R9: Team "Summer of 69" (6)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Hi guys, I am 83 posts behind in this particular thread. i am reading them now.

Alison, how are you? I hope your health is in order. No one would penalize anyone who missed a post due to a hospital visit.

How is everyone now?

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

I have contacted backup player Vanessa to see if she still wants to play and if so, she can join your team. I will let you know soon.

you guys could have used your Free Pass to avoid late posts. I know your captain is new, so you guys have to remind her to those things.

Alison, you are doing just fine. I am sorry I wasn't here for suport but I am now so we can do this thing, okay?
Does anyone have any other questions? Are we all squared now? Talk to me :D

[Moondance]

Completion Post

Week: 3
Roll: 6
Space: 14

The Wolf Road by Beth Lewis


356 pages

Standalone

Read: 06.18.17
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:

I sat up high, oak branch 'tween my knees, and watched the tattooed man stride about in the snow.

It is a gutsy author that starts a book with the ending. I had to go back and read the first chapter twice to see if I missed something.

This story is set in a world after nuclear bombs destroyed North America. It is referred to as the Big Damn Stupid. The world now is very like the mid 1800s and the Gold Rush. A young girl lives with her grandmother after her parents go north to stake a claim. Nana is harsh to the young girl and often reminds her how wrong it is for her to have to raise her. The climate was also changed by the warfare and there are great storms known as thunderheads. During one such storm, Nana disappears and the girl strikes out on her own. She is found in the woods by a trapper who takes her in.

The trapper, Kreager Hallet, names the girl Elka. He teaches this seven year old child how to survive in the wild. She grows to love him even though he is harsh and quite possibly crazy. In her mind, Elka calls him daddy. Her greatest wish is to have a momma to love her as well. Kreager often goes on wolf hunts yet returns empty handed. He does provide for Elka in his own twisted way.

On a trip to town. Elka discovers wanted posters for Kreager. He is wanted in connection with the deaths of several women and children. Elka does not believe it is true until a magistrate follows her back to the cabin and finds hard evidence that proves Kreager's guilt to Elka.

Elka leaves to find her parents. Along the way she befriends a wolf pup that is also looking for a family/pack. She also saves a girl about her age, Penelope, who in turn saves Elka. Kreager continues to track Elka through the North, wrecking havoc along the way.

This was an intensely dark story. Just when I thought something would go Elka's way the bottom fell out. I enjoyed the analogy of the young wolf that was alone and seeking a family. It was Elka's story as well. All Elka wants is to love and be loved. She experiences such sadness and strife throughout the story. I'm not sure if a sequel is in the works. I will however look for other books by the author.

This book will not appeal to everyone. It is cruel, dark and often hard to read.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "I have contacted backup player Vanessa to see if she still wants to play and if so, she can join your team. I will let you know soon.

you guys could have used your Free Pass to avoid late posts. I..."

If you have looked thru last weeks and do not see an issue, then I guess not much. Just a little clarification.
If we should we have used the Free Pass previously, but didn't, how does that affect us now?

Also with it saying.....
"**VERY IMPORTANT**
A team can NOT advance if all reviews are not in by the deadline. That being said, players need to have their reviews in latest by Friday. Technically, a review isn't late until after Thursday 11:59p. But your team captain cannot roll until ALL of the team reviews have been posted. "

So, for clarification, post and books need to be done before 11:59pm (23:59) on Thursday Central Daylight Time each week.
BUT what is the part about "players need to have their reviews in latest by Friday" Or is that saying that even if you are late, you need to post them by Friday?

Gosh, I am sorry, not sure why I can not seem to get this straight, I have done so many challenges in a lot of different groups and most of the time I am one of the people explaining the rules to other players.

Thanks Ezi

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Week #3 Books 14th in series (also 1st, 4th or Standalone) or Alt is 14. Male Author

Team Completions IN-PROGRESS

Alison ~ Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1; Study #4) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬
Emelie ~ Legal Artistry (Art Series #1) ~ ??Review?? ✬??
Mary ~ No Mark Upon Her ~ ??Review?? ✬??
Moondance ~ The Wolf Road (standalone) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬.5
Shan ~ The Edge of Dominance (The Doms of Her Life #4) ~ Review ✬✬✬

BOOKS & POSTS NEED TO BE COMPLETED.....22 hours and 27 min Countdown Clock

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Alison, I can't really penalize your team as I was out of town thus unavailable for the time when your team needed answers and directions. That's why I'm not doing anything about the past week lateness.

Reviews should be in on Thursday so you can roll Friday. But if you miss the deadline you still need your reviews in on Friday so you can roll the next Friday.

As we are human and subject to unexpected events, there's no reason players can't ask mid for grace periods for extenuating circumstances.

I will remove the "by Friday" tomorrow as it may be confusing.

I hope your friend is better

[Emeli]

Week 3
Space 14
First book in art series

Legal Artistry
230 pages
✯✯✯✯✯
Finished 21/6

I loved this book it was a sweet story but at the same time exiting and it reminded me of the movie
Woman in gold. Plus i thought dieter and gerald was such a sweet couple

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Alison, I can't really penalize your team as I was out of town thus unavailable for the time when your team needed answers and directions. That's why I'm not doing anything about the past week late..."

Ok, thank you very much for the grace for last week.
I see what you are saying, but yeah, I guess that is what was hanging me up.

On a friend sidenote ~
Thanks for asking
She is, but isn't still in the hospital, has pneumonia and some other things going on keeping her from going home. At least she is out of the ICU, and they haven't continued to try and put her on a respirator. Just the normal oxygen, with a BiPAP machine at night and breathing treatments multiple time during the day. It was just touch and go for a few days.
Unfortunately with all her health problems she was told, by one or more of her specialists, that if she ever gets put on a ventilator she will never come out of the hospital. So, needless to say, that had us all in a panic. When I visited yesterday her color was better and she could actually talk to me a little without coughing or wheezing the whole time.

PS: Hope you had a great trip, and your hubby was happy you avoided Goodreads "most of the time".
:-)

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Week #3 Books 14th in series (also 1st, 4th or Standalone) or Alt is 14. Male Author

Team Completions IN-PROGRESS

Alison ~ Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1; Study #4) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬
Emelie ~ Legal Artistry (Art Series #1) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬✬
Mary ~ No Mark Upon Her ~ ??Review?? ✬??
Moondance ~ The Wolf Road (standalone) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬.5
Shan ~ The Edge of Dominance (The Doms of Her Life #4) ~ Review ✬✬✬

BOOKS & POSTS NEED TO BE COMPLETED.....about 20 hours Countdown Clock

[Mary X]

Just waiting for me huh? I will finish and review by early evening. I just have an hour left of my audio book.

[Mary X]

Well sorry, it's more late evening. I forgot that my daughter had a dentist appointment and then by the time we got back and made dinner, it was 8 before I got out for my evening walk and could finish.

[Mary X]

Completion Post

was on space 8, rolled a 6, on space 14



14th in Kincaid & James series.

finished: 6/22/17

4 stars

My only real complaint for this one is the quotes from rowing books in front of each chapter. Normally I enjoy her little historical facts of the area where the book is set, but the rowing stuff was really boring. They aren't long but in an audio book, a minute can seem like forever and you can't really skip them. The murder mystery was good with a couple of nice twists near the end.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Cool!
I will get the completion post all ready and then roll after midnight in Texas.
:-)

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Week #3 Books 14th in series (also 1st, 4th or Standalone) or Alt is 14. Male Author

TEAM COMPLETION POST
Alison ~ Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1; Study #4) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬
Emelie ~ Legal Artistry (Art Series #1) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬✬
Mary ~ No Mark Upon Her (Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #14) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬
Moondance ~ The Wolf Road (standalone) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬.5
Shan ~ The Edge of Dominance (The Doms of Her Life #4) ~ Review ✬✬✬

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Ok ready to roll in about 2 hours and 10 minutes! :-)

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

~ WEEK FOUR ROLL ~ &
~ SPACE 14+7 ~ Places us on SPACE 21

Options this week are:
21st book in a series (also 1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone book)
or
Alternate task:
21. Title W (Only the first word of the title. A, An, And, & The do not count. So if the letter is B: The Best Day would be ok. Dear Betty would not be ok.)

*Please make sure to do a selection post with task, book link, and pages count. Thanks!

[Emeli]

21st book in a series (also 1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone book
Their Fallen Angel
173 pages
Number 2 in men of silver series

[Mary X]

OK, I'll look for a book today. Most likely a 1st in a series. There's a lot of them I want to start. I could use a new cozy series and that's kind of what I'm in the mood for at the moment. I'll check what's available at my libraries.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "OK, I'll look for a book today. Most likely a 1st in a series. There's a lot of them I want to start. I could use a new cozy series and that's kind of what I'm in the mood for at the moment. I'll c..."

I was kind of thinking about doing the same thing myself.

[Mary X]

I'm in the mood for a quiet English village type cozy. Or maybe a ghost/psychic one. I probably have too many of those going already but I love them.

Time to peruse the cozy shelf and see what my library has handy.

I also have a $10 audible credit and 2 audible credits to use up.

[Mary X]

Selection post

(going for a small New England village instead of English)



1st in Gray Whale Inn Series

I have this in Kindle and Audio which makes it handy

[Moondance]

Selection Post

Week: 4
Roll: 7
Space: 21

A Wee Dose of Death by Fran Stewart


Book #2 in The ScotShop Mystery
292 pages

[Mary X]

oooh I need to check that series out.

[Moondance]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "oooh I need to check that series out."

The first book was cute. A ghost is attached to a shawl woven by his wife 650+ years ago. The MC buys the shawl and brings the ghost from Scotland to Vermont.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Moondance wrote: "Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "oooh I need to check that series out."

The first book was cute. A ghost is attached to a shawl woven by his wife 650+ years ago. The MC buys the shawl and ..."

Oh, that sounds interesting. I will have to check into it also.

[Shan ~A~]

Selection Post ~ Week 4
Task: 21st book in a series (also 1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone book)
Book: Something So Right by Natasha Madison
# of pgs: 250
How it fits: Standalone

[Moondance]

Completion Post

Week: 4
Roll: 7
Space: 21

A Wee Dose of Death by Fran Stewart

Book #2 of A Scot Shop Mystery
292 pages

Read: 06.23.17
Rating: 3 stars
Review:

Marcus Wantstring wasn't looking for a place to die.

A university professor is murdered in a cabin on a cross country ski trail. The police chief breaks his leg on the trail and seeks refuge in the cabin and discovers the body. ScotShop owner, Peggy is skiing the same trail and hears the Chief cursing and does not approach the cabin much to the dismay of her resident ghost, Dirk. The ScotShop acquires a new mascot when Gilda brings in her new Scottish Terrier, Scamp. It is only after the paper reports Chief Campbell missing that Peggy lets the police know where he is.

This book seemed a little disjointed compared to the first one. Peggy seemed a little petty about folding the shawl and sending Dirk to whatever void he inhabits when the shawl is not in use. We meet the murder victim without knowing much about him. We learn more of his life through his wife who has befriended Peggy and Peggy's friend Karaline who was one of his graduate students. Harper has been gone and learn that his father died in South America.

There are all sorts of twists and turns about the professor, Harper's dad and the various graduate students. The story did not flow as well although it was an enjoyable read,

I still appreciate when Peggy is trying to explain 21st century things to Dirk. I missed Peggy's brother this round. I really didn't like how dismissive Peggy could be with Dirk. I'm hoping the next book focuses more on the shop and the lore of Scotland.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Oh gosh, now I feel like a slacker, as I haven't even picked a book yet. Was still finishing off one from last week. That was not due until today.

[Moondance]

Alison (Lady Coffin) wrote: "Oh gosh, now I feel like a slacker, as I haven't even picked a book yet. Was still finishing off one from last week. That was not due until today."

This book did double duty for another challenge that I needed to finish today. I love to multitask.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Moondance wrote: "Alison (Lady Coffin) wrote: "Oh gosh, now I feel like a slacker, as I haven't even picked a book yet. Was still finishing off one from last week. That was not due until today."

This book did doubl..."

Swwet! that is always nice, the more taks a book can cover the better I think.

[Shan ~A~]

Completion Post ~ Week 4
Task: 21st book in a series (also 1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone book)
Book: Something So Right by Natasha Madison
# of pgs: 250
How it fits: Standalone
Finished: 06/25/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review
I like what this book was about, but it could have done with some contractions. I don't think very many talk without them, and it would have made for easier reading.

I loved Cooper, because he reminded me a bit of the heroes that I have come to love by Kristen Ashley. Really poor Parker didn't stand a chance once he decided he wanted her.

In the beginning I was wishing with more interaction with the kids, she is a single mom, but when it did come it was awesome to see Cooper accept not just Parker, but the kids also.

Parker definitely deserved better than her ass of an ex, and them for him to try to sing a different tone once he saw she moving on.. someone should have punched him in the face. (seems James makes me a wit bit violent)

All, that being said, I will be reading more from Ms. Natasha Madison.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Oops Almost forgot

1st in series
If Fried Chicken Could Fly (Gram’s Country Cooking School Mystery #1)
by Paige Shelton
293 pages

[Mary X]

I'm on track to finish by Thursday.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "I'm on track to finish by Thursday."

Sweet!
I have knocked out the Cozy Mystery above. Just need to do a completion post.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Week 4 ~ Completion Post

Task ~ 21st in series (1st, 2nd in series, or Standalone) & Alt 21. Title W
Book ~ If Fried Chicken Could Fly (#1) by Paige Shelton
Completed ~ 6-27-17
Fits ~ Gram’s Country Cooking School Mystery #1
Rating ~ ✯✯✯✯
Review ~ Good first book in this Cozy Mystery series. I liked the MC, she had a lot of spunk, and although she seems to be a little messed up in the romance department, she otherwise seems to have a head on her shoulders. The secondary characters were also more or less interesting and added a lot of fullness to the story.
I liked the historical aspect of the whole story, it added a nice depth to the book. I, however, had a bit of a hard time wrapping my brain around Missouri being such a Wild West kind of place, even if intellectually I know it would have been. I guess that is just the influence of me having grown up in the West and visiting places like Virginia City and Bodie growing up.
Overall this is a series I look forward to reading the next few books, see what other ghosts might show up, as Gram hinted at others, and see what happens between Betts and her old High School flame.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Week #4 Books
21st in a series (1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone) or Alt is 21. Title W

Team Completions IN-PROGRESS

Alison ~ If Fried Chicken Could Fly (G. C. C. S. M. #1) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬
Emelie ~ Their Fallen Angel (Men of Silver #2) ~ Review ✬??
Mary ~ Murder on the Rocks (A Gray Whale Inn Mystery #1) ~ ??Review?? ✬??
Moondance ~ A Wee Dose of Death (ScotShop Mystery #2) ~ Review ✬✬✬
Shan ~ Something So Right (standalone) ~ Review ✬✬✬

BOOKS & POSTS NEED TO BE COMPLETED.....about 2 days & 3 hours Countdown Clock

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Gals sorry the Clock link is messed up, I thought I had fixed it. But currently from my phone I can not make another attempt.
Anyhow, books NEED to be read AND posted tonight by midnight Central time, aka Dallas, Texas time.
Then I can roll for next week just after midnight in Texas.
:-)

[Emeli]

Task: 21st book in a series (also 1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone book
Their Fallen Angel
✯✯✯✯✯
Finished 25/6
I loved this book altough it was a heartbreaking story i loved the dynamic between the trio and the fact that ben and cross gave angel time to heal. All in all a beautiful heartbreaking book

[Mary X]

Completion post:

Landed on space 21:



Fits: 1st in series

3 stars
Completed 6/29/2017

This was just ok. Not bad but nothing exciting that makes me want to read the rest of the series. But it fits the cozy bill to a T. The main characters were all likeable. The heroine is your typical cozy MC who really shouldn't be investigating a murder but does anyway. In this case because the screw up detective think she's the killer. Again, entertaining but nothing unique or special to make it stand out.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Cool!
I will get it all ready to turn in at Midnight Central time.
Fingers crossed for a good roll this week.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Week #4 Books 21st in a series (1st or 2nd in series, or Standalone) or Alt is 21. Title W

TEAM COMPLETION POST
Alison ~ If Fried Chicken Could Fly (G. C. C. S. M. #1) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬
Emelie ~ Their Fallen Angel (Men of Silver #2) ~ Review ✬✬✬✬✬
Mary ~ Murder on the Rocks (A Gray Whale Inn Mystery #1) ~ Review ✬✬✬
Moondance ~ A Wee Dose of Death (ScotShop Mystery #2) ~ Review ✬✬✬
Shan ~ Something So Right (standalone) ~ Review ✬✬✬

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

~ WEEK FIVE ROLL ~ &
5+6 =11 ~ SPACE 21+11 ~ puts us on SPACE 32 Sweet!

Options this week are:
32nd book in a series (also 2nd or 3rd in series)
or
Alternate task:
32. Fairy Tale Retellings (It does not say it, but I suspect that MP Genre would be good, if the synopsus isn't very obvious.)

Just to be helpful, here is a Countdown Clock for the end of Week Five
*Please make sure to do a selection post with task, book link, and pages count. Thanks!

[Emeli]

Task
32nd book in a series (also 2nd or 3rd in series)

Beauty, Inc.
198 pages pennymaker tales #3

[Mary X]

Nice roll. I will post my book later today.

[Moondance]

Selection Post

Week: 5
Roll: 11
Space: 32

Clobbered by Camembert by Avery Aames


Book #3 in A Cheese Shop Mystery

336 pages

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Nice roll. I will post my book later today."

I know right!

[Mary X]

Selection post:



3rd in series for 32 spot

[Shan ~A~]

Selection Post ~ Week 5
Task: 32nd book in a series (also 2nd or 3rd in series)
Book: Screwdrivered by Alice Clayton
# of pgs: 256
How it fits: 3rd in the Cocktail series

[Moondance]

Completion Post

Week: 5
Roll: 11
Space: 32

Clobbered by Camembert by Avery Aames


Book #3 in A Cheese Shop Mystery

336 pages



Read: 07.01.17
Rating: 3 stars
Review:

"I thought I'd seen a ghost, Charlotte," Matthew said.

Charlotte of Fromagerie Besstte is setting up a tent for the annual Winter Wonderland Faire in Providence, Ohio when she meets an old friend of her mother's. Kaitlyn Clydesdale is a rather obnoxious woman who is in negotiations to buy the land beside local beekeeper, Ipo Ho. Her plan is to compete with Ipo for the honey business. Ipo is dating Charlotte's assistant Rebecca who is terribly upset by the whole situation. Ipo becomes the prime suspect when Kaitlyn is found murdered in Rebecca's cottage.

This is the third book in the Cheese Shop Mystery series. There is a huge cast of characters that at times can be confusing. Charlotte's ex-fiancé is back in town just as her romance with Jordan is heating up. Although, Jordan has secrets that her won't or can't share with Charlotte. Charlotte's cousin Matthew is planning his wedding with her best friend, Meredith and having to deal with his ex-wife moving back to town. This creates chaos in his life and with his twin girls.

The victim had offered Charlotte some insight into her parents' deaths and she was sad to not learn more. It did open up a chance for conversation with her grandmother.

Rebecca is rather intense in this book. She is almost rabid in her attempt to clear Ipo's name. It comes across very harsh at times. Of course police chief, Umberto Urso is less than thrilled with the amateur sleuthing going on. (I always imagine a pissed off bear when I read his name!)

My favorite thing about this book is the information on the various cheeses. I love to learn the tidbits about the making and history of them. I'm always thankful for the goat and sheep varieties as I have an allergy to cow's milk. (Although I still eat them!) I can visualize the pairings Charlotte creates and they make me smile.

The quirky characters of a small town are instrumental in this series. There are so many suspects and it is often hard to pin down who the culprit is. I didn't realize the murderer until Charlotte did.

The book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger that makes me want to pick up the next one.

[Alison (Lady Coffin)]

Selection Post

Task ~ 32nd book in a series (also 2nd or 3rd in series) & Alt 32. Fairy Tale Retellings
Book ~ Night Study (Soulfinders #2) by Maria V. Snyder
Pages ~ 444
Fits ~ Soulfinders #2; Study #5; The Chronicles of Ixia #8