2017 Challenges Final Update

Happy New Year!!!

 I am happy to report that I was able to complete most of my reading challenges from 2017.

The latest books read are marked in Purple.

 

The latest book added is marked in light blue.

My goal was to reread the Harry Potter series.

Goal Accomplished!

My goal was to read books 5 and 6.

I read books 5, 6, and 7!!!!

The goal was to read as many of these as I could.  Unfortunately, I only read 1.

 

The goal was to read 7-12 books about animals or where the main character is an animal.

These two books make it 16 books read.

Goodreads

My goal was to read 75 books.  I read 111 books.

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Weekend Wrap Up #19

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @The Caffeinated Book Reviewer It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. Here is what I have been up to this last week.

I hope you all had a great holiday season! Because of the holidays and my son being home from college, I had taken a little break from blogging.  I have to say I really missed all of you.  Due to having more free time, my family and I were able to play some board games and go to the movies.  We braved the cold and saw Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle.

All four of us enjoyed it.  It was pretty funny and I think it did a good job of honoring the original Jumanji.  We also went and saw Star Wars The Last Jedi.

We all enjoyed this one as well.  I even teared up a bit at the end when I realized I wouldn’t ever see Carrie Fisher play Princess Leia again.

Even though I wasn’t blogging, I did get some reading done.

Currently Reading

Loving this one! I am flying through this book because it is to inspiring.

Saturday Situation is put on by Pure Imagination. It is were we review our latest reads. Be sure to check out theirs as well.

I loved this book! I was a little dubious because it didn’t have a very high rating on Goodreads.  The premise of the book intrigued me right away.  In the town of Madison, Nevada residents that were born there get a wish on their 18th birthday.  And it will come true!!!  There are a few rules of course like no wishing for more wishes or wishing someone back from the dead but other than that the sky is the limit.   The story focuses on Eldon who will turn 18 in a months time.  His mom is pressuring him to wish for money to help pay for the best doctors to cure his little sister who is in a coma from a car accident.  Eldon is unsure of what to wish for so decides to interview town members about their wishes and whether or not the wishes worked out for them.

The concept of this book was unique and so interesting.  Some of the bad reviews mentioned that the main character was arrogant and a jerk.  I really don’t think that is a good reason to give a book a low rating because not all characters need to be perfect.  In fact, I enjoy stories with flawed characters trying to improve themselves.

Stacking the Shelves is put on by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves. Here are the books I have added to my TBR list this week.

LaLa in the Library raves about this book and shared on Facebook that it was $1.99 for Kindle so I grabbed it.

Book Blurb

For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape.

I received this book free from First to Read.

Book Blurb

In 1938, two rival expeditions set off for a lost Mayan temple in the jungles of Honduras, one intending to shoot a screwball comedy on location there, the other to disassemble the temple and ship it back to New York. A seemingly endless stalemate ensues, and twenty years later a rogue CIA agent sets out to exploit it for his own ends, unaware that the temple is the locus of grander conspiracies than anyone could have imagined.

Happy New Year to you all! I hope your 2018 is filled with love, laughter, good health, and lots of books.

 

Tell Me Tuesday

Tell Me Tuesday is a weekly blog feature put on by La La in the Library.  It is where we discuss what we have been, currently are, and will be reading.  What are you reading? Tell me.

WHAT I READ LAST

Unfortunately, this was only a 2-3 star read.  I wanted to like it but the characters were annoying and the story boring.  It could have been so much more.  No suspense at all.

WHAT I AM READING NOW

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Eric was 150 pounds overweight, depressed, and sick. After a lifetime of failed diet attempts, and the onset of type 2 diabetes due to his weight, Eric went to a new doctor, who surprisingly prescribed a shelter dog. And that’s when Eric met Peety: an overweight, middle-aged, and forgotten dog who, like Eric, had seen better days. The two adopted each other and began an incredible journey together, forming a bond of unconditional love that forever changed their lives.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? IS A PLACE TO MEET UP AND SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN, ARE, AND ABOUT TO BE READING OVER THE WEEK. IT IS HOSTED BY KATHRYN AT THE BOOK DATE.

WHAT I READ LAST

Unfortunately, this was only a 2-3 star read.  I wanted to like it but the characters were annoying and the story boring.  It could have been so much more.  No suspense at all.

WHAT I AM READING NOW

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Eric was 150 pounds overweight, depressed, and sick. After a lifetime of failed diet attempts, and the onset of type 2 diabetes due to his weight, Eric went to a new doctor, who surprisingly prescribed a shelter dog. And that’s when Eric met Peety: an overweight, middle-aged, and forgotten dog who, like Eric, had seen better days. The two adopted each other and began an incredible journey together, forming a bond of unconditional love that forever changed their lives.

Weekend Wrap Up #18

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

I haven’t had much time to read this week with all the Christmas shopping, baking, and present wrapping. So since, I don’t have much to report, I thought I would repost a blog post from last year.

This post is linked with Stacking the Shelves , Saturday Situation, and The Sunday Post. Be sure to take a peek at what they are reading.

I WAS INSPIRED BY THE TATTOOED BOOK GEEK TO POST  A FEW OF MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIES AND I DECIDED TO ADD A FEW BOOKS IN THERE TOO. THIS IS A BOOK BLOG AFTER ALL RIGHT?

FAVORITE BOOKS

This book is a set of 3 interconnected stories.

Goodreads Blurb

A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Thanks to three of today’s bestselling teen authors—John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle—the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

Goodreads Blurb

Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year’s there’s something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.

I loved the Little House books as a kid and I still enjoy rereading them now and again.  One of my favorites is The Long Winter.

Goodreads Blurb

The adventures of Laura Ingalls and her family continue as Pa, Ma, Laura, Mary, Carrie, and little Grace bravely face the hard winter of 1880-81 in their little house in the Dakota Territory. Blizzards cover the little town with snow, cutting off all supplies from the outside. Soon there is almost no food left, so young Almanzo Wilder and a friend make a dangerous trip across the prairie to find some wheat. Finally a joyous Christmas is celebrated in a very unusual way in this most exciting of all the Little House books.

FAVORITE MOVIES

I have enjoyed A Christmas Story since I was a kid.  The great thing about this movie is that I enjoyed it from the kid’s perspective and now I enjoy it from the parents perspective.  Also, thanks to this movie, I can’t see the word FRAGILE without pronouncing it Frah-gee-lay. (It must be Italian)

When this movie first came out I was a little wary because I am not a huge Will Farrell fan.  I was pleasantly surprised at how family friendly this movie was.  My young children at the time LOVED it and we have watched it every year since. I even have video of my kids reenacting scenes from the movie when they were only 5 and 3.

I love the music in this movie.  When my kids were little, a neighboring town had Polar Express train rides at night for the kids.  They could wear their pajamas and hot chocolate and bells were handed out.  Of course, Santa was at the end of the trip at the “North Pole”.

This is a movie I didn’t enjoy until I was an adult.  Favorite quote: “You surprised to see us Clark?” “Eddie if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am now.”  There are some other great quotes but they are not family friendly.  Go HERE to read more quotes.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY BOOKS AND MOVIES? I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW.

Tell Me (Top Ten) Tuesday

Tell Me Tuesday is a weekly blog feature put on by La La in the Library.  It is where we discuss what we have been, currently are, and will be reading.  What are you reading? Tell me.

What I Read Last

and

What I Am Reading Now

 

Goodreads Book Blurb

Best friends Corey and Kyra were inseparable in their snow-covered town of Lost Creek, Alaska. When Corey moves away, she makes Kyra promise to stay strong during the long, dark winter, and wait for her return.

Just days before Corey is to return home to visit, Kyra dies. Corey is devastated―and confused. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones about the town’s lost daughter, saying her death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she’s a stranger.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list.  This week’s Top Ten list is…

Top Ten (plus one) Favorite Reads of 2017

 

 

 

 

Week Wrap Up #17

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @The Caffeinated Book Reviewer It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. Here is what I have been up to this last week.

Currently Reading

Book Blurb

Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.

PUPDATE!!!

I am starting with my foster pup’s pupdate this week because it will probably be the last one.  As most of you know, I began fostering senior pups back in March.  The first two were Tank and Dash, a bonded Shih Tzu pair.

After they went to their new home (they are doing great by the way) I brought home 12 year old Trixie.  Her owner had passed away and the family brought her to the rescue.  I am so grateful they took her to a rescue because if she had gone to a shelter, there is a high chance she would have been euthanized for her age.

Well, I fell in love with Trixie right away! She is so sweet and gentle and was so sad.  Her eyes said it all.  One night I laid down on the floor with her and promised her that she would always be happy, warm, fed, and safe.  I am happy to say that this morning I fulfilled that promise.  I took her back to the rescue to sign ADOPTION PAPERS!!!  Trixie is officially my dog!

Posing for the Happy Tail Photo

Adoption Papers

I stopped at a local dog bakery and let Trixie pick out a treat to celebrate.

Saturday Situation is put on by Pure Imagination. It is were we review our latest reads. Be sure to check out theirs as well.

These books just amaze me.  The author was on the brink of death and this cat found him and wouldn’t leave his side.  The result was an instant bond of friendship which saved the author’s life.  This story is about their first Christmas together and realizing you don’t have to have a huge house and the latest gadgets or even a huge family to experience what Christmas is all about-peace, love, and forgiveness.

This book starts out with two different characters’ stories from two different parts of the world.  One is a missionary and one lives in a small town where his brother mysteriously disappears without a trace.  The stories eventually converge in a shocking twist.  A very well written book.

Stacking the Shelves is put on by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves. Here are the books I have added to my TBR list this week.

Book Blurb

Eric was 150 pounds overweight, depressed, and sick. After a lifetime of failed diet attempts, and the onset of type 2 diabetes due to his weight, Eric went to a new doctor, who surprisingly prescribed a shelter dog. And that’s when Eric met Peety: an overweight, middle-aged, and forgotten dog who, like Eric, had seen better days. The two adopted each other and began an incredible journey together, forming a bond of unconditional love that forever changed their lives.

 

The Book Blogger Hop is put on by The Coffee Addicted Writer . There is a weekly prompt featuring a book related question.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS SUBMITTED BY Maria @ A Night’s Dream of Books!

This weeks prompt is…

If you celebrate Christmas, do you feel the need to stop reading anything but Christmas-themed romances as the holiday season starts?

My answer…

No, I only read a couple Christmas books at this time of year.  However, I do like to watch a lot of Christmas movies instead. Here are some of my faves.

Tell Me Tuesday

PUPDATE!!!

I am starting with my foster pup’s pupdate this week because it will probably be the last one.  As most of you know, I began fostering senior pups back in March.  The first two were Tank and Dash, a bonded Shih Tzu pair.

After they went to their new home (they are doing great by the way) I brought home 12 year old Trixie.  Her owner had passed away and the family brought her to the rescue.  I am so grateful they took her to a rescue because if she had gone to a shelter, there is a high chance she would have been euthanized for her age.

Well, I fell in love with Trixie right away! She is so sweet and gentle and was so sad.  Her eyes said it all.  One night I laid down on the floor with her and promised her that she would always be happy, warm, fed, and safe.  I am happy to say that this morning I fulfilled that promise.  I took her back to the rescue to sign ADOPTION PAPERS!!!  Trixie is officially my dog!

Posing for the Happy Tail Photo

Adoption Papers

I stopped at a local dog bakery and let Trixie pick out a treat to celebrate.

Tell Me Tuesday is a weekly blog feature put on by La La in the Library.  It is where we discuss what we have been, currently are, and will be reading.  What are you reading? Tell me.

WHAT I READ LAST

WHAT I AM READING NOW

Book Blurb

In the summer before Cullen’s senior year, a nominally-depressed birdwatcher named John Barling thinks he spots a species of woodpecker thought to be extinct since the 1940s in Lily, Arkansas. His rediscovery of the so-called Lazarus Woodpecker sparks a flurry of press and woodpecker-mania. Soon all the kids are getting woodpecker haircuts and everyone’s eating “Lazarus burgers.” But as absurd as the town’s carnival atmosphere has become, nothing is more startling than the realization that Cullen’s sensitive, gifted fifteen-year-old brother Gabriel has suddenly and inexplicably disappeared.

WHAT I AM READING NEXT

Book Blurb

Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? IS A PLACE TO MEET UP AND SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN, ARE, AND ABOUT TO BE READING OVER THE WEEK. IT IS HOSTED BY KATHRYN AT THE BOOK DATE.

What I Read Last

What I am Reading Now

Book Blurb

In the summer before Cullen’s senior year, a nominally-depressed birdwatcher named John Barling thinks he spots a species of woodpecker thought to be extinct since the 1940s in Lily, Arkansas. His rediscovery of the so-called Lazarus Woodpecker sparks a flurry of press and woodpecker-mania. Soon all the kids are getting woodpecker haircuts and everyone’s eating “Lazarus burgers.” But as absurd as the town’s carnival atmosphere has become, nothing is more startling than the realization that Cullen’s sensitive, gifted fifteen-year-old brother Gabriel has suddenly and inexplicably disappeared.

What I Am Reading Next

Book Blurb

Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.

Weekend Wrap Up #16

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @The Caffeinated Book Reviewer It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. Here is what I have been up to this last week.

The family and I went to see Justice League which I liked immensely.  Ezra Miller who plays the Flash was fantastic.  He also plays Credence in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them movies.  I had recently watched Wonder Woman and Batman v. Superman so I was excited to see how the Justice League came to be.

Pupdate

My senior foster pup, Trixie, enjoying our Christmas lights.  She even has her own stocking.  I am hoping Santa brings adoption papers for me to sign.

CURRENTLY READING

My hubby had to read this for work and I thought it sounded interesting plus I am a HUGE Disney fan.

Famed for making dreams come true, the Disney Imagineers are world renowned for their incomparable creativity and their ability to turn fanciful ideas into reality. How do they do this? By approaching all projects, problems, and questions with the knowledge that they will undoubtedly accomplish the task set before them.

Saturday Situation is put on by Pure Imagination. It is were we review our latest reads. Be sure to check out theirs as well.

Believe it or not, this was actually good.  Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors and now one of my favorite authors.  I am not a fan of short stories per se but there were three that were connected and I would have loved to have a whole novel on those characters because Hanks’ writing was so good. I hope he comes out with a fiction novel next.

Stacking the Shelves is put on by Tynga at Tynga’s Reviews. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves. Here are the books I have added to my TBR list this week.

Checked this one out from my local Library

Book Blurb

In the summer before Cullen’s senior year, a nominally-depressed birdwatcher named John Barling thinks he spots a species of woodpecker thought to be extinct since the 1940s in Lily, Arkansas. His rediscovery of the so-called Lazarus Woodpecker sparks a flurry of press and woodpecker-mania. Soon all the kids are getting woodpecker haircuts and everyone’s eating “Lazarus burgers.” But as absurd as the town’s carnival atmosphere has become, nothing is more startling than the realization that Cullen’s sensitive, gifted fifteen-year-old brother Gabriel has suddenly and inexplicably disappeared.

 

I received this book from First To Read

Book Blurb

Narrated by Destiny, this heartbreaking — and timely — story of refugees escaping from war-torn Syria is masterfully told by a foreign news correspondent who experienced the crisis firsthand.

 

The Book Blogger Hop is put on by The Coffee Addicted Writer . There is a weekly prompt featuring a book related question.

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION IS SUBMITTED BY Kristin @ Lukten av Trykksverte

This weeks prompt is…

What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday themed book?

My answer…

Goodreads Book Blurb

If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year’s there’s something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.