Becky Wade's Blog, page 93

How’s Your Reading Year?

2022 is almost half over, so I thought it was time for a reading update.

This is my tenth year to participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge (2013 was my first year). Tracking my reading in Goodreads has not only helped me read more books, but I am better about reviewing them, too. As a bonus, reviewing helps me remember what I liked or disliked about a book.

Last Saturday, I finished reading my 60th book of this year. Out of all of my Goodreads challenges, my best year to date has been 2020 when I read 77 books. Unless something totally unexpected happens, I should easily surpass 100 books this year. I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my life. I know there are readers of this post who will think 100 books is nothing (some of you read more than one book a day!!), but with my limited pleasure reading time, it is a big deal to me.

A big change in my reading habits in recent years is that I read fewer books in paper or ebook. By far my reading preference is audiobooks, and they have helped me read more because I can listen when I walk or drive or do dishes, etc. This year, I discovered Hoopla via my local library which gave me access to even more audiobooks. Sadly I learned that my library is going to pull back from this service due to cost. I am very sad about that as it has allowed me to affordably read more and to try new authors.

Another change has been how few 5-star reads I’ve had this year. That has more to do with the rating system I “designed” in March rather than the quality of the books themselves. I have a firmer grasp of what I mean when I give something a 3 or 4 or 5.

Here’s my Robin’s Ratings:

5 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

Thus far in 2022, I’ve read 10 five-star books, 32 four-star books, 17 three-star books, and 1 two-star book. That’s a lot of great reading. To be honest, I’m rarely disappointed because I pay attention to readers and reviewers I trust as well as continue to read books by authors I love.

The first book I completed in 2022 was Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances by Tricia Goyer, and the most recent book I finished was Dust by Kara Swanson (oddly enough, it was recommended by Tricia Goyer!). Of the 60 books I’ve read this year, 9 are non-fiction and 51 are fiction.

Well, that’s my reading update.

How’s your reading year going? Do you have a favorite book that you’ve read this year? Several favorites? Please share. I’d love to know your recommendations.

~robin

PS  Speaking of books and reading, I’ve started a new giveaway for US subscribers of my newsletter. Every month I will give away paperback editions of one of my books and a book by one of my author friends. You don’t have to do anything other than subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll remain entered in each month’s giveaway for as long as you stay subscribed. For the month of July (mailed in August), I’m giving away Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher and Shadows of Stanford Abbey by Julie Klassen.

Lots of Words, Lots of Fun!

Last week I met author-friends Michelle Griep (Missouri) and Erica Vetsch (Minnesota) for a writing retreat in Pella, Iowa. We stayed in an Airbnb for a few days and wrote together, ate together, and laughed together.

Pella is a charming town, settled by immigrants from the Netherlands in the 1840s who had fled religious persecution in their own country. They called their new home Pella, after the biblical city of refuge. Today, Pella retains its Dutch heritage. We were not there for its annual Tulip Time festival (May) but even so the town is a charming place to visit.

Vermeer Windmill, wooden shoes, and Jaarsma Bakery

We bought “Dutch Letters” at the bakery and “Pella Bologna” at the meat market, and ate dinner at the Royal Amsterdam Hotel.

Just one scene of many at the Miniature Village.

We toured a large working windmill, a miniature village which portrays several different towns in the Netherlands, and a 22-building historical village, including a sod house, mill, blacksmith shop, werkplaats (where wooden shoes are made) and bakery, as well as the boyhood home of lawman Wyatt Earp.

A few of our books in Dutch, as well as pieces of Dutch Letter pastries

While we were in Iowa, we also did signings at two Christian bookstores and enjoyed meeting and talking with readers.

Julie, Michelle, Erica (seated) with author Jocelyn Green (standing) who came to visit!

Over a few days, we wrote thirty thousand words (with Erica the big winner at 15k!) so it was not only a refreshing time with friends, but productive as well.

When was the last time you spent quality time with friends? I hope you have the chance to do so this summer.

Collecting Stuff

I loved Jody’s post a few weeks ago about the things she collects (especially since there were a lot of cat things and I love cats.) So I thought I’d be a copycat and share a few things I collect with you this week. As a kid, I remember collecting pretty paper napkins, the kind used for special birthday parties, wedding showers, or holidays. By the time I left for college, I had a large apple box full! When I got married, I gave my mom permission to throw my collection away. But since then, I’ve begun many more collections. Some of them have been on purpose, and some happy accidents.

Now, I’m not trying to one-up Jody (or 100-up her?) but I do have her mug collection beat with my 100+ mugs. But as I told her, I’m sure her house is WAY tidier than mine.

Another collection that goes along with my mugs is BEES. I guess because the name Deborah means “the bee” I’ve always been attracted to bee and honey things. I wonder if my mom had that in mind when she crafted this brown ceramic beehive honey pot? I found the yellow one at a garage sale a few years ago and my collection grew.

One of my very favorite collections is globes. This was one of those accidental collections. I found one at an estate sale and then another one, and before I knew it, I had a collection. Globes have become quite pricey, so I’m especially happy to have found several at very reasonable prices (most under $10). These bookcases in my office hold just a few of my favorites (and reflected in mirrors, which I also collect).

Another thing I collect is bowls. Cereal bowls, mixing bowls, snack bowls, serving bowls. I don’t know what it is that I like so much about the shape and function of bowls (well, except ICE CREAM!) but I just can’t seem to say “no” to a great bowl. I have them easily at hand on open shelving in our kitchen and a deep drawer to catch the overflow, and I use every one in my collection.

I also collect wooden measuring sticks of all kinds, especially those that have brass on them. I keep them in a pretty umbrella stand in the front entryway where I can easily access them. The smaller ones are on my desk in my office. I especially love the one upper right that has old proofreader marks on it and was likely used in a publishing house or printer’s office.

Of course, like many of you, I also collect books. Not as many as my husband has, but still, I have a nice library. I do believe books were made to be read, but I also love collecting them for their beautiful covers and especially old hardcover books with embossing. I have a small collection of antique books, a few dating to the 19th century, especially with red, green, or blue covers.

I collect a lot of other things (I’m definitely a maximalist when it comes to decorating!) and maybe I’ll share more another time, but if you didn’t already share your own favorite collections on Jody’s post, I’d love to hear about them now. And thank you for the idea, Jody! Hope you don’t mind me stealing it!

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Reader Pet Peeves

I recently posted this question on my Facebook author page…

“I’m curious! Do any of the following things bug you when reading fiction?

1) Misunderstandings that go on too long. 2) A predictable plot. 3) Unlikely calamities (for example: fire followed by sickness followed by a blizzard). 4) When one honest conversation would really help matters, but the characters avoid having that conversation. 5) Coincidences

Let me know in the comments! If you have a reading pet peeve I didn’t list, go ahead and share that too, please.

p.s. All of the above bother me and so I try not to include them in my books. However, I acknowledge that I might be more sensitive to these than most because I’m a writer who spends a lot of time learning and thinking about the craft.

p.s.s We’re just speaking generally here (not mentioning any particular book, for example, that didn’t work for us) with the understanding that we might have tiny gripes but the bigger picture is that we all really LOVE books and reading.”

The responses were very numerous and fascinating. So much so, I created a bar graph!

The top two reader pet peeves (of those I’d listed) were misunderstandings that go on too long and when an honest conversation would help, but the characters don’t talk. The next most common answer was, “all of these bug me!” Then came unlikely calamities, predictable plots, and coincidences.

Some of the top reader pet peeves that I didn’t list initially, but that were echoed by several readers in the comments of the post were…

Lack of realism (characters who don’t think/act/talk like real people or scenarios that were completely unbelievable.)

Details and timelines that don’t add up.

Too much description.

Rushed endings.

A story that drags to the point that readers suspect the author was just trying to add word count.

Characters who fall in love way too fast.

Secret baby plot lines.

Too much repetition and over-explaining.

Grammatical and spelling errors.

Unsympathetic characters (because they’re too naive, lack intelligence, or are whiny, weepy, argumentative, wishy-washy, cheesy, or lie repeatedly).

And, to wrap things up, a few that made me laugh…

When the reader can’t figure out how in the world to pronounce a character’s name.

Male characters who read like females.

When the characters use each other’s names a lot. “I’m glad I wrote this post, Susan.” “I’m glad you did, too, Becky.” “My pleasure, Susan.”

Characters who have a dead cell phone in a life-threatening situation or (if they do have a working cell phone) don’t use it to call the police.

Here are my take-aways! Readers are smart and discerning. And writing is difficult because there are about a million traps an author can fall into with any given book.

What are your thoughts?

5 Books I recommend + Giveaway

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This week I crossed having read or listened to 68 books. You can see the whole list here on Goodreads. Because I read voraciously and because we are officially in summer, I thought I’d take the time today to share some books I’ve enjoyed. At the end you’ll also find links to two givewaways on my blog — one ends today!

In Honor’s Defense, Preach is the lone Hanger’s Horseman who hasn’t found a home. He’s settled on a wandering life until he finds a teenage boy and his aunt who need him. Damaris just wants to be useful and create a family with her orphaned nephew. What she doesn’t expect is to fall into the middle of a mystery that includes the allegation her brother was murdered. This book has all of the elements of a Karen Witemeyer story: strong characters, a rich plot, and a slow burn romance. Highly recommend.
Denise Hunter is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Mulberry Hollow did not disappoint as I spent the pages with Ava and Wes. Theirs is far from a straight shot to a happily ever after, but it’s an enjoyable journey. A perfect next book from one of my favorites.
Denise Hunter is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Mulberry Hollow did not disappoint as I spent the pages with Ava and Wes. Theirs is far from a straight shot to a happily ever after, but it’s an enjoyable journey. A perfect next book from one of my favorites.
Do you love a story where the characters are broken and searching for redemption –even if they don’t know it? In To Win a Prince, Ekon doens’t know how much he needs to be redeemed. And Iris moves from open-hearted to guarded and has to chose to follow God’s sovereignty. Add a moment of the prodigal story, and a heavy does of attraction, and this is a book I enjoyed thoroughly. Perfect for readers who love Rachel Hauck’s spiritual fairytales.
Sarah Sundin’s novels are always winners, and Until Leaves Fall in Paris was one of my favorites. A compelling story that quickly pulled me into its pages with great characterization and a setting I could love. Paris. WWII. Books. Ballet. A star-crossed romance. A child who needs protecting. Wonderful writing.
There was something about Kelli Stuart’s The Master Craftsman that pulled at me from thefirst time I saw the cover. There’s something about the mystery of the end of the Romanov era. There’s also something tantalizing aobut the what-ifs of history. This story blends both along with a dual time narrative that wraps a hunt for a possible unknown Faberge egg with the history of the Master Craftsman. It has moments of National Treasure blended with the poignancy of a black and white film. I really enjoyed this novel and think readers who love Kristy Cambron’s split time novels will also enjoy it.

Have you read any of these books?

I don’t know if you were able to join me for the International Historical Book Talk or the Historical Romance Book Talk panels this month, but I had so much fun catching up with my friends. The authors’ publisher is giving away a copy of each of their latest novels. You can catch up on the conversations by clicking on the links to catch up on the interviews and enter the International Historical giveaway on my blog here. You can also enter the Historical Romance giveaway here for one of their books on my blog. I’ve also added the forms below. We will be giving away a total of seven books, one to each of seven readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lots of Extras

Hi friends and happy Wednesday! Can you believe it’s nearing the end of June? Summer is flying by for me. I’m so excited to announce that my upcoming novel, The Deadly Shallows, releases in less than two weeks on July 5th. This leaves less than two weeks for you to snag the pre-order specials. If you haven’t visited my special, pre-order page at danipettrey.com/preorder you should definitely drop by. It fully explains all the options you have and the goodies you’ll get based on which retailer you decide to pre-order with, along with all the direct buy links. But I’ll give you a concise rundown here as I’m so excited to share it all with you.

If you order through Baker Book House, you will get 40% off + FREE SHIPPING, and the first 100 people to pre-order will receive the following goodies as well as being entered in the main giveaway for a beautiful stained-glass cross. But there are less than two weeks left, so hurry to get your goodies.

If you order through any other retailer, you’ll pay their special, pre-order price and will also receive the following digital items, along with being entered to win the same beautiful stained-glass cross, which ties specifically into the story.

You might have noticed that one of the perks is the first three chapters of The Shifting Currents—A Coastal Guardian’s novella. I’m excited to announce that a sequel novella featuring Emmy and Logan will release in Spring 2023! I’m thrilled to continue the series for one more story. Here’s the gorgeous cover and a bit about Emmy and Logan’s adventure.

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

Reader Question: Which Deadly Shallows’ pre-order perk are you most excited about?

Blessings,
Dani

Boy or Girl? What will it be?

Our son Kurt and his lovely wife Kellie recently shared they’re having a baby! Our first grandchild, and we’re beyond excited.

Our son Kurt and wife Kellie with “Baby Alexander,” and Malcolm, their double doodle

This past Sunday, we had a reveal party, and their sweetly rambunctious double doodle Malcolm was the “revealer!” Watch the 15 second video below to see the reveal…

Yep, we all waited in the front yard and Malcolm ran out with a blue bandana and balloons to make the announcement—and to get his squeaking broccoli toy. Not sure if you heard it, but that’s Kels asking me “Why is the broccoli wet?” It’s because Malcolm slimed it!

So come December, Kellie and Kurt will be having a BOY! And we’ll be having a grandson.

So please, all of you grandmothers out there clue me into what this is going to be like. What’s the greatest joy of having grandchildren? Also, what do your grandchildren call you? Share any and everything!

~ Tammy, aka soon to be GramTam, a name chosen by the kids. My husband will be Papa Joe.

Also, JOCELYN, you won the YOU CAN REST book giveaway on a post last month (your entry is below). So if you’ll write me HERE, I’ll get you your book!

This month I’m giving away a Dear Mushka Necklace (pic below) so be sure and check that out if you like jewelry. I love Dear Mushka creations and how they tie them to Scripture. This necklace is inspired by a verse in Micah:

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

Hugs from Nashville,

Tammy

JUNE GIVEAWAY

Dear Mushka ESSENTIAL necklace (Micah 6:8)
($29 value)

ENTER TO WIN

Time for a new puppy

For several months now, I’ve had a yearning I couldn’t shake. I wanted to get a puppy.

It’s only been two years since my last puppy, mind you. Only two years since the potty training, the incessant chewing, the nibbling on my toes (which gave me cellulitis), and the gnawed corners on my dining room bench.

But perhaps it’s because my oldest dog is getting slower . . . or because I’m getting slower . . . or because our family has been going through some stuff that has been really tough. I was still practical–I didn’t want another mastiff, because it’s expensive to raise a dog that big, and my strength isn’t what it used to be. And I wanted to help support a rescue and take one of their dogs.

But I confessed to my husband that maybe my primary reason was that we all needed a little bit of unbridled joy in our lives. That’s what a puppy is.

Toby–the one looking at the camera.

So I started searching. I wanted a puppy so I could train him properly. I need a dog that’s super-friendly, because we run an airbnb, and I can’t have a dog that would be suspicious of strangers. So I found a Labrador retriever mix, and we filled out the adoption papers. As I’m writing this, we are about thirty hours away from picking up Toby, and I can’t wait. Neither can the grandkids.

I read a book a few years ago that made me rethink the animal kingdom–DOMINION: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy, by Matthew Scully. I realized that man was created to have a benevolent dominion over the animals. Yes, God intends for us to eat them (remember, he made Adam and Eve clothing from animals), but we are not to cause them to suffer. We are not to hunt them purely for pleasure. We are to treat them as we want God (who has dominion over US), to treat us.

In my volunteer work with animals, I’ve met so many wonderful and compassionate people–they pour out their lives for dogs and cats. When so many pets are being mistreated, that is a wonderful thing. Yet we must keep a biblical perspective. We were created to serve God, animals were created to serve us. But how many people would say that we must protect eagle’s eggs and unborn puppies and yet abort a child?

I’m not trying to be political–I am simply pointing out the inconsistency I see.

God created the universe, and each of us has a place in it. But we are not in charge. We are not the top of the pyramid. Our society seems to be forgetting that.

Do you have pets? How many and what kind? Please leave any comments below–I love hearing from you!

Look what our new puppy turned out to be! He’s going to be a big boy!

Inspired by Scripture

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures
who have been steadfast in all their ways.

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.