December Reading Round-up and Summary of Reading Challenges for the Year

Hard to believe that we are at the end of 2021. So many of us are undoubtedly happy to see the end of the past two years. I know I am. December ends with my hubby in hospital once again. The fevers and chills came again and after bloodwork was done, the doctor phoned to tell he needed to be admitted to hospital as the infection had returned. That was this past Tuesday.

Not sure when he will be home. They still can’t find the source of the infection and his hemoglobin has dropped to 69. What a way to end one year and start a new one. After 22 years together, this will be the first New Year’s we will miss. At least I can visit him in hospital every day.

Thank God for books as they provided a much-needed escape. I was so determined to complete all my challenges but there were some books/categories I just couldn’t read, especially this month. I did enjoy what I read though and even tho I didn’t complete then all, I read widely and some I probably wouldn’t have without the challenges. So that is a big plus.

It’s time to share what I have been reading this past month.  I will summarize how I did with each challenge as well.

The total read for December was 25 books with the following breakdown:

Fantasy /Paranormal –3                      Romance – 11

Women’s Fiction – 5                            Pix books – 4

Non-fiction – 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 – 16       TBR/owned books –3        E-books –6 

 

Favourite Reads

My overall favourite read of the month was The Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

The rest of my top 10 reads are (with 3 series counting as 1 book choice each):

Series by Anne Bishop – Marked in Flesh, Etched in Bone

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

Well Played and  Well Matched  by Jen DeLuca

Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

The Russian Cage by Charlaine Harris

 

 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 as well as my overall completion of the challenge this year.

My overall challenge is the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I read 354 of 350 books in 2021.

Congrats!  354/350 (101%)

You have read 354 books of your goal of 350!        

POPSUGAR Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)

I only read 1 category for this challenge. I still had 3 to read (# 8, 11, 24). Therefore, read 37/40

#13-Locked room mystery –  Locked in For Christmas by Lola Winters

52 Books in 52 Weeks     (This year I read  – 52/52)

I read the 4 books I needed to finish this challenge.

#8 – in 900s of the Dewey Decimal system – Rosa Parks by Hourly History.

#21 – book by Kristin Hannah – Comfort and Joy

#36 – Nameless narrator – Butterflies in November by Audur Ava Olafsdotir

#39 Alternate history – The Russian Cage by Charlaine Harris

Monthly Key Word Challenge    (This year I read –  12/12)

I used this key word this month: Bell, and read:

Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan

Silver Bells by Jacquie Biggar

Monthly Motif    (This year, I read  – 12/12)

The theme this month was “That’s history”. I read Rosa Parks by Hourly History.

Beyond the Bookends    (This year, I read – 9/12)

The theme this month was “Jane Austen – classic or retelling””. I read: Dating Mr. Darcy by Kate O’Keefe

Emilie Richards Book Club    (This year, I read – 10/12)

The theme was “published in 2020”. I read Dating Mr. Darcy by Kate O’Keefe

Debbie Macomber Reading Challenge    (This year, I read: – 8/12)

The theme was “winter-themed cover”. I read:

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

Diversify Your Reading    (This year, I read: – 9/12)

The theme was “fantasy” and I read: the last 2 books in the Others series by Anne Bishop – Marked in Flesh, Etched in Bone

I finished two challenges earlier in the year:

What’s in a Name – I read 6/6 books

While I Was Reading – I read 12/12

 Looking Ahead to January

A new slate of challenges, a new word to guide me (JOY), hitting the big 7-0 in early January and a set of intentions for the year ahead which I plan to post January 1/22.

 

I am linking with the following:

Monthly Wrap-Up(At Feed Your Fiction Addiction)

Best of the Bunch (at A Cocoon of Books)

Friendship Friday (at Create With Joy)

Inspire Me Monday(at Create with Joy)

Happy New Year’s everyone! May 2022 bring the best in reading, health and happiness!

Connect Five Friday – What Will Be My First Read of 2022?

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.

This is the last Friday and the last Connect Five of 2021. I thought it was an ideal time to chose the first book I plan to read in the new year.

I am very much a mood reader so I am still not sure which book I will read first in 2022.It will depend on my mood for sure.

I have chosen 5 categories, and books to go with each of these categories, to choose from.

1. A reread: Will it be The Rose Garden by Susannah Kearsley or another favourite book?
2. A book by a favourite author: Will it be The Deadly Hours by Kearsley or Second Chance Christmas by Lori Wilde or The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery?
3. An inspirational book: Will it be Gratitude by Oliver Sacks or The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman?
4. A book on my TBR shelves (and on my Winter TBR List): Will it be A man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman or Glass Houses by Louise Penny?
5. A book from the library I have out now: Will it be Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan or The Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin?

So many choices and I still am not certain which it will be. Wish me luck!

Just had a thought – maybe drawing a choice will make it easier. Pause while I write out the titles on slips of paper, fold them  and then draw one.

Ta da – I chose:  A Man Called Ove.   hmmmmm . Still not sure!

What is your first read of the new year?

New Year’s Book Tag

New Year’s Book Tag

The last tag of the year! I saw this at the Book Duchesses and it reminded me that I’d done it 2 year’s ago!

Time to do it again. A great way to prepare for 2022.

1. How many books are you planning to read in 2022?

Although I have met my yearly goals at Goodreads each year, I decided to cut back and set my goal at 250. That seems like a lot, but I do read pix books and include these. I want to write more this coming year and this will take some of the pressure off to read a book a day – which I usually do (sure helps to be retired!)

 

2. Name 5 books that you didn’t get to this past year but want to make a priority in 2022.

I have too many books I want/need to finish. The 5 most pressing are:

A Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. It has been on my TBR lists for so long, I need to finish it.

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. I have had this a couple of years now, enjoy the author and want to dive in this coming year

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. This is another that has been on my lists forever it seems. So many great reviews – must get to it.

Five Little Indians by Michelle Good. This is an important must-read.

Becoming by Michelle Obama. Another one I have had a while – now I am reading it as a read-along with a writing partner.

3. What genre do you want to read more of?

I’d like to read more non-fiction – especially more memoirs and books on creativity.

 

4. Name 3 not-related-to-book goals for 2022.

I have several things I want to accomplish this coming year:

1. Write daily

2. Create often and take part in art challenges.
3. Once I have my knee replacement, exercise regularly. Live healthier.

4. What’s a book you have had forever and are determined to read?

That would one mentioned above – The Handmaid’s Tale. I am determined to finish it this year.

6. One word that you’re hoping 2022 will be.

I have already chosen my One Little Word and it is JOY. I need this push to look for the wonder in every day. (See here for more info)

Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What would your answers be to this tag? Anxious to see yours!

My Life in Books – In 2021

ShelleyRae at Book’d Out created this delightful meme “In 2021 – My Life in Books” – a look back on 2021, through the books you’ve read.

As she says: Complete the prompts using titles from the books you have read in 2021

 

2021 was: A Year of Everyday Wonders by Cheryl B. Klein

In 2021 I wanted to be:  Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson

In 2021 I was: Locked in For Christmas by Lola Winters

In 2021 I gained: Insight by Deborah Rainey

In 2021 I lost: Creativity by John Clese

In 2021 I loved: Kissing Under the Mistletoe by Suzanne Enoch

In 2021 I hated: A Thousand No’s by D.J. Corden

In 2021 I learned: What Wonders Await Outdoors by Justine Avery

In 2021 I was surprised by: The Gift by Edith Eger

In 2021 I went to: The Listening Path by Julia Cameron

In 2021 I missed out on: Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

In 2021 my family were: The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

In 2022 I hope for: Family Reunion by Nancy Thayer

What are you hoping for in 2022?

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.

Christmas was a quiet celebration this year. I had facetime and phone calls with family and friends, and one son over for Christmas dinner. Hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday!

What I Read Last Week

I read 5 books– 1 romance, a paranormal/alternate history and a fantasy.

Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop. No. 5, and the final.  in her Others series – and loved it as usual.

Read the 2^nd and 3^rd books of Jen DeLuca’s series. Enjoyed them both.

         

Well Played by Jen DeLuca.                      Well Matchedby Jen DeLuca

 

The Russian Cage by Charlaine Harris. This was the 2rd book in her Gunnie Rose series and so enjoyed it.

A Forever Love by Maggie Marr. A lovely ebook romance.

 What I’m Reading Now 

 Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes

Becoming by Michelle Obama (starting this for my book club)

 

What’s Up Next

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

 

Winter Intentions and My OLW

This past year has sped by – a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. I am actually glad to be seeing the end of these past two years.

I have chosen OLW (One Little Word) for several years now. It began with taking Ali Edwards OLW course. Through the years, choosing that one word, has helped me prepare for the new year and to represent my hopes for the coming year.

Here are the words I’ve chosen since 2013:

2013  Joy

2014  Embrace

2015  Bloom

2016  Shine

2017  Cultivate

2018  More

2019  Focus

2020  Refire

2021  Live

Usually, the word finds me. This time, it has been a real challenge to find that one word I want to hold on to for the year.

My word this year, Live, did not help much. Covid, and my hubby’s poor health kept me mostly home bound. I did not create or write much.

As I went through Susannah Conway’s Find Your Word course (free, mini course) this past week, I filled a page with possible words. My top five were thrive, BE, Do, connect create, yet none of them grabbed me. I kept returning to my first OLW, the word I had in 2013 – JOY. A friend reminded me (thanks Linda!), that I could use a former word. It felt right.

As I turn 70 in a few weeks (how time has flown – I definitely only feel that age in my joints. My hair isn’t even grey for goodness sake!), I knew I wanted a word to lift me up. To give me hope and inspiration. JOY definitely does that.

I need to be on the lookout for joy every day. I want to savour every moment. Simple acts of kindness, time with family and friends, using my gratitude journal regularly and looking at life as a gift – all these will help me find joy.

I am working to create my OLW canvas that will showcase my word for the year.

I did create my Winter Vision Board for the months ahead. I used to do this regularly but the past few years, many of my regular practices fell away. I am determined to do and be more. All the past words I have had will reinforce my journey in 2022.

Here is my vision board, with my winter intentions.

I’m linking with:

The One Word Linkup at Lisa Notes   

Friendship Friday Blog Hop at Create With Joy

Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy

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.

It may be a slow recovery for my hubby, but the doctor was optimistic on Friday. She said his white blood cells are normal. So, now he just has to build his strength and take each day as it comes, especially over Christmas. We are going to be facetiming opening presents. Had our first today and it went well.

 

What I Read Last Week

I read 5 books and 5 pix books– 1 romance, 2 women’s fiction, a non-fiction and a fantasy.

Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop. No. 4 in her Others series – and loved it as usual.

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon. This was #7 in her series, which I have read 1-4 and really enjoyed all of them. On to books #5 and 6.

 Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber. I always enjoy Macomber’s Christmas books.

Dating Mr. Darcy by Kate O’Keefe. This was a fun read and have already purchased her second in her series.

The Listening Path by Julia Cameron. This was read for my book club and it was an interesting read.

5 Pix books:

Christmas Tree memories by Aliki. An old favourite I had to reread.

4 by April Pulley Sayre

Bloom Boom!      Thank You. Earth Like a Lizard      Seagulls Soar

What I’m Reading Now 

 Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes

Well Played by Jen DeLuca

Becoming by Michelle Obama (starting this for my book club)

What’s Up Next (Still determined to read these!)

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

 Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Connect Five Friday – Christmas Romance 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.

With only a week til Christmas, I thought I’d share 5 Christmas romance novels I have enjoyed the past couple of months:

2 by Sarah Morgan

                           

The Christmas Escape                                               Sleigh Bells in the Snow

The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

A Christmas Star by Judith Keim

Kissing Under the Mistletoe – an historical romance anthology

Top Ten Tuesday – Books on My Winter 21/22 TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly linkup of book bloggers hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This week, the topic is “Books on My Winter 2021/22 TBR”

At the start of each season, I enjoy creating a must-read list of books for the coming season.

As I checked back over this past year’s lists, I realized how poorly I did over all. I read half of the books on my Winter and Spring lists, but only 3 on my Fall list. I kept rolling the ones I hadn’t read forward, over and over again. So, I really must buckle down and read the 5 listed below, once and for all.

I’m also including 5 books that I have on hold at the library – and waiting forever it seems, to read.

Books on My Winter 2021/22 TBR

 Books I Own and still haven’t Read:

Becoming by Michelle Obama. First book I plan to read in the new year. I have a Becoming journal I want to start once I’ve read this book.

A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman. I’ve started this one several times – and keep reading glowing reviews. I’m determined to finish it this round!

The Deadly Hours -anthology.  including Susanna Kearsley

Glass Houses by Louise Penny

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

 

And –

Library Books I have on hold and have been waiting (impatiently) for:

Archangel’s Light by Nalini Singh

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

The Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

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.

This looks to be a slow recovery for my hubby. After almost 2 weeks on IV antibiotics for sepsis, he still is experiencing chills and being too hot. He connects with his doctor this week, so hopefully we’ll find out what’s next.

 What I Read Last Week

I read 6 books–not much variety in genre tho – 4 romances and 2 women’s fiction.

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary. My favourite of the week.

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah. I needed a book by her and found this one, described as a modern-day fable. I really enjoyed it.

Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan. Another enjoyable romance by Morgan.

I also read 3 short Christmas romance ebooks which were okay

   

Locked in for Christmas by Lola Winters

A Christmas Star by Judith Keim

Falling Fast by Julia Jarrett

What I’m Reading Now 

Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

 Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes

What’s Up Next (Still determined to read these!)

5 Little Indians by Michelle Good

 Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout