts with “Keep”: (Summaries from Goodreads)

 

Keep Going by Austin Kleon. I enjoy Kleon’s blog and have already read a couple of his books. I am working on this one now.

“Keep Working. Keep Playing. Keep Creating.   In his previous books Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!, both New York Times bestsellers, Austin Kleon gave readers the keys to unlock their creativity and showed them how to become known. Now he offers his most inspiring work yet, with ten simple rules for how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself—for life.”

 

Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta MD. I’ve always been impressed with Dr. Gupta – I find him informative, personable and knows his stuff. This book is an interesting read – especially for an older adult like myself!

“Keep your brain young, healthy, and sharp with this science-driven guide to protecting your mind from decline by neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta.  
Throughout our life, we look for ways to keep our mind sharp and effortlessly productive. Now, globetrotting neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta offers insights from top scientists all over the world, whose cutting-edge research can help you heighten and protect brain function and maintain cognitive health at any age.”

 

Keep it Moving by Twyla Tharp. I enjoyed her first book (The Creative Habit) and this one is just as good.

“One of the world’s leading artists—a living legend—and bestselling author of The Creative Habit shares her secrets for harnessing vitality and finding purpose as you age. From insight to action, Keep It Moving is a guidebook for expanding one’s possibilities over the course of a lifetime.”

 

Keep Your Brain Alive by Lawrence Katz. Sounds like a book I need to read!

“OVER 40? GETTING FORGETFUL? TROUBLE LEARNING NEW TRICKS?  Introducing Neurobics, a unique brain exercise program based on the latest neuroscience research. These deceptively simple exercises help stimulate the production of nutrients that grow brain cells to keep the brain younger and stronger. Neurobics uses the five senses in unexpected ways and shakes up everyday routine”

 

Keep Moving by Maggie Smith. A book I plan to read.

“In this deeply moving book of quotes and essays, Maggie writes about new beginnings as opportunities for transformation. Like kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken ceramics with gold, Keep Moving celebrates the beauty and strength on the other side of loss. This is a book for anyone who has gone through a difficult time and is wondering: What comes next? “

Summer Reading Challenge – Finished!

I so enjoyed this summer reading challenge hosted at The Messy Middle. There were 25 categories and we were tasked with reading at least 7. I completed the challenge and was able to read 12 books.

 Here are the books I read for the categories:

In honor of the Olympics:

A book involving the Olympics, sports, or Japan: Sports: When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

For the Joy of Reading:

A book I already own: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop

A book a friend recommended: Color of Light by Emilie Richards

A Young Adult book (YA): Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

A book with a great cover: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

A memoir or autobiography: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

A book with a verb in the title:(2) The Next person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom; Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

A book about a country or culture you have never visited: (Italy) Love You Life by Sophie Kinsella

A mystery: Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

A novel: Confessions from the Quilting Circle by Maisey Yates

A book with an animal: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis

A book You want to discuss with others: The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith

 

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

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

My hubby had his operation last Wednesday and tho he had many risk factors, it went well and he is recovering well in hospital. Even tho I can only see him an hour a day, he looks good and was even walking with a walker this aft. So relieved – and thankful for all the support and kind wishes from everyone. Thank you.

What I Read Last Week

I read 8 books – two historical romances, a contemporary romance, 2 non-fiction books, a YA fantasy, a magical realism novel and 1 pix book.

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas. This was well worth the wait from the library. I have loved this series.

Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrowes. Another enjoyable historical romance in one of her series.

Dare You by Mari Carr. A very hot, enjoyable read.

The Gift by Edith Eiger. A very inspiring book by a survivor of Auschwitz, offering 12 lessons to save your life.

Channel of Peace by Kevin Tuerff. It will soon be 20 years since 9/11 and this was a short, inspiring read about the time during and after Tuerff’s stay in Gander, Newfoundland.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I finally finished this YA fantasy, first in a series that I am looking forward to reading.

Postcards from Asgard by Amalia Dillon. I enjoyed this ebook, which involved magical realism and Norse gods.

Ocean Speaks by Jess Keating and illus. by Katie Hickey. A very informative and enjoyable NF PB.

What I’m Reading Now 

 Wild at Heart b K.A. Tucker

 Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

What’s Up Next

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig (Enjoying this a few entries at a time)

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

Connect Five Friday – Unreliable Narrators

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 reading challenges in which I participate, a needed category is “a novel with an unreliable narrator”. As I checked for books, I found there were so many.

Here are 5 books with unreliable narrators that I want to read (summaries from Goodreads):

 

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

“Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel by Yann Martel published in 2001. The protagonist, Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, a Tamil boy from Pondicherry, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. He survives 227 days after a shipwreck while stranded on a boat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker”

 

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.”

 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

“Oct. 11th, 1943 – A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it’s barely begun.
When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she’s sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.
Harrowing and beautifully written, Elizabeth Wein creates a visceral read of danger, resolve, and survival that shows just how far true friends will go to save each other. Code Name Verity is an outstanding novel that will stick with you long after the last page.”

 

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

“Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking.”

 

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Tarton

“For fans of Claire North, and Kate Atkinson, The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a breathlessly addictive mystery that follows one man’s race against time to find a killer, with an astonishing time-turning twist that means nothing and no one are quite what they seem. 
This inventive debut twists together a thriller of such unexpected creativity it will leave readers guessing until the very last page.”

 

Which should I read first?