Friday Fun - July 28, 2023

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have two books to share with you. 

I am currently reading Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep. I'm reading this for a couple of my reading challenges.

And I also started an eARC of The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer. This book releases on August 29th. I can't wait to finish the book and share my review.

              Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my Book Beginnings for Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep:

"There was something glorious about the first day of June."

 

Had to read on to find out what exactly was so glorious, though, I'd figure, warmer weather.

And here is my Book Beginnings for The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer:

"Empty rooms are full of stories."

So true. Here are the next two sentences because I really wanted to include them, "Invisible memories. Silent echoes."

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep:
 

"Ahead, a slip of a white-haired woman wielded a broom handle, wheezing for air. 'I knew it! That girl were awful cagey. Out you go!' She struck again."

The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer:

"'I don't think that will serve me here, unfortunately.' The he examined it again in a new light, not as a language aficionado but as a person searching for a hidden message. That was it. The letters seemed to realign, moving into place in his mind."

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer Review

 

I loved this story. I was drawn to it because it features a bookshop. Not just one either. As Hope has dreams to have a mobile food and book truck. I was drawn right into the story from the first page and the book wouldn't let go. I was glad we were headed on vacation so I could read and read and read. This book is full of adventure, and harrowing experiences, suspense, secrets, mystery, relationships, misunderstandings, books, food that connects to books, finding oneself and relationships with Christ.

The book is told from two viewpoints, that of Hope and that of Ronan, the grandson of the elderly couple who own the used bookstore. And I just have to mention, I LOVE the name of the bookstore, Dusty Jackets. Both of the main characters have issues they are working through. I love the way they work together to find her missing books, and I love seeing their relationship evolve.

As the story progresses we learn more about each of their pasts. I think this was done very well, especially with Hope as there is a lot of trauma in her past.

And I love the way the author wove Christian truths into the story.

I just wanted to share a couple of quotes that really touched me.

"'What others would say is no longer useful, broken and ugly, I see as capable of producing something beautiful.' She grunted a laugh. 'It used to embarrass my kids. They called me a pack rat.'"

"'We might think we're too damaged to come to Him. That we're forgotten, cast aside. But He can make something beautiful out of the broken places of our lives. Even the most desperate places inside of us just need light in order to heal and grow.'"

I love that Hope had people who were able to share these truths with her.

And there are also some really humorous parts.

"'I mean, if that antiques guy gives you trouble again about your books, we can always sic an angsty teen on him. I've heard the rolling-eye death stare can be fatal.'"

The Bookshop of Secrets is a book I highly recommend.

Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller Review

 

What a sweet Christian Historical Romance. This was my third book by Penny Zeller, and my second historical romance story. She drew me right into this story as I needed to know whether Paisley was going to be safe or not. I couldn’t wait to find out how and when Paisley and Tyler would actually meet and how they were going to react to each other. 

This story is a marriage of convenience story, which isn’t my usual trope, but I really enjoyed it. Not only was Paisley looking for the safety of a home after losing almost everything she had, but Tyler needed someone to help take care of his adopted brother and sisters, Albert, Lucy, and Mae. 

I loved seeing the relationships evolve throughout the story. Not just within this thrown-together-by-necessity family, but the friendships that Paisley made. The story also adds in suspense through Ivan, such a terrible, awful man. But their faith is their to see them through.

This is a wonderful first book to this series, and I can’t wait to read the next book. Definitely a book I highly recommend.

Here are a couple of quotes from the book:

I received an ebook for free from the author as a pat of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - July 21, 2023

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have one book to share with you. 

I am currently reading The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer. I'm reading this for one of my reading challenges. I need a book that is published as Women's Fiction.

              Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my Book Beginnings for The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer:

"Only the sharp clang of a bell above the door and lopsided towers of books greeted Hope Sparrow as she entered Dusty Jackets bookshop."

 

I just loved the name of the bookshop. And loved the thought of lopsided towers of books. 

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer:
 

"She swallowed. No one knew her real name. How could she condemn him? 'Why would someone like you not want people to know who you are?' The muttered statement slipped through her teeth."

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green Review

 

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was recommended to me as a part of a "12 Recommendations for 2023" challenge. Though the majority of the story takes place during WWII, we get to see flashbacks to WWI, which was quite intriguing to me because I had just finished another book that took place during WWI and I was sort of picturing what was happening in that book while I was reading this book. Though this book takes place in Maine, USA, and the other takes place in England.

I was quite intrigued to learn more about how WWI affected people on the eastern coast of America during this time.

The story is told from the point of view of four women. Avis who is the librarian at the town's library now that her brother (who was the librarian) is away fighting in the war. Louise who owns the library and whose story we also see in the flashbacks to WWI. Ginny who had to move from Long Island because the government took over the island for military uses. And Martina, who struggles because she is Italian so there are quite a few people who don't trust her. She is friends with Ginny, and also works with her. They were two of the first people who joined the book club. Another main character is Freddy.

We learn more about the lives of each of these characters both in and outside of the book club. The story also contains the minutes from the book club which give us more insights into the characters and their insights into the books they are reading. Plus we also get to learn more through letters that Avis receives
There was suspense due to the war and the concern of UBoats and spies and possible saboutage, in addition to somepersonal drama and secrets being revealed.

This book held my attention and I loved getting to know the characters and loved how the relationships between the characters evolved through their interactions and the importance of the book club and the library.

I can't wait to read more from this author.

Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin Review

 

The second book in the Piper Haydn Piano Mystery series by Malissa Chapin releases on July 25th. 

Here's a look at what Murder Goes Glamping is about:

She’d rather play a sonata than huddle around a campfire. But when homicide takes the stage, can she bring down the curtain on a killer?

Piper Haydn enjoys the finer things in life. Coming from wealth, the music academy owner refuses to let her friend drag her out glamor camping until the handsome local police chief’s teasing strikes the wrong chord. And returning to the campground late after a piano conference, her panic hits a crescendo when she stumbles on a dead body.

Fleeing in horror and now suspected of committing the evil deed, the terrified thirty-something dives into the investigation to clear her name. Yet with her artsy hippie pal missing, an unpleasant sheriff eager to slap the cuffs on her, and a murderer still on the loose, she fears snooping around could lead to a deadly encore.

Can Piper piece together the cacophony of clues before her next concerto is played behind bars?

Murder Goes Glamping is the charming second book in the Piper Haydn Piano Mysteries cozy series. If you like amateur sleuths, loyal friends, and surprising twists, then you’ll love Malissa Chapin’s cutthroat cadenza.

Here are my thoughts:

Another wonderful cozy mystery by Melissa Chapin. I loved getting to read more about Piper Haydn and her best friend Rosie. I loved the way the author teased about this second book at the end of Murder Goes Solo.

I'm not a huge fan of camping, and like Piper I don't think I'd like it even if I did get to go in a decked out camper. And yeah, Bess the glamper was very much a character in this story. I'm sorry Bess, but I'm just not a huge fan of camping. So yeah, I could definitely empathize with Piper here.
And then add a murder mystery and an abduction, plus getting blamed for the crimes. Poor Piper, as if she hadn't had enough to deal with in book one.

I was definitely intrigued when another mystery was added to the mix and of course our friends wanted to solved it. Add in a possible stalker, a grouchy park ranger, a piano teachers conference, and a matchmaking best friend, and you've got a hilarious intriguing story with some awesome twists. 

This is definitely a book I recommend, and though the books are stand alone stories, you'll want to read book one first as you'll meet all the characters and understand the references back to that story.

Here's one of my favorite exchanges between Piper and Rosie:

I received an ARC in ebook format from the author as part of the launch team in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinions.

Murder Goes Solo by Malissa Chapin Review

 

I'm on the launch team for Malissa Chapin's newest book, the second book in the Piper Haydn Piano Mystery series, titled Murder Goes Glamping, so, because I wanted to make sure to read the books in order I chose to read and review Murder Goes Solo first. 

Such an interesting and fun story. Piper owns a music academy and it is time for their music recital, only the special Steinway piano she had ordered hasn't arrived yet. Thankfully it arrives the day of the recital and she gathers her staff and students to see the unboxing of her dream. Unfortunately, they weren't prepared for the horror of a dead body being found stuffed inside. 

 I really enjoyed this cozy musician mystery. The author did a wondeful job making me fall in love with the characters. I love the relationship between Piper and Rosie. Awesome best friends. I mean, it's always great to have a friend that will help you disobey the police so you can try to solve a mystery. LOL. I admit, I had figured out who the murderer was quite early. But I loved when the clues began to add up. And she did a great job adding some other details to try to throw us off the scent. Definitely made me wonder if there was more than one person involved. Loved the faith aspects of the story.

Definitely a book I highly recommend. 

Friday Fun - July 14, 2023

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have two books to share with you. 

I am reading an ARC of Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller. This is the first book in her new Horizons series. It releases on July 18th! I'll be sharing my review soon.

I'm also reading Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright. I'm reading this book for a couple of my reading challenges. It is a book that was recommended to me (though I already planned on reading it soon because I have a goal to read all her books), and I am in a group on Facebook called Eating Our Words. Jaime Jo Wright is one of the admins. This month's challenge is to read a book by one of the EOW authors. 

              Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my Book Beginnings for Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller:

"Paisley hurried through the town of Cornwall, lost in an area she'd never before been."

 

Why was she in a rush, and why was she lost. I wasn't sure, but it did draw me in right away.

And here is my Book Beginnings for Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright:

"She should have paid more attention to her longtime neighbor, Oliver Schneider, when she passed him on the road at dawn."

Hmm, had to wonder why. Especially in light of what I read in the blurb on the back cover. Something bad was going to happen.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller:
 

"Paisley stood on tiptoe, and dusted the corners of her room. Dust filled her nostrils and twice she sneezed. She dusted the top of the bureau, then leaned down and reached to dust underneath. That's when she noticed something beneath the dresser."

Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright:

"Imogene wanted to throw herself into her older brother's arms. As she had as a child. But so much had changed. So much was different now. There were ghosts in his eyes that she didn't understand."

Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White Review

 

I absolutely loved Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M White, the first book of the Culper Ring series. I wasn’t sure if I would fall in love with this book as much as I loved her Shadows Over England series or her Codebreakers series. However, I was thrilled to find that I loved this first book of this series. I fell in love with the characters and I needed to know what was going to happen.

I loved that Winter was a female and a part of the Culper Spy Ring. I really started to feel for her as she was dealing with so much, and I couldn’t stand the way she was treated by certain people. I love the way she hid behind a mask but Bennet Lane was so intrigued because he could see there was more to her. Of course that notched up the suspense, because it appeared he was out to find the Patriot spies. I loved seeing their relationship evolve, but wondered how they could ever be together if they were on opposite sides.

There were some twists that took me by surprise which I always like in a book. And faith was an important part of Winter’s life.

I found it quite interesting to learn about the Culper Ring, which I had never heard about. And I was intrigued to learn which of the characters were real life people, though a couple were obvious, though one is only talked about, never met face to face.

Exclusive Interview with Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is the NY Times, USA Today, and Wallstreet Journal bestselling author of over thirty novels, the latest of which is titled The Best Summer of Our Lives which released a week and a half ago on June 27th. 

Today I am thrilled to be able to share this exclusive interview. 

1. How did you choose the years that the story is set in?

RH: The story idea started with the title. Kind of simple, eh? I liked The Summer of ‘77 but after I planned out the story, The Best Summer of Our Lives seemed more fitting with a broader appeal.

2. What gave you the idea to name the characters after the seasons? 

RH: I’m not a huge fan of a character name and the title playing off each other, nevertheless I decided to use Summer as a name – go figure – and then one day while walking and praying, the idea to use seasonal names hit me. I thought it was corny at first. “Could I really do that?” But the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Then I gave the motivation behind it: their seasonal names were the genesis of their relationship.

3. Were you ever a part of a group of close friends like the Four Seasons?

RH: Not exactly like the Four Seasons but as a former sorority girl I experienced their kind of camaraderie.

4. Were any of the characters based off people you knew/know?

RH: I try not to write about people I know because I wouldn’t want their interpretation of the characters to cause offense, so the Seasons are all fictional. Though I’d say each one has a piece of me and the history of my friendships.

5. My kids love going away to camp for a week every summer, and camp was an important place for the Four Seasons. Did camp play an important part in your childhood, either as a camper or counselor? If so, do you have a special memory you’d like to share? 

RH: Writing this book made me wish for more summer camp experiences. I went to camp once as a girl, then on the summer youth retreat with my husband when he was a youth pastor, but nothing quite like Camp Tumbleweed. My favorite memories from the youth retreat was seeing the kids awaken to God’s love for them.

6. What themes do you hope readers will find in your story?

RH: I think hope and purpose are prevalent themes in this book. Just when Summer believes she’s really messed up her life, wasted time and talent, she learns God has her just where He wants her. Now, when she’s 38, everything falls into place.

7. Was it difficult to keep each of the points of view straight in your head with four main characters and two different timelines?

RH: I’m a rewriter, so I have a chance to figure out the characters’ distinctions. But in the beginning, it was difficult to make sure they didn’t all sound the same. I had to discover each character’s personality.

8. Did you know right away, or have an idea, how you were going to end the story?
Or did it come to you while you were writing the novel?

RH: Great question! I’m trying to remember, but I think I had somewhat of an idea, but working out the scenes takes much more thought and detail. I had to see where everyone was at the end of the ’77 timeline as well as the ’97 timeline. Let’s go with I was in the ballpark. ��

10. I’ve read several of your books and loved them all, and I noticed The Best Summer of Our Lives seemed to have a different feel to it than your other dual- timeline novels and your contemporary romances. What made you choose to write such a different book?

RH: Thank you for your kind words. This book doesn’t have a strong romance thread, so I think that makes it feel different. Also, to be honest, I’ve changed some in the last three years and even I sense there is something different in my writing. I hope I’m getting better and finding a deeper layer in my author voice.

11. What is your favorite genre to read? Who are some of your favorite authors?

RH: I love reading books like The Best Summer of Our Lives. I love interesting, slightly unique well-written stories.

You can learn more about Rachel Hauck and her books, one of which was even turned into a Hallmark Channel movie, on her website.

Friday Fun - July 7, 2023

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have three books to share with you. 

I read Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White. This is the first book in the Culper Ring Series. I needed a book with half as many letters in the title than the book I read in May for one of my reading challenges in June. 

   

I also read the first book in the Piper Haydn Piano Mystery series by Malissa Chapin, titled, Murder Goes Solo. A great book if you are a fan of cozy mysteries.

I just started an ARC of the second book of the Piper Haydn Piano Mystery series by Malissa Chapin, titled, Murder Goes Glamping. This book releases on July 28th. So far it looks like it is going to be another amazing cozy mystery. 

              Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my Book Beginnings for Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White:

"Let innocence be your mask."

 

Sounds like good advice for a spy. 

And here is my Book Beginnings for Murder Goes Solo by Malissa Chapin:

"Piper blew out a breath and clenched her teeth as she marched down the hall of the Haydn Music Adademy toward her office."

Sounds like someone wasn't having a good day.

Finally, here is my Book Beginnings for Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin:

"Piper Haydn's heart pounded and a wave of dizziness rolled over her approximately ten second after she waved off the Uber driver."

Oh dear, something seems to be wrong here. Seems to be starting off more suspenseful than the first book.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White:
 

"Mrs. Shirley didn't appear chastised. 'Their means are not my grounds for complaint, good sir, but rather their loyalties. 'Tis a known fact that the elder Mr. Knight was of decidedly Whiggish bent before the British won New York, and he even tried to evactuate the city when Washington fled.'"

Murder Goes Solo by Malissa Chapin:

"Piper second-guessed her decision to stay home when they drove through the crowd of reporters camped at the end of her driveway. She wouldn't answer the door, but she would stay home-she had made up her mind."

Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin:

"'How did Carolyn disappear?' She groaned. Her arms weighted her down. The pins and needles pricklng up and down her muscles kept her from trying to untie her hands. Goosebumps rippled across her arms, and she shivered."

Reading Challenges 2023: June Update

Here is what I read for my challenges in June:

I read The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck. The book was to be set in the 1960's or 70's and this newest book by Rachel Hauck is a dual timeline book that takes place partially during the summer of 1977 and partially in present day. 

I read This is Where it Ends by Cindy K Sproles. I also read Timeless Treasure by MaryLu Tyndall. 

I also used Timeless Treasure by MaryLu Tyndall for this challenge. Here are my thoughts.

I read Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer. Here are my thoughts. 

I started Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White for this challenge. I haven't finished it yet though.

In January I read books that are set in the following states:

California: Taken in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard

Ohio: Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill

Oregon: Innocent Lives and Innocent Voices by Julie Bonn Blank

Pennsylvania: The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis 

South Carolina: Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams/Lynette Eason

Washington: The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

In February I read books that are set in the following states:

Colorado: In the Midst of the Storm and In the Midst of the Darkest Hour by Latisha Sexton.

Indiana: Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson

Texas: The Inheritance Games, The Hawthorne Legacy, and The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

In March I read books that are set in the following states:

Illinois: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Michigan: Dark of Night by Colleen Coble

Tennessee: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

Utah: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans

Vermont: The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans

In April I read books that are set in the following states:

Florida: The Prayer Garden by Kelsey Bryant (one of the novellas in the A Very Bookish Easter collection)

Iowa: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

Montana: Blue Skies, Blue Eyes by Cali Black 

In May I read books that are set in the following states:

Alaska: In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Oklahoma: The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck (You can read my thoughts here.)

Washington DC: In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer (Not an actual state, but a game we play counts it as a state, so I thought I would include it.)

West Virginia: Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton 

Wisconsin: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

In June I read books that are set in the following states:

Kentucky: This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles 

Maine: The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green (You can read my thoughts here.)

Virginia: Rescue in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd (You can read my thoughts here.)

In January I read books that are set in the following European Countries:

England: An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

Switzerland: Heidi by Johanna Spyri

In May I read a book set in:

Denmark: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

I also decided I was going to read one Christmas book each month. 

In January I read The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson. 

In March I read The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans and The Mistletoe Inn also by Richard Paul Evans

In April I read The Mistletoe Secret by Richard Paul Evans 

In May I read A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson (my thoughts)

Finally, someone in my Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group came up with a 55 book challenge:

In January I read 10 books for this challenge

In February I read 7 books for this challenge

In March I read 9 books for this challenge

In April I read 8 books for this challenge

In May I read 5 books for this challenge

In June I read 2 books for this challenge

Read a book...

1-With a pink spine

2- By an author whose name starts with an  A: Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson (my thoughts)

3- 450 pages or longer

4- Published in 2023: Remember Me by Tracie Peterson (my thoughts)

5- That has won a Christy award: A Portait of Loyalty by Roseanny M. White (my thoughts)

6- With multiple people on the cover: Lethal Intentions by Jennifer Chastain (my thoughts)

7- With a car or truck on the cover

8- That is the third book in a series: An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White (my thoughts)

9- That has a map inside: A Divine Romance by Ifueko Ogbomo (my thoughts)

10- A debut novel: In the Midst of the Storm by Latisha Sexton (my thoughts)

11- By an author you’ve never read before: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham (my thoughts)

12- That has food on the cover

13- Featuring a woman from the Bible: The Prophetess: Deborah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith (my thoughts)

14- With flowers on the cover: In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer (my thoughts)

15- Featuring a child or teen as the main character: Innocent Voices by Julie Bonn Blank (my thoughts)

16- That you got for free: 

17- Featuring an athlete: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (my thoughts)

18- That you pick because of the cover: Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (my thoughts)

19- Recommended by someone you know: Her Deepest Secret by Jessica R. Patch (my thoughts)

20- Set in a cool climate

21- Set during the Great Depression: Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse (my thoughts)

22- Featuring friends to lovers: Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams/Lynnette Eason (my thoughts)

23- Published the month you were born: The Game by Cali Black (my thoughts)

24- With a blue cover: Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (my thoughts)

25- With a main character with blonde hair: Innocent Lives by Julie Bonn Blank (my thoughts)

26- Set on an island

27- Set in a different country than you: Heidi by Johanna Spyri (my thoughts)

28- That takes place more than 200 years ago: Stay With Me by Jody Hedlund (my thoughts)

29- That features a member of the military: A Battle Worth Fighting by Sarah Hanks (my thoughts)

30- Set in South or Central America

31- By a male author: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans (my thoughts)

32- Written in first person POV: The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans (my thoughts)

33- Featuring a single parent: Dark of Night by Colleen Coble (my thoughts)

34- With a title that starts with B

35- That is a love inspired book: Taken in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard (my thoughts)

36- That involves a wedding

37- With an L in the title: Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson (my thoughts)

38- By an author from a different country than you

39- With a black cover

40- With a title that has 5 or more words: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner (my thoughts)

41- With an illustrated cover: Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton (my thoughts)

42- From a genre outside your comfort zone: The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck (my thoughts)

43- Written by multiple authors: Written by multiple authors: A Very Bookish Easter by Kelsey Bryant, Abigayle Clarie, Sarah Holman, and Kate Willis (my thoughts)

44- Set on a farm: The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis (my thoughts)

45- By an author that has also written nonfiction: This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles (my thoughts)

46- By an indie author: In the Midst of a Starry Night by Latisha Sexton (my thoughts)

47- Published in 2012

48- With a sunset on the cover

49- That has cowboys: Blue Skies, Blue Eyes by Cali Black (my thoughts)

50- Without any people on the cover: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright (my thoughts)

51- By an author who uses a three part name (C.C. Warrens, Ann H. Gabhart): The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White (my thoughts)

52- That features a hobby or skill you’d like to learn: In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse (my thoughts)

53- With a nanny, babysitter, or governess

54- An author with the same two initials: Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill (my thoughts)

55- With a pet that isn’t a dog: The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson (my thoughts)

My Goodreads goal is to read 100 books this year. Last year I had set it at 75 and I ended up reading 115. I think I will be able to meet my 100 book goal. As of today I have read 59 books this year.

I know this seems like a lot, but like last year, I hope to be able to combine challenges where possible. And when I pick books for the monthly challenges, I will try to choose books that take place in different states or countries.