December 2019 Pick-It-For-Me Challenge

[Sonja]

Mary-Megan wrote: "Chaos Book Reviews. wrote: "Mary-Megan
I'm going to be honest, picking from 17 is really really hard. Like almost harder there more than 100. For the most part your books had a bit of each categor..."

I can relate, Mary-Megan. My PIFM is always less than 30 books and I struggle not to make it even less!

Any chance you are able to pick for Carina instead? I accidently listed Fran twice and she is supposed to be in Group C - you were fast with your picks! If not, no biggie, she'll have to be a D this month!

[Sonja]

Hi NancyH!
Here are your picks for December! Hope you find some goodies to read with your home-made goodies! :)

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America)
TBR: Waking Up in the Land of Glitter (bright cover and family) Seems appropriate for this category! Although waking up in a land of glitter sounds like the stuff of my nightmares…. Seriously, what crafty person hates glitter? (ME!)
NEW: Butterface (all three!) Also I believe it’s free on Amazon at the moment. All the feels here, I really related to and enjoyed this book!


Alfajores (South America)
TBR: Bitter Alpine (sandwiched series)
TBR: Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue (sandwiched series)


Nian Gao (China)
NEW: Firelight (nod to paranormal and a wealthy character) SO very not what you think it is! LOVED this book and this author!
NEW: The Kiss Quotient (Asian character) Surprised me how much I enjoyed this one!


Struffoli (Italy)
TBR: Over Her Dead Body (Red cover) WAY back on your TBR so let’s bring it forward!
NEW: Thank You For Riding(recommended to me and a sweet story) Cozy little short Christmas story, perfect for a quick holiday read!


Krumkake (Norway)
TBR: Sorry Not Sorry (MC starts out as a ‘good’ girl) This sounds outrageously funny and it’s now on my TBR and hold shelf!!
NEW: One Day in December (1 in pub date, 4 in page count) Had to fudge the rules a bit to get this one on here! This one got me right in the ticker last Christmas. Emotionally and mentally. Great holiday read and a very slow burn!


Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia)
TBR: Bringing Down the Duke (Europe and Annabelle sounds like a ‘spicy’ character to me!) And it’s now on my TBR and hold shelf! *sigh*
NEW: A Dangerous Act of Kindness (Europe) I just read this one and really enjoyed it!


Polvorones (Spain)
TBR: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill (yellow cover) Read this last month and enjoyed it! Was planning to recommend anyway for the yellow cover!
TBR/NEW: Yours Until Dawn (historical) On your TBR, yellowish cover and one of very few I’d read that you hadn’t so I’m bumping it up your list!


Brigadeiros (Brazil)
TBR: Chocolate Covered Death (chocolate of course!)
TBR: Life and Other Near-Death Experiences (1 and 5 in pub date) Sounds good!


’Shortie’ (UK)
TBR: No Judgments (MC goes by a nickname) Another on my TBR and hold lists now!
NEW: I've Got Your Number (UK) Planning to read this one this month and thought we could buddy read!

[Fran, Moderator]

Sonja, keep me in D and remove me from C. I agree with you - that works best! It’s no problem! I have bungled many a pairings list!!

[Sonja]

Fran wrote: "Sonja, keep me in D and remove me from C. I agree with you - that works best! It’s no problem! I have bungled many a pairings list!!"

DONE! Thank you Fran!!

[Fran, Moderator]

Mary-Megan wrote: "Fran
Here are my picks for you. I hope you find something good in here."

Thank you Mary-Megan! They look great!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Gabriella wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~
Here are my picks for you, I hope you like them :)

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America) –
TBR -
New - [bookcover:The Twelve Trib..."

Thanks for the great picks Gabriella!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Allie

Here are your picks! I hope they intrigue you to some fun reading this December. I hadn't read anything on your TBR, so can't tell you much about those ones.

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America): This is also on my TBR - That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn. Or check out Truly, Madly by Heather Webber where the MC can "find" lost things and ends up helping out the PI above the family matchmaking business.



Alfajores (South America): Two book 2s for you to choose from. I liked the first in this series - Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid. You enjoyed the first one and Mal is by far my favorite character in the series - Play by Kylie Scott



Nian Gao (China): Two fantasy/paranormal choices. Supernova by Marissa Meyer. Everything by Ilona Andrews is amazing, but I choose Clean Sweep as I love the idea of innkeepers and the twist on the standard paranormal creatures in this story.



Struffoli (Italy): Couldn't get more red, white and green and with a Christmas theme to boot with A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas. A fun series of shorter stories starts with Love at First Date by Susan Hatler where the MC signs up for dating sites, but runs into love elsewhere.



Krumkake (Norway): I enjoyed the first of this series as well - The Trouble with Christmas by Amy Andrews. Or check out a modern ghost story with Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper.



Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia): First we have Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. Next we have a military husband showing up after disappearing, but with amnesia in Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti.



Polvorones (Spain): This is on my wishlist - Duke of My Heart by Kelly Bowen. Amanda Quick is one of my favorite authors and Crystal Gardens is a great place to dive in.



Brigadeiros (Brazil): Start with Hold Me Today by Maria Luis. A SEAL troop is at the airport and gets pulled into a hijack scheme in Forged in Fire by Trish McCallan.



’Shortie’ (UK): One I actually read (this was a fun series)! When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare. Or check out the world of stage actors in London in Act Like It by Lucy Parker.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎]

Mkat I'll get your picks up soon. ☺

[Nancy H]

Rebecca wrote: "Nancy H wrote: "Hi Rebecca,
Here are lots of picks for you, but if you don't find anything you like, please let me know. You have a lot of great books and series awaiting you on your TBR shelf - ..."

Thanks, Rebecca. I'm glad you like the picks and that you also like my name. I like it, too, and it was much better than some of the others my mother was considering - lol.

[Nancy H]

Hi Sonja,
These picks look GREAT! Thank you for such interesting picks. I just want to read them all - all at once - lol. I have already read the "I've Got Your Number One" - not sure why it's not showing up as Read on my list - but if there is any of the others you would like to Buddy Read, I am up for it. Just let me know if there is any other one we can do together.
Thanks again for great picks!

[Fran, Moderator]

Hi Carina!
Here are your picks for December.....I hope you find a gem or two!

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America) – Pick a book with a brightly colored cover, or is part of a series, or features a close-knit family.
TBR- Simply Irresistible


Alfajores (South America) –Pick a book with a couple embracing on the cover
TBR- Don't Tempt Me
NEW- Down for the Count

Nian Gao (China) –Pick a book with a Paranormal or Fantasy tag, a wealthy character or with an Asian character.
TBR- The Lost Heiress
NEW-The Devil in Disguise

Struffoli (Italy) -Pick a book with any of the colors of the Italian flag (red, white or green), a sweet story, or one that was recommended or passed on to you.
NEW- Studmuffin Santa

Krumkake (Norway) –Pick a book with fire on the cover or with the numbers 1 and 4 in the page count or publication date.
TBR- An Alaskan Wedding
TBR- A Cowboy for Christmas

Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia) – Pick a book with a brown cover, or a book set in Europe or with a ‘spicy’ character (your interpretation!).
NEW- One Crazy Week

Polvorones (Spain) – Pick a book tagged as Historical, features an animal or animals, or has a yellow cover.
TBR- Holiday Secrets
NEW- A Christmas Kiss

Brigadeiros (Brazil) – Pick a book with chocolate in the story or on the cover, or has a 4 and 5 in the page count or publication date, or with a military character.
TBR- When We Found Home
NEW- Flirting with the Frenemy

’Shortie’ (UK) – Pick a book set in the UK, or has plaid on the cover, or is a short story (under 200 pages) or with a character that goes by a nickname.
NEW- The Stocking was Hung

Happy Reading!!

[Jamie - The Bookish Attitude]

Mary-Megan, that's totally understandable! I'm glad you're happy with the outcome

Sonja, I am happy to do Carina's picks as well if you still need :)

[Sonja]

Hey Mary-Megan, thank you, but we’re good! Frans going to stay in group D and Laura will just pick for LaurLa. Thank you though!

[Allie]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Allie

Here are your picks! I hope they intrigue you to some fun reading this December. I hadn't read anything on your TBR, so can't tell you much about those ones.

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North A..."

Hello Diane. These picks look wonderful! Thank you for picking this me. I cannot wait to get started in a few days.

[Carrie]

Sonja wrote: "Carrie wrote: "Sonja, I hope you find something to curl up with for December


Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America):

TBR: (Family)
[book:Relatively Normal|..."

Did you want me to pick 2 more books?

[Carrie]

Rebecca wrote: "Carrie, I will definitely have your picks up in time. I finally passed my driving test so over the next few days everything is taking a backseat while I look for a car. When I do picks I like to si..."


Congratulations and no worries :)

[☘KathyD☘]

Suzanne. . .I am working on your picks today and hope to have them up late this afternoon.

[Sonja]

Carrie wrote: "Sonja wrote: "Carrie wrote: "Sonja, I hope you find something to curl up with for December


Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America):

TBR: (Family)
[book:Rela..."

Carrie, if you want to you can, but I have plenty to read this month and will be just fine! Thank you so much!

[Sonja]

Nancy H wrote: "Hi Sonja,
These picks look GREAT! Thank you for such interesting picks. I just want to read them all - all at once - lol. I have already read the "I've Got Your Number One" - not sure why it's no..."

Oh no! And I did specifically look to see if you've read it before I recommended it! Odd that it didn't come up, but no matter. If you want, I can pick another book for you. In fact, I just finished an entertaining book that qualifies to it's place. LMK!
As for a buddy read, I'm on hold for a few of the books I picked you, but the only one I might have in December is . If you're up for it, we can buddy read, but don't feel obligated as I'm sure we both have plenty to read! ;-)

[☘KathyD☘]

Suzanne. . .here are you picks for December. Hope you find some good ones! Happy Thanksgiving!

🎁 Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America)
A Buccaneer at Heart, Stephanie Laurens — brightly colored cover (tbr)
Challenge, Amy Daws — features a tight-knit family (new)

🎁 Alfajores (South America)
The Chosen, J.R. Ward — sandwiched in a series (tbr)
Come Away with Me, Kristen Proby — couple embracing on the cover (new)

🎁 Nian Gao (China)
Portrait in Death, J.D. Robb — features a wealthy character (tbr)
Fated, Rebecca Zanetti — tagged paranormal (new)

🎁 Struffoli (Italy)
Blood Brothers, Nora Roberts — red cover (tbr)
Sex, Not Love, Vi Keeland — book was a recommended read in October (new)

🎁 Krumkake (Norway)
The Professional, Kresley Cole — numbers 1 and 4 in page count (tbr)
Dangerous Highlander, Donna Grant — features a soft-spoken character (new)

🎁 Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia)
Burned, Karen Marie Moning — set in Europe (tbr)
Protecting Caroline, Susan Stoker — brownish cover (new)

🎁 Polvorones (Spain)
Seven Minutes in Heaven, Eloisa James — tagged historical (tbr)
The Bourbon Kings, J.R. Ward — yellow cover (new)

🎁 Brigadeiros (Brazil)
Rock Chick Renegade, Kristen Ashley — number 4 in the page count (tbr)
Birthday Suit, Lauren Blakely — chocolate is a big part of the story (new)

🎁 ‘Shortie’ (UK)
Soulless, Gail Carriger — set in the UK (tbr)
Ink Inspired, Carrie Ann Ryan — short book (new)

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎]

MKat my picks for you. Hope you find some good books :-)

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America) – features a close-knit family.
TBR - The Billionaire's Voice
New - Until November


Alfajores (South America) – couple embracing on the cover
TBR- Submission is Not Enough
New - Fixed on You


Nian Gao (China) – a wealthy character
TBR - Vendetta in Death
New - Straight Up Irish


Struffoli (Italy) -
TBR - Faking It (white on the cover)
New - From Lukov with Love (recommended to me)


Krumkake (Norway) –
Pick a book with (does not have to be the MC), has fire on the cover or with the numbers 1 and 4 in the page count or publication date.
TBR - Chasing Fire (fire on the cover)
New - October Kiss (a soft-spoken or delicate character)


Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia) –
TBR - On His Knees (spicy duo on the cover)
TBR: The Theory of Second Best (brown cover)


Polvorones (Spain) –
TBR - Christmas Kitsch (yellow cover)
New - Divorced, Desperate and Delicious (features an animal or animals)


Brigadeiros (Brazil) –
Pick a book with chocolate in the story or on the cover, or has a 4 and 5 in the page count or publication date, or with a military character.
TBR - The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission (154 pgs)
New - The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris


’Shortie’ (UK) –
Pick a book set in the UK, or has plaid on the cover, or with a character that goes by a nickname.
TBR - A Rogue Meets a Scandalous Lady (set in UK)
New - The Guardian (plaid kilt)

[Carina]

Gabriella,

Your picks. Happy reading!

Decorate Sugar Cookie (North America)

TBR -
New -

Alfajores (South America)

TBR -
New -

Nian Gao (China)

TBR -
New -

Stuffoli (Italy)

TBR -
New -

Krumkake (Norway)

TBR -
New-

Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia)

TBR -
New -

Polvorones (Spain)

TBR -
New -

Biadeiros (Brazil)

TBR -
New -

'Shortie' (UK)

TBR -
New -

[Gabriella]

Carina wrote: "Gabriella,

Your picks. Happy reading!

Decorate Sugar Cookie (North America)

TBR -
New -

Alfajores (South America)

TBR - [bookcove..."

Thanks for the great picks, Carina!

[Rebecca]

Hi Carrie,
I hope you like your picks! if you want to change anything just let me know.

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America) –
TBR ~ The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan .. Has a a brightly colored cover
NEW ~ The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead .. Is part of a series


Alfajores (South America) –
TBR ~ One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare .. It has a couple embracing on the cover
NEW ~ Flip Flop Flamenco by Mark Shearman.. Has a character who speaks Spanish


Nian Gao (China) –
TBR ~ Graceling by Kristin Cashore .. Has a Fantasy tag
NEW ~ Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning .. Has a wealthy character


Struffoli (Italy) -
TBR ~ Lesath by A.M. Kherbash .. Has a red and white cover
NEW ~ Fiance by Fate by Jennifer Shirk .. A sweet story


Krumkake (Norway) –
TBR ~ A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott .. Has a soft-spoken character
NEW ~ Rouge by Isabella Modra .. Has fire on the cover


Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia) –
TBR ~ Last Term at Malory Towers by Enid Blyton.. Has a brown cover
NEW ~ Brick Lane by Monica Ali .. Set in London


Polvorones (Spain) –
TBR ~ Mr. Cat and the Little Girl by Wei, Wang Yu.. Has an animal on the cover
NEW ~ The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse by Robert Rankin .. Has a yellow cover


Brigadeiros (Brazil) –
TBR ~ A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin .. Published 2005 and has 835 pages
NEW ~ Reno's Chance by Lora Leigh.. Has a military character


’Shortie’ (UK) –
TBR ~ Tarnished Knight by Bec McMaster .. Short 162 pages and set in London
NEW ~ A Wife for the Laird: Highlander Historical Romance by Alaqua Singer .. Has Tartan on the cover

[Carrie]

Rebecca wrote: "Hi Carrie,
I hope you like your picks! if you want to change anything just let me know.

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America) –
TBR ~ The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan .. Has a a b..."

Thank you Rebecca, these a great picks

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Laura Chaos Book Review, my apologies for the delay! (So confusing scrolling and trying to comment from the app!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Sorry for the mix up, jumped to the wrong list.) The storms have made our WiFi hit or miss and the few opportunities I’ve had to sit down it has been miss. I plan to get your picks made tomorrow either way, but I really hope it isn’t from my phone! Also hoping the snow doesn’t strand the extra family here! 😂

Carmen, thanks for the picks. I can’t wait to get a better look at them when I can get on my computer.

[Courtney]

Hey Carmen. sorry for taking so long. at home for Thanksgiving without my laptop. but I'll get it done today

[Sonja]

Friendly reminder to all that picks are DUE TODAY in about 2 hours!

By my count, LaurLa needs to pick for Laura; Suzanne needs to pick for Courtney; Courtney needs to pick for Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress and MountainKat needs to pick for Chaos Book Review. I've seen responses from all but LaurLa so will send a reminder PM.
Everyone else, just confirming I didn't miss anyone???

[Jamie - The Bookish Attitude]

MountainKat,
I know the feeling with using the app.
Don't stress! I'm happy to wait for my picks. Enjoy your holidays!

[LaurLa]

Laura, I’m really really sorry! Thanksgiving has thrown me off my game. In my head, I thought the 29th was tomorrow. I am out right now but should be home in a couple of hours.. So I will have your picks, but they will be late. Again, I am so so sorry!!!

[Sonja]

Thanks LaurLa! Holiday's throw all of us off! Hope yours was a good one!

Since everyone's checked in so far, I'm letting the due hour slide a little. It was mostly for my ability to monitor picks. Long as the receivers are okay with it and as long as picks are in by end of the day, I think we're good. Thank you all!

[Trip]

LaurLa wrote: "Laura, I’m really really sorry! Thanksgiving has thrown me off my game. In my head, I thought the 28th was tomorrow. I am out right now but should be home in a couple of hours.. So I will have your..."

Oh no worries! Completely understandable, enjoy the holidays. I've been losing track of the days myself, trying to sort Christmas gifts and stuff it's busy time. I'm fine with waiting, thanks for letting know xx

[Suzanne]

Hey Courtney! I'm working on your picks now, but I might not be done until after the cut off time! I'll definitely get them posted before I go to bed tonight though!

[Courtney]

Here you go Carmen. Sorry for the delay! Hope I got some good picks for you.

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America)
TBR: Swink (series)
NEW: Healed By Love (family)

Alfajores (South America)
NEW: The Poet X (speaks spanish)
TBR: Work in Progress (sandwich)

Nian Gao (China)
TBR: Smoke Bitten (paranormal)

Struffoli (Italy)
TBR: Christmas Angels (red)
NEW: On the Island (sweet)

Krumkake (Norway)
TBR: Shine Not Burn (fire)
NEW: His Princess (shy girl)

Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia)
NEW: Slightly Dangerous (European)

Polvorones (Spain)
TBR: Thief (animal)
NEW: Gentle Warrior (animal)

Brigadeiros (Brazil)
TBR: Caught on Camera (Chocolate)

’Shortie’ (UK)
TBR: I Am A Dominant (Shortie)
NEW: And He Shall Rule Over Her (Shortie - 23 pgs)

[Courtney]

Suzanne wrote: "Hey Courtney! I'm working on your picks now, but I might not be done until after the cut off time! I'll definitely get them posted before I go to bed tonight though!"

Take you time, girl. As long as it's done by the first, I'm good.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Hi Chaos Book Reviews! Internet seems to be working fine today and everybody was able to get off the mountain and back into the city this evening. My house is a disaster and I have a million other things to get done, but I'm sitting on the couch for the evening, or a day or two... 😂 So, here are your picks - finally! I hope they are worth the wait. 🤞🏼

Decorated Sugar Cookie:
NEW: The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
TBR: The Bombshell Effect by Karla Sorenson

Alfajorese:
NEW: Hard as It Gets by Laura Kaye
TBR: In My Custody by Stella Marie Alden

Nian Gao:
NEW: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
TBR: Under a Harvest Moon by Julie Trettel

Struffoil:
NEW: Mister Moneybags by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
TBR: Pucked by Helena Hunting

Krumkake:
NEW: The Dom Who Loved Me by Lexi Blake
TBR: Into The Fire by Leah Sharell

Pernik na Figurky:
NEW: Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely
TBR: Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

Polyorones:
NEW: The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen
TBR: Where We Belong by K.L. Grayson

Brigadeiros:
NEW: Midnight Man by Lisa Marie Rice
TBR: Lies by Kylie Scott

Shortie:
NEW: The Stocking was Hung by Tara Sivec
TBR: Thirty Day Boyfriend by Whitney G.

Happy Reading!

[LaurLa]

Hey Laura!! Finally got your picks. Again, I'm sorry I fubar-ed it and they're late. You have a majority of MM on your list and that's not really my genre but I picked the few good ones on my Read list for you. Hope you enjoy!

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America)
🔹TBR: Kiss of Midnight ~ Lara Adrian ~ bright
🔹NEW: Double Full ~ Kindle Alexander ~ series


Alfajores (South America)
🔹TBR: Beyond the Sea ~ Keira Andrews ~ embracing
🔹TBR: Transformation ~ X. Aratare ~ embracing


Nian Gao (China)
🔹TBR: A Witch in Love ~ Ruth Warburton ~ paranormal
🔹NEW: Year One ~ Nora Roberts ~ fantasy


Struffoli (Italy)
🔹TBR: Heiress for Hire ~ Erin McCarthy ~ red cover
🔹NEW: What Remains ~ Garrett Leigh ~ white cover


Krumkake (Norway)
🔹TBR: Like Water Catching Fire ~ E.M. Lindsey ~ fire
🔹TBR: The Coming of the Dragon ~ Rebecca Barnhouse ~ fire


Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia)
🔹TBR: Mr. January ~ Bailey Bradford ~ lots of brown skin!
🔹NEW: The Current Between Us ~ Kindle Alexander ~ brown cover


Polvorones (Spain)
🔹TBR: My Favorite Half-Night Stand ~ Christina Lauren ~ yellow cover
🔹NEW: The Gentleman and the Rogue ~ Bonnie Dee ~ historical


Brigadeiros (Brazil)
🔹TBR: Commitment Issues ~ Bradley Brady ~ I'm sure those are chocolate cupcakes ;-)
🔹NEW: I'll Be Your Drill, Soldier ~ Crystal Rose ~ military


’Shortie’ (UK)
🔹TBR: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover ~ Ally Carter ~ plaid
🔹NEW: Kiss of Steel ~ Bec McMaster ~ set in UK

[Suzanne]

Hey Courtney! Sorry for the delay, the holidays were SUPER busy for me. Let me know if you want me to do any repicks, just send me a pm. Enjoy!

Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America) –
Pick a book with a brightly colored cover, or is part of a series, or features a close-knit family.
- Brightly Colored Cover: If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
- Part of a Series: Cold Reign by Faith Hunter
- Close-Knit Family: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan



Alfajores (South America) –
Pick a book with a character who speaks Spanish or is from a Spanish-speaking country, or with a couple embracing on the cover, or a book that is ‘sandwiched’ somewhere in the middle of a series (not first or last).
- Spanish Speaker: Love, in English by Karina Halle - **NEW**
- Couple Embracing on Cover: Working It by Kendall Ryan
- Sandwiched in middle of series: Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran



Nian Gao (China) –
Pick a book with a Paranormal or Fantasy tag, a wealthy character or with an Asian character.
- Paranormal: My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland - **NEW**
- Wealthy: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
- Asian Character: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden



Struffoli (Italy)
Pick a book with any of the colors of the Italian flag (red, white or green), a sweet story, or one that was recommended or passed on to you.
- Red White & Green: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
- Sweet Story: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen - **NEW**
- Recommended to Me: In the Woods by Tana French – My mom loves this series



Krumkake (Norway) –
Pick a book with a soft-spoken or delicate character (does not have to be the MC), has fire on the cover or with the numbers 1 and 4 in the page count or publication date.
- Delicate Character: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
- Fire on the Cover: At Both Ends by Vanessa Lennox - **NEW**
- Numbers 1 and 4 in page count or pub date: Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin (341 Pages)



Pernik na Figurky (Czechoslovakia) –
Pick a book with a brown cover, or a book set in Europe or with a ‘spicy’ character (your interpretation!).
- Brown Cover: Chocolat by Joanne Harris
- Set in Europe: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
- Spicy Character: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones - **NEW**



Polvorones (Spain) –
Pick a book tagged as Historical, features an animal or animals, or has a yellow cover.
- Historical: Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
- Animals: Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis - **NEW**
- Yellow Cover: Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich



Brigadeiros (Brazil) –
Pick a book with chocolate in the story or on the cover, or has a 4 and 5 in the page count or publication date, or with a military character.
- Chocolate: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
- 4and 5 in page count: The Haunting of a Duke by Chasity Bowlin – 425 Pages
- Military: The Thing About Love by Julie James



’Shortie’ (UK) –
Pick a book set in the UK, or has plaid on the cover, or is a short story (under 200 pages) or with a character that goes by a nickname.
UK: Star Witch by Helen Harper
Plaid Cover: The Highlander's Bride by Michele Sinclair
Nickname: Real Murders by Charlaine Harris - **NEW**

[Suzanne]

☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Suzanne. . .here are you picks for December. Hope you find some good ones! Happy Thanksgiving!

🎁 Decorated Sugar Cookie (North America)
A Buccaneer at Heart, Stephanie Laurens — br..."

Thank you so much! These look fantastic!

[Jamie - The Bookish Attitude]

MountainKat wrote: "Hi Chaos Book Reviews! Internet seems to be working fine today and everybody was able to get off the mountain and back into the city this evening. My house is a disaster and I have a million other ..."

That's actually fantastic! 90% of the ones on my TBR that you picked I actually own so I will fingers crossed, be able to at least cross those one off my list.

[Trip]

LaurLa wrote: "Hey Laura!! Finally got your picks. Again, I'm sorry I fubar-ed it and they're late. You have a majority of MM on your list and that's not really my genre but I picked the few good ones on my Read ..."

Thank you! I've cleared a large amount of my TBR since I first joined like 9 yrs ago recently and left with mainly m/m or continue series. Sorry about that! You picked a great list though and some new ones I look forward too reading.

[Sonja]

Looks like that’s everyone! Thanks all!
Less than 12 hours my time until we start!
What’s everyone reading first?

Also, how’s this for ironic? My FIL just came back from visiting family for a month in El Salvador and brought us Alfajores! Sooo yummy!

[LaurLa]

Hazel wrote: "Hi Laurla

Here are my selections for you. Give me a shout if you need any changes made.."

Hey Hazel! I think I forgot to check in and say thanks for the picks! These look great... hopefully I'll do better this month than I have the last few...

[Gabriella]

Hey, Carina! I picked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as my PIFM book this month and already finished rereading it. I'd been looking for reading the illustrated edition for a long time, so thanks for making me get it off my shelf. I may read more of the books you chose, but let's wait and see how that goes.

[Trip]

Hey Laurla! Thank you for picking I loved it so much continued the rest of the set straight away and am almost finished with the series now!

Got a few others selected that I'm try and get too as well.

[Hazel]

LaurLa wrote: "Hazel wrote: "Hi Laurla

Here are my selections for you. Give me a shout if you need any changes made.."

Hey Hazel! I think I forgot to check in and say thanks for the picks! These look great... h..."

I was rubbish in all of my challenges last month. Hoping to catch up this month.

[Allie]

Hello Diane ~Firefly~, I finished my first pick from you today. . Thank you so much for giving me a push to continue this series. I read the first book a couple of years ago, and didn't love it. However, the second book was much stronger in my opinion! I'm already excited to read the third book soon.

[LaurLa]

Laura wrote: "Hey Laurla! Thank you for picking I loved it so much continued the rest of the set straight away and am almost finished with the series now!

Got a few others se..."

Yay!!! Glad I made a good one for you :-)

[Fran, Moderator]

Mary-Megan wrote: "Fran
Here are my picks for you. I hope you find something good in here."

Hi Mary-Megan!
I finished Owning the Beast from your list for me. It was a fun quickie. Thanks for getting it off my tbr :) I hope to get to another pick before the end of the month. If I don't get to any, several of your new picks for me were added to my tbr :)

[Nancy H]

Hi Sonja,
I have finished Thank You For Riding and really enjoyed it.
I also read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill , which you had on my list, but which I finished right at the end of last month, so can't count it for this month. That said, I LOVED that book!

I am right now in the middle of the 'Land of Glitter' book and am enjoying it for its humor and unusual plot. I hope to get to a few more this month but with a load of company coming, we will see!

Thanks again for great picks. I hope you are having a good reading month.