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R11: Team A*TEN*SHUN Serial Bookworms (10)
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Plethora
(last edited Sep 19, 2019 05:03PM)
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Sep 18, 2019 07:57PM
Yes sorry. I didn't notice that two author thing until I was posting for a another challenge.
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Completion PostBook:
Qualification: 2 in series
Date Read: 9-17-19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I love love love the history in these books it’s obvious that a ton of research went into this story I’ve done some research on my own and so much of it is pulled straight out of history, which is super cool. But the story was a bit convoluted and didn’t flow as well as I’d hoped. I was a bit confused at the big culmination of everything at the end because it didn’t feel like an ending. So, 3 stars for effort and for amazing history.
Completion PostWeek 3
Roll: 8
Spot: 23
Options:
Book 2 in series
Book 3 in series
Book 23 in series
Alternate: Female Author
Bittersweet Susan Wittig Albert
Qualification: Book 23 in series and Female Author
Read: 09.18.19
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
The blue and white Cessna 172 dropped out of the gray November sky.
It's Thanksgiving and China has plans to visit her mom and step-dad on their ranch. Sam has some hear issues and ends up in the hospital. However, Letha wants to continue with the plans to be together for the holiday.
This was an interesting addition to the series. I recently read another book that explored the "canned hunt" ranches in Texas. I had no idea that so much money was involved. It was intriguing to learn about the extents that some go to in order to have bigger and better deer. I am very much opposed to this trophy hunting.
I missed having Ruby around in this installment. I like the focus on China and her family. I enjoyed meeting game warden, Mackenzie "Mack" Chambers.
As always, there is great information about herbs and plants sprinkled throughout the book. The recipes are always good too.
You pretty much know who the bad guys are from chapter one so there were no surprises there. It is still suspenseful and well worth the read.
This is a series that I highly recommend. I strongly suggest that you start at the beginning as there is a lot of character development.
Can't start this series, Moondance. The early books aren't available on kindle.
Completion Post -- Week 3, Spot 23 Book:
Completed: 9/19/19
How it Fits: #2 in The City
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I'll admit I was a huge fan of the Walking Dead for the first 3-4 years (before it got too violent for my tastes) and this whole series has a very similar vibe. Random people in small groups working together in with other people they've never met to try to get through. I love the character growth in the MC in the first 2 books, and the development of the secondary characters over the same time span has been great. I laughed out loud and cried while listening to this -- I figure any book that can make me do both is pretty good.
Completion PostWeek 3, Spot 23
Book: Ninth Key
Author: Jenny Carroll (pseudonym forMeg Cabot)
Pages: 287
Fits: #2 in The Mediator Series
Read: 09/19/19
Rating: 4
Review: Well this wasn't half bad, i jumped into the series @ #2. However i think enough of the back story is here that I didn't miss much, but will likely grab it to read at some point. Susannah, a teenager dealing with a move across county, the additional of a new dad and step-brothers and to boot the learning that her "ability" to speak, see and feel the dead makes her a mediator to the dead. Many moments that made me chuckle, great light romance with an easy going paranormal twist as well. Susannah needs to remember that the ghost she deals with can do physical harm.
Completion PostWeek 3, Spot 23
Book: Sense of Evil
Author: Kay Hooper
Pages: 384
Fits: #3 in the Evil series
Read: 09/19/19
Rating: 4
Review:
I enjoyed this instalment. I really feel like the series is getting better and this story kept me intrigued until the end. I liked the pairing of Isabel and Rafe and I liked the way the threads of the mystery came together . I looking forward to continuing on with this series
Apologies for the delay in posting my completion
Sam wrote: "Can't start this series, Moondance. The early books aren't available on kindle."Used bookstore, maybe?
Week 4 Tracking Post Current Spot: 23
Roll: 7
New Spot: 30
Options:
#3 in Series
#30 in Series
Standalone
Alternate: Water on Cover
Moondance - Heartless-- Review
Plethora - Simply Sensual - Review
Sam - Windbreak -- Review
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Review
Suzanne - Joyland -- Review
Zoë - The Amber Spyglass -- Review
Stacey - Keepsake - Review
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Apologies for the delay in posting my completion"Not a problem ... I was just waking up to do the roll. :)
Week 4: Selection Post Current Spot: 23
Roll: 7
New Spot: 30
Options:
#3 in Series
#30 in Series
Standalone
Alternate: Water on Cover
Heartless Marissa Meyer
Stand alone
Selection PostBook:
Qualification: 3rd in series
I'm going to read Windbreak by Derek Alan Siddoway. It is #3 in the Gryphon Riders trilogy.This should give us 3 books in a series if we haven't already claimed it from Nikk's three Kay Hooper books.
Completion PostBook:
Qualification: 3rd in series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I love these books I read them when I was very young and then again a couple years ago and decided to reread them and The Book of Dust in preparation for the second book in the latter’s series coming out this year. I definitely think this last book gets a little out there and convoluted in places. I don’t fully understand certain aspects of why things had to be how they were. That being said, it’s still a wonderful story.
Will make my selection post tomorrow
Selection PostWeek 4, Spot 30
Book: Simply Sensual
Author: Carly Phillips
Pages: 264
Fits: #3 in Simply Series
Week 4: Completion Post Current Spot: 23
Roll: 7
New Spot: 30
Options:
#3 in Series
#30 in Series
Standalone
Alternate: Water on Cover
Heartless Marissa Meyer
Read: 09.22.19
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Three luscious lemon tarts glistened up at Catherine.
Lady Catherine "Cath" Pinkerton is the daughter of the Marquess of Rock Turtle Cove. She is also a young girl whose dream is to open a bakery with her maid and best friend, Mary Ann. The King of Hearts takes a liking to Cath and her whole world changes.
Wow, wow and wow! I didn't know what to expect from this telling of Wonderland. I never planned to care for Cath and her desire to be a baker and choose the man of her dreams. I experienced her dismay when the King seems set on wooing her. I felt the first bloom of love when she falls for Jest, the court joker. Even knowing where Cath would end, I loved her character.
It was a pleasure to visit Wonderland and all it's marvelous occupants. The characters come to life on the pages and the book flows with the story.
This is a story of family obligation, first love, deep friendship, despair and finally true heartlessness. Each page had me turning to see what would happen next. I never expected the ending to break my heart.
I will think of Cath as she was before her heart was broken. I think I'll have to revisit Wonderland with Alice soon.
An excellent book!
Stand alone
Week 4: Spot 30Completion Post
Book: Joyland by Stephen King
Pages: 283
Qualifications: Standalone
Date: 9/23/2019
Rating: *****
Review: I'm normally not a Stephen King fan because his stuff his either too gorey or too wordy but I liked this one. It was a murder mystery ghost story set in an amusement park called Joyland. I liked it a lot but it needed more "ghost" spookiness.
Completion PostSpot: 30
Cover:
Book: Windbreak- Derek Alan Siddoway
Qualification: Gryphon Riders #3
Date Finished: 9/24/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: In this last book of the series, the war is upon them. The Smelterborn are attacking Rhylance and the gryphon riders with the help of their neighbors try to defend themselves. Eva and company decide to go to Palantis and use the Wonders to break the First Forge and end the threat of the Smelterborn. I'm not fond of war, so the first part of this book was a bit of a drag, but I did like the ending. I am glad this series is over.
Selection Post -- Week 4, Spot 30Book:
How it Fits: #3 in True North
Selection Post -- Week 4, Spot 30Book:
How it Fits: #3 in Harry Potter
Week 4 Completion postspot 30
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
pages 435 pages
How it fits: Harry Potter #3
read 9/25/19
rated 4 Star
Review:
This is probably my favourite instalment of the entire series. Its a nice mix of the innocence of the first two books but with the start of the darker more serious tones the remainder of the series has. I really liked the story lines in this instalment and the different threads J K Rowlings weaves through out the story. I fee like the first two books were really set up and the series really starts with this instalment. A very enjoyable read.
Completion PostWeek 4, Spot 30
Book: Simply Sensual
Author: Carly Phillips
Pages: 264
Fits: #3 in Simply Series
Read: 09/23/19
Rating: 3.5
Review: A fluffy quick read. Ben, a P.I. with a reputation of getting things done is puzzled by his next case. A grandmother requesting him to just check that her granddaughter is surviving life in the big city ok. She has offered up a large payment that helps push him along to agreeing. He knew when he saw her picture before agreeing to the job that he was drawn to her. Keeping his hands off the subject of his investigation proves harder and harder with each passing day. Predictable storyline.
Nice job team, that's all of us. My book is finished, I'll post and get us checked in later tonight.
Completion Post -- Week 4, Spot 30 Book:
Completed: 9/26/19
How it Fits: #3 in True North
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I can always count on Sarina Bowen to write a nice pleasant romance with characters I like and just enough humor to keep things entertaining. This one had a little more darkness than some of her others, but the characters were interesting and believable and worked really well together on their issues. Now I have to go back and read the second one since I had to skip. ;)
Week 5 Tracking Post Current Spot: 30
Roll: 7
New Spot: 37
Options:
#3 in series
#7 in series
#37 in series
Number in the Title (i.e. Third Grave Dead Ahead or Every Fifteen Minutes)
Moondance - Apple Stuffed Alibis -- Review
Plethora - Fudge, Films and Felonies -- Review
Sam - Loved by a Dragon - Review
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Hunting Fear -- Review
Suzanne - The Ninefold Key -- Review
Zoë - G is for Gumshoe -- Review
Stacey -- Legend -- Review
Sorry for the delay all! Traveling went a little later last night that I was anticipating.
Selection PostWeek 5 Tracking Post
Current Spot: 30
Roll: 7
New Spot: 37
Options:
#3 in series
#7 in series
#37 in series
Number in the Title (i.e. Third Grave Dead Ahead or Every Fifteen Minutes)
Apple Stuffed Alibis Jessica Beck
Qualification: #37 in the Donut Shop Mystery Series
I feel like I am cheating this week because this book is really short. It does surpass the 140 page limit.
Would
count as "Number in the Title"?
I'm going to read Loved by a Dragon by Linda K. Hopkins. It is #3 in the Dragon Archives and has 300 pages.
Mod
count as "Number in the Title"?"Sure thing :)
I was going to say yes Suzannne, but looks like approval has been given. ;)
Selection Post -- Week 5, Spot 37Book:
How it Fits: #7 in Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series
Completion PostWeek 5 Tracking Post
Current Spot: 30
Roll: 7
New Spot: 37
Options:
#3 in series
#7 in series
#37 in series
Number in the Title (i.e. Third Grave Dead Ahead or Every Fifteen Minutes)
Apple Stuffed Alibis Jessica Beck
Qualification: #37 in the Donut Shop Mystery Series
Read: 09.28.19
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
My plan was to present the event to the community as a celebration of my anniversary of owning Donut hearts-the shop I ran in our quaint little town of April Springs, North Carolina-but what most folks didn't realize was that there was another, and for me, much more upsetting purpose to the event as well.
Whew! What an opening sentence! I have not been keeping up with the series. How in the world did it get to have 43 books? I'm sure I'm still back in the teens somewhere.
Suzanne and her stepfather Phillip team up to investigate the death of a local defense attorney that is dating the mayor of April Springs. The murder happened outside of Suzanne's shop and she of course has to get involved.
I missed the duo of Grace and Suzanne. Phillip being a former cop was a worthy partner but didn't give the book the girl power vibe.
A lot has transpired since I last visited April Springs but I was able to jump back into the storyline with no trouble. It was nice to learn that Suzanne and Jake are married.
The mystery had a few twists and turns but I did figure it out. This did not distract from the story.
The recipes in the book always make me drool and I believe I will have to try the apple pie.
This is an easy quick read for a lazy afternoon.
Selection Post -- Week 5, Spot 37
Book: The Ninefold Key by Rebecca Brandewyne
Qualifications: Number in the Title
Completion PostSpot: 37
Cover:
Book: Loved by a Dragon- Linda K. Hopkins
Qualification: Dragon Archives #3
Date Finished: 9/30/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Dragon Master Aaron must go the big city to take care of a rogue dragon. His wife, Kiera, and sister-in-law, Anna go with him because he can't bear to leave his wife behind. But he worries that Kiera is a weakness for him. Kiera learns a lot about Aaron's past while they are in the city and she doesn't like everything she learns. When the rogue dragon kidnaps Kiera and Anna, Aaron's fears seem to be coming true. I enjoy this series, though sometimes the characters annoy me. Aaron is still afraid of love, despite his love for Kiera. I felt that Kiera forgave him too easily, but then I'm not the one in love with him. I know that Anna has been through a lot but she came across as a harpy in this book and I felt sorry for Max. I hope that we see more of him in the future and that Anna eventually grows up. I will be continuing this story and look forward to seeing what happens next with Aaron and Kiera.
Oops forgot to post my selection post! Selection Post:
Week 5
#7 in Series
Book:
Well darn I thought I posted my selection.
Selection PostWeek 5, Spot 37
Book: Fudge, Films and Felonies
Author: Cindy Bell
Pages: 266
Fits: #7 in Chocolate Centered Mystery Series
Completion PostWeek 5, Spot 37
Book: Fudge, Films and Felonies
Author: Cindy Bell
Pages: 266
Fits: #7 in Chocolate Centered Mystery Series
Read: 10/02/19
Rating: 3
Review: A typical cozy mystery. Had my suspicions early as to who was behind the death, I prefer to have to work a little at figuring it out. I found it humorous that Ally has a pet pot-bellied pig, don't come across that often. Ally naturally has a good looking boyfriend that is a detective, which seems to be a common scenario in cozies, those that should know most to let the cops handle an investigation go about poking around into deadly business..
Selection Post -- Week 5, Spot 37Book: The Ninefold Key by Rebecca Brandewyne
Qualifications: Number in the Title
Date: 10/2/2019
Rating: ****
Review: This book was a bit too wordy and drawn out but the story was decent. If you're in the mood for a historical romance with some paranormal thrown into the mix, it's not too bad.
Completion Post -- Week 5, Spot 37Book:
by Sawyer BennettCompleted: 10/3/19
How it Fits: #3 in Arizona Vengance
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book should have annoyed me as it has several tropes that I really don't care for -- surprise baby, cra cra ex GF, new GF in motal peril by said ex GF -- but the characters managed to overcome the less than original story line. Plus there is always the bonus of catching up with the folks in the previous 2 books. I'm a sucker for hockey romance, so I'm sure I'll continue with the series.
Week 5 Completion postspot 37
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
pages 352 pages
How it fits: #7 in Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series
read: 10/3/19
rated 4 Stars
Review:
This was an entertaining read and fast moving story. I was in the mystery from beginning to end however I am not sure I really connected with the MCs in this book which drew away from the story a little but still I like the pace and the tension of the story and couldn’t to see how it would all turn out. I am still vastly enamoured by this series and will continue reading on.
You've almost caught up to me in the series, Nikk. I just finished Chill of Fear, #8.
Ooh I am hoping to read that one this weekend- assuming I can get it out from the library
Completion PostBook:
Qualification: 7 in series
Rating: 3 stars
Date Read: 10/1/19
Review: So, my mom has read all of these books I remember asking her once if she thought I would like them. She said that she loved them but that they weren’t the best books ever. That’s how I feel about this one. I read it out of order, because I knew that these procedural type novels can work like that - and it did work! I didn’t really need to know all about the main character because it didn’t detract from the story (nor did I feel like it would’ve added all that much). The story was fun, very much a result of the time period it was being written in (weird comments about women’s bodies, fat bodies, mental health, etc.) But taken in the context of the time period - it didn’t leave me with a bad taste in my mouth or anything. These are definitely fun books for passing time when you don’t want to have to think to hard or pay too close attention. I’ll go back to them for sure.
Week 6 Tracking Post Current Spot: 37
Roll: 5
New Spot: 42
Options:
#2 in Series
#4 in Series
#42 in Series
42. Cover Item: Weapon
Moondance - Measured Mayhem -- Review
Plethora - Playing to Win -- Review
Sam - Mine to Possess -- Review
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - No Crones About It -- Review
Suzanne - The Plains of Passage -- Review
Zoë - Fool Moon -- Review
Stacey - Rock Chick Rescue -- Review
Sorry everyone, I don't seem to be doing my best high rolling...
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