Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath Review

Wow, I have a new favorite in A.M. Heath's Christmas in Garland series. I just loved Love and Christmas Cookies, a modern enemies to lovers retelling of Pride and Prejudice. 

The main characters, Kate and Wade, both have dreams of owning their own cookie bakery. Kate thought she was going to get to own the bakery where she has been working for years. Wade has had the dream of going off on his own, owning a cookie shop, as opposed to working with his aunt in her cupcake empire. Both are surprised when Kate's boss makes plans to sell to the newcomer Wade. Yet a deal is made, and Kate has two months to increase sales to show that she deserves to own the Cookie Tin. 

They have to decide whether they are going to work with each other or against each other while dealing with family and others who become hinderances and obstacles. 

I loved being back in Garland and was thrilled to see who and what the author included from the previous books. I'm figuring if I had ever actually read or seen Pride and Prejudice I would have loved the book even more, noticing all the Easter eggs the author included. (She does mention some of them in her author note at the end of the book.)

Knowing there was at least one person with nefarious plans made me on edge and wanting to see what was going to happen. And I really felt for Kate and Wade who were dealing with family members who were trying to run their lives. I felt invested in this story and had a hard time putting the book down. And oh my goodness, did the cookies Kate and Wade created just about make my mouth water. I really want to try some of their creations and see some of the art work. 

I also apprciated the faith of the characters. 

Definitely a book I recommend. And don't miss out on the rest of the series. Especially if you are a fan of cozy, small towns and Christimas festivities. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

 

Friday Fun - September 27, 2024

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

This week I have two books to share with you.

I'm reading an ARC of Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath. This book released released earlier this week!

I also starting A Boy Named Rindy by Olivia Talbott.

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(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.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath:

"'He's back,' Rachel practically sang behind my back."

This sounded like it was a good thing, as opposed to a stalkerish thing. 

A Boy Named Rindy by Olivia Talbott:

"I reached for the frayed rope, but the last knot slipped through my fingers." 

Oh dear, that could be really bad, depending on where he was and why he was reaching for the rope. 

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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:

Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath:
 

"I slammed the bag of icing down. What am I supposed to do? I won't work against her.
'But will you work with her?'
My blood ran cold.
I sat back on the stool and crossed my arms over my chest. That's what this is about, isn't it? It's not enough that I refrain from working against her, I'm supposed to work with her too?"

A Boy Named Rindy by Olivia Talbott:

"We trudged along in the blackness of the morning. It was the time of day that was even darker than night, as if the night was attempting to fight the sun from rising. I was tired, but this tiredness went deeper than my lack of sleep. My heart throbbed as if it was even weary from beating in step."

Reviews:

Last week I shared one book in my Friday Fun post. Here is the link to the review, plus the link to the review of the third book from the previous week:

Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham Review

 

I loved Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham so much. I loved that it is a retelling of one of my favorite princess movies, Beauty and the Beast. I loved noticing the parallels as I read. However, there are plenty of differences to make this it's own story.

Beyond Ivy Walls is a historical romance that takes place in 1903 Iowa. Sadie has left her home on the farm to take a job in the city to help support her family. She ends up meeting Otis Taylor, the remaining heir of an important family in town. However, he's only just returned himself and is staying hidden away because of scars that have left him looking disfigured.

I loved seeing Sadie and Otis's relationship evolve, going through ups and downs and twists and turns.
Forgiveness plays an important roll in the story for more than one reason. As does self sacrificial love and faith. There's even a mystery of a missing child.

Definitely a book I highly recommend.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton Review

 

Oh wow, Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton is an awesome Christian rom-com. I loved getting to know Quinn and Bram, and getting to see their relationship evolve.

Bram thought he had been in love with Quinn's sister for years and was devastated when she arrived home a married woman. Did he ever really know this woman at all? He thought he had. They had been friends. In fact, his family and her family were great friends. So, he was friends with Quinn for years as well, but he never saw her as anything BUT a friend. And when Quinn was in desperate need of help, he felt led by God to enter into a very unconventional, marriage of convenience to help her out. 

But, would they ever actually fall in love with each other? Would they be able to get past some of the things they struggled with? Would certain omissions become obstacles too big to work through? In other words, would their marriage survive? 

I was drawn into this story and rooting for their relationship. I'm more used to marriage of convenience stories that are historical, so this was different, yet awesome. There were times I wanted to yell at them to actually TALK to each other, instead of assume things. But, I guess that is a good reminder to me, that communication is vital for a marriage to work. 

Very emotional at times. Some hilarious times with a neighbor, but also some serious discussions going on with said neighbor. And most importantly, an emphasis on God's truths and His leading. 

I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to read the stories of Bram's brothers. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - September 20, 2024

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

This week I have one book to share with you.

I'm reading an ARC of Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton. This book released today!

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(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.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here is my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selection:

  Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton:

"After six long months, the love of my life, Lois Jones, is back in town."

That sounds like such great news. Unless, of course, one has read the blurb. 

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton:
 

"Cyrus sinks down beside me, while Titus leans against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. 'It's an intervention, big brother.' Cyrus's gaze takes me in from head to toe. 'I just hope we aren't too late.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared three books in my Friday Fun post. Here are the links to two of them:

:

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon Review

 

It's been a while since I read a book by Irene Hannon (not for lack of WANTING to read more of her books), but I was recently approved to read book two of her Undaunted Courage series through NetGalley, and I just had to read book one, Into the Fire, first. Thankfully my library system had gotten it in. I am so very glad I had a chance to read this book. What an awesome romantic suspense book.

There are a few things that meant to me that this definitely was going to be a five star rating.

One, I couldn't stop telling my daughter all about what I was reading.
Two, when I had to put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Three, I literally couldn't put it down Sunday afternoon and finished the last half of the book in one sitting.

Into the Fire is the first book in the author's new Undaunted Courage series. Bri Tucker is a former smokejumper who is now working as an arson investigator. She finds herself taking over a puzzling case after the former investigator dies in a suspicious fire. Is the fire that killed her predecesor related to other fires that which have been ruled accidental? Bri sets out to find out, with the help of ATF Special Agent Marc Davis. Will a connection be found before it is too late?

The suspense had me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages, and also blocking part of the page so I wouldn't skip ahead (does anyone else have to do this?). The romance was sweet and believable. Bri and Marc ended up working together on this case, and both felt somewhat of an attraction from the get-go, but neither felt they were ready for a relationship. However, I loved reading about their interactions that came through work and other circumstances, and seeing how their relationship evolved.

Faith was real in both of their lives and they are seen to be working through some difficult circumstances, where they find themselves looking to God's Word and leaning on Him through the struggle. Forgiveness also plays an important role in this story and the author delves into how it is so hard to forgive in some circumstances. This was just so real.

I have to say, there were twists I didn't see coming, which I love in the suspense I read. And there was a mystery to solve that included a code/puzzle. And to top it off, there were two villains. It was interesting how the author slowly revealed more about these villains, and how knowing more actually ramped up the suspense.

I can't wait to read book two in this series.

Friday Fun - September 13, 2024

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

This week I have three books to share with you.

I read Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl earlier this week.

I'm currently reading Into the Fire by Irene Hannon.

And I also started Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham.

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(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.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl:

"I watched as fire devoured the house as if it were a living, breathing monster, ravenous for death and destruction."

I loved the way the author gave life to the fire, and it wasn't clear until the second sentence whether the person watching the fire thought the fire was a good or a bad thing.

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon

"Fire was cleansing. Sacrificial, almost."

Yes, I did read two books that had to do with arson back to back. And it was clear with this book that the fire was seen as good by this person.

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham:

"Mama always said eavedropping was the surest way to stir trouble and make enemies out of perfectly good neighbors."

Good advice.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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:

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl:
 

"River opened the file and pulled out some of the reports, but she couldn't concentrate completely. As she reached for the cup of hot chocolate, she wondered just what Beth had meant by her parting words."

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon:

"'Fine by me, but I'll let you do the honors. I'd crush those fragile shells.' He rose, pulled the small paring knife from the block on the counter, and handed it to her as he reclaimed his chair.
'So, tell me about this woman.'
They were back to that."

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham:

"'No, I'll be fine.' She sneezed, covering her nose. 'What's that?'
He followed her pointing finger toward another large chest. To get to it he had to move a crate of old medicine bottles. It'd been years, and the sight of them shouldn't bother him, but it did. His hands shook as he placed them on the side of the crate."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. Here is the link to one of them:

:

When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer

Also, here is my review of Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl, the first book from today's Friday Fun post.

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl Review

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl is the second book in her Ryland & St. Clair series. I've enjoyed both books so far, and can't wait to read book three. 

In this book ex-FBI agents/private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair find themselves going to Tony's hometown of Burlington, Iowa to help his police detective father by creating a profile for an UNSUB in a case that might just go back twenty some years. His father is hoping to get some proof that the person who was put away years ago for the crimes was not the actual serial killer, and the serial killer is still at large and responsible for some recent murders/arson cases. 

Not only do River and Tony have to help with this case, they have to stay on their guard because they learned at the end of the first book that the serial killer that had been captured had someone working with him, and he is still after River. 

Not only do we see the story from River and Tony's point of view, but we also get into the head of both bad guys. The person behind the murders and arsons that Tony's father is investigating, and the serial killer who is after River. 

With a book with two different killers, I admit I did expect the book to be more suspenseful than it was. The mystery behind who the Snowman was unraveled slowly as River and Tony worked on their profile. Plus more information was shared by seeing the thoughts of the Snowman. There were some details I had figured out, some quite early, but I was a bit surprised by who exactly the killer ended up being. 

There were some things that didn't quite add up for me, though I won't mention what they were as I don't want to spoil anything. And I do have to say, there were parts of the story that dragged and were slow with quite a bit of repetition. Both when it came to information about the case, and when it came to the personal relationships of the characters. There was a lot of dwelling on the same thing over and over. Though, I do admit, when a person has issues they are trying to work through, thought will continue to crop up. Don't get me wrong, there was suspense in the book, I just wasn't on the edge of my seat as I have been with previous books of the author.

I appreciated the faith aspect of the story and the way they went to God's Word for answers. 

I AM invested in this story and need to find out how their story is going to end, so I will definitely be reading book three soon. I'm enjoying seeing the relationship between River and Tony slowly evolve and am really hoping there will be more developing between them. Like Tony's mother, I think they make a great couple, whether they want to admit it or not. 

When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer Review

 

When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer is my first book by this author and I loved it. It is a part of the "A Day to Remember" series, books that are based off historic American disasters. Each book in this multi-author series is a stand alone. 

When Hope Sank takes place in Arkansas right after the Civil War has ended. Lieutenant Cade Palmer is one of many released Union prisoners-of -war traveling back North when the boat he is on, the steamboat Sultana, explods leading to many deaths and injuries. We see this story from both his point of view and that of Lily Livingston, the woman he meets after the tragedy. 

Lily and her younger brother are orphans, living with their aunt, uncle, and cousin at their uncle's inn where they work. There are those who are still loyal to the south, including some of her own family. However, Lily's loyalties lie with the north. She ends up helping to tend to the injured who are brought to her uncle's inn. During this time her and Cade end up getting closer, but she carries a secret that could put a halt to their blossoming relationship. 

I fell in love with Lily and Cade, and even with some of the minor characters. And the author did a great job bringing even the antagonists to life. There were definitely some characters I was not fond of, characters who brought tension and suspense to the story. Plus there is a bit of a love triangle when Lily's former friend arrives back in town. I loved the intrigue and the mystery. And I just loved learning more about this time in our country's history. 

Faith played an integral part in this story and I loved seeing both main characters grow in the Lord as they trusted in him. 

This is a book that stayed with me even when I wasn't reading it. I had to know what was going to happen to Cade and Lily. Definitely a book I highly recommend. 

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Friday Fun - September 6, 2024

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

This week I have two books to share with you.

I am currently reading When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer

I'm also reading My Way by Ashley Al-Saliby.

        Book Beginnings on Friday     

(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.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join C arrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

  When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer:

'Free Arkansas'
The unexpected phrase, whispered a stone's throw away at the inn's back alley door, froze Lily Livingston's arms in mid-swing."

Okay, what's the whispering about. And why was Lily swinging her arms? .

My Way by Ashley Al-Saliby

"'Don't forget the snake repellant, Dad!'" Eden called out as Kelsey burst into giggles beside her on the porch."

I really wanted to know why snake repellant seemed to be so funny.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

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 is my Friday 56 selection:

When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer:
 

"Lily took a deep breath and almost choked on the smoke. 'I didn't say that. I said it was a possibility. Determining the truth of it is up to you.' Now that she'd shed her knowledge, she wanted nothing more than to leave it in the hands of law and justice and run out the door. Her personal life was complicated enough without adding spies and saboteurs."

My Way by Ashley Al-Saliby

"Well, now it's officially awkward, she thought miserably. Please act normal, guys. Please.
'I'm really fine, Jake. Thanks. But I'll try to give you a ten-second heads up before I drop dead if I feel it coming.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared one book in my Friday Fun post. Here is the link to my review:

:

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter

I also finally had time to read another book I had shared on my Friday Fun post at the beginning of August. I had set it aside to read some other books, and then zinged through it in a day. My Refuge is the first book in Ashley Al-Saliby's Follow in the Dark series. I needed to read that before started My Way, which I shared about above.

My Refuge by Ashley Al-Saliby 

Reading Challenges 2024: August Update

Here is what I read for my challenges in August:

For the August challenge in the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction FB group I needed a book published independently or by a small press. I read several ARCs in August by indie authors. New Creations by Sarah Hanks, Under the Stars by Cali Black, Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin, The Light Keeper's Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan, Dust and Crown by Havelah McLat, and My Refuge by Ashley Al Saliby.  

For the challenge over at Crystal Caudill's blog, I read Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin. I was a member of the launch team, and I realized the book would work for this challenge. 

For the challenge in the Eating Our Words FB group I read A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter for my August book. With this challenge, we can choose to read the book IN the month, or any time of the year, OR we can do both. So, like last year, I am choosing to try both. I actually have all but one month completed. However, I didn't read a book for that prompt in August.

For the challenge in The Posse FB group, I read The Light Keeper's Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan and The Mobster's Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel.

I am continuing the Read Your Bookshelf challenge from Chantel Reads All Day with the Arthur Conan Doyle side of the flow chart. In August I read The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer and Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin.

I loved The Mobster's Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel, which ended up being August's book.

I used A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter for August's challenge in the Faith Filled Fiction group. 

For the Literary Escapes Challenge here is what I read in each month. 

In January I read books set in the following states:

Alaska: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse 
Arkansas: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer
Illinois: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer 
Missouri: The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

Oregon: Huband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong
South Carolina: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble 
Wyoming:  Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black 

And I traveled to England with If I Were You by Lynn Austin

In February I read books set in the following states:

Kentucky: Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd 
New Mexico: One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey

Ohio: Assaulted Caramel by Ameanda Flower 

Tenessee: Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Wisconsin: The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

And I traveled to Ireland with The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

In March I read books set in the following new states (though I did also return to Wyoming):

Colorado: Single Dad Center by Latisha Sexton and Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse

Connecticut: When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir

Idaho: Levi's Vow by Penny Zeller
North Carolina: Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

And I traveled back to England with The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan.

In April I read books set in the following new states (though I did also return to Colorado, Missouri, and North Carolina):

Iowa: A Surefire Love by Emily Conrad
Minnesota: Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen
Virginia: The Vanished by Cara Putman

And I traveled back to England again with The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano.

In May I read a book set in the following new state (though I did also return to Kentucky, North Carolina, and Colorado):

Massachusetts: For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

And I traveled to Germany with The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann, Iran with Protector by Megan Schaulis and somewhere in the Middle East with  The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon, plus returned to England with The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder.

In June I read books set in the following new states (though I did also return to Kentucky, Alaska, and Idaho):

California: Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse
Florida: The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma 

And I traveled back to England again with The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron. I also traveled to Thailand with Because of You by Hannah Currie, a fantasy land inside the Bermuda Triangle with The Sword in His Hand by J.J. Fischer, and the area in eastern Egypt and around Israel/ancient Canaan with Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette.

In July I read books set in the following new states (though I did also return to Alaska, Massachusets, Minnesota, and Virginia)

Alabama: When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson, and What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Texas: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

In August I read books set in the following new states (though I did also return to Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin):

Montana: Under the Stars by Cali Black

Pennsylvania: The Mobster's Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel

And I traveled back to England again with The Light Keeper's Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan. I also traveled to Scotland with Finishing School by Jennifer Mistmorgan

Here is what I've read for the Alphabet Soup Challenge:

January: 

D: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer, The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

F: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble, Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black 
H: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong 
I: If I Were You by Lynn Austin 

T: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer
U: An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey 

February: 

A: Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower 
C: The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson and The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

E: Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

O: One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey (mini challenge)

R: Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd and The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

March:

L: Levi's Vow by Penny Zeller and Love's Promise by Penny Zeller
M: The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan
N: Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn
S: Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse and Single Dad Center by Latisha Sexton
W: When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir (mini challenge)

April:

B: Braving Strange Waters by Sarah Hanks and The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp (mini challenge)

V: The Vanished by Cara Putman

May: 

C: Callie and the Pumpkin Seed by Sarah Beran (mini challenge)

G: The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder and The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch

J: Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker
P: Protector by Megan Schaulis

June:

D: Dreams on the Horizon by Penny Zeller (already had D, but this was for the mini challenge)

July:

V: Virginia Company Bride by Gabrielle Meyer (already had V, but this was for the mini challenge)

August:

D: Dust and Crown by Havelah McLat (already had D, but this was for the mini challenge)

Here's what I've read for the 2024 European Reading Challenge from Rose City Reader. 

In January I read a book set in the following European country:

England: If I Were You by Lynn Austin 

In February I read a book set in the following European country:

Ireland: The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel 

In March I didn't read any books that were set in any new European countries. 

In April I didn't read any books that were set in any new European countries. 

In May I read a book set in the following European country: 

Germany: The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann 

In June I didn't read any books that were set in any new European countries.

In July I didn't read any books that were set in any new European countries. 

In August I read a book set in the following European country:

Scotland: Finishing School by Jennifer Mistmorgan

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

For January I started The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson; however, I haven't finished it yet.

In February I finished The Christmas Dog by Meloday Carlson, but I didn't read any other Christmas books.

In March I didn't read any Christmas books.

In April I didn't read any Christmas books either. I don't think I"m doing real well on this self-imposed challenge this year.

In May, yeah, didn't happen. I have way too many ARC's I am reading to be able to fit in another challenge. 

In June, still didn't happen. 

In July I read Home for Christmas by Colleen Coble, Carol Cox, Terry Fowlre, and Gail Gaymer Martin.

In August, I read Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin.

Also, someone in my Avid Readers of Christian Fiction group again came up with a yearly book challenge. This year we have 50 prompts:

In January, 8 of the books I read fit this challenge

In Febrary, 9 of the books I read fit this challenge

In March, 5 of the books I read fit this challenge

In April, 6 of the books I read fit this challenge

In May, 6 of the books I read fit this challenge

In June, 5 of the books I read fit this challenge

In July, none of the books I read fit this challenge

In August, 1 of the books I read fit this challenge

Read a book...

1. With a title that starts with a P

2. By an author you’ve never tried before: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer

3. Set on the coast: Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter

4. With a tree on the cover: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

5. By an author whose name starts with a J: Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen

6. From a genre outside your comfort zone: A Sudden Romance by Rose Fresquez

7. With an adverb in the title: Always Think of Me by Lori Keesey

8. Featuring a character with grey hair: Love's Promise by Penny Zeller

9. That has won a Carol award: The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

10. Published in 2024: 8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse

11. By a debut author: When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir

12. Written by multiple authors: Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

13. With a green cover: Callie and the Pumpkin Seed by Sarah Beran

14. That is a bestseller

15. Set on a boat, train, or plane: Braving Strange Waters by Sarah Hanks

16. With an illustrated cover: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

17. With a main character who is disabled

18. With a single mother or father: The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

19. Written by an indie author: Fake Relationship at the Triple Z by Cali Black

20. Set somewhere you’ve been: If I Were You by Lynn Austin

21. Featuring law enforcement: Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

22. Published during the summer: The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma

23. Set during a holiday: The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

24. That is considered women’s fiction 

25. Featuring a Jewish character: Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

26. Set over 100 years ago: Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

27. The contains Bible verses: The CEO's Companion by Rose Fresquez

28. With a teenager as a main character: A Surefire Love by Emily Conrad 

29. With a one word title: Protector by Megan Schaulis

30. A book you preordered: For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

31. With a solid colored cover

32. By an author who writes with a pen name: Under the Stars by Cali Black

33. That takes place in a national park 

34. With a title that starts with an M: The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan

35. By a male author

36. That includes pirates

37. By an author whose name starts with the letter T: The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp

38. That has been made into a movie or television show 

39. With forgiveness as a topic or theme: The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

40. Featuring a journalist: Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

41. That includes sisters: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

42. With a midwife or doula

43. That takes place in a country you’ve never been to: The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

44. That is lighthearted or humorous: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

45. Set during WWII: The Sword in His Hand by J.J. Fischer

46. That you choose because of the cover: Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse

47. By an author who writes multiple genres: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse

48. With a dual timeline: The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron

49. With a second chance romance: Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle

50. Recommended by someone you know: Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower

Also, I joined in with a second yearly challenge last year in the Scripture Literature-You Are What You Read group. I just never added it to my blog post. So, this year I'm adding it here, though the post is going to be so long. LOL. 

In January, 8 of the books I read fit this challenge

In Febrary, 8 of the books I read fit this challenge

In March, 6 of the books I read fit this challenge

In April, 4 of the books I read fit this challenge

In May, 10 of the books I read fit this challenge

In June, 3 of the books I read fit this challenge

In July, 3 of the books I read fit this challenge

In August, none of the books I read fit this challenge

So, here it is:

1- Takes place in Israel: Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

2- Second chance: An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey

3- Not you usual genre: A Sudden Romance by Rose Fresquez

4- Significant church event

5- Well known author/lesser known book

6- Major motion picture

7- About an influential Christian

8- A Mysterious disappearance: Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

9- Speculative Fiction: The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

10- Protagonist has a disease/disability: Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

11- Recommended by an author: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

12- Includes angels: Always Think of Me by Lori Keesey

13- An inheritance: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble 

14- Finish what you started: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse 

15- Carol Award winner: The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

16- A Spy: The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan

17- Forgiveness: Love's Promise by Penny Zeller

18- Redemption: When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir

19-Less than 200 pages: The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

20. Two or More Authors: Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

21. By your Favorite Author: For a Lifetime by Gabrielle Meyer

22. Male Protagonist: The CEO's Companion by Rose Fresquez

23. Recommended on this Page

24. Blended Families: Callie and the Pumpkin Seed by Sarah Beran

25. Book of Devotions: Names of God: Living Unafraid by Grace Fox

26. Christian Literary Classic

27. Dystopian:Protector by Megan Schaulis

28- Mistaken Identity: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer 

29- A Life Lesson: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

30. Bible Retelling: The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon

31.-The American Frontier: Reverence in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

32. Features Music: Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker

33. Recovering from Addiction: What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker 

34. Gothic Romance: The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder

35- Eye Catching Cover: Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer

36: Takes Place on an Island: The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch 

37. Spiritual Warfare

38- Protagonist Shares your Occupation: Levi's Vow by Penny Zeller

39. Written by a Famous Christian

40- Family Estrangement: The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold 

41. Tear Jerker: The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp

42- Treasure Hunt: The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano

43- New to You Author: The Vanished by Cara Putman 

44. Mother-Daughter Bond: Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

45. 2023 Best Seller

46. Title Includes a Color: Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles

47. Fairytale: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

48. On your TBR: One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey

49. Alternate Reality

50. Written before 1950

51. Includes a Foreign Language: The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

52. Includes a Historical Monarch: If I Were You by Lynn Austin

53. Choose your own Adventure: The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann

My Goodreads goal is to read 110 books this year. Last year I had set it at 100 and I ended up reading 122. So far this year I have read 77 books. 

Phew, I know this seems like a lot, even more than last year, but like last year, I hope to be able to combine challenges where possible. And with the yearly challenges, I read books for the other challenges and then see where they fit in the yearly challenge lists. Also, when I pick books for the monthly challenges, I will try to choose books that take place in different states or countries. Also, I'll probably prioritize the challenges I've been doing longer if I start struggling with keeping up.