Romance Across The Ages - 2019 Challenge

[Jan]

Blood Feud by Jayne Castel. Dark Ages Scotland :)

[Mariana]

I also finished my January books and was a bit disappointed with both. They were the latest releases by two of my favorite authors Julia Quinn and Mary Jo Putney.

I have not yet planned what I'm going to read for February. I will probably start with the book of the month and planning over the weekend.

[Mariana]

I decided to read Thornbrook Park by Sherri Browning for Edwardian. I previously read and enjoyed book 2 in the series.

I am going to read Forbidden by Christina Phillips for Ancient World / Prehistoric. It's free on Kindle, and some of my friends wrote positive reviews.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Shannon wrote: "Darbella wrote: "In message 4 of this thread Joanna Loves Reading posted links for all the subgenres. I did not pick prehistoric or ancient world to read so I did not click on that subgroup links i..."

Shannon, I want to amend my previous direction that it can include dark ages. So up to dark ages.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mariana wrote: "I decided to read Thornbrook Park by Sherri Browning for Edwardian. I previously read and enjoyed book 2 in the series.

I am going to read [book:Forbidden|30753313..."

Those sound like good options Mariana! Hope you enjoy!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I think I am going to read Think of England for my Edwardian. I finally tried a KJ Charles book at the end of last year, so I am happy to read more of hers.

For the Ancient World/Prehistoric, I am going with the next in series from my Around the World selection, The Dragon and the Pearl. I am probably going to add the series to my series challenge also. This series takes place in the late 700s, Tang Dynasty China.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jan wrote: "

Blood Feud by Jayne Castel. Dark Ages Scotland :)"

Hope you enjoy Jan!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mariana wrote: "I also finished my January books and was a bit disappointed with both. They were the latest releases by two of my favorite authors Julia Quinn and Mary Jo Putney.

I have not yet planned what I'm ..."

I almost used that Julia Quinn one also. Sorry it was a disappointment. She’s one of my faves also.

The Mary Jo Putney book you used is the only one I have tried by that author. Was not a fan! But I will try some of her older ones that have been recommended.

Better luck this month!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Tanya wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Priya wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I am glad to hear Audible is in India now. If you get the option to try to Romance package, I think it’s worth it. When star..."

I listened to The Raven Prince not long ago and enjoyed it! Hope you do too! Haven’t tried the other yet, but I hope it’s good as well.

[Jan]

Welp, I've finished my February book already!! IK,R?

Blood Feud by Jayne Castel. I was a quick, easy read with a fabulous setting (Isle of Skye, Scotland in 4th Century AD). 3 to 3.5 stars.

i can't believe I'm so up-to-date on this challenge. LOL. Much better than last year ;)

How is everyone else going?

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I got them picked out for this month so it’s a start! I finished both my January reads on the last day of the month (one was audio and one was ebook), so I am barely staying on target.

Good job Jan at getting yours completed already!

[Tanya]

That's wonderful Jan! I'm not at all on target with this challenge, or any other really. I distract far too easily.

I did finish To Beguile a Beast for January and loved it!

I'm trying to choose between Runabout and Courting Miss Hattie for Feb.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Starting my Feb read today. Gladiator's Honour.
I have read my Jan book, but it does not show up on my challenge.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Shaz wrote: "Starting my Feb read today. Gladiator's Honour.
I have read my Jan book, but it does not show up on my challenge."

Shaz, try resetting your challenge. Mine wasn’t working the first time either so I input the book total and shelf name again and it worked.

[Priya]

Shaz wrote: "Starting my Feb read today. Gladiator's Honour.
I have read my Jan book, but it does not show up on my challenge."

That must be a technical snag. You can try resetting like Joanna said. Also please check if the book's date of finishing is updated. Sometimes we set a read date but still goodreads doesn't update it.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Thank you for the advise. I have reset the challenge , still not working. How do I check my book shelf for the challenge.
I will just carry on with the challenge, Nice to be taking part even if it's not registering. lol

[Priya]

Shaz wrote: "Thank you for the advise. I have reset the challenge , still not working. How do I check my book shelf for the challenge.
I will just carry on with the challenge, Nice to be taking part even if it..."

Shaz, I sent you a PM about the challenge bookshelf and tracker widget. I hope it helps.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Thank you Priya
For all your help. I have now bookshelf all my books. Tracker working. Challenges up to date.

[Priya]

Shaz wrote: "Thank you Priya
For all your help. I have now bookshelf all my books. Tracker working. Challenges up to date."

Good to know. Happy reading and shelving;)

[Sally906]

I have read my January and February books:

January: Around the World
RNWMP: Bride for Joel by Amelia C. Adams
– 10/02/19 - 5★s
Set in Cananda which is a long, long way from Australia, this was a really sweet read that kept me engrossed. Loved both Evelyn and Joel and loved that they talked the issues out and listened to both advice, and their hearts.

February: Ancient World / Prehistorical
Blood of Adam by Rachel S. Neal – 11/02/19 - 3★s
Set in 2348 BC. Denah had an arranged marriage to Japheth (Noah’s son) and joins his family as Noah's great Ark is being built.
She has no belief in their God - why have one who is too busy when you can consult with a multitude of specialist gods. Didn't light my fire - was interesting to read the different ways that people lived then - just as many conflict due to race, sex and religion as there are today. Makes you wonder if humans have progressed at all. The romance between Denah and Joel was very believable and grew on the basis of their childhood friendship and survived a few really big conflicts. I hasten to add that religion was a major part of all peoples back then - and though the story is based on a Biblical one - the author is not trying to convert anyone. The historical truisms are well researched.

[Mariana]

Thanks for sharing your books and thoughts.

I have had what I consider three duds in a row, my mediocre 3-star-ers. Fourth one is not getting off to a good start either.

[Jan]

Mariana wrote: "Thanks for sharing your books and thoughts.

I have had what I consider three duds in a row, my mediocre 3-star-ers. Fourth one is not getting off to a good start either."

Oh dear! Hope your luck changes soon!

[Mariana]

Jan wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Thanks for sharing your books and thoughts.

I have had what I consider three duds in a row, my mediocre 3-star-ers. Fourth one is not getting off to a good start either."

Oh dear!..."

Thanks! Me too.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

How did everyone’s February reads go? I am still working on my Ancient World book, Embers, but finished my Edwardian, Think of England, just in time for February yesterday. It was an enjoyable read.

What do you have picked out for March? I have not picked out my books for March. Our themes this month are Restoration/Stuarts and Vikings. I will probably pick a book by Stella Reilly for the Restoration/Stuarts, not sure on Vikings.

[Jan]

Heart's Ease by Susan Fanetti. It's book 2 in her Viking series. I read book 1 ages ago and liked but didn't love it. Although I love many of Susan Fanetti's books, at times there is too much violence for me. And of course, the reality of life in Viking times would have been lots of violence. But I still don't like it in my reads (or on screen, either). So, I'm going to try this one, but I may end up skipping a few scenes if it gets too full-on.

I'm only doing one read per month for this challenge. I do enjoy reading HRs set in the Restoration period, though. But the last Stella Riley book set in that period I tried to read I just couldn't finish :( (The Black Madonna) I prefer her more recent works. The early works are pretty heavy going, and too light on romance for moi.

The last book set during the Restoration I enjoyed would have been Libertine's Kiss by Judith James. It was quite a good read.

[Priya]

I planned to read The Outlaw Viking. A new-to-me author.

[Jan]

Priya wrote: "I planned to read The Outlaw Viking. A new-to-me author."

That one has a truly classic bodice-ripper style cover. Ha ha ha.

[Priya]

Jan wrote: "Priya wrote: "I planned to read The Outlaw Viking. A new-to-me author."

That one has a truly classic bodice-ripper style cover. Ha ha ha.

"

Fabio type cover:)

[Jan]

Yes! (Was Fabio a Viking??) LOL.

[Midniteillusion]

I'm behind but I grabbed a couple Sandra Hill viking books and I'm planning on reading one of those.
I've tried Sandra Hill before and never really got into her but I'm hoping as I've expanded my romance reading and find I enjoy more things/styles now I'll like her writing better.

[Jennie-Lee~abookishwonderer~]

I am almost done with Captive of the Viking by Juliet Landon for Vikings, but I am not sure what I'm going to read for Restoration/Stuarts.

[Jan]

Heart's Ease is pretty good so far, actually. Fanetti is very good at writing believable characters. But her Vikings are real, not romanticised. They are violent and life is hard and short. There have already been a couple of confronting scenes I've had to skim. Eek! I'll keep going, though.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

For Viking, I saw thiSunset Fire on one of the lists. It looked familiar and I ended up finding it in my Nook library. I am going to try that one out. We’ll see how it goes.

[Georgina]

For the Restoration/Stuart theme I'm reading Dark Angels by Karleen Koen

[Jan]

Georgina, your book looks intriguing.

I'm excited cos I've finished my March challenge book already: Heart's Ease by Susan Fanetti (Viking). I'm killing this challenge this year, not like last year LOL.

I enjoyed Heart's Ease and gave it 3.5 to 4 stars. It was one of those books that got better as it went on.

[Jan]

:( I thought I'd try a sample of Dark Angels but it's not available on kindle Australia. Darn. My library doesn't seem to have it either.

Oh well. *sighs* I've got plenty of other books to read LOL.

[Georgina]

So far it's pretty good, this is the first in a series; the other books skip two generations and take place in Georgian England.

Through a Glass Darkly and Now Face to Face

[Mariana]

I found A Midnight Dance and Promised to the Crown both on a Restoration list. Anyone know for sure?

[Mariana]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "For Viking, I saw thiSunset Fire on one of the lists. It looked familiar and I ended up finding it in my Nook library. I am going to try that one out. We’ll see how it goes."

I think I am going to try Sunset Fire for my Viking as well.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "For Viking, I saw thiSunset Fire on one of the lists. It looked familiar and I ended up finding it in my Nook library. I am going to try that one out. W..."

Do you want to buddy read it? I might need the motivation.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mariana wrote: "I found A Midnight Dance and Promised to the Crown both on a Restoration list. Anyone know for sure?"

I listened to Promised To The Crown last year. I liked it, was an atypical HR, with three stories woven together. It takes place at about the right time but it is in the French Canadian territory, so little to do with the Stuarts/restoration. It’s follows the stories of three women who are part of an effort to colonize the area and are sent over as shiploads to be wives.

[Mariana]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "For Viking, I saw thiSunset Fire on one of the lists. It looked familiar and I ended up finding it in my Nook library. I am going to try..."

Yes, definitely!

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I have just finished my Viking book .
Sent as the Viking's Bride. by Michelle Styles.
I always enjoy her Viking books. This was a good read.

[Jan]

Glad you enjoyed, Shaz.

[Jenna ✨]

Since I'm joining in March, some months I'll be reading both subgenres while others just one. Books will be chosen/updated as the months come.

Number of Books Read: 1/12
Subgenres Chosen:

March:
Viking - Fires of Winter (Johanna Lindsey) *READ/5 stars *

April:
Native American - Dancing on Coals (Ellen O'Connell)

May:
Regency - TBD (something Jane Austen, I'm sure)

June:
Time Travel - TBD (never read this subgenre before so why not)

July:
Your Choice - TBD

August:
Medieval - TBD
Western - TBD

September:
Victorian - TBD

October:
World Wars I to WWII - TBD

November:
Renaissance - TBD

December:
Any historical from your TBR/already own pile! - TBD
Scottish / Highlander - TBD (always excited for this one)

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jenna wrote: "Since I'm joining in March, some months I'll be reading both subgenres while others just one. Books will be chosen/updated as the months come.

Number of Books Read: 0/12
Subgenres Chosen:

March:..."

Welcome Jenna! I got you added to the participant list in message 2 on the first page. If you have trouble finding your post, it will take you right here by clicking on your name.

[Jenna ✨]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Since I'm joining in March, some months I'll be reading both subgenres while others just one. Books will be chosen/updated as the months come.

Number of Books Read: 0/12
Subgenres C..."

Thank you so much! :)

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "For Viking, I saw thiSunset Fire on one of the lists. It looked familiar and I ended up finding it in my No..."

I started a thread here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

When do you want to start? Next weekend maybe?

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jenna wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Since I'm joining in March, some months I'll be reading both subgenres while others just one. Books will be chosen/updated as the months come.

Number of..."

No worries, and any books you’ve read to date count for this challenge, so don’t worry too much if it wasn’t in the right month. The months help us stay on track for the year but are not a requirement.

[Mariana]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "For Viking, I saw thiSunset Fire on one of the lists. It looked familiar and I ended up fin..."

Yes, this upcoming weekend is perfect.