2020 Reading Goals

A new year is right around the corner.

Not only is it a new year, but also the start of a new decade.

As we all know January 1st is when a lot of individuals set their new goals into action. There is something about that first day of the year that just screams fresh start. Nothing magically changes when the calendar changes to January 1, but that doesn't stop us. This fresh start is more of a mental shift than anything else. The new year brings about the thought of anything can happen. I love that thought. After all the saying is 365 new days, 365 new chances. Right? Right.

What does all this talk of fresh starts have to do with a book blog? Reading goals of course! So what are my goals? Let's chat.

My primary goal is to read 100 books in 2020. That averages out to roughly 8 books a month. Not included in that number is the books that I read to my kids. I don't keep track of those. Is this goal attainable? Absolutely. Especially since reading is my primary hobby. Want to know what I'm reading? I will post them here on the blog, but I also will keep track over on GoodReads. Feel free to friend me there if you'd like.

Next up is in regards to readathons. In 2019 I participated in my first readathon, and that was The Reading Rush that is held in July. I loved it, and I truly believe that The Reading Rush is what helped me to get over my reading slump. In 2020, my goal is to participate in 6 readathons. Which readathons will I join in on? Well that will have to wait to be determined. I do know that The Reading Rush will make the cut, oh and TisTheSeasonathon. I loved both of those.

My third goal has to do with a book series I've been meaning to read, but haven't. This book series is a bit overwhelming. That's right folks, in 2020 I want to read The Lord of the Rings series. I was captivated by the movies, and my husband keeps telling me that I should read the books. Needless to say I've been pushing back and saying not necessary. Yet here I am, adding it to my goals for the new year. Have you read it? Am I going to enjoy it as much as the movies?

My last book-ish goal has more to do with Instagram than anything else. Are you confused by that? Allow me to explain. I have an Instagram account that is focused solely on the books that I read. I want not only to grow my following there, but continue to share what I'm reading. It's more than that though. I also would like to post more about the synopsis of the books. A mini-review if you will. Discovering others who are reading, or have read, the same book as you is fun, and then talking with them about the book just takes it that much further. There is something about the community of readers that draws me in.

Have you set any reading, and or book-ish, goals for the new year? Please tell me about them! I'd love to hear what you will be working towards in 2020.

2020 Anticipated Reads: Series Edition

There are so many amazing books slated to be released in 2020. Here are a few that I am looking forward to. My plan is to read them all, but of course time will tell.

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2020. This is book two in the Hot and Hammered series. Love Her or Lose Her will follow Rosie and Dominic. They are a married couple who is having difficulty in their relationship, and they need to determine if they want to fix things or move on.

Here is the description from GoodReads:

Rosie and Dominic Vega are the perfect couple: high school sweethearts, best friends, madly in love. Well, they used to be anyway. Now Rosie’s lucky to get a caveman grunt from the ex-soldier every time she walks in the door. Dom is faithful and a great provider, but the man she fell in love with ten years ago is nowhere to be found. When her girlfriends encourage Rosie to demand more out of life and pursue her dream of opening a restaurant, she decides to demand more out of love, too. Three words: marriage boot camp.

Never in a million years did Rosie believe her stoic, too-manly-to-emote husband would actually agree to relationship rehab with a weed-smoking hippy. Dom talking about feelings? Sitting on pillows? Communing with nature? Learning love languages? Nope. But to her surprise, he’s all in, and it forces her to admit her own role in their cracked foundation. As they complete one ridiculous—yet surprisingly helpful—assignment after another, their remodeled relationship gets stronger than ever. Except just as they’re getting back on track, Rosie discovers Dom has a secret... and it could demolish everything.

A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting is going to be available on January 28, 2020. This is book two in the All In series. A Favor for a Favor is where we meet Stevie and Bishop. Bishop is a professional hockey player who has joined the new expansion team in Seattle. Stevie is RJ's (aka the team captain) little sister.

Check out the description from GoodReads:

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?

Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.

So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.

Wild at Heart by KA Tucker is coming on March 3, 2020. If you enjoyed A Simple Wild, then you are going to want to read this book! We are being reunited with Calla and Jonah. I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to see what happens next in their lives. Will they return to Alaska? Will they stay in Toronto? What has been going on with them? I'm also hopeful that we'll get an update on the other people at the airline Calla's dad had owned. I'm curious as to how they are all doing.

Are you hoping for a book description? Yeah, me too. Sadly there is NOTHING on GoodReads or Amazon. So we'll just have to be patient.

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams has a release date of March 10, 2020. In this second book of the series we will be following Liz and Mack. This is what I was hoping for when The Bromance Book Club ended. I had a feeling that should there be a second book that it would focus on these two. So yay me! I am looking forward to seeing what transpires with these two.

Here is the description from GoodReads:

Liv Papandreas has a dream job as a sous chef at Nashville’s hottest restaurant. Too bad the celebrity chef owner is less than charming behind kitchen doors. After she catches him harassing a young hostess, she confronts him and gets fired. Liv vows revenge, but she’ll need assistance to take on the powerful chef.

Unfortunately, that means turning to Braden Mack. When Liv’s blackballed from the restaurant scene, the charismatic nightclub entrepreneur offers to help expose her ex-boss, but she is suspicious of his motives. He’ll need to call in reinforcements: the Bromance Book Club.

Inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assist Liv in setting up a sting operation to take down the chef. But they’re just as eager to help Mack figure out the way to Liv’s heart… even while she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned. 

A Secret for a Secret by Helena Hunting will be ready for us around May 12, 2020. This is the third, and final, book in the All In series. That's right, we get TWO books in the series in the first 5 months of 2020. While I'll be sad to see this series end, I am sure Helena has other great characters to introduce us to. Okay, so who is the focus of this book? Ryan and Queenie. Now I have a feeling that we'll get to meet Ryan in A Favor for a Favor, but I know nothing about Queenie. Well except for the fact that she is the daughter to the GM for the Seattle hockey team. You know, just a minor little thing. Bring it on Helena, bring it on. I'm ready. (Side note: If you're a fan of Helena's books and are on Facebook, you should join her group. She gives little teasers there, and oh how I enjoy them.)

You already know I grabbed the description from GoodReads for this book, so here you go:

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.

Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.

I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.

Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.

She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.

Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.

And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

Still with me? Oh I hope so. I still have a few more books to share. Let's continue.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert is slated for release on June 23, 2020. This is book two in the Brown Sisters series, and we will be joining Dani as she seeks out a non-relationship relationship. Yep, that's right, she wants a friend with benefits. Nothing else is needed. Or is it?

Now I'll be honest, Get a Life Chloe Brown wasn't my favorite book. I did enjoy it, but I also felt it was just fine as a standalone. I don't think it needed to continue on. Yes, me the series lover just said that. That being said, I will still check this out. I have a feeling it's more of a "standalone" series where you don't necessarily need to read in order. Is it helpful? Well yes, because then you understand other characters who may be brought back. Again, just my thoughts.

Okay onto the GoodReads description:

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom. 

When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his... um, thighs. 

Suddenly, the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? Is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint?

Taking a break from the romance genre for a moment, we are headed to a middle grade fantasy. That's right, I said middle grade. Yes, I am an adult. Yes, I am fully enjoying this series. moving on.

Hollowpox by Jessica Townsend is debuting around August 18, 2020. Hollowpox is the third installment in the Nevermoor series that follows Morrigan Crow. For those who are unfamiliar, Morrigan Crow is a unique young lady who is considered to be cursed, and she goes on to escape her death that is supposed to happen upon her 11th birthday. Jupiter North whisks Morrigan away to the world of Nevermoor, and he has plans for her. Jupiter has entered Morrigan into the Wunderous Society trials. Anyway a lot of things happen in the first two installments of the series, so I highly suggest you go check them out.

Curious as to what Hollowpox is about? Here's the description (yes, from GoodReads):

Morrigan Crow and her friends have survived their first year as proud scholars of the elite Wundrous Society, helped bring down the nefarious Ghastly Market, and proven themselves loyal to Unit 919. Now Morrigan faces a new, exciting challenge: to master the mysterious Wretched Arts of the Accomplished Wundersmith, and control the power that threatens to consume her.

Meanwhile, a strange and frightening illness has taken hold of Nevermoor, turning infected Wunimals into mindless, vicious Unnimals on the hunt. As victims of the Hollowpox multiply, panic spreads. There are whispers - growing louder every day - that this catastrophe can only be the work of the Wundersmith, Ezra Squall.

But inside the walls of Wunsoc, everyone knows there is a new Wundersmith - one who's much closer to home. With Nevermoor in a state of fear and the truth about Morrigan threatening to get out, the city she loves becomes the most perilous place in the world. Morrigan must try to find a cure for the Hollowpox, but it will put her - and everyone in Nevermoor - in more danger than she could have imagined.

On to the books that I do not have release dates for. All I know is that they are coming sometime in 2020. There is not even cover art available yet (to my knowledge).

A Complete Game by Aven Ellis is supposed to be coming in the first quarter of 2020. This is book three in the DC Soaring Eagles series. In this book we will meet back up with familiar faces, and Addison will meet Brady Jensen. Those familiar with Aven's books know that a romance is going to happen, as we always get our happily ever afters. That being said, what we don't know is the dramatic moments that will happen. Our characters always have a good fight or two where they break up, only to reconnect.

Things I know: there will be romance. There will be humor. Our favorite characters from the first two books will make an appearance. Also, if you're in Aven's group on Facebook you already know she's dropping teasers.

Royal Icing by Aven Ellis is rumored to be fall 2020, and is book three in the Modern Royals series. This time around we are following the love life of Xander, who just happens to be the future King. Not much is known about this book, except for the teasers that Aven has posted in her facebook group. We do know that his love interest is Poppy. Which if you read book 2, The Princess Pose, then you'll know who she is. I cannot wait to see how Queen Antonia reacts to this relationship! She isn't exactly fond of who Christian and Liz both chose, so this should be interesting.

Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin is rumored to be fall 2020. Blood & Honey is the next book in the Serpent & Dove series. All I know is that we are continuing on with Lou and Reid. Considering that I felt the book really picked up steam in the second half of Serpent & Dove, I have high hopes for Blood & Honey. I just wish I knew SOMETHING about the book. That's okay, it's often best to go into some books with little to know info. Right? Right.

Last, but certainly not least is Well Played by Jen DeLuca. This is book two in the Well Met series. I'm assuming Well Played with follow the character April, but honestly I'm not finding anything out there to confirm that. It's just my suspicion. Oh and Jen has now teased book 3 which is coming in 2021. Let me just say, if you are a fan of Renaissance Festivals or even just that time period, then chances are you'll enjoy the series. Heck I'm not a RenFest person, but I still enjoyed Well Met.

You made it to the end! Yay you! Thank you for sticking around until the end. I appreciate it. These are the books (okay next books in the series) that I am looking forward to in 2020. That is 11 books that most definitely will be on my TBR list. Are any of them going on your list? Did I miss any? If so, tell me in the comments.

Happy reading!

Favorite Reads of 2019

For the first half of 2019, I was dealing with a major reading slump. That's right, I said HALF of the year, as in six months. That is wild.

Now that's not to say I didn't read during that time as I did. It just wasn't very many books, nor was it very often. 

Then in July something clicked, and suddenly I could not read enough. If I didn't have a book on hand to read I felt like I was a bit lost. My slump was officially broken, and I went on to read a lot of books that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Curious what my favorite reads were in 2019? Keep reading. Majority of these books received a 5 star rating from me, but I did include a couple 4 star books as well.

Becoming by Michelle Obama was released in November 2018. I picked up my copy at the end of January, and read it in February. Honestly, it was 5 stars for me. Learning about her life, her experiences, her relationships, and her jobs was really interesting.

 One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

“For every door that’s been opened to me, I’ve tried to open my door to others. And here is what I have to say, finally: Let’s invite one another in. Maybe then we can begin to fear less, to make fewer wrong assumptions, to let go of the biases and stereotypes that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the ways we are the same. It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about where you get yourself in the end. There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there’s grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become.”
― Michelle Obama, Becoming 

Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos is a book that I first heard about through Heather at Bookables. Heather had mentioned this book in one of her book hauls, but now for the life of me I cannot recall which one. I purchased this book in May, and read it at the end of June. Planet Earth is Blue received 4 stars from me. This book also broke my heart.

This book follows the life of Nova, who is a 12 year old who is fascinated by space, and has plans to watch the Challenger launch with her big sister Bridget. However, Nova is put into a new foster home and she isn't with her sister. She doesn't know where Bridget went. While this would be concerning to most people, it is even more so for Nova. Bridget is the only person who understands her. Bridget is the only person who knows how smart Nova is. Why is that? Nova is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal. Planet Earth is Blue tells Nova's story; how she ended up in the various foster homes, how she came to make friends in her school, and how she ultimately finds Bridget again. Will it be in time for the launch of the Challenger? Well that remains to be seen, but we do know what Bridget promised Nova. 

 “No matter what, I’ll be there. I promise.”

The Upside of Falling Down by Rebekah Crane is a book that I read for The Reading Rush readathon in July. This book fulfilled the prompt of 5+ words in the title. 

Did you know that Amazon has a feature called Prime Reading? Prime Reading allows you to borrow certain titles to read. Then, just like with a library, once you're finished you return it. That is how I came to find this book, and I am so thankful that I did. I ultimately gave it 5 stars on GoodReads. There are times I think it might be more of a 4 or 4.5, but I'm sticking with my original rating.

Here is the description from Amazon:

For Clementine Haas, finding herself is more than a nice idea. Ever since she woke up in an Irish hospital with complete amnesia, self-discovery has become her mission.

They tell her she’s the lone survivor of a plane crash. They tell her she’s lucky to be alive. But she doesn’t feel lucky. She feels…lost.

With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one.

Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget? 

One of the quotes that I liked is: 

“That's what a dare does. It taunts you to take a different direction, to do something you never thought you could do, to jump, knowing that a million consequences could be on the other side of that dare, but that if you don't do it, you'll always wonder. And sometimes wondering is worse than consequences.” 

Geekerella by Ashley Poston I had heard so many people talking about Elle and Darien that I just had to read it. Those who know me know that I am a geek at heart. So knowing that this book follows a fandom (okay more than one, but Elle is focused on hers), and they go to a conference just made it all the better. Rating wise, I gave it 5 stars.

Of course there is a love story to be found here, but it's also a story of reconnection. Elle is reconnecting with her dad, and the community that loved him. She is returning to what she grew up loving. The love story is just a bonus.

“Never give up on your dreams, and never let anyone tell you that what you love is inconsequential or useless or a waste of time. Because if you love it? If that OTP or children's card game or abridged series or YA book or animated series makes you happy? That is never a waste of time. Because in the end we're all just a bunch of weirdos standing in front of other weirdos, asking for their username.”  

No I haven't read book 2, but believe me it is on my list for 2020.

Let's go from one fandom story to another.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Oh where to even begin. Do you ever read a book and think that the author has captured you?  That is how I felt with Fangirl. Cath is essentially a younger me. This book was another 5 star read.

Cath is off for her freshman year of college. The plan was to room with her twin sister, Wren. However Wren didn't want that. She wanted to give them both the opportunity to try things on their own. Cath is struggling with this. Not only is she in a new environment, but she has a roommate that she's not certain about, plus her roommates boyfriend is always in the room. Then there is the fact that Cath is big on writing fan fiction. It has earned her quite the following on fan fiction sites, and she is working on the final story for these characters. She's been in this fandom for so long that she cannot imagine not being a part of it. Which is another spot where she and Wren differ. Wren gave it all up a while ago. Can Cath survive her freshman year? Will she make any friends? Will she finally appease her professor who despises fan fiction? Can she do this on her own without Wren by her side?

Here are a few quotes that make me smile (and I relate to them):

“You’ve read the books?”

“I’ve seen the movies.”

Cath rolled her eyes so hard, it hurt. (Actually.) (Maybe because she was still on the edge of tears. On the edge, period.) “So you haven’t read the books.”

“I’m not really a book person.”

“That might be the most idiotic thing you’ve ever said to me” 

 “Because I'm the kind of girl who fantasizes about being trapped in a library overnight.” 

"There are other people on the Internet. It's awesome. You get all the benefits of 'other people' without the body odor and the eye contact.” 

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston was just adorable. I seriously want to be a part of this family. Not only are they a close knit group, but they also are a riot. They know how to have fun. Nonna is a gem, and Sophie is blessed to have her in her life.

It's Christmastime. Sophie's sister is pregnant, and on bed rest. Therefore Mom and Dad are headed to see her, and help Margot out as much as possible. Meanwhile Sophie is headed to Nonna's house for time with the family. Except she'd rather be at home with her boyfriend Griffin. She even delays her trip by a few hours so she can have extra time with Griffin. That backfires though, and they end up breaking up. Sophie arrives at Nonna's house heartbroken, and that sparks an idea for Nonna. That plan? 10 blind dates, set up by various family members. These blind dates are going to take place over the next two weeks. Sophie goes into these dates knowing next to nothing. Each day the person who set up the date will write down the time of the date, as well as a little description of the event. Let's just say some dates go great, and others not so much.

I legit was laughing out loud at times. I simply adored this book, and gave it 4 stars. I will not give any quotes from the book but prepare yourself for hundred hands Harold. 😂

Last but certainly not least are these three books by Aven Ellis. Now keep in mind that each of the books mentioned is part of a series. So really, you'll want to start with book one and work your way up. If you're anything like me, you'll be sucked into the Aven-verse in no time. Oh and these three books all received 5 stars from me.

On Thin Ice (Dallas Demons #4)

Holly is my favorite character that Aven has created. Not only is she from Minnesota, but she loves books, planners, and planner stickers. Add on the fact that she has social anxiety, and well we could be sisters.

"Holly knows her unrequited crush on the partying hockey player is ridiculous. There’s no way Matt would be attracted to a woman who prefers nights in watching TV or reading books when he’s known for his frequent bar hops and fast lifestyle. Obviously he would never see her as anything other than his teammate’s little sister.

Yet Holly is drawn to the other side of Matt—the man she knows has always been thoughtful and easy to talk to whenever she’s been alone with him. It is this Matt that fueled the crush Holly has on him. And she knows it will always be just that—a secret crush.

Or will it?

Because when Matt helps Holly through a crisis, her heart begins to believe that there might be feelings on his part, too. After a night of hard partying puts Matt in jeopardy with the Dallas Demons, can Holly be the one to save him? And when Matt admits he sees her as more than Nate Johansson’s sister, will it put both of them on thin ice?" (description from Amazon)

The Princess Pose (Modern Royals #2)

"Princess Elizabeth “Liz” of York isn’t interested in a fairy tale life. Determined to use her elite platform to champion children’s causes, she’d much rather raise awareness than find her prince. If only she could stop picturing one certain gardener with vivid hazel eyes…

When the relentless paparazzi invade her space, Liz’s crush comes to her rescue and steals her heart. Tossing aside centuries of tradition for something real, she takes Roman’s calloused hand and braces for the backlash. But after her progressive approach ruffles, more than a few feathers, one member of the monarchy vows to keep the princess locked in her stylish but decidedly ivory tower.

Can Liz break through her birthright to find a powerful kind of love?" (description from Amazon)

Outscored (Rinkside in the Rockies #3)
This book will have you becoming a bit obsessed with gnomes. Oh wait, maybe that's just me.

"When seasonal stylist Whitney Green heads to a Denver flea market to find gnomes for a client’s upcoming party, she thinks she has hit the jackpot when she discovers a slew of them.

Little does she know that gnomes aren’t going to be the only thing she picks up that Saturday.

When fate throws Whitney and hockey superstar Gavin Tremblay together, she finds herself questioning her policy of staying on the bench when it comes to romance. She came to the Rockies to escape the pain of a broken heart. Not to date. Especially when she knows she is due to return to Seattle in four months and she can’t figure out what went wrong in her last relationship ...

The captain isn’t looking for love, either. Battered and bruised by not only a broken romance but a devastating leg injury, he’s focused on getting his game back. The last time he trusted his heart it gutted him. He refuses to go down that path again.

But the chemistry between Gavin and Whitney is too hot to deny and falling in love is the only option. However, when personal fears come to the surface and cause problems between them, can a relationship prevail? Or will defense outscore offense in this game of love?" (description from Amazon)

What books did you read this year that fell into the 5 star category? What book was so memorable that you're still thinking about it today? I'd love to hear your recommendations.

2019 Reading Stats

2019 was an interesting year for my relationship with reading.

Let's go month by month. For the first half of the year I will share the books I read that month, but July sparks a reading binge, and there is no way I am listing all the books. Trust me, you'll thank me for that. If you want to know what I read, head over to my GoodReads account.

I read 3 books in 3 days. It was a Christian suspense trilogy called If I Run by Terri Blackstock.  Each book received a 4 star rating. I absolutely loved the series. There were times while reading it that I was literally holding my breath.

I read 1 book. Yep, ONE book. At the end of the month I read Becoming by Michelle Obama. It was so interesting to learn more about her life before she became the FLOTUS, and then even her life during those 8 years in the White House. I was captivated throughout the book. This was a 5 star read for me.

I read 3 books. First up was Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins. It was an interesting read, and touched on some difficult subjects. I gave it 4 stars. Next up was This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp. Oofta, this book. It is a fictional book that covers a school shooting. It was a tough read, but a necessary one. I definitely cried. I absolutely recommend this book. 4 stars. Last up for the month was Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. I went into this book knowing very little. It was an impulse buy during Barnes & Noble's 50% off sale. 9 months later, I still don't know how to put that book into words. It was intense at times, there were bizarre moments, and ultimately it is memorable. Yet something didn't resonate with me, and I gave it 3 stars.

I read one romance book. It was called Get Lucky by Lila Monroe. The book had me laughing, and I did enjoy the romance aspect. For those unfamiliar, the book takes place in Vegas. Julia is a romance author who is there for a conference. Meanwhile Nate is in town for his friend's wedding. Things happen, Julia and Nate hook up, but their memory of the night is fuzzy at best. I gave it 3 stars.

I read two books that I received for review from Waterbrook Multnomah. First up was Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn. This was the first book in a new spinoff series she is working on. I adored this book. The friendship that the women have is something I long for. I do admit that I feel a bit like Emily. Not wanting to put myself out there, and not feeling confident/comfortable with my "status".  I gave the book 4 stars, and I am looking forward to the next installment. My other book of the month was a Christian historical romance called No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky.  This book had me wanting to learn more about the orphan children who were sent from England to Canada as laborers between 1869 and 1939. I would like to believe that hearts were in the right place, but my brain knows better. Looking forward to book 2 so I can find out what happened to the siblings.  This was another 4 star book.

I managed to read 4 books. It was my best month for the first half of the year. Full disclosure: those books were not read until the last week of the month. The first book I read is The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker. The book had been sent to me by Waterbrook Multnomah, and I was on the launch team. Lisa-Jo has a way of speaking to my heart. Rating wise, I felt this was a 4 star. My second read for June was Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos. This book, oh this book, I cannot even put it into words how much I loved it. The book also broke my heart. Again, I gave it 4 stars. Next up was a novella called Appalachian Serenade by Sarah Loudin Thomas. It was cute, and I still want to read the remainder of the series. 4 star rating. Last but certainly not least was Then Came You by Becky Wade. It was an okay story. I honestly don't remember a lot about it. In the end I gave it 3 stars.

I read 13 books! Hello feast, I am so happy to see you. Average rating was 3.92 stars. My most read genre was romance. This month I also participated in my first readathon, which was The Reading Rush. I also discovered the joys of Amazon's First Reads program. This month they allowed us to download 2 free kindle books. I selected A Fire Sparkling and Relative Fortunes.

I devoured 15 books! My average rating was 3.8 stars. The genre I read the most of was romance. I also participated in my second readathon, which was called Discover New Worlds. It is a readathon hosted by Paige, who runs the Creating & Co Book Club on Facebook.

My book consumption jumped to 20 books read! My average rating was 3.05 stars. My preferred genre was romance. September also brought about another readathon for me. This time it was Contemporaryathon. This month I also read Nimona which was my first graphic novel

My books read increased again. This time I read 24 books. My average rating was 3.79. My most read genre was romance/rom-com. This is the month I discovered the writings of Aven Ellis, and I devoured the majority of her books. I had yet another readathon this month. This time it was Read in Peace which was hosted by Paige with the Creating & Co Book Club. At the end of October I also hit a bit of a reading slump. It lasted 11 days, which seems short, but when you've been binge reading like I had been a slump hurts.

I had another slight jump in my book count. I managed to read 27 books! I was in disbelief over this number. Never in my life (okay maybe back in my early years when I was reading BabySitters Club & Sweet Valley Twins/High) have I read this many books in a month. Wow! My average rating was 3.33. My most read genre was once again romance. I joined in on the TisTheSeasonathon readathon for the first time, and loved the group read 10 Blind Dates. It was a cute YA read.

My reading began to slow down, and another slump wormed it's way in. I ended up reading 10 books, and my average rating was 3.5 stars. This month my primary focus was Christmas titles. Okay fine, the end of November was that way too. I'm not complaining, I love a good Christmas story. I tried to participate in one last readathon (Treat Your Shelves by Creating & Co Book Club), but the slump hit directly at that time. So my participation was severely lacking. Here's hoping I can break the reading slump quickly. I am missing books, but also kind of enjoying the break.

So what's the final numbers? Well the kind folks at GoodReads gave me this information.

I cannot wait to see what my 2020 stats end up looking like.

How did your year end up? If you set a goal on GoodReads did you make it? 

What am I Currently Reading?

Hello, hello!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday. The weekend is over, and while that is a bit sad, this week is brand new. There is so much potential for greatness this week. There is happiness to be found. There is laughter to be had. Find a way this week to bring joy to someone else.

This weekend I was able to unwind a little bit, I stayed up a later than normal, the kids ran (and swam) off some energy, and I was fortunate enough to be able to read a little bit of a book. Let's just be honest here, with four kids getting that time to read a book isn't always possible, so I was ever so thankful it happened this weekend. Also, since it was a lake house weekend, I had the opportunity to read on the drive there as well as the drive home. So I'll take that.

This weekend we also celebrated my, soon-to-be, 3 year old son. His birthday is fast approaching and this was our chance to celebrate with cousins, aunts and uncles, and one set of grandparents. It was a good time, and he was quite spoiled with the gifts he received.

Since I brought up the subject of books, I thought I would share with you the five books that I am currently reading.  

1)  Life After: A Novel by Katie Ganshert

I had the honor of being a part of the launch team for Life After. This book was my introduction to author Katie Ganshert, and I am so glad to "know" her. This story follows the life of Autumn Manning. She is a young woman who experienced something horrific. Her memory of it all is a bit hazy, and she finds herself obsessed with the passengers who were on the train with her that day.  How can she move on with her life when the other 22 people on the train do not get that opportunity? How can she find herself again? Can anything snap her out of the survivors guilt she is feeling?

Check out this little blurb about the book:

"Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost."

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? I highly recommend it. This book was an easy read, and I found myself unable to put the book down. Katie Ganshert has created some fantastic characters. You walk away feeling like you know them, and that you've been a fly on the wall of their stories. I will say that I found myself wanting more of the characters, I want to know what happens next in their lives. Sadly, I do believe this is a stand-alone book, so no more info on the characters lives.

2) Convicted: A Crooked Cop, an Innocent Man, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship by Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins

I'm not going to lie, this isn't a book I would usually pick up. Everyone who knows me knows that I have my favorite non-fiction authors and I tend to stick to them. Also, I don't typically read autobiographical books, it just isn't my go-to genre. So why did I read this book? Well, I had received an email from Waterbrook Multnomah about joining the launch team for the book. I read the description and it sounded interesting.  I threw chance to the wind, and signed up for the team. Another email arrived stating I was in, so therefore I HAD to read it. I mean I couldn't just shelve the book. That wouldn't be right.

This book though. Oh my word. SO GOOD.

As the book cover states, this book involves a crooked cop, an innocent man, and an unlikely journey of forgiveness and friendship.

Convicted reads like a gripping crime novel…except this story really happened!

" Racial tensions had long simmered in Benton Harbor, a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, before the day a white narcotics officer--more focused on arrests than justice—set his sights on an innocent black man. But when officer Andrew Collins framed Jameel McGee for possession of crack cocaine, the surprising result was not a race riot but a transformative journey for both men. Falsely convicted, McGee spent four years in federal prison. Collins also went to prison a few years later for falsifying police reports. While behind bars, the faith of both men deepened. But the story took its most unexpected turn once they were released--when their lives collided again in a moment brimming with mistrust and anger. The two were on a collision course—not to violence—but forgiveness. As current as today’s headlines, this explosive, true story reveals how these radically conflicted men chose to let go of fear and a thirst for revenge to pursue reconciliation for themselves, their community, and our racially divided nation."

Want to read a bit of the first chapter? You can find that over on Waterbrook Multnomah's site by clicking here. Want to buy the book?

3) Me, Myself, and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild

I know I cannot be the only one who struggles with self-talk and the things that I think about myself. Right?

Anyway, I stumbled across this book when one of my friends (a fellow mom of a December 2012 child) shared it on her Facebook page. I was immediately curious and purchased it a couple days later.

Full disclosure time: Since purchasing the book, it has sadly just sat on my shelf in one of my MANY TBR (to be read) piles. It is my goal to read this book before August is up. And yes, I realize that means I have just 10 days to read it.

From good old Amazon:

"What Should You Say When You Talk to Yourself?Have you ever noticed the things you say to yourself—and believe?
I could never do that.They don't like me.I am such an idiot!
You wouldn't talk that way to anyone else, yet phrases like these constantly flow through your mind, leaving you insecure and defeated. "

Do you see why I want to read it? Does it sound like an interesting read to you? If so, let's read it together. Or I'll read it, you can read it, and then we'll discuss. Yes? No? Maybe so? Just promise me that you'll think about it.

4) Craving Connection by (in)courage

Did you know that (in)courage is one of my favorite websites? I remember when the site launched and immediate fell in love with what they had to "offer".

Back in December 2016, (in)courage was promoting their new book and had pre-order specials available. I knew I wanted to read this book, and therefore I placed my pre-order. Since that time, it has also been sitting in a TBR pile. I'm not proud of that fact, but it is what it is. With four kids and a husband, having that quiet time for reading just isn't always a possibility.

That being said, this past Friday I grabbed the book, tossed it in the front passenger seat of our van, and took the time to read the first entry as we traveled to the cabin.

Craving Connection isn't a book that should be read in one sitting. That was something I immediately understood after reading that first entry. Each entry/challenge/chapter needs to be digested. It needs to be thought about. There are questions that need to be answered or at least taken into consideration. Plus, there is an action item for each entry. (which I have yet to do the first action item, but I will get it done!)

Interested in a description of the book? Here's what Amazon has to say:

"We all long for meaningful relationships, the Colossians 3:14 kind that fulfill our desire for unity and connection with God, our friends, and our community. But where do we start? Craving Connection is a journey with (in)courage writers sharing real-life stories, practical Scripture application, and connection challenges that will encourage you to:

• Embrace the desire God has given each of us for connection

• Invest in meaningful relationships, right where God has you

• Become the friend you wish you had

The (in)courage community invites you to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair to the table, and commit to creatively and prayerfully fulfilling your cravings for connection. How could your life be different after prayerfully and intentionally connecting with God, friends, and your community?"

5) You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth

Anyone who knows me, knows that Holley Gerth is one of my favorite writers. Hands down. If she writes it, I will read it. Not only that but if she writes a book, I will buy it, along with whatever extra that goes with it.

So it is no surprise that I purchased You're Already Amazing: Embracing who you are, becoming all God created you to be.

What is it that I like about her books? Honestly, I think it comes down to the fact that what she writes just speaks to me. She is tackling areas that I need to work on in my life.

I can't talk about this book without mentioning this little side story. Recently, my women's small group was trying to decide upon a book for the fall. We had thrown around a few titles, and You're Already Amazing was one of the options. So I figured I'd pick it up, along with devotional, and life guide. Hey I was going to be prepared. As I was looking at the cover, I was thinking to myself that I owned this book already. Yet, when I looked around it wasn't in any of my piles on my bookshelves, and it wasn't in my nightstand drawer either. I figured I was mistaken. Therefore I ordered all three books. After the book arrived, I looked through my "collection" again, and I was correct, I did already own the book.

That right there is the definition of an unorganized bookworm. I'm not going to complain though, as I can always pass a copy along to someone else.

From Amazon:

Holley Gerth invites you to embrace one very important truth--that you truly are already amazing. Like a trusted friend, Holley gently shows you how to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds you and instead believe that God loves you and has even bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined.

I plan on starting Holley's book as soon as I return from my trip to Wisconsin! It is my hope that during my drive to and from Wisconsin, I will be able to read Me, Myself, and Lies. I figure that since my 4 year old tells me it isn't my turn to drive (it is always daddy's turn), that I might as well take advantage of it and read a book.

That's it folks. These are the FIVE books that I am currently reading and/or have just finished up.

Have you read any of these books?

What books are you currently reading or have you recently finished? I'm always looking for new books to read.