Friday Fun - October 25, 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 Christmas in the Cascades, A Romance Novella Collection by five authors. This book releases today.

I'll be starting an ARC of Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder. This book releases on November 1.

        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:

  Christmas in the Cascades by Marissa Adams, April Kidwell, Marline Williams, Chris Daniel, and Cali Black:

"Swirling snowflakes tumbled, mounding in front of Papa's foundry across the street."

I was curious why she was focused on her father's foundry.

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder:

"He must get out of here." 

I needed to know where this person was and why he was so anxious to leave...

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:

Christmas in the Cascades by Marissa Adams, April Kidwell, Marline Williams, Chris Daniel, and Cali Black:

 

"Consternation burned its way across my face, but my fingers grew cold. I pressed them against the back of my neck in vain, trying to cool myself. A headache began forming.

'Miss Craven? Are you all right?'

'Don't you know who I am?' I snapped"

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder:

"Smoke.
Simon caught the taste in his mouth as he jogged up the stairwell of Gray's Inn. On the second floor, he hesitated. Maids scurried about the hazy corridor, some coughing into their hands, others toting brass buckets."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. Here is the link to one of them (as I already shared the link to the other review last week). 

Return to the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

Plus, I got my reviews posted for the books I shared two weeks ago:

The Trials of the Title by Joy Crain

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller Review

 

I really enjoyed Unexpected Witness, the first romantic suspense by Penny Zeller. I started reading her historical romance stories and one of her contemporary romcoms a year or so ago, and I really enjoy them. But romantic suspense is my favorite genre, so I was so excited when I learned about this book. 

In this story, the first in a series I recently learned (more excitement woohoo), Mila witnesses a murder as she is leaving work. She ends up being hidden on a ranch that Sheriff Brodie's family owns, though his brother, Roarke, isn't too pleased as he is concerned for the safety of their family. 

We see the story from both Mila's and Roarke's point of view.

I could definitely understand Roarke's concern, as could Mila, who didn't want to put the family in danger. I admit, that decision, along with others in the story, made me scratch my head a bit. But I loved getting to know Roarke and Brodie's family, and loved the relationship that developed between them and Mila. 

The story begins with suspense and it continues throughout the story, though their are periods of calmness, though the reader, along with Mila, will wonder when danger will appear next. I will say, there wasn't anything that was too extreme or intense, but it definitely had action. There wasn't much of a mysery to solve, as the police were working behind the scenes to solve the murder and string of crimes related to the case. As a reader we only saw the bad guys when Mila was in danger. Though if you have read lots of suspense like I have, you could probably deduce some of the people involved. 

And of course, the book is romantic suspense, so you know the main characters are somehow going to fall for each other. I did enjoy seeing their relationship evolve as they learned to trust each other and overcome obstacles from their past.

This was a story where the main characters were Christian and they believed and trusted in the Lord, it was part of who they were. There is a scene where they go to church and the message hits close to home for the characters.

I recommend this book and can't wait for the next book in the series. 

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.

The Trials of the Title by Joy Crain Review

 

I loved this second book in the Royals of Andelar series by Joy Crain. The Trials of the Title focuses on the brother of Aiden, who was the crown Prince we read about in book one. Alexander was introduced in book one, but this is his story, after Aiden decides not to abdicate the throne, which sort of leaves Alexander feeling like a spare.

It is also the story of Princess Sara from the neighboring, Asian island country of Harmon. The story opens by informing the reader that her father, the king is dead. We discover quite quickly that he was nowhere near the kind of king Andelar has, and Sara is next in line to become queen, as long as she marries a royal. Unfortunately, it is an arranged marriage looming in her future.

Both royals need time and space, and head to America. It's not really a surprise that they will eventually meet up, but the reader has to wonder if and when and how they will tell the truth about themselves. And of course what obstacles they will have come between them and their happily ever after.
I have to say, I loved the way the author had both of them be royals. So many times royal romances have one of the couple being the Royal, and the other being a commoner and then they fall in love. This story had plenty of other obstacles thrown at the couple. So, even though some things were a bit predictable, there were plenty of surprises along the way.

I loved that we got to see Aiden and Missy and get caught up with their story. And there were other characters we had met before, plus new ones that I grew to love.

And faith played an important part in the story, which I always appreciate.\

Great story, and one I highly recommend. Just make sure you've read book one.

Friday Fun - October 18, 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 read Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen as a member of the launch team. This book releases on October 24th. . 

I'll be starting an ARC of Return to the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd. This book releases on October 22.

        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:

  Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen:

"The child would die."

Well, that doesn't sound good at all. No matter what the reason. Though the second sentence adds to the suspense, "Every second wasted spelled her doom."

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller:

"Muireall's hands flew to her mouth, stifling the scream that came as a scraggly man leapt from within  the branches of a red maple as her sister passed." 

I needed to know if this "scraggly" man had evil intentions or if someone just startled them..

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:

Terminal Danger (page 56) by Jerusha Agen:
 

"'Tell me that isn't what I think it is.' Special Agent in Charge Rhonda Carney aimed her dark gaze at the stapled paper Callum held in his hands as he sank into the chair facing the SAC's desk. She sat on the other side, steepling her fingers as she lifted her attention to his face."

Terminal Danger (56%) by Jerusha Agen:

"Without being asked, the undaunted K-9 had immediately followed the children's unseen trail as it wound along the edge of the drop-off and then curved around to the western side. There, the ground sloped down steeply but gradually enough for the hostages to have scrambled down."

Return to the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd:

"She tried to shake the gloom as John led them over the next rise and down another, but no matter how the countryside around them greened with the coming spring, discomfort and fear still swirled inside."

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. I'm still finishing those books up, as I decided to read Terminal Danger first. However, here's a link for the review of one of the books I shared a few weeks ago::

A Boy Named Rindy by Olivia Talbott

I also already shared the review for the first book in today's Friday Fun Post:

Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen

Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen Review

 

Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved Terminal Danger, the final book in Jerusha Agen's Guardians Unleashed series. While I hadn't gotten to know all the characters as well as I would have liked if I had read the entire series, I got to know them well enough in the last couple of books, and now in this newest book. I just have to say, I really have to get my hands on the rest of the series. Maybe I'll just have to ask for the series for Christmas so I can properly meet all the ladies of the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency and learn their stories.

Terminal Danger is the book that finally focuses on the leader of this agency. The one that brought all the ladies together. Even though I only read two of the previous books, I knew that Phoenix Gray was elusive and closed off. I remembered that Jazz didn't trust her in Lethal Danger. So, I was glad to finally get to know her story. To learn what makes her tick. To figure out why she was so elusive. 

We were also introduced to a new character, the male protagonist, Callum Ross, an FBI agent who has been after the same serial killer that Phoenix has been trying to bring to justice for over twenty years. They meet briefly on a case and then are brought back together again when a busload of children is kidnapped. The thing is, Phoenix doesn't really want him there. She doesn't want anyone extra there helping, as she prefers to do things alone. But something about Callum makes her decide to agree to have him help track the children.

I loved seeing the way Phoenix was able to deduce what the "bad guy" was doing and going to do. Loved seeing the interactions between her and Callum and her and her team. And of course, what would this series be without the K-9s themselves. They are most definitely integral characters in this series. 

But most of all, I loved the faith that was woven into the story. The importance of knowing that God is sovereign and He loves us and has a plan for us. This quote really spoke to me, "God is love, justice, righteousness, and so much more. His characteristics never contradict one another. They are always in harmony. His love is shown in His justice and vice versa."

If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you are going to want to read not only this book, but the entire series. The author had me swiping through pages to see what was going to happen. There was danger and suspense, there were twists and turns, some I saw coming, others I did not. Very tense at times, but nothing too over the top. 

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.

I invite you to read my reviews of the previous two books I read from this series:

Lethal Danger 

Midnight Clear

A Boy Named Rindy by Olivia Talbott Review

 

A Boy Named Rindy by Olivia Talbott is an emotional, powerful book. Though it was quite long, just over 500 pages, I was drawn into the story and it just wouldn't let me go. So much heartache and devastation. So many tears. But, there was hope. Even through rejection and being unloved, through abuse and starvation, war and being near death, there was courage and tenacity and determination. At different times in his life, Rindy had been told his life meant something, even though his family rejected him, the Buddist religion he grew up in tried to beat him down, and those in power tried to destroy him (along with everything and everyone he knew and loved), there was that flicker of hope. 

This story takes us from Rindy's childhood through him becoming a young man. It is based on his true story. A story told directly to the author. A story that needed to be told. And I'm so glad it was even though it was so devastating. I couldn't believe I had never learned of the genocide in Cambodia when learning about world history. I'm sitting there looking at the dates, thinking about my life as a young girl living in America when this atrocity was taking place in Asia. It's heartbreaking. I'm tearing up writing this review, thinking back on what took place in Rindy's life, in his country. 

But, we also see the power of God. The transformation of a person who grew up Buddhist, was forced to become religion-less during the reign of the Khmer Rouge, but ultimately led to Christ. And yes, there were also happy tears as I read about how Christ started to use this young man. 

Yes, there is a lot in this book, it is heavy, not a light read. But it is so well worth the read. I highly recommend it. 

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 - October 11, 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 just started The Trials of the Title by Joy Crain. 

I am also starting an ARC of Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller. This book releases on October 22.

        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:

  The Trials of the Title by Joy Crain:

"The king of Harmon was dead."

A simple statement of truth. But I wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing. 

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller:

"The day couldn't get any worse." 

Now I needed to know what had already happened to make the day so bad.

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:

The Trials of the Title by Joy Crain:
 

"'But he's so much better than a prince,' Ellie whispered, casting him a glance.
Yes, he was, but fate had already bound her to someone else. After she returned home, Xaander would be relegated to memory. Beloved but never forgotten. Still, she had no idea how she could forget the way he made her feel. Beautiful, protected, loved - all rolled into one. She would have been happy with only one of those, never realizing she could feel all three at the same time."

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller:

"'This just got much more serious.' said Roarke. He steepled his fingers on the table. 'Are you sure this is a secure location for her?'

'It's the best we have right now.'

Mila willed her heart to return to a normal rhythm."

Reviews:

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

Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon Review

 

Another awesome, un-put-downable book in the Undaunted Courage series by Irene Hannon. I loved Over the Edge just as much, or more than, Into the Fire. Each book in the series is focusing on one of three siblings. We were introduced to the main male character, Jack Tucker, in the first book. In this second book, he is the police detective handling the murder case that our main female character, Lindsey Barnes finds herself an unexpected witness to. The only witness. The witness who it appears the killer may just be trying to undermine the credibility of through a series of events that make her question her own sanity. 

Stories where someone is being accused of something they didn't do really grab my attention, and Lindsey being set up to look insane falls into that category. I needed to see her vindicated as well as see the murderer brought to justice for the original killing. For the last half of the book I could not put down my phone, but kept swiping page after page just so I could figure out exactly who the killer was. The author had included so many twists and turns with multiple suspects that I needed to have answers. And of course, there was quite a bit of suspense as well, with quite a bit of tense detail, especially moving toward the climax.

Then add in the romance, because you know, it is a romantic suspense book after all. I needed to know how Lindsey and Jack were going to get past the obstacles to their relationship. From their first meeting at the scene of the crime, it was clear there was some sort of animosity, though they had never actually met. I loved getting into their backgrounds to discover what the issues were. 

Both characters were Christians who were strong in their faith, but were also working through past traumas. 

As she did in the previous book, the author definitely caught me by surprise with the reveal, though I had at one point been leaning toward possibly thinking certain people were involved, but then had changed my mind. There was a satisfying conclusion to the case, and the author didn't leave any loose ends. And I loved that we got an epilogue to show where our characters were at in their relationship, along with an update of the main characters from book one. 

Yes, I do recommend reading Into the Fire before this book. Though each story does stand alone, the characters carry over, so you will have some spoilers when it comes to their relationships. And you get more of a background on the siblings in book one. If that doesn't bother you, then book two could be read as a stand alone. 

I highly recommend this book

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.

Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin Review

 

Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin was a very powerful, emotional story of redemption and forgiveness. Amina is a young lady who always felt invisible and unloved. After making a mistake, she finds herself pregnant and alone. Melissa is the wife of a pastor and wants to be that perfect pastor's wife, however, she has been unable to give her husband a son and heir, someone to take over the ministry. When Amina ends up in the sanctuary of their church, Melissa thinks this is an answer to her prayers. So, instead of helping an unwed expectant mother to HELP the mother, she helps Amina so they can adopt the child. 

This story is a modern retelling of the story of Hagar from the book of Genesis in the Bible. If one knows the story of how Abraham and Sarah decided to take God's promise of a son into their own hands, one will easily see the parallels. 

The story starts with Amina discovering she is pregnant and her running away from home, and Melissa discovering she has hit early menopause. After a brief time during Amina's pregnancy, it skips to the birth of the baby and the unique and complicated arrangement that is made between the young mother and the older couple. It then skips ahead again to when the child is a few years old and Melissa discovers a miracle has occured. The situation suddenly changes and Amina finds herself alone with her son, abandoned again. 

But there is still so much more of the story to come. A story where we see God working in both Amina's and Melissa's lives. A story of redemption and forgiveness. A story of knowing that, even when we find ourselves feeling alone and unloved, there is One who sees us and cares for us and is still working in our lives. 

I found myself in tears multiple times in this book. And I admit, I did NOT care for Melissa and even her husband for quite a bit of the book. And it made me wonder what I would have thought of Abraham and Sarah and the way they treated Hagar. I really loved the way the author was able to parallel this Bible story and make it a wondeful, contemporary retelling. 

I highly recommend this book.

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 - October 4, 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 just finished an ARC of Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin. This book releases today!

I just started Over the Edge by Irene Hannon. This is the second book in her Undaunted Courage series and it released earlier this week.

        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:

  Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin:

"The air hung heavy with humidity, trees groaning under its weight."

So, it is summer. And I sensed that maybe the "groaning under its weight" was sort of setting the tone for the feeling of a heavy burden. 

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon:

"That was odd." 

I NEEDED to find out what exactly was odd.

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:

Reckless Love by Kate Goodwin:
 

"A creak on the back stairs made them both jump. The girl was frozen halfway down the steps by the time their heads whipped toward her. Her dark curls were smoothed into a braid down her back, bumping out over the hood of her black sweatshirt. How much did she hear?"

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon:

"'I think I'm more anxious than anything else. I mean, I can't believe I imagined what happened Sunday. Or at the lake. The experiences are vivid in my mind. And I'm functioning fine in every other area of my life. Why would these two anomalies occur? And what if it happens again?'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. Here is the link to the review of one of the books. I still need to finish the other book.

Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath

Reading Challenges 2024: September Update

Here is what I read for my challenges in September:

For the September challenge in the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction FB group I needed a book that features fall, harvest, or leaves. I ended up reading a subsciber freebie short story by Emily Conrad called The Slow Fall.

For the challenge over at Crystal Caudill's blog, I read When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer. I received it through NetGalley, and I realized the book would work for this challenge. 

For the challenge in the Eating Our Words FB group I chose to use Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl for my September book as it didn't work for any of my other challengers. 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 September.

For the challenge in The Posse FB group, I read My Way by Ashley Al-Saliby.

I am continuing the Read Your Bookshelf challenge from Chantel Reads All Day with the Arthur Conan Doyle side of the flow chart. In September I read Into the Fire by Irene Hannon. Plus When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer can work as well.

Sadly I did NOT get to A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green, which is a bummer, because I've been wanting to read it.

I used My Way by Ashley Al-Saliby for September'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

In September the books I read didn't take me to any new states (though I did return to Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tenessee). 

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)

September:

I only have a handful of letters yet to read, and none of the books I read this month started with those letters. 

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

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

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.

In September I read Love and Christmas Cookies by A.M. Heath

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

In September, 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: My Way by Ashley Al-Saliby

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

In September, 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 85 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.