2018 July Pick-It-For-Me Challenge

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..

I hope I did this right,,?!"

I think you are ok with four from her shelf and four new, if I include the two series that you didn't put a book down for.

I am not sure how they fit into the picking rules though. You can see from others' posts how they include the rule and sometimes how the book fits that rule. Just for future reference. =)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Ashley wrote: "It looks like I haven't had any books picked for me yet.. Am I missing it, or does someone else see it?"

No, your picks haven't been posted yet. I will send out reminders tonight and if picks aren't made by the deadline, I will have a volunteer make picks for those still waiting.

[Sonja]

MountainKat wrote: "Sonja wrote: "Hi MountainKat! Here are your picks!"

Wow Sonja! So many great picks - I can't wait to check out some of the new ones. Your descriptions make me want to pick them up even if I can't ..."

Yaay! Hope you find some you like, Kat! And no worries, half of mine for June are going into July... this month just totally got away from me!

[Fran, Moderator]

Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..





^..."

Hi Ashley,

Can you please give me one other 'new' recommendation?
You gave me a Masters and Mercenaries pick already for my tbr list, as I have a few of them already on my shelves. Thank you!

[Ashley]

The Start of Us
This book just came out today! :)

[Ashley]

MountainKat wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..

I hope I did this right,,?!"

I think you are ok with four from her shelf and four new, if I include the two series that you didn't put a ..."
Thank you. I will get better at this.. I hope!

[Ashley]

MountainKat wrote: "2018 July PIFM Challenge - Pairings

Please pick for the person below you on each list with the last person picking for the first person. For example, Mary-Megan picks for Romanticbookworm and Alex..."

Andrea, are you still in this?

[Fran, Moderator]

Fran wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..."



Hi Ashley,

You also gave me Night After Night as a new rec and its on my tbr shelf. Can I please have another rec?
Not another Lauren Blakely please, as you have given me two others already. Thank you!

[Mary-Megan]

Ashley wrote: Thank you. I will get better at this.. I hope!..."

Ashley

The first time doing this challenge is always the trickiest. I think for future reference it's important to pay attention to the message that's titled "PIFM Challenge - Picking Rules" (usually message 4) because the books you pick are supposed to meet certain criteria - it's not just picking books that look good on the TBR list. Maybe you did look at the criteria, but what you posted didn't show what categories the books fit into, so I'm not sure. There are eight categories - each with its own set of criteria to fit a book to (usually three or four options to choose from). Part of the challenge is finding books that meet the rules. You get to be creative and really push yourself to look at books and the ways they might fit. Most people when posting list the eight categories and which books go with which category - some even label which rule it meets. That's probably why there is confusion as to which of your picks fit what categories because you just listed books. But it's your first time so use this as a learning experience. It really is a fun and creative challenge.

Also, I know you're waiting for your picks - which is probably harder than making the picks because of the excitement. They have until Wednesday evening to make their selection, so just a little bit more waiting. If the person drops the ball (which sadly sometimes happens), someone else will jump in and make picks for you.

You'll get there. Like I said, first time around is the trickiest.

[Ashley]

Mary-Megan wrote: "Ashley wrote: Thank you. I will get better at this.. I hope!..."

Ashley

The first time doing this challenge is always the trickiest. I think for future reference it's important to pay attention t..."
Thank you Mary-Megan!

[Ashley]

Fran wrote: "Fran wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..."



Hi Ashley,

You also gave me Night After Night as a new rec and its on my tbr shelf. Can I please have an..."

Fran,
give me a little bit. I have to do some looking! Pardon my inexperience! ;) lol

[Fran, Moderator]

Take your time Ashley! The first time doing this challenge can be a lot, lol! If you want to look at some of the other recommendations given in this thread for ideas, just click on the book link/cover. Since we are friends you can tell easily if it's on my shelf or not. If you don't see me under 'friend reviews' , which is listed first on the book's main page, then I don't have it :)

[Nancy H]

LaurLa wrote: "Nancy H I have not forgotten you! I'll have your picks later today :-)"

No hurry, LaurLa. Take your time. All is good.

[Hazel]

Ashley wrote: "Fran wrote: "Fran wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..."



Hi Ashley,

You also gave me Night After Night as a new rec and its on my tbr shelf. Can I p..."

Last month was my first time doing this challenge. It is quite daunting thinking about new books that fit the category that your person might like. Next month will be a dawdle though. 😀 As you’ve seen there are lots of people happy to help x

[LaurLa]

For Nancy H!!! Hope you find something to enjoy this month!


Stayed home
🌸TBR: Dying for a Cupcake - Denise Swanson ~ single person
🌸NEW: The Phantom of the Bathtub - Eugenia Riley ~ single person


Summer School
🌸TBR: The Passion of the Purple Plumeria - Lauren Willig ~ historical fiction
🌸NEW: Kids Is a 4-Letter Word - Stephanie Bond ~ kids


Went to Grandma’s
🌸TBR: The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe - Mary Simses ~ food
🌸NEW: On What Grounds - Cleo Coyle ~ food


Camping
🌸TBR: Aspen Allegations - Lisa Shea ~ green
🌸NEW: Them Bones - Carolyn Haines ~ paranormal


A trip to Europe
🌸TBR: Key of Light - Nora Roberts ~ purple
🌸NEW: The Frog Prince - Elle Lothlorien ~ royalty


Theme parks
🌸TBR: Murder, She Meowed - Rita Mae Brown ~ animal
🌸NEW: The Fireman Who Loved Me - Jennifer Bernard ~ couple embracing/animal


A cruise
🌸TBR: Title Wave - Lorna Barrett ~ water
🌸NEW: Lost and Found Sisters - Jill Shalvis ~ beach


Road trip
🌸TBR: The Scenic Route - Devan Sipher ~ transportation
🌸NEW: The Seven Steps to Closure - Donna Joy Usher ~ travel

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I just love how helpful everyone is being about things - makes me smile!

[Ezi]

@Courtney:
Sorry that I am so late but here are your pick.

Stayed home: ✏️ has a single person on the cover. New: TBR:

Summer School: ✏️ is labeled historical romance. New: TBR:

Went to Grandma’s: ✏️ has food on the cover. New: TBR:

Camping: ✏️ is categorized as paranormal. New: TBR:

A trip to Europe: ✏️ has a red cover New: TBR:

Theme parks: ✏️ has a couple embracing on the cover: New: TBR:

A cruise: ✏️ has a cover with a lot of blue New: TBR:

Road trip: ✏️ has a mode of transportation on the cover New: TBR:

[Andrea]

I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I believe Carrie picked for her.
I’ll get her picks later today.
My apologies! This is the first challenge I’ve attempted, and I’m already falling behind.

[fleurette]

Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I believe Carrie p..."

It looks like Carrie was picking for YOU, actually :) Ashley is still waiting for her picks from you

[Ashley]

Fran wrote: "Fran wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..."



Hi Ashley,

You also gave me Night After Night as a new rec and its on my tbr shelf. Can I please have an..."

Fran,
How about
Rule? Will this work?

[Ashley]

Hazel wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Fran wrote: "Fran wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Okay Fran, Let's see if I got this right..."



Hi Ashley,

You also gave me Night After Night as a new rec and its on my tbr..."

Yes, thank god for that! :)

[Ashley]

fleurette wrote: "Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I b..."

@Andrea,
yes, I'm still waiting..

[Fran, Moderator]

Ashley wrote: "Fran, how about Rule? will this work?

Ashley, I've already read that one, it's on my 'read' shelf.
I'm going to go with one of the choices you gave me from my PIFM shelf, so I'm set :) No need for any more recs :)

[Ashley]

Fran wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Fran, how about Rule? will this work?

Ashley, I've already read that one, it's on my 'read' shelf.
I'm going to go with one of the choices you gave me from my PIFM ..."

GREAT!
Sorry about that! I'm trying :/

[HeatherMarie]

Hey Ashley!
Looks like you did a good job & you're all done. But here's some info for next go round if you want it. Welcome to the challenge!!

I'm a really visual learner. Graphs and charts are my jam. So here's some explanation of the challenge in math formula form. Yay math!

Minimum: 4 TBR + 4 New = 8 books (using picking rules)

(translation: TBR- from the list provided next to their name, usually in the first couple posts of this board + New- they have never read this book, but you think they'd like it)**

**There might be a genre you’re unfamiliar with/ or the person you're picking for has drastically different tastes than you- you can just ask the mods for help or peruse some lists to get ideas- people are really friendly here, it's great!

Most people go with 2 picks per category (“categories” aka “picking rules” or whatever the mod is calling it this month; also usually located in the first couple posts of the thread)

So (1 TBR + 1 New)x 8 = 16 books

So it will generally end up looking something like this:

“Picking Rules” (located in first couple posts)
1. Mermaids
A
B
C
2. Westerns
D
E
F
3. Contemporary
G
H
I………….

Then your post:
“Person you're picking for Name”
1. Mermaids
New: “Splish Splash” - B
Tbr: “Seashell Bras Look Uncomfortable” - A
2. Westerns
New: “Yeehaw Cowboy” - F
Tbr: “High Falutin’” - F……..

More tips (you definitely can skip this)
❤️Look at their profile page - for example one of the regular participants works in the legal profession & really does not care to read any “lawyer” books
❤️you can compare books- get an idea of what their tastes are
❤️you can do a quick search of their shelves for the authors you've chosen for them- sometimes I'm all set on a list I think would be great but check on the “new” authors & they are all DNF/ 1⭐️ reads for the person I'm picking for ☹️, then I can change it

Hope this helps! Welcome to the group!!

[Carrie]

Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I believe Carrie p..."

Andrea, I picked for you in message 93 on page 2

[Nancy H]

Hi LaurLa,
Thank you for the great picks! I am eager to dig in. I have already read two of them long before I was on Goodreads, the Cleo Coyle one and the Carolyn Haines one, but this challenge lets us read the next one in the same series that we are ready for, so if I get to them, I will do that. I love those authors, so not a problem. So many of the other ones look good, though, so I will probably do the other ones first, knowing that I will eventually read those anyway!

Now I am eager for July to begin and can't wait to get started. Happy reading to you as well!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I believe Carrie p..."

GR notifications can be wonky sometimes and get us all at some point! You are not behind, picks aren't due until this evening. People just get a little anxious sometimes. =)

[Courtney]

HeatherMarie, Sorry for the delay. I guess I had a little bit too much fun rumaging through your books. Hopefully at least a couple of these books catch your eye. Happy reading!

LONER/FRIEND/SINGLE COVER:

TBR: Wolf on the Run by Skye Jones(Loner)
NEW: The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani (Single)
NEW: Love Connection by Camilla Isley (Friend)



SCHOOL/YA/HISTORICAL:

TBR: Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (Historical) [Had to steal this one]
NEW: The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki (Historical)
NEW: A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks (School)



PARENTS/GRANDPARENTS/FOOD/BLACK-WHITE:

TBR: Scenes from the Hallway by Penny Reid (Black)
NEW: Betrayal by Aleatha Romig (Black)



FANTASY/SCI FI/HORROR/OUTDOORS/YELLOW/GREEN:

TBR: His Chosen Mate by Maya Carnage (Sci-fi)
NEW: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (Sci-fi)



EUROPE/ROYALTY/WEALTH/RED/PURPLE:

TBR: Pockets of Deception by Rebecca McKinnon (Royalty)[stole this one too]
NEW: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (Europe)



ADVENTURE/SUSPENSE/THRILLER/FLA/CAL/COUPLE/ANIMAL:

TBR: A Chance at Love by Beverly Jenkins (couple)
NEW: Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich (adventure)



TROPICAL/BEACH/WATER/SUN/BLUE COVER:

NEW: Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot (tropical)
NEW: The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman (tropical)
TBR: Alaskan Dawn by Edie Claire (sun) [beautiful cover!]



ROAD TRIP/TRAVEL/ROUTE 66/LAW/MILITARY/VEHICLE:


TBR: Night Song by Beverly Jenkins (Military)
NEW: Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard (Military)
NEW: Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks (military)

[Andrea]

Ashley...here my picks for you. I'm sorry I kept you waiting, I hope you find some to enjoy

Stayed home ~
TBR:
Thoughtless; S.C. Stephens (has best friends in it)
NEW:
Normal; Danielle Pearl (shy character)

Summer School ~ both involve a school/character student
TBR:
Stars in Their Eyes; Lauren Blakely
NEW:
Matchmakers Playbook; Rachel Van Dyken

Went to Grandma’s ~
TBR:
Fixed on You; Laurelin Paige (features bartender)
NEW:
Forever Right Now; Emma Scott (features parent)

Camping ~
TBR:
Wet Dream; Jenna Jacobs (character rancher/cowboy)
NEW:
The Law of Moses; Amy Harmon (paranormal)

A trip to Europe ~
TBR:
Bared to You; Sylvia Day (wealthy character)
NEW:
The Prince; Jillian Dodd (takes place in a European country; royalty character)

Theme parks ~
TBR:
The Marriage Ultimatum; Charlotte O’Shay (couple embracing on cover)
NEW:
Betrayal; Aleatha Romig (labeled suspense)

A cruise ~
TBR:
The Unwanted Wife; Natasha Anders (cover with water)
NEW:
Beauty From Pain; Georgia Cates (tropical location)

Road trip ~
TBR:
I’ll Be Your Drill Soldier; Crystal Rose (features a character in law enforcement or the military)
NEW:
The Edge of Never; J.A. Redmerski (involves a road trip)

[Alexa]

Mary-Megan I am working on your picks right now. Thank you for being so patient. I got home this morning and basically crawled in bed and fell asleep. They should be up with in an hour!

[Andrea]

Ashley wrote: "fleurette wrote: "Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick f..."

Carrie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I b..."

Ashley, I posted your picks.

[Andrea]

Carrie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "I apologize that I’m just seeing the challenge was completed and we had our names to pick for. I didn’t get a message for some reason. It looks like I was to pick for Ashley, but I b..."

Thank you, Carrie!

[Alexa]

Here you go Mary-Megan I hope you find books to enjoy next month. If you need any repicks let me know. I was kind of rushing, so I may have made a mistake.

1. Stayed Home
TBR: Sunrise Crossing (features a loner character)
New: Bittersweet (single character on cover)



2. Summer School
TBR: Blue Hollow Falls (features children)
New: Annie's Song (historical romance)



3. Went to Grandmas
TBR: Fool for Love (features chef)
New: Sweet Cheeks (features a baker)



4. Camping
TBR: The Hotter You Burn (outdoor cover)
New: Run to You (character works outdoors)



5. A Trip to Europe
TBR: The Suffragette Scandal (European Setting)
New: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me (Wealthy character)



6. Theme Parks
TBR: Feel the Heat (romantic suspense)
New: Cry No More (romantic suspense)



7. Cruise
TBR: Playing Dirty (blue cover)
New: On the Island (tropical setting)



8. Road Trip
TBR: Riverbend Road (law enforcement characters)
New: Ride with Me (features travel)

[Mary-Megan]

Alexa wrote: "Here you go Mary-Megan I hope you find books to enjoy next month. If you need any repicks let me know. I was kind of rushing, so I may have made a mistake...."

Thanks for the picks! I can't wait to get started.

[☘KathyD☘]

jenny wrote: "Hi KathyD!
Here are my picks for you. I hope you'll find something good to read! I haven't read all of the new recommendations, but I tried to find a mix of books you might enjoy. Let me know if yo..."

Thanks jenny!! These picks look great!! =)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Everyone has their picks! Great job group. =)

If there are any issues, please let me know and I will do what I can to address them.

[HeatherMarie]

Courtney wrote: "HeatherMarie, Sorry for the delay. I guess I had a little bit too much fun rumaging through your books. Hopefully at least a couple of these books catch your eye. Happy reading!

LONER/FRIEND/SING..."

Oh Courtney what a nice surprise! It's 100 degrees outside, everything is bleh!, I come home and these lovely picks are here! I'm going to get my Beverly Jenkins fix- July is going to be great!

[Courtney]

HeatherMarie wrote: "Courtney wrote: "HeatherMarie, Sorry for the delay. I guess I had a little bit too much fun rumaging through your books. Hopefully at least a couple of these books catch your eye. Happy reading!

..."

Gurrrl, I know how you feel. I live in Houston and have to walk 15 minutes in the sun to catch the bus to work. Glad to know I didn't totally botch the picks this month. lol.

[Ashley]

HeatherMarie wrote: "Hey Ashley!
Looks like you did a good job & you're all done. But here's some info for next go round if you want it. Welcome to the challenge!!

I'm a really visual learner. Graphs and charts are m..."

TAHNK YOU SO MUCH HEATHERMARIE!!!

[Ashley]

Andrea wrote: "Ashley...here my picks for you. I'm sorry I kept you waiting, I hope you find some to enjoy

Stayed home ~
TBR:
Thoughtless; S.C. Stephens (has best friends in it)
..."
thanks Andrea!

[Romanticbookworm]

Mary-Megan wrote: " Romanticbookworm
Here is your selection. I hope something really catches your eye in this list...

Stayed home
TBR: The Truth About Lennon (single person)
New: [book:One and Onl..."

Thanks Mary Megan turns out I actually have knight in shining armour on my tbr :). They all look great picks though :).

[Chris Ann]

Sorry for the delay everyone for getting involved this month. I was away on vaca. For the question my answer is A

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Chris Ann wrote: "Sorry for the delay everyone for getting involved this month. I was away on vaca. For the question my answer is A"

I'm sorry Chris Ann, everything is completed for this month. =( The signups should post again around the 20th for the next month.

[Courtney]

Chris Ann, I can try to pick for you today, if you want.

[Courtney]

...but only with the moderator's permission, of course. 😁

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Courtney wrote: "Chris Ann, I can try to pick for you today, if you want."

Sure, that works. =)

[Courtney]

Chris Ann, here you go. Please forgive me if it's not up to snuff. I tried my best though. Hope there's something you enjoy!

✏️ has best friends in it
✏️ features a character who is a loner or shy
✏️ has a single person on the cover

TBR: The Duke and I (best friend)
NEW: A Rogue by Any Other Name (single person)



✏️ involves a school or has a character that is a teacher or student
✏️ is YA or a book with a child/ren
✏️ is labeled historical romance or historical fiction

NEW: The Hunger Games (YA book)
TBR: The Lost Letter (historical fiction)



✏️ features a parent or grandparents
✏️ features someone who works with food (chef, baker, waitress, bartender, etc)
✏️ has food on the cover
✏️ has a mainly black and white cover

TBR: Filthy Beautiful Lies (black cover)
NEW: :Fifty Shades of Grey (black cover)



✏️ is categorized as paranormal, fantasy, sci fi, or horror
✏️ has a character who works with outdoors (park ranger, rancher, etc)
✏️ has a cover with an outdoors scene
✏️ has a green or yellow cover

TBR: Outlander (sci-fi)
NEW: Cinder (sci-fi)



✏️ takes place in a European country
✏️ features royalty or a wealthy character
✏️ has a red or purple cover

TBR: The Red Tent (red)
NEW: American Queen (royalty)
TBR: Beneath a Scarlet Sky (red)



✏️ is labeled adventure, thriller, or suspense
✏️ takes place in Florida or California
✏️ features an animal on the cover or in the story
✏️ has a couple embracing on the cover

TBR: Water for Elephants (animal)
TBR: I Am Watching You (suspense)
NEW: Naked in Death (suspense)



✏️ takes place in a tropical location
✏️ has a cover with the beach or water or the sun
✏️ has a cover with a lot of blue

TBR: Hopeless (Blue)
NEW: The Hating Game (Blue)



✏️ involves a road trip or travel
✏️ takes place in a state that Route 66 goes through (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California)
✏️ features a character in law enforcement or the military
✏️ has a mode of transportation on the cover (car, train, plane, bike, etc)

NEW: The Sun Is Also a Star (travel)
TBR: The Alice Network (military)

[Elke]

Fran,

Read my first pick -it was good! Definitely going to finish the series!

On to #2!

[Elke]

Fran,

Read my second pick -it was good! Could not put it down!

On to #3...already reading it! Lol!

P.S. It is nice when the boss is on vacation and I get to read during work! ;)