2022 Reading Goals

 

2022 Reading Goals

I always try to have some Reading Goals, to try and focus my reading and hopefully limit book purchases.  I don't always keep them (I mean, reading is fun and I'm a mood reader), but I do try and keep the big picture goal in mind when wanting new books.

This year, I want to focus my goals on mainly two, to limit my buying and then my monthly reading:

1. Buying focus:

*Only buy books if:

     - Sale and a favourite author.

     - Sale and not on Scribd.

     - If I need the book book to finish a series I've started.

   

2. Monthly reading:

*Review books - really need to try and limit it to 4 a month to get to books I own as well!

*Buddy read books (well, this will include some review books and oldies as well).

*Series I am busy with or one I have all the books off BEFORE starting a new one - with the exception of review books.

*An old book (meaning one I have had 2017 or before)

*A paperback! I barely get time to read my stack of physical books!  I want to try and finish 6 this year - more would be a bonus.

*An audiobook

* Non-fiction - I try to read 6 a year.

*Oh, and try to stick to reading only one book per format - I found myself a few times being busy with multiple kindle books in 2021!

So, if you do set goals, what are they?

Book Spotlight Fridays! High-Wire Heartbreak

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

I'm loving the covers of this series and the stories is just as beautiful: 

High-Wire Heartbreak

About the book:

In 1936--A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery--and possibly death.

A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.

Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.

Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Sweat beaded Chloe's Whitfield's forehead and soaked her neck.

Friday 56

A rustling sound at the door brought her back from her reverie.

"Who is it?" she called out.

No answer.

My thoughts so far

What do you think? Would you like to read this?

*************************************************************

Can't Wait Wednesday! Hunted

 Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I'm excited to continue the Fall Out Series, book 2 coming February 2022: 

About the book: Hunted

He promised to protect her.

But what happens when the hunter becomes the prey?

Welcome to Shadow Ridge, where LONGMIRE meets JERICHO.

From USA Today Best-selling author Lisa Harris comes an epic series where the survival of Shadow Ridge depends on learning how to fight crime all over again.

In today’s world, law enforcement agencies across the country rely on forensic tools, DNA testing, and crime labs. But what if that technology was suddenly no longer available? No one in the small, west Texas town of Shadow Ridge knows what took down the power grid, or when it’s going to be back up, but everyone knows exactly where they were the moment it went down. And now, with no electricity, no internet, and no modern technology, the men and women responsible for keeping the town safe are going to have to learn how to fight crime all over again.

Deputized by his father in the isolated town of Shadow Ridge, Levi McQuaid is caught up in a missing persons case that has the potential to destroy everything he holds dear. Levi McQuaid searches for the sister of an old friend, Ava Reece, but the situation takes a deadly turn when the search leads them on a dangerous trek across the west Texas desert. The devastating truth proves much worse than they’d imagined. And now that they know the truth. . .getting out alive might be impossible.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books I Read In 2021

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I have read so many books in 2021 (about 150), so how do you select the top 10?  There is so many I would recommend!  But lets try (okay, and yes, I will cheat a bit here and there by highlighting series as well 😊):

1.  The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone Series

By far the best series I've read this year! Series Discovery Post

2.  The Bowers Files - The New York Years Series

Finally read and Loved this series about serial killers.  This series was published later, but is the prequel series to the Patrick Bowers Files (see nr 3 below).  Series Discovery Post

3.  The Patrick Bowers Files Series

This series, and the prequel is great on audio as well.  Series Discovery Post

4.  Come back to Me

Time Travel was a new genre I tried in 2021 and totally enjoyed it.  Review

5.  When Twilight Breaks

I absolutely Loved this Historical fiction.  Review

6.  Montana Marshall Series

This series was great and needs to be read in order! Series Discovery Post

7. Lights Out

I've enjoyed this author's first series.  But this new series started at a higher standard! Review

8.  Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Another great historical fiction I really enjoyed.  Review

9.  Danger Never Sleeps Series

Lynette Eason never disappoints me and this series was another 5-star one! Series Discovery Post

10.  Redeeming Love

I've reread this one a few times and it always remains a great read! Review

11.  To Treasure an Heiress

I loved this one, all thanks to Sheridan! Review

12.  Stone

Waited for this one for over a year and was not disappointed.  Review

Weekend Wrap-Up: December 26th

 

 Merry Christmas everyone!!

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Okay, squeezing in one final weekend Wrap-Up for 2021:

Finished

Finished a few good ones this week.

Currently reading

Paperback I'm currently reading which will probably keep me busy till end Jan:

Next up:

A 2022 ARC I'm excited to read next:

What are you reading this week?

Review: Like a Winter Snow

Like a Winter Snow by Lindsay Harrel
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a lovely and heartwarming Christmas story. It was great to follow up with all the characters we've met in and getting to know Joy more who was a great supporting character in that one.

Look at how powerful our God is. You never have to be afraid of anything because there’s not a lightning bolt he doesn’t know about, not a drop of rain he doesn’t allow to fall.

Joy and Oliver is both in their early 40's, and even though they found happiness in this season, can't deny their connection. The lesson Joy had to learn to not fit in the boxes of her own or other's expectations, but letting go to really Live life was well delivered.

think sometimes God wants us to be stretched. To choose the thing that’s frightening and unsure. To live boldly. To take a chance on the unknown.

Fans of contemporary and sweet romance will enjoy this one.

Review: Secrets of Paper and Ink 

Review: Like a Silver Bell 

View all my reviews

About the book:

Cozy up with this charming and uplifting romance all about unexpected love, true friendship, and family loyalty. Set during a Christmas-time wedding among the falling snow, this sweet story will warm your heart.

Women’s counselor Joy Beckman has always been a friend and helper to all. That’s why she’s given up everything to be with her parents as her mother suffers through Alzheimer’s. Joy may not have a thriving career or a love life at the moment, but she’s doing what she does best—taking care of others. And even though it’s difficult, she knows it’s where she is supposed to be.

But life throws a curveball when she has to leave her parents temporarily to travel to Cornwall, England, for the December wedding of her best friend. While there, Joy helps Sophia tackle her last-minute to-do list, and in the process, finally meets a man who turns her head—and her heart. The only problem? He lives in snowy London, and her life is with her parents back in sunny Florida.

She tries to resist Oliver Lincoln’s charms, but it’s harder than it should be. With her heart torn in two, Joy is forced to choose between a life she knows she’s meant for and the one she didn’t see coming.

Fall in love with this enchanting romance that’s sure to delight fans of Rachel Hauck and Melissa Tagg. Even if you have not read The Secrets of Paper and Ink (where the quaint village of Port Willis was first born), you can fully enjoy this heartwarming holiday novella.

About the author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Book Spotlight Fridays! Stone

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

I've been waiting for this series for over a year since we first got hints of this being in the works.  Apart from the stunning cover, I just know I will love the story and enjoy visiting the Metcalfes: 

Stone

About the book:

She cost him everything. Now, he’s forced to protect her.

Stone Metcalfe embodies the Metcalfe legacy—blue eyes, an unfair amount of good looks, and hardcore patriot-laced character. But a foolish lapse in judgment dismantles his name and career. Humiliated and furious, he retreats to his mountain lodge to hide from media hounds and eke out a new life. However, one phone call from an old Army buddy upends Stone’s best-laid plans.

Supermodel Brighton Buchanan had designers and men eating out of her hand until a terrible mistake trapped her in the soul-eating world of human trafficking. Years later, she is used by her captors to take down the best man she’s ever known. The man she loves. Hope lost, she’s unexpectedly freed—and thrown back into Stone’s life. Being forgiven is out of the question considering how much he hates her.

Believing danger and her are one wrong move away, Brighton will do anything to keep him from being ruined again—even if it means going back to that life. As everything is falling apart and threats mount against Brighton, Stone realizes forgiveness is the easy part. Protecting her—and his heart—is another story.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Some days were meant to test a man; others meant to undo him.

Friday 56

Being locked up by Stone Metcalfe was no different than being held by Ladomer Horvath.

My thoughts so far

Loving this and if it wasn't for the small facts of sleep and work, I would be reading!

*************************************************************

Series Discovery: Patrick Bowers

 The Patrick Bowers files was one I kept seeing on Goodreads and added to my TBR but never got time to read, until the end of last year, and what a thrilling ride!  If you enjoy thrillers, especially serial killers, this series should be a MUST read on your TBR.  The Audiobooks are also amazing if you enjoy listening to those.

The Patrick Bowers was originally published with The Pawn, but since then Steven James published Opening Moves and The New York Files as prequels to this series.  Some readers prefer the Publication order, others the Series order.  Steven James did a brilliant job to fill gaps where needed, but also not to repeat information in the prequel series, so I think you can do either.  The Patrick Bowers series was a bit milder with regards to serial killers and what they did, so if you want to ease into the series, start with the publication order, however, the author gave just enough information to fill the picture of the crimes, but not too much to colour the picture with detail.

This series is definitely highly recommended for fans of thrillers and serial killers.  Apart from the murders and killers to find, I loved the character growth which was so strong throughout this series.

Also, almost all of the books in this series won Awards!

Prequel series:

1.  Every crooked path

2. Every deadly kiss

3. Every wicked man

Review of other books in this series:

Opening Moves

The Pawn

The Rook

The Knight

The Bishop

The Queen 

The King

Checkmate

About the author:

Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to

gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

His latest novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, was a finalist for an International Book Award in the sci-fi category.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018,” says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game,” and RT Book Reviews promises that “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades and has spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.

Steven’s groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. Widely recognized for his story-crafting expertise, he teaches regularly as a Master Class instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers. He also hosts the biweekly podcast, The Story Blender.

When Steven isn't writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Until Leaves Fall in Paris

 Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I always enjoy Sarah Sundin's Historical fiction, and looking forward to her new book coming February 2022: 

About the book: Until Leaves Fall in Paris

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: All That Really Matters

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with character growth will love this book.

Molly is vibrant and takes on everything she does with zeal and passion, even though her motives might be a bit skewed. During her involvement with the young adults, she is faced with a few challenges on what is important and experience a few life changing revelations.

Silas, even though he was solid and grounded in his faith, had his own demons to face to truly live a life of forgiveness.

It was fun to see how Molly helped Silas to not take everything so seriously, and how Silas challenged Molly on her view on life and yes, what really matters!

I’m looking forward to the next book which will be about Miles, Molly’s twin and her PA/friend.

*I listened to this on Scribd. The narrator delivered an entertaining story.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a big paycheck each month. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as a host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of further fame seems to be coming true. There's just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

When her manager-boyfriend convinces her to partner with a local organization, she begins volunteering with a summer youth program. The program's director, Silas Whittaker, challenges her at every turn, but she swiftly grows more attached to the kids--and him--every day.

As Molly experiences an acceptance unlike anything she's known, she wrestles with the lies she's been believing about herself for years. She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she's had it wrong this whole time, and there's more to being truly seen than what she's built her entire life on.

About the author:

Nicole Deese's eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Hope Santa Brings/Bookish Wishes

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Bookish Wishes:  Oh my, which Avid reader do not have a long wish list of books to buy.  I have so many different lists on Amazon, but if I have to choose, this will be the top 10(ish), because it is books I would like to complete series I have started and having to put on hold because I do not have the next book in the series: Wishlist

1.  Traces of Virtue

2.  Titanis

3.  Waiting for Spring

4.  With Autumn's Return

5.  Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

6.  Unpacking Christmas

7.  Cold Truth

8.  Have Yourself a Christiansen Christmas

9.  All That's Fair

10.  Hidden Peril

11.  The O'Malley Collection

Review: Checkmate

Checkmate by Steven James
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

I loved this series. Yes, it is about serious vicious serial killers, but I loved the character growth of Patrick and Tessa, and especially all the relationship growth as well between Pat and Tessa and other relationships which was vital in this series, for example, Ralph, Lien-Hau and even Margaret.

Again, the author delivered a nail-biting suspense ride with not one but two serial killers on the loose. Some actions made by one serial killer did not make sense, but all wrapped up at the end. Pat is smart and he got on top of some of things planned to defuse it a bit, but a twist at the end was unexpected and had me fear for the characters.

I loved that Tessa also sort of found her path in the last two books and I hope we see her as part of the FBI in thrillers to come (I saw while reading this book that the author signed a new book deal for more thrillers, so I really hope Tessa and Pat and even Beck will make appearances.)

A series I would love to reread in the future if I can fit it into my crazy reading schedule.

Prequel series:

1.  Every crooked path

2. Every deadly kiss

3. Every wicked man

Review of other books in this series:

Opening Moves

The Pawn

The Rook

The Knight

The Bishop

The Queen

The King        

View all my reviews

About the book:

In Checkmate, critically acclaimed novelist Steven James offers the final, chilling chapter in his bestselling series, The Bowers Files.

When a clandestine FBI facility is attacked, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into the vicious, ruthless story that a killer from his past is bent on telling the world.

Clues lead to long forgotten secrets buried deep beneath uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, Bowers is caught up in trying to stop one of the most deadly attacks ever planned on American soil.

Smart, tense and full of mind-bending twists and turns, Checkmate explodes onto the scene, bringing The Bowers Files to a climactic and unforgettable conclusion.

About the author:

Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to

gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

His latest novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, was a finalist for an International Book Award in the sci-fi category.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018,” says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game,” and RT Book Reviews promises that “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades and has spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.

Steven’s groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. Widely recognized for his story-crafting expertise, he teaches regularly as a Master Class instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers. He also hosts the biweekly podcast, The Story Blender.

When Steven isn't writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.

Weekend Wrap-Up: December 19th

 

 

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

This might be my last weekend wrap-up for 2021.  We are taking a well deserved break:

Finished

Finished the Patrick Bowers Series.  Highly recommended for fans of thrillers.

Currently reading

Next up:

Some beautiful covers on my planned next reads:

What are you reading this week?