The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold Review

 

Oh my, what a powerful, emotional book. I am so glad this book was recommended to me. It was definitely different than I thought it would be. I got caught up in Clara Kip's story as she shared with Aidyn, and as we got to see her memories from decades earlier. We see the story through Clara's eyes as well as Aidyn's. 

Though Aidyn's relationship with the elderly, dying Mrs. Kip started out as what felt like a demeaning writing assignment, it grew into so much more. I loved seeing their relationship grow, along with seeing Aidyn's relationship with the Lord grow thanks to Mrs. Kip, a woman who didn't always love the Lord, but was led to Him after tragedy struck her life. The life that we get to see through her memories shows a life dedicated to the Lord and serving Him by serving and loving others. 

The author really brought these characters to life. I loved seeing things through Mrs. Kip's perspective, and knowing her thoughts as she adjusted to life in hospice care. There truly were some hilarious interactions between this spunky lady and the staff who are just trying to keep her safe. And while there were these humorous scenes, there were frequent reminders that she was in hospice care for a reason. So, quite the emotional rollercoaster. 

I really appreciated learning the historical facts that were shared when we learned things that she did when she was younger. I was definitely not expecting this aspect of the book, but it was quite eye-opening. And I really don't want to give anything away here, so I'll just leave it at that.

And of course, we also get to see the struggles that Aidyn is dealing with in her life as the book isn't just about Mrs. Kip, but Aidyn as well. 

I was in tears for quite a bit of the book, don't worry, some of these were just happy tears, very emotional. 

These are definitely characters that will stay with me. Here is one of the quotes that really stuck with me, "the mark of authentic love is dying a thousand deaths to self." 

Definitely a book I highly recommend, and one that is among my top reads of 2023. 

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright Review

 

I think every time I finish a book by Jaime Jo Wright I suddenly have a new favorite of hers. Let's just say, I loved this story. A creepy theater, something deadly lurking beneath the stage, a ghostly woman in white, missing people in two timelines, and this one even has some hints of blossoming feelings between the main characters in both timelines and the guys in their lives. But, don't worry, if you aren't a fan of "romance" stories, this definitely doesn't take center stage. 

I loved the storyline in both the 1915 timeline and the modern day timeline, and I love the way the stories came together and the secrets were unveiled. Slowly, alternating between both timelines. The author really is wonderful in the way she does this. 

I felt sympathy for Greta in her struggles in 1915 with how to provide for her brothers, and the poorhouse looming in the distance, both in proximaty and in time. It was quite emotional to know how much she struggled because of where she fell in the class system. 

I thought it was quite interesting how in the modern timeline they are trying to get to the bottom of the decades old stories of Barlowe Theater through a show called The Psychic and the Skeptic. How the author uses the skeptic to delve into the truth behind supposed supernatural sightings and to bring a focus to God and His truths. 

Loved the revelations and the twists. There were some things I was guessing were going to happen, but the author surprised me more than once. 

And I loved the way the story made reference to Scooby Doo and the way they reveal that the supernatural, when unmasked, is just regular people caught up in crimes. The thing is, I have said that very thing about the author's books. That is why I love them.

Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath Review

 

Project Scrooge is the first book in the Christmas in Garland collection by A.M. Heath. The first three books are now available as a boxed set and the fourth book will release in November. Each story is a stand-alone story, though I did choose to read them in the order they were published. 

I loved this Christmas in Garland novella. I loved that it was based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Sanford is the bitter Scrooge. Natalie is the abandoned best friend from his youth. She, along with some other loved ones, use the ideas of the three spirits from A Christmas Carol, past, present and future, to remind Sanford of the true meaning of Christmas and the need to get rid of his bitterness and forgive.

This was a great story and great reminders to forgive, to not hang on to hurts, and to accept and extend grace and mercy.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet Christmas story, especially if you are a fan of A Christmas Carol.

Stay tuned for my review of the second book in the collection, The Engagement Cover.

Friday Fun - October 27, 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 just finished Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath. This is the first novella in her Christmas in Garland collection. There are currently three books and the fourth releases next month. I'll probably start the second book, The Engagement Cover, later today. These will all help me get caught up with my reading challenge of reading one Christmas book each month.

I also read Twice Loved by Wanda E. Brunstetter. This is another book for my Christmas book challenge.

I am currently reading The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright. It doesn't fit any of my current challenges, but I have been looking forward to reading it since learning about it.

              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 Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath:

"The Christmas season seemed to return quicker with each passing year."

Well, this is definitely true.

Here is my Book Beginnings for Twice Loved by Wanda E Brunstetter

"Dan Fisher went down on his knees in front of the sofa where his wife lay."

Was something wrong with his wife?

And here is my Book Beginnings for The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright:

"Sometimes death came quietly."

Also true. But it seems like there was going to be more to that. 

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.

Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath:
 

"I lifted half of my smile. Challenge accepted. Little did Natalie know, winning this challenge had nothing to do with victory and everything to do with survival."

Twice Loved by Wanda E Brunstetter

"She merely shrugged in reply. Dan didn't seem like the type to get upset over something like a child falling asleep inside his toy store. In fact, from the look on his face, Bev guessed he mikght be rather taken with her daughter."

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright:

"Tom leaned over and whispered, 'You don't wanna know.'
But she did. She really, truly did. Kit lifted her eyes and met Evan's in the mirror one more time. This time his expression said he was disturbed . . .  even a little afraid."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below:

Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer (review coming shortly)

Love Unforeseen by Penny Zeller

Friday Fun - October 20, 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 an eARC of Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer. 

I am also reading Love Unforeseen by Penny Zeller for a couple of my October reading challenges. I needed a book whose title started with the same letter as the first letter of the author's last name from my book from last month in the Read Your Bookshelf challenge. And I also need a book with a book on the cover. I realized the main character is holding a book, so, perfect.

              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 Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer:

"Grass tickled my nose as I lay face down on the ground."

Well that doesn't sound like a position she planned to be in. 

And here is my Book Beginnings for Love Unforeseen by Penny Zeller:

"Truth be told, her plan was most extraordinary."

Well, she thinks quite highly of this plan of hers, whatever it is. 

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.

Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer:
 

"There was nothing more relaxing than having someone playing with my hair. I couldn't say no. As Isobel worked, I braced myself for an interrogation."

Love Unforeseen by Penny Zeller:

"'She would revel in receiving and writing letters to him and be mindful to include questions in her response, necessitating Mr. Neeves's reply.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below:

The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain

Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson Review

 

I was hoping to enjoy The Fairest Beauty as much as I did the other books I have read by Melanie Dickerson. Unfortunately, this is my least favorite of her books.

I loved the premise of the story. A medieval retelling of Snow White. It started out great and drew me in. But as I've seen other reviewers state, there was just so much angst and internal thoughts by both Gabe and Sophie pining over each other, even though they were both betrothed to another. I get it, Gabe came to save Sophie from horrid circumstances. But they hardly knew each other, yet fell for each other hard. And we're focusing on tingling and each other's looks. And how was it focusing on God's will to be pining for someone promised to another? How was THAT being more responsible?

I really did love the way the author twisted this story into the retelling, but the constant thinking of each other, and then pining that they couldn't have each other, and not sure what they should do got old. And the writing seemed so different than the previous books. Seemed more juvenile maybe.

The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain Review

 

What a wonderful debut from Joy Crain. I loved this contemporary royal romance set in the fictitious Asian country of Andelar

Missy lives with her aunt in America and hasn’t seen her father for the past ten years because he lives and works as an American ambassador in Andelar. Then one day her father surprises her by finally asking her to join him in Andelar for the summer. As unexpected as this is, she is even more overwhelmed when she learns she will be staying in the royal palace as his guest.

Aiden Waverly has been spending the past several years traveling the world, doing what he loves to do, helping others and supporting charitable causes. He has a heart for orphans because of his early years. Details of which we learn throughout the story through flashbacks, nightmares, and times when he shares with others. It’s also obvious early on that Aiden is the rumored hidden prince of Andelar.

When Missy and Aiden meet they don’t realize who the other is and we get to see a relationship grow between them. But how will this relationship be able to grow once Aiden steps into his rightful role? Will there be a continued romance or broken hearts?

I loved seeing their relationship grow and greatly enjoyed seeing the fun they had together. But I did find myself in tears at times. There was a lot of emotion throughout the story, but especially toward the conclusion. I love that Missy and Aiden lean on the Lord and seek His will. There is struggle and self-sacrifice and despair. But there is also fun and joy and trusting in the Lord.

I greatly enjoyed this book and am glad I had a chance to read it and discover a new author.

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

Friday Fun - October 13, 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 am currently reading The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain. This is her debut novel and it just released a couple of weeks ago. Conveniently, it also works for a couple of my reading challenges. I needed a book with a red cover for one, and a book by an author from a different country.

I read Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti for one of my October reading challenges. I needed to re-read a book that I enjoyed long ago. I loved this book just as much as I did the first time, and it has been many years since I first read it. 

I am also currently reading The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson. This book is also for a reading challenge. I need a book with a medieval setting.

              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 Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain:

"William Hanson.
Missy's eyes widened."

Who is William Hanson? And why would Missy's eyes widen? Fear? Surprise? 

And here is my Book Beginnings for Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti:

"It could have begun in any town. Bacon's Corner was nothing special, just one of those little farming towns far from the interstate, nothing more than a small hollow dot on the AAA road map, with exit signs that offered gas, no lodging, maybe a little food if the place was open, and little more."

Having read the book years ago, I knew what was going to happen in this "nothing special" town. But, I loved reading about the AAA road map and realizing how old the book is. 

And finally, here is my Book Beginnings for The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson:

"Pinnosa passed through the town square and cobblestone Marktplatz. Hagenheim Castle loomed straight ahead."

The use of the word "loomed" gave this beginning a bit of an ominous start. So what was it that Pinnosa was doing in the town square and was the castle her destination or just something looming over her?

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 Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain:
 

"Aiden nearly choked. He grabbed one of the teacups to wash down the lump of food that had caught in his throat. It burned going down. He glared at his brother, who smiled far too innocently."

Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti:

"'At any rate,' Santinelli continued, 'we have just recently learned that a plan was launched to have Sally Roe murdered, and, of course, to make it look like a suicide. Just whose idea was that?'"

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson:

"She turned away from him, as though the conversation were a waste of her time, and went on with her task of dipping candles. She pretended to ignore him while her mind raced. If this man knew she was the duke's daughter, and if he forced the duchess's hand, Ermengard would kill them both."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below:

Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow

Friday Fun - October 6, 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 just finished reading Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren. I read it for a few of my September reading challenges. I've been wanting to read it for a while, so when I needed a time travel book, I was like, yep, gonna finally read it. It is the final book in the River of Time series.

I am currently reading The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow. This book is also for a reading challenge. I need a book set in Bible times, and this book takes place leading up to the flood of Noah's time.

              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 Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren:

"'So, what say you, carina?' Luca asked me, calling me his little love. 'Did you not promise long ago that if I returned to you from battle, we would speak of a certain blue dress?'"

Ooo, are we finally going to see a wedding for Luca and Lia? 

And here is my Book Beginnings for The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow:

"The ancient tree of Havah stood in solitary splendor in a vast field, its pale green-leafed branches drooping softly, curtainlike, inviting passersby to come rest in the shade."

Sounds like a lovely tree. And I wondered if it would play a significant roll in the story. 

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.

Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren:
 

"It made sense that he'd seen it, pondered it. A memory of him chasing us through the woods, the tracker with him, studying each broken twig, each pile of disturbed leaves, came to me."

The Heavens Before by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow:

"Why are you angry with me? Naham's the one who provoked Yerakh! And obviously, you've all escaped beatings. You don't have bruises. You aren't strugglingn to breathe. But you're just waiting for me to prove I can stand and walk, so you won't feel guilty for abandoning me."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. If you'd like to read the reviews of those books, I invite you to click on the links below:

Blood of Adam by Rachel S. Neal

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren Review

 

I finally had an excuse/got a chance to read the final book in Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series, Deluge. I used it for one of my reading challenges so I could fit it in. Wow, what an awesome conclusion. Old enemies were still after the "She-wolves," though I will say the author gave them a bit of a reprieve there as it wasnt nearly as horrible as some of the things they dealt with in previous books. BUT they had a new enemy to deal with in this new book, one readers knew was coming, the Black Plague. I won't go into any detail but will say I found I did need the tissues handy as the author had warned. Wonderful book even though it was heartwrenching at times. I absolutely loved it, and whenever I was forced to stop reading I felt like I was being ripped from their world and time. Loved this series and really didn't want it to end.

Reading Challenges 2023: September Update

Here is what I read for my challenges in September:

I did end up reading The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis for August. I read Blood of Adam by Rachel S. Neal for September.

I am about halfway through Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren. This is the final book in her River of Time series and I've been wanting to read it for a while now. 

I counted The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis for this challenge as well. Here are my thoughts.

I read The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer for this challenge. Here are my thoughts.

I finished A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano for August. And I was already reading The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis for my other challenges when I realized it would work for this one too, as the word "horse" is on page 50 of A Midnight Dance. Here are my thoughts for A Midnight Dance.

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 July I read books that are set in the following states:

Idaho: Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller (You can read my thoughts here.)

Minnesota: The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer 

New York: Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White (You can read my thoughts here)

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

Missouri: Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl

Nebraska: Falling Between the Pages  by A.M. Heath

In September I read a book set in the following state:

Wyoming: The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse (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

In August I read a book set in:

Greece: The Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar

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)

In July I read The Christmas Blessing 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

In July I read 3 books for this challenge

In August I read 2 books for this challenge

In September 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: Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin (my thoughts)

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: Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White (my thoughts)

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: King of the Crown Imperials by Joanna Alonzo (my thoughts)

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: Break of Day by Colleen Coble (my thoughts)

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

36- That involves a wedding: Wait for Me by Jody Hedlund (my thoughts)

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: Blood of Adam by Rachel S. Neal (my thoughts)

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: The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson 

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 83 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.