Book Dragon's lair: 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

Be Safe. Be Happy. Be Loved.

Happy Reading, Gina

Weekly report of last week's activities, reading and new books in the house....

Last week:
For those who are LDS, M is no longer on the High Council. He didn't last a year before being called to the Bishopric. I've been asked to be Stake Primary Secretary but don't think it will be official until Stake conference in January.

Monday - Dinner with the parents was great. My brother and his wife were in town so they joined us. M cooked a roast ... yum, yum, yum. SIL brought over a 2 pound box of Sees Candies, oh boy, sharing that with in-laws! Talk was lively, food was delicious. Worried about my Dad. Seven of us spent several minutes talking about my nephew and when we were finished my Dad jumped in with the same story. He did add a little extra but we were already finished talking about it before he started. Sigh. Hearing? Hope that's all it is.

Tuesday was Christmas for us. We slept in, talked on the phone with daughter who is out of town then headed downstairs for breakfast. Opened gifts while watching Mr. Mom.

Dinner was at my SIL's house. Food, fun and family! Some of us went off to see the lights, some of us stayed in the warm house.

Wednesday - sigh, back to the grindstone! M took the rest of the See's to the office for me. All except a couple of Christmas things I bought this year are put away.

Thursday - Picking up daughter from the airport. Also on my list is donating blood (check) before the end of the year, going to bank and post office (check). M will be working from home so I don't know how much of my list will get done.

Friday - Late night last night, sleeping in! M working from home again (yea) hoping to call it an early day. Maybe we'll make it to The Hobbit. Daughter called this morning, we're going to lunch then shopping :-D ...made it to the bank and Library but not to the movies.

Saturday -

Sunday - So, this is what a normal Sunday will be for the next several years.... M has early morning meetings and a couple of responsibilities after church. We'll be taking two cars because there's no way I'm going three hours early!

I hope you have a fabulous and safe New Year's!

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

December's host: Suko's Notebook

Received for Review:
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis

Giveaway/Contest/Gift:

from Author:

Purchased/delivered:
Discovering the Magic of Christmas by Heather Holm
The Fork in the Road by Matthew S. Holland
A Christmas Thief by Carol Lynn Pearson
Bloodborne by Gregg Luke
Garden Plot by Kristen McKendry
The Carpenter's Miracle by Judd Parkin
The Apology by Janet & Michael Weaver
The Fourth Gift by J. Tucker Davis
The Heaven Trilogy by Ted Dekker
The Legend of the Star by Stacy Gooch-Anderson
This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
Morning Comes Softly by Debbie Macomber
Playing with Poison by Cindy Blackburn

Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)

Current Library books at the house:
Women's Complete Guide to Running by Jeff Galloway
Knee High by the Fourth of July by Jess Lourey
The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
To Distraction by Stephanie Laurens
The South Beach Diet
The Blue Zone
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution

and, am currently #46 on the waiting list for The Casual Vacancy, #508 for Gone Girl, #117 for Shadow Woman, and #15 for Dark Storm.

What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.

Finished:

A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens
Hide by Lisa Gardner
To Distraction by Stephanie Laurens
Wallflowers by Sean Michael
Just Between Us by Aislinn Kerry

Books stacked by my reading chair (~~some~~ most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet):
Beyond Seduction by Stephanie Laurens
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology
Dial C for For Chihuahua by Waverly Curtis
Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard
Enchanted by Starlight by Tina L. Hook
The Paternity Test by Michael Lowenthal

Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!
all of my library check-outs
more review books
finish Enchanted and Paternity and update reviews

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish, may try again later:

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Witches and Witchcraft Reading Challenge

Witches & Witchcraft

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

Sign- up here

Challenge Rules:

This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2013 - Dec 31, 2013. I will be posting a place to link up a sign-up post, reviews and a wrap-up post. (Note: You do not have to review the books to participate, but only those who link up reviews will be entered for the prize)
Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate- you could track your progress and post reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, etc.
Any full length book that includes a witch as a main character or major witchcraft elements counts. They may be fiction or non-fiction. However, they should not be reference books which are not read cover to cover-I will leave this to your discretion.
Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
When you sign up in the linky put the direct link to your post about joining the 2013 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge.
You can move up levels, but no moving down.
Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2013, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.
Have some Witchy Good Fun !!!

Level:

Initiate: Read 1 - 5 Witchy Books
Maiden: Read 6 - 10 Witchy Books
Mother: Read 11 - 15 Witchy Books
Crone: Read 16 - 20 Witchy Books

While I'm sure there are some who think Crone fits me, I'm going for Initiate and hope to read all 5 witchy books.

There are links to recommended reads so check it out and sign up!

Books Read

1. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
2. The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman
3. William's House by Amber Kell
4. The Cat's Meow - anthology
5.

My Very First Post . . . and an Update

I've been book blogging since January 4, 2009.

One of my Yahoo!Groups is On the Porch Swing. I'm not active but I did go today and found a post about challenges. The blog had more then one so when one of the links had a "Mr. Linky" I knew I needed a dedicated blog just for books.

I've got other blogs that I have a hard time keeping up with so I really shouldn't add another one but the others are so varied or personal that I didn't want anything to distract. Plus, there is no sense embarrassing or offending anyone! And really, unless you know, know me, do you really want hear that I'm pulling my hair out over wedding plans?

This blog will be everything books. No health, life, writing, family or school. No religion or politics. Just books. {HA we'll see how long before off topic subjects creep in}

Almost four years! I don't know if the Yahoo!Group even exists still. Things have changed in real life and I'm thinking it is time for some changes on the blog too. And those "other blogs"? I don't do them anymore, I'm too focused on the books.

I started book blogging so I could do reading challenges. I'm still doing reading challenges (27 at last count), still book blogging, added review/tour books, but . . . yeah, there's a but in there. While the blog is mainly books, I can no longer say "No health, life, writing, family or school. No religion or politics. Just books."

I've been trying to lose weight for years. When my youngest was in fifth grade I weighed 170 and was tucking my t-shirts in. My weight was headed down and my goal of wearing my wedding dress again was looking more and more attainable. I guess that was when he was 10 years old? Well, he's 23 now and at one point I was 234. Now I'm at 216.5 and no longer tucking any shirts in. The baggier the better.

sigh.

Now I am Diabetic. Surprised? I was. Until I started thinking about it then not so much. So you see, since the blog has become so much a part of my day, I've got to add the health stuff to it or you'd never see me. I may still be able to keep politics out of it but the rest are fair game.

One of my challenges for 2013 is Outdo Yourself. I want to read 200 books but I don't what to count the shortest ones. Usually I count anything with it's own ISBN-type identity but this time, the picture books I love won't count. Also the short ebooks, anything under 50 pages. I also want to review more so I'll be posting "Finished Reading #1. . . " posts. Not sure how to post the review ones, I still like "Thoughts on . . . title".

Blog forecast? Raining book posts. There will be 200+ posts just for the Outdo Yourself Challenge alone! Plus there are several memes I like and want to be more regular in my posting. One or two posts a week for health and fitness. Since Sunday is a rest day as far as exercise goes, maybe that will be my Real Life Update page. The stresses and successes of managing my diabetes along with my running progress. Oh, Beth Fish Reads has a Weekend Cooking meme, I should start doing that!

Sunday - a week in review (expanded and separate from the current Monday post)
Monday - Where are you reading
Tuesday - 1st Paragraph/intro and Teaser Tuesday
Wednesday - reviews, tours, guest posts, places I visited and want to share with you,
Thursday - Purrs-day/Cat Thursday
Friday - Declutterfication Projects (a more intense clearing out and cleaning up) Would you believe I have too many books?
Saturday - Saturday Snapshot/Weekend Cooking/Quotes

End of the month update for reading challenges and health plans. Also an end of year "how I did" post. I'm sure I find other things to tell you about that don't fit on Wednesday (Father's Day being one of them), I hope you'll forgive me.

It will take a while to get fully into it and I'll be taking a couple of months off this summer. Oh, maybe I'll still need to do the finished reading posts? Things will settle then I'll change them up again :-D

Happy Reading my friends.

Gina, a book dragon
because books are a treasure worth protecting

Romance is in the Air with a Contemporary Flair

Contemporary Romance

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at The Book Vixen

Sign- up here

Requirements:

The goal is to read at least 10 contemporary romance books in ‘13.
This reading challenge is specifically for romances between a hero and a heroine. Romances with the following elements do not qualify for this reading challenge: paranormal, historical, time-travel, fantasy, science fiction, or mystery/suspense/thriller.
Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Books Read

1. ~~Wicked Gift by Sean Michael~~ Sand Castle By by Sherryl Woods
2. The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
3. Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer
4. A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
5. Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
6. ~~When You Dare by Lori Foste~~r Defending the Duchess by Rachelle McCalla
7. The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
8. Wind Chime Point by Sheryl Woods
9. Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
10. One Day in Apple Grove by C. H. Admirand

~Challenge Completed~

June 12

Romance is in the Air with a Suspenseful side

Romantic Suspense

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at The Book Vixen

Sign- up here

Requirements:

The goal is to read 13 romantic suspense novels in ‘13.
Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Books Read

1. The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
2. When You Dare by Lori Foster
3. Trace the Fever by Lori Foster
4. Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
5. Defending the Duchess by Rachelle McCalla
6. Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick
7. Fatal Error by Colleen Thompson
8. A Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson
9. A Werewolf in the North Woods by Vicki Lewis Thompson
10.
11.
12.
13.

~Challenge Completed~

Date

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Can You Outdo Yourself?

Outdo Yourself

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen

Sign- up here

Reading Challenge Details:

Runs January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 (books read prior to 1/1/2013 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime.
The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2013 than you did in 2012. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down.
Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Levels:

Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm going for . . . I'm on fire! . . . because I'm not sure how else to do this. I want to read 200 books during 2013 without counting the little ones under 50 pages. (for my info...Sips don't count but High Balls do) {edited to remove books under 100 pages)

1. Wicked Gift by Sean Michael
2. The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
3. Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer
4. A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
5. To Tame a Dragon by Megan Bryce
6. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
7. The Edge of Desire by Stephanie Laurens
8. Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
9. A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens
10. Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
11. They Walk Among Us by T. A. Chase
12. A Soldier's Choice by D. L. Warner
13. When You Dare by Lori Foster
14. Spits and Bellows by Joyee Flynn

15. Trunk and a Skunk by Joyee Flynn
16. The Best by Tinnean
17. Whiskers, Mane and a Biter by Joyee Flynn
18. Trace the Fever by Lori Foster
19. It's Not Easy Being Green by Jim Henson
20. Chaps and Hope by Bailey Bradford
21. Lock and Key by Sasha Devlin
22. Leaving Home by T. A. Chase
23. The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
24. Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
25. The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman

26. White Knight and Black Fur by Joyee Flynn
27. Rumble and Churr by Joyee Flynn
28. Elder and the Youngest by Joyee Flynn
29. The Extra-Ordinary Princess by Carolyn Q. Ebbitt
31. Home Sweet Home by T. A. Chase
32. The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
33. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney
34. Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney
35. The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
36. Three Little Words by Allison Cassatta
37. Back Home by RJ Scott
38. Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
39. Temporary Mark by Kim Dare
40. A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes
41. Needing Seth by Shawn Lane
42. Defending the Duchess by Rachelle McCalla
43. Wind Chime Point by Sheryl Woods
44. Threadbare Gypsy Souls by T. A. Chase
45. Son of Death by Nikki McCoy
46. The Gift of Running47. Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick
48. Chasing the King of the Mountains by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes
49. Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
50. One Day in Apple Grove by C. H. Admirand

51. Black List by Brad Thor
52. Ropes and Dreams by Bailey Bradford
53. Breaking the Devil by Bailey Bradford
54. Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods
55. Fatal Error by Colleen Thompson
56. That Old Flame of Mine by J. J. Cook
57. Subterranean by James Rollins
58. Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery
59. The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
60. Killing Floor by Lee Child
61. A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene
62. Cat Trick by Sofie Kelly
63. Point of No Return by N. R. Walker
64. Die Trying by Lee Child
65. En Prise by Sean Michael
66. The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye
67. Stockholm Syndrome by Sage Marlowe
68. The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
69. A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
70. Blood Knot by Tracy Cooper-Posey
71. Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
72. Star Ka'at by Andre Norton
73. Tripwire by Lee Child
74. Running Blind by Lee Child
75. Three Little Words by Susan Mallery

76. Eat and Run by Scott Jurek with Steve Friedman
77. At First Touch by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes
78. Echo Burning by Lee Child
79. Without Fail by Lee Child
80. Dancers Among Us by Jordan Matter
81. Reflection Point by Emily March
82. A Soldier's Choice w/bonus chapter (Mistletoe Op) by D.L. Warner
83. Kentucky 98 Proof by KC Kendricks
84. The Third Gate by Lincoln Child
85. Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare
86. Plague by H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
87. Falling Awake by Jayne Ann Krentz
88. Set Ablaze by Morticia Knight
89. The Case of the Wicked Wolf by Amber Kell & RJ Scott
90. Before He Cheats by Kim Dare
91. Arresting Behaviour by Morticia Knight
92. A Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson
93. Without Reservations J.L. Langley
94. With Caution by J.L Langley
95. Lust Emergency by Morticia Knight
96. Broken by Sage Whistler
97. Persuader by Lee Child
98. Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
99. The Strongest Shape by Tessa Cárdenas
100. Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey

to be continued. . . .

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon is coming!

A Winter's Respite

Read-a-Thon

Mon. Jan 21 at 12 a.m.

Sun. Jan 27 at 11:59 pm

Central Standard Time

Hosted by Michelle of The True Book Addict at Seasons of Reading. Sign-up here

Ready? Here's the info. . .

Of course, like most read-a-thons, the books read must be novels or novellas, adult or young adult are fine, and you can read children's books too (as long as you do read some novels too). You DO NOT have to participate the entire week. Join in when you can, start in the middle, end early...whatever works best for your schedule. As long as you sign in at the sign-in post and do some kind of wrap up post, you're in for the big giveaway at the end. As with my previous read-a-thons, it will be a week of relaxed reading during which we can personally challenge ourselves and whittle away those ever looming TBR piles/shelves/libraries. I hope you will join me!

I will not be hosting any mini-challenges, as we learned from my last two read-a-thons, focusing on the reading rocks. However, if anyone else would like to host a mini-challenge, you are more than welcome. We will have a few scheduled Twitter chats again (and perhaps some more reading sprints).

Our twitter hashtag is #WintersRespite

Sign up in the linky at the sign up page. You do not have to do a post now, unless you want to help spread the word (hint, hint...) If you don't have a blog, use Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads. Having a blog is not required. Be sure to grab the button at the top of this post. (Don't forget that this is just the sign-up linky. There will be starting line sign-in and wrap-up linkies during the read-a-thon and doing both is required to be eligible for the giveaway).

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Lair's twitter hashtag is #bookdragonslair and I hope to update here and there. Other than that I have no goal or ideas of what I'll be reading.

Yet.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Monday

Weekly report of last week's activities, reading and new books in the house....

Last week:

No gym with Daughter, again, she's out of town

No volleyball because of the holidays.

Women's dinner at church.

Couple's fireside at church

Living room looks great

Guest room progress. . . stalled

Dinner with parents and in-laws. Here. Tonight. Oh, found out my brother and his wife are coming!

Whew!

I hope you have a great week planned

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

December's host: Suko's Notebook

Received for Review:

Giveaway/Contest/Gift:

from Author:

Purchased/delivered:
In the Dark Streets Shineth by David McCullough
Glimpses Beyond Death's Door by Brent L. & Wendy C. Top

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
The 7th Month by Lisa Gardner
Try Me by Parker Blue
Darn Good Cowboy Christmas by Carolyn Brown
Any Given Christmas by Candis Terry

Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)

Current Library books at the house:
2-week total Body Turnaround by Chris Freyta
Fit2Fat2Fit by Drew Manning
Women's Complete Guide to Running by Jeff Galloway

and, am currently #83 on the waiting list for The Casual Vacancy and #604 for Gone Girl

Finished:
The Lady Chosen by Stephanie Laurens
A Gentleman's Honor by Stephanie Laurens
Unconventional at Best by anthology
A Lady of His Own by Stephanie Laurens

Books stacked by my reading chair (~~some~~ most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet):
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology
Dial C for For Chihuahua by Waverly Curtis
Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard
Enchanted by Starlight by Tina L. Hook
The Paternity Test by Michael Lowenthal

Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!
all of my library check-outs
more review books
finish Enchanted and Paternity and update reviews

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish, may try again later:

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Wrap Up

As the year winds to a close, so does the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge. Check out the wrap-up post to see how everyone did this year.

Robin has posted some great questions but I'm not sure I can answer most of them. 1 & 2 were easy but I don't have a listing of all the books. I also didn't list page numbers or genres. I had planned on doing so for 2013, now I know I need to.

If you'd like to check out my list(s), follow the links.

JAN :: FEB :: MAR :: APR :: MAY :: JUN :: JUL :: AUG :: SEP :: OCT :: NOV :: DEC

1) How many books did you read this year?
~ 262

2) Did you meet or beat your own personal goal?
~ No. Yes, I read 52 books this year but I didn't get my one a week goal.

3) Favorite book of 2012? (You can list more than one or break it down by genre)

4) Least favorite book of 2012 and why?

5) One book you thought you'd never read and was pleasantly surprised you like it?

6) One book you thought you'd love but didn't?

7) One book that touched you - made you laugh, cry, sing or dance.

8) Any new to you authors discovered and you can't wait to read more of their stories?

9) Name the longest book you read? Shortest?

10) Name the most unputdownable book you read?

11) Book that had the greatest impact on you this year?

12) What book would you recommend everybody read?

13) Share your most favorite cover(s)

14) Do you have a character you fell in love with?

15) What was your most favorite part of the challenge? Did you do any of the mini challenges? What are your goals for the new year? To read more non fiction? To dip your toes into a mystery or a urban fantasy? What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2013?

I did do the A-Z by title mini challenge. I have three books on order for 2013, one of which is Peach Pies and Alibis by Ellery Adams (cozy with a touch of paranormal)

Reading/book goals for next year? Read more from my own library. Read and review! Read more non fiction. Read more classic type books

Fall into Reading Wrap Up

Fall into Reading

Wrap Up

hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days

Sign ups go live on the 22nd. You can read about the challenge here, or here, but "Essentially, Fall Into Reading 2012 is a fun, low-pressure reading challenge open to anyone and everyone. It will take place September 22nd-December 21st (which, as you may have guessed, lines up with the fall of 2012)." The only requirement is a list of book you'd like to read this fall.

~*~

I had a huge list to start with. I never have a problem reading for this but low-pressure or not, I needed some specific goals.

two library books? check.
unlisted Library book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (Sep 23, 287 pages)
Library book: Any Way You Want It by Kathy Love (Sep 24, 271 pages)
. . . then EIGHT more

two new purchases? check.
unlisted New Purchase: Get Organized! by Colette Leigh (Sep 26, 69 pages)
unlisted New Purchase: Run Your Butt Off! by Sarah Lorge Butler with Leslie Bonci and Budd Coates (Sep 27, 209 pages)
. . . then FOUR more

two review books? check.
unlisted Review Book: 'Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries (Oct 3, 368 pages)
unlisted Review Book: Alex Van Helsing Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson (Oct 7, 297 pages)

two still reading? check.
Still Reading: A Killer Read by Erika Chase
Still Reading: Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear (Nov 10, 416 pages)

plus, five challenges/RaTs completed :-)

Total books read? 22
5,548 pages

Stopped keeping track, here, after completing the challenge on November 10

looking towards Spring

Saturday Snapshot - The world did end!

Saturday Snapshot

hosted by Alyce at At Home with Books

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme, post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

I've been entering my books in an online database and when I logged on today I received this message. . .

I can access my books but can't add any more to the database? But I'm not finished!

not much of a photo, I just thought it was funny.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

I've got to use the library more!

Library Books

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by me, sign- up here

Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but we also need space to keep them. I've started using the library (again) but couldn't find a challenge to help me. Here it is. There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!

Requirements:

choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
check books out of the library
books may overlap with other challenges
any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is.
a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in

I'm going for Adult and hope to read 36 books next year that I've checked out of the library. . . wondering if I out to go for Just insert IV. . .

Books Read

1. A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
2. The Runway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
3. When You Dare by Lori Foster
4. The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
5. Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
6. The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman
7. The Extra-Ordinary Princess by Carolyn Q. Ebbitt
8. Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick
9. Subterranean by James Rollins
10. Killing Floor by Lee Child
11. Die Trying by Lee Child
12. The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick

13. Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde
14. Tripwire by Lee Child
15. Eat and Run by Scott Jurek with Steve Friedman
16. Without Fail by Lee Child
17. A Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson
18. Persuader by Lee Child
19. The Unicorn Princess by Babette Cole
20. The Enemy by Lee Child
21. One Shot by Lee Child
22. The Hard Way by Lee Child
23. Last Wool and Testament by Molly MacRae
24. Werewolf in the North Woods by Vicki Lewis Thompson

25. Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child
26. Hot for Fireman by Jennifer Bernard
27. The Ghostly Blinkers by Babette Cole
28. The Arrangement by Mary Balogh
29. Sex and the Single Fireman by Jennifer Bernard
30. Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

~ Challenge Completed ~

37.

Library Books Reading Challenge

Library Books

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by Gina at Book Dragon's Lair

Sign- up here

Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but we also need space to keep them. I've started using the library (again) but couldn't find a challenge to help me. Here it is. There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!

Requirements:

choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
check books out of the library
books may overlap with other challenges
any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is. (post with review linky)
a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in

Levels:

board book - 3
picture book - 6
early reader - 9
chapter book - 12
middle grades - 18
Young adult - 24
adult - 36
just insert IV - 50

Ready?

Monday, December 17, 2012

Happy Monday

Weekly report of last week's activities, reading and new books in the house....

Last week:
My brother was in town so we had dinner with him and the parents. A nephew and his family has moved near by and them came too. Afterwards we made Christmas trees out of ice cream cones. At 3 and 5, the parents didn't want the hassle of a gingerbread house. Son made one too and they left it for him to bring home.

Dear Author's site had a Rake Name generator, I'm The Unsuitable Worldly Well-Read Miss Francis. What are you?

No gym with Daughter, she's still making gifts and I'm still working on the bracelets.

Took time out for lunch with parents and friends.

No volleyball because of the holidays.

Living room is ready to decorate. . .I'm so far behind this year!

Great Christmas party at church. I brought a stew (beans and barley) with Moroccan seasonings.

Guest room progress. . . (I think I'm going to like the paint son picked out. Okay, I brought home several color samples, M narrowed them down, son said which he liked and I did too.)

Whew!

I hope you have a great week planned

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

December's host: Suko's Notebook

Received for Review:

Giveaway/Contest/Gift:

from Author:

Purchased/delivered:
Quilt or Innocence by Elizabeth Craig
Secrets of the Crown by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
Deadly trilogy boxed set by Alexa Grace
Deadly Holiday by Alexa Grace
What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen (a Jack the Ripper novel)
Hammered, Nailed and Screwed by Kathleen Hering
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare
Master of Love by Catherine LaRoche
Hemlock Lake by Carolyn J. Rose

Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)

Finished:
Texas Branded by Sara York
In Time of Need by Sean Michael
Whiskers, Mane, and a Biter by Joyee Flynn
Just Ask by Mia Downing
Sealing the Deal by Kim Dare

Books stacked by my reading chair (~~some~~ most not actively reading but I haven't given up on them, yet):
Code Blood by Kurt Kamm
Noah by Jacquelyn Frank ~ ebook
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan ~ ebook
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted ~ ebook
Circle of Seven by Bryan Davis
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle ~ ebook
Big Kitty by Claire Donally
When the Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
Power Down by Ben Coes
Double the Heat, anthology
Dial C for For Chihuahua by Waverly Curtis
Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard
Enchanted by Starlight by Tina L. Hook
~~Finding Ultra by Rick Roll~~ ~ returned to library unfinished
The Paternity Test by Michael Lowenthal

Next up:
got to finish up my still reading list!
all of my library check-outs
more review books
finish Enchanted and Paternity and update reviews

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish, may try again later:

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Silent Night Read-a-Thon Blog Hop

Silent Night

Read-a-Thon

Dec 15 - Dec 22

Hosted by Svea at The Muse in the Fog Book Reviews
sign up here! or below, it's a Blog Hop

Are you ready for a scrumptious week of cozy nights curled up with a stack of books and unlimited warm drinks? I hope so, because the day has finally arrived...

Welcome to the The 1st Annual Silent Night Read-a-thon! This is the official kick off post, and the place where you can enter to win a new copy of The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.

Yes. Yes I am.

Not sure how well I'll do as I've got more activities going on this week then I usually do but I'm always up for a RaT!

The giveaway is international so be sure to check out Svea's sign up post

Are you ready? Join us!

What I'm reading. . .
The Lady Chosen by Stephanie Laurens ~ finished
A Gentleman's Honor by Stephanie Laurens ~ finished
A Lady of His Own by Stephanie Laurens
Second Chances by Carol Lynne ~ finished
Toppling Pedestals by D.J. Manly ~ finished
Unconventional at Best by anthology ~ finished

Friday, December 14, 2012

Genre Variety Reading Challenge

A Daydreamer has a challenge that will go great with my Genre/Sub-Genre challenge. . .

Genre Variety

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by Faye at Daydreamer's thoughts

Sign- up here

The challenge is to read a large variety of genres within one year.

Other Important Info:

Runs from January 1st 2013 until December 31st 2013. Sign ups will be open until December 1st 2013.
There are five levels to challenge yourself too. You may move up a level but not go down a level. These are all outlined below. Please mention in your sign up post which level you will aim for.
The genres you choose to read are up to you. As long as every book is different, whichever genre you wish to read you can.
Every month there will be a post on this blog to link up to your update post / review(s)
There will be a giveaway at the end of the challenge, and maybe a few within the year but these are TBD.
To sign up, you will need to write a post saying which level you are challenging yourself too and then use the linky list. Non-Bloggers may post in the comments of this post.
Any book formats are accepted.
Novellas and Novels are all accepted for this challenge.
YA, NA and Adult books all count towards this challenge.
New sub-genres are accepted. (for example, paranormal-romance, or historical-romance)

Levels:

Careful: 6 different genres, 6 books
Cautious: 12 different genres, 12 books
Branching: 18 different genres, 18 books
Avid Reader: 24 different genres, 24 books
Champion: 30 different genres, 30 books

I'm going for Careful and will read 6 books of different genres. Crossing my fingers that I go up a level.

Categories listed on challenge post and the books I've read

Contemporary - One Day in Apple Grove by C. H. Admirand
Historical - The Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens
Paranormal - Son of Death by Nikki McCoy
Fantasy - Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
Romance - A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
Sci-Fi
Crime
Thriller - Black List by Brad Thor
Adventure
Non-Fiction - It's Not Easy Being Green by Jim Henson
Women’s Fiction (possibility: Reflection Point by Emily March)
Chick-Lit
Dystopian
Epic Fantasy
Western
Comedy
Horror
MANfiction
Self-Help
Biography
Auto-biography
Religious
Fairy Tales - The Extra-Ordinary Princess by Carolyn Q. Ebbitt
Classics
Erotica - Wicked Gift by Sean Michael
Short Stories
Travel Guides
Mystery - That Old Flame of Mine by J. J. Cook
Suspense - When You Dare by Lori Foster

Nightwalkers Reading Challenge

Nightwalkers

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at Darlene's Book Nook

Sign- up here

Darlene is hosting this challenge again in 2013 as she didn't finish the series in 2012. I'm joining again for the same reason!

There are six books in the series and last year I signed up to read 1 or 2. I finished 4. And a half. Yeah, Noah has been sitting on my "still reading pile" since May! It's time I finished it.

Lots of good info on the sign up page so check it out and join us.

The books in the Nightwalkers series by Jacquelyn Frank are:

Jacob (2012)
Gideon (2012)
Elijah (2012)
Damien (2012)
Noah (started 2012)
Adam

I'm going for Just a Taste but that will finish the series!

Books Read

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Let Me Count the Ways Reading Challenge

Let Me Count The Ways

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by Sarah at Workaday Reads

Sign- up here

I know there are many of us out there with goals to read 1 million pages in our lifetime, and some people with lesser goals. I decided to create a challenge for those of us with a page count goal and for others to start one. I'm excited about this! The challenge goes from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 There are levels for you to choose from. You can always move up a level but you can't go down.

The levels are:

Living with the parents: 0 - 2000 pages
College Dorm: 2,001 - 4,000 pages
Off Campus Apartment: 4,001 - 6,000 pages
My First Place: 6,001 - 8,000 pages
Condominium: 8,001 - 10,000 pages
Mansion: 10,001 + pages

If you've seen the number of books I've read then you can guess which level I'm going for . . .

Mansion

. . . and plan on reading more than 10,001 pages during 2013.

:-) added ~ private island: 20,000+ pages

Pages Read

(#. pages - Title by author, date)
1. 121 - Wicked Gift by Sean Michael, Jan 1
2. 224 - The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
3. 128 - Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer
4. 30 - The Reluctant Vampire by Carla Krae
5. 320 - A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
6. 116 - To Tame a Dragon by Megan Bryce
7. 260 - Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
8. 462 - The Edge of Desire by Stephanie Laurens
9. 434 - Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
10. 467 - A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens

~*~ 2,562 ~*~

11. 92 - It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne
12. 32 - The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
13. 32 - With Love by Kim Dare
14. 42 - What Chris Wants by Lori Foster
15. 284 - Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
16. 172 - They Walk Among Us by T. A. Chase
17. 224 - A Soldier's Choice by D. L. Warner
18. 86 - Santa Wore Combat Boots by Barbara Witek
19. 448 - When You Dare by Lori Foster
20. 110 - Spits and Bellows by Joyee Flynn

~*~ 4,084 ~*~

21. 110 - Trunk and a Skunk by Joyee Flynn
22. 197 - The Best by Tinnean
23. 110 - Whiskers, Mane and a Biter by Joyee Flynn
24. 400 - Trace the Fever by Lori Foster
25. 197 - It's Not Easy Being Green by Jim Henson
26. 134 - Chaps and Hope by Bailey Bradford
27. 104 - Lock and Key by Sasha Devlin
28. 60 - Working it Out by Sean Michael
29. 92 - Getting Real by Christiane France
30. 157 - Leaving Home by T. A. Chase

~*~ 5,615 ~*~

31. 377 - The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
32. 411 - Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
33. 353 - The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman
34. 118 - White Knight and Black Fur by Joyee Flynn
35. 143 - Rumble and Churr by Joyee Flynn
36. 160 - Elder and the Youngest by Joyee Flynn
37. 324 - The Extra-Ordinary Princess by Carolyn Q. Ebbitt
38. 137 - Home Sweet Home by T. A. Chase
39. 47 - Halfway There by Susan Mallery
40. 30 - With This Kiss, part one by Eloisa James

~*~ 7,715 ~*~

41. 374 - The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
42. 352 - Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney
43. 352 - Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney
44. 384 - The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
45. 62 - With This Kiss, part two by Eloisa James
46. 87 - The Carpenter and the Actor by RJ Scott
47. 78 - The Fireman and the Cop by RJ Scott
48. 45 - Going Down by Cassandra Gold
49. 186 - Three Little Words by Allison Cassatta
50. 87 - The Teacher and the Soldier by RJ Scott

~*~ 9,722 ~*~

51. 144 - Back Home by RJ Scott
52. 87 - With This Kiss, part three by Eloisa James
53. 83 - William's House by Amber Kell

~*~ 10,036 ~*~

~ Challenge Complete ~

May 24

Let's keep going!
54. 384 - Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods (May 25)
55. 111 - Temporary Mark by Kim Dare (May 25)
56. 155 - A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (May 26)
57. 105 - Needing Seth by Shawn Lane (May 26)
58. 224 - Defending the Duchess by Rachelle McCalla (May 29)
59. 44 - Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn by Cynthia Rylant (May 30)
60. 393 - Wind Chime Point by Sherryl Woods (Jun 2)

~*~ 11,452 ~*~

61. 40 - Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
62. 84 - Watch Me by Carol Lynne
63. 144 - Threadbare Gypsy Souls by T. A. Chase
64. 224 - Son of Death by Nikki McCoy
65. 236 - Master of Wrath by Nikki McCoy
66. 43 - Blue Christmas by Lorraine Bartlett
67. 62 - The ABC's of Freezer Cooking by K.M. Logan
68. 196 - The Gift of Running by Dr. P. Mark Taylor
69. 471 - Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick
70. 140 - Chasing the King of the Mountains by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes

~*~ 13,092 ~*~

71. 32 - A Poppy Is to Remember by Heather Patterson
72. 52 - Gordon the Giraffe by Bruce Brown
73. 376 - Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
74. 303 - One Day in Apple Grove by C. H. Admirand
75. 443 - Black List by Brad Thor
76. 136 - Ropes and Dreams by Bailey Bradford
77. 127 - Breaking the Devil by Bailey Bradford
78. 24 - Thankful by Lissa Matthews
79. 378 - Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods
80. 340 - Fatal Error by Colleen Thompson

~*~ 18,761 ~*~

81. 297 - That Old Flame of Mine by J. J. Cook
82. 422 - Subterranean by James Rollins
83. 379 - Two of a Kind by Susan Mallery
84. 432 - The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
85. 524 - Killing Floor by Lee Child
86. 292 - A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene
87. 336 - Cat Trick by Sofie Kelly
88. 81 - Modelling Death by Amber Kell
89. 43 - Sorry, Bro by Genevieve Bergeron
90. 146 - Point of No Return by N. R. Walker

~*~ 21,713 ~*~

91. 422 - Die Trying by Lee Child
92. 102 - En Prise by Sean Michael
93. 81 - Magically His by Amber Kell
94. 116 - The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye
95. 86 - The Doctor and the Bad Boy by RJ Scott
96. 83 - Finding Absolution by Carol Lynne
97. 168 - Stockholm Syndrome by Sage Marlowe
98. 357 - The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
99. 400 - A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
100. 270 - Blood Knot by Tracy Cooper-Posey

~*~ 23,798 ~*~

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Self-Published Reading Challenge

Self-Published

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by Sarah at Workaday Reads

Sign- up here

The 2013 Self-Published Reading Challenge. Encouraging readers to look beyond the traditional, and experience pure imagination.
Challenge Guidelines:

This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013.
Anyone can join, you don’t need to be a blogger. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to sign-up in the comments. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc).
Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is self-published by the author.
You can plan your books in advance or as you read them.
When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the Self-Published Reading Challenge.
You can move up levels, but no moving down.
Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2013, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.

Levels:

Sentence – 5 books
Paragraph- 10 books
Page – 25 books
Chapter – 50 books
Short Story – 75 books
Novel – 100 books
Series – 150 books

At the beginning of each quarter there will be a roundup post for you to add your reviews. If you forget, feel free to add your reviews in the following quarter.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Reviews? ahhhhhh!

Well, we do want to tell others so I guess I can give a quick why I did/didn't like this book reviews but that will cut into how many I can read.

I'm going for . . . Sentence . . . and will read/review 5 books. Also Hoping to move up a level.

Books Read

1. Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer ~ reviewed
2. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray ~ reviewed
3. Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs ~
4. The ABC's of Freezer Cooking by KM Logan ~ reviewed
5. The Gift of Running by Dr. P. Mark Taylor ~
6. Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg ~ reviewed
7. Hidden Talents by Emma Holly ~ reviewed

~ Challenge Complete ~

December 22

Monday, December 10, 2012

Back to the Classics Reading Challenge

Back to the Classics

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted at Sarah Reads Too Much

sign up here

This year will feature 6 required categories that all participants must complete. Then, I will have additional categories that those super-motivated participants can choose to complete if they'd like. All reviews must be linked on the appropriate pages again, and those will be listed on the left hand side of this page. When you've finished, you will also need to link a wrap-up post. Everyone who completes the 6 required categories and the wrap up post will be entered to win a $30US Amazon.com gift card or choice of book(s) from The Book Depository. Any one who completes 3 categories from the optional list will earn one additional entry into the prize drawing. Any one who completes all 5 categories from the optional list will earn two additional entries into the prize drawing.

All books must be read in 2013. Books started prior to January 1, 2013 are not eligible. Reviews must be linked by December 31, 2013
E-books and audio books are eligible! Books can count for other challenges you may be working on
If you do not have a blog, you may link your review from Goodreads or other publicly accessible online format.
Please sign up for the challenge using the linky below BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2013. Please link to your sign-up announcement post (if possible/applicable)
You do not have to list your books prior to starting the challenge, but it is more fun that way :) You can always change your list at any time. You can read the books in any order (including mixing in the optional categories at any time)
You can decide to attempt the optional categories at any point (you can also bow out of the optional categories at any point as well).
Please identify the categories you've read in your wrap up post so that I may easily add up your entries for the prize drawing!

Wait. Did she just say reviews? Darn. Still going to try!

Categories:

The Required Categories:

A 19th Century Classic
A 20th Century Classic
A Pre-18th or 18th Century Classic
A Classic that relates to the African-American Experience - This can be an African-American author, or a book relating to slavery, civil rights, or African-American culture.
A Classic Adventure
A Classic that prominently features an Animal - This can feature animal characters or animals in the title (real or imagined)

Optional Categories:

A. Re-read a Classic
B. A Russian Classic ~ Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
C. A Classic Non-Fiction title
D. A Classic Children's/Young Adult title ~ The Princess Bride by William Goldman
E. Classic Short Stories - collection must include at least 3 short stories by the same author

I'm sure I won't be doing any of the optional categories but I'm not going to say no to them now.

I have no idea of what my complete list will look like, I've got to search my TBR lists.

Book Possibilities/Read

A 19th Century Classic ~ Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
A 20th Century Classic ~ The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
A Pre-18th or 18th Century Classic ~ Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
A Classic that relates to the African-American Experience ~ To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee or Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
A Classic Adventure ~ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
A Classic that prominently features an Animal ~ The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame or Dr. Doolittle

I think I own all of these, if not the library will have them :-)

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge

52 in 52

Reading Challenge

2013

Hosted by Robin of My Two Blessings
at Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.

Requirements:

The challenge will run from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013
Our book week will begin on Sundays
Participants may join at any time.
All books are acceptable except children books.**
All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2013.
Books may overlap other challenges.
Create an entry post linking to this blog (link after the 1st).
Come back and sign up with Mr. Linky in the "I'm participating post" below this post (link after the 1st).
You don't have a blog to participate. Post your weekly book in the comments section of each weekly post.
Mr. Linky will be added to the bottom of the weekly post for you to link to reviews of your most current reads.

All the mini challenges are optional. Mix it up anyway you like. The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.

**in reference to children books. If it is a child whose reading it and involved in the challenge, then that's okay. If an adult is doing read aloud with kids, the book should be geared for the 9 - 12 age group and above and over 100 pages. If adult reading for own enjoyment, then a good rule of thumb to go by "is there some complexity to the story or is it too simple?" If it's too simple, then doesn't count.

The first year I did this I was all about the numbers. The next year I tried to read a book a week. Vacation interfered with that so I'm going for that again for 2013. Also, all the books I read for the 52 must be 100 pages or longer. No more Sips ;-)

Books Read

Week #: Title by Author (pages, date)
1. The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla (224, Jan 3) and reviewed
2. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray (260, Jan 6)
3. (Jan 13)
4. ~~It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne~~ (92, Jan 23)
5. (Jan 27)
6. (Feb 3)
7. (Feb 10)
8. Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs (284, Feb 17)
9. (Feb 24)
10. When You Dare by Lori Foster (448, Mar 5)
12. (Mar 10)
13. Trace the Fever by Lori Foster (400, Mar 17)
14.(Mar 24)
15. (Mar 31)
16. The Wanderer by Robyn Carr (377, Apr 13)
17. (Apr 14)
18. (Apr 21)
19. White Knight and Black Fur by Joyee Flynn (118, Apr 28)
20. (May 5)
21. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney (352, May 16)
22. (May 19)
23. A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (155, May 26)
24.
25.

Book Ban, Dusty and/or Chunky Books

52 in 52 Mini

Reading Challenges

2013

Hosted by Robin of My Two Blessings
at 52 Books in 52 Weeks,

more info here

I dare you not to buy any new books until you've cleared a few of those dusty or chunky or dusty and chunky books from your TBR pile. You know, those ones that have been calling your name but you've been ignoring them in favor of that brightly polished, got to read it now, new book. The siren song of new books. They sing so sweetly but if you stop and listen, the clear bell tones of an old friend sitting lonely on the shelf is crooning your name.

The dusty books are the ones that have been sitting on your shelves for a while - you know which ones.

The chunky books are those that are more than 500 pages long and will take a bit more time, but oh so worth it.

There are several levels for each challenge, The level I'm going for is in bold type.

I dare you not to buy any new books

One for the money - 1 month

Two for the show - 2 months

Three to get ready - 3 months

Four to go - 4 months

Dusty Books - Croon for me

Bing Crosby - 4 books

Dean Martin - 6 books

Frank Sinatra - 8 books

Nat King Cole - 10 Books

Bobby Darin - 12 Books or more

Chunky Books - Let's rock and roll

Short Fat Fannie - 2 books

Lawdy Ms. Clawdy - 4 books

Long Tall Sally - 6 books

Good Golly Miss Molly - 8 books

Blueberry Hill - 10 books

Have Mercy Baby - 12 books or more

Mix and match any way you like

January: NO NEW BOOK PURCHASES
9: so far so good, only free kindle books have been "purchased"
12: purchased a criminal YA for another challenge. It was a bargain paperback "only 1 left in stock"

~Challenge ~~Completed~~ FAILED~

January 12

Dusty Books ~ 12
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

~Challenge Completed~

date

Chunky Books ~ 4
1. Killing Floor by Lee Child (524 pages)
2. Running Blind by Lee Child (519 pages)
3. Echo Burning by Lee Child (557 pages)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

~Challenge Completed~

date

A to Z Titles Reading Challenge

A to Z Titles

Reading Challenge

2013

Hosted by Robin of My Two Blessings at 52 Books in 52 Weeks,

more info here

Challenge yourself to read books alphabetically by Title and/or by Author. Have fun searching out those difficult letters. For titles, the letter doesn't have to be the starting word. It can be any word in the title, but to make it more challenging try to find one that starts with the letter. This year I am making a bit more challenging by discounting any book that started with THE. For authors, it can be their first name or last name. Have fun with it and be creative.

A to Z by Title - Commit to 26 Books
A to Z by Author - Commit to 26 Books
A to Z by Title and Author - Commit to 52 Books

You may have noticed, I'm committing to titles. THE, A, AN, AND don't count (unless it's a title like "And Then You Die".

May 22: Babies, Books, and Beyond is also doing an A to Z challenge. I thought I'd sign up so others can look at my list ;-)

Sign-ups are here

Books Read

A. A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens
B. Spits and Bellows by Joyee Flynn
C. What Chris Wants by Lori Foster
D. To Tame a Dragon by Megan Bryce
E. The Edge of Desire by Stephanie Laurens
F. A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery
G. It's Not Easy Being Green by Jim Henson
H. Chaps and Hope by Bailey Bradford
I. It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne
J. Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery
K. Lock and Key by Sasha Devlin
L. Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
M. The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
N. Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney
O. Working It Out by Sean Michael
P. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
Q. Quinn's Hart by Cassandra Gold
R. The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
S. Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
T. Trace the Fever by Lori Foster
U. They Walk Among Us by T. A. Chase
V. A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene
W. Wicked Gift by Sean Michael
X. Mission: X by Kim Alan
Y. When You Dare by Lori Foster
Z. Zall's Captain by Amber Kell

~ Challenge Completed ~

September 25

Monday, December 31, 2012

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Monday, December 24, 2012

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012

Thursday, December 13, 2012

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