2020 May Monthly Challenge

[Rissa]

Awesome job, Connie N.! :)

[Susan]

9/10


1. Happy May Birthday!
🌸Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
Sheik's Rescue - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1712 - May 2017) - May 10

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley symbolizes Sweetness, Motherhood, and Humility. It is also sometimes called May bells or Mary's tears; and very poisonous.
🌸Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Son of the Sheik - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1718 - June 2017) (mother) - May 11

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen:
🌸Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.
Link to Sarina Bowen's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...

Fun Facts about Sarina Bowen:
* Sarina Bowen has roots in Vermont
* Used to be a derivatives trader in Wall Street
* Award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary novels
* Has been in the USA Today bestseller's list 13 times and counting...
🌸You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
The Banty House - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - May 2020) (initial B) - May 14

4. May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is because May was the month when the first of the Japanese immigrated to the United States (May 7, 1843) and May was also the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad where Chinese immigrants were mostly the workers (May 10, 1869).
🌸Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Sheik's Rule - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1705 - Apr 2017) (travel by plane, helicopter) - May 8

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day. Now more than ever, especially if you have been homeschooling your kids, we need to show appreciation to our teachers!
🌸Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
The Irish Enchantress - Amy J. Fetzer (Zebra - Mar 2001) (child) - May 13

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day. Again, now more than ever, we understand the important role that nurses play as first responders. Along with other hospital staff, we need to honor our nurses!
🌸Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.

7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. All over the world, restaurants are fighting to stay open. We need to recognize the importance of good waiters/waitresses.
🌸Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
Cooking Up Romance - Lynne Marshall (HSE #2740 - Jan 2020) - May 2

8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Many people right now are drinking wine, more than ever! So let's celebrate this alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes (or other fruits)!
🌸Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
Girls of Summer - Nancy Thayer (Ballantine - June 2020) (wine drinking) - May 17

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day. Macaroon OR Macaron? Potayto, potahto. No, just kidding. Macaroons and macarons are two different cookies. Macaroons are coconut based, while macarons are meringue based; BOTH ARE DELICIOUS!
🌸Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
The Seaside Cafe - Rochelle Alers (Dafina - June 2020) (baked goods) - May 21

10. Reader's Choice:
🌸Read any book of your choice.
Captivated by Love - Brenda Jackson (Madaris Publishing - Dec 2016) - May 2


6

[Patrizia]

Just finished!

2020 May Monthly Challenge
5/5 romance

1. Happy May Birthday! - Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
Scent of Danger by Terri Reed 12 May; 4★


2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley.

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.

You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
313 pages- Starlight Dunes by Vickie McKeehan 5 May; 4 1/2★


4.May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day.

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day.
Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
male MC is a K-9 policeman- Lone Star Protector by Lenora Worth 15 May; 4 1/2★


7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day.
Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
Un luogo per restare (=Home to Stay) by Terri Osburn 9 May; 4★


8. May 25th is National Wine Day.

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day.

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
Il coraggio di donarsi (=More to Give) by Terri Osburn 22 May; 4★

[Rissa]

Yay! Congrats, Patrizia! :)

[Bookchaser]

2020 May Monthly Challenge



6/10 Completed


01. Happy May Birthday!: 🎂Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
The Ghost by Monica McCarty 05/17/20
02. Flower of the Month ~ Lily of the Valley: 💐Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains 05/06/20
03. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) ~ Sarina Bowen: 📚Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.
You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen
OR
Coming in from the Cold by Sarina Bowen
OR
Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen
04. Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: 🥡Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Reynold de Burgh: The Dark Knight by Deborah Simmons
05. Cinco de Mayo and National Teacher's Day (May 5): 🌮Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
Sawdust and Mistletoe by Michelle Pennington
OR
Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson
OR
Patchwork Family in the Outback by Soraya M. Lane
06. National Nurses Day (May 6): 👩🏻‍⚕️Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
The Highlander Next Door by Janet Chapman 05/23/20
07. National Waiters and Waitresses Day (May 21): 🥞Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
High Heels and Haystacks by Erin Nicholas 05/11/20
08. National Wine Day (May 25): 🍷Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine by Heather Heyford 05/17/20
09. National Macaroon Day (May 31): 🍪Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst 05/08/20
10. Reader's Choice: 📚Read any book of your choice.
Call It Magic by Janet Chapman
OR
No Time to Explain by Kate Angell
OR
The Key Ingredient by Susan Wiggs


XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX

[Susan]

10/10 DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


1. Happy May Birthday!
🌸Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
Sheik's Rescue - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1712 - May 2017) - May 10

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley symbolizes Sweetness, Motherhood, and Humility. It is also sometimes called May bells or Mary's tears; and very poisonous.
🌸Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Son of the Sheik - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1718 - June 2017) (mother) - May 11

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen:
🌸Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.
Link to Sarina Bowen's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...

Fun Facts about Sarina Bowen:
* Sarina Bowen has roots in Vermont
* Used to be a derivatives trader in Wall Street
* Award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary novels
* Has been in the USA Today bestseller's list 13 times and counting...
🌸You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
The Banty House - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - May 2020) (initial B) - May 14

4. May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is because May was the month when the first of the Japanese immigrated to the United States (May 7, 1843) and May was also the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad where Chinese immigrants were mostly the workers (May 10, 1869).
🌸Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Sheik's Rule - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1705 - Apr 2017) (travel by plane, helicopter) - May 8

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day. Now more than ever, especially if you have been homeschooling your kids, we need to show appreciation to our teachers!
🌸Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
The Irish Enchantress - Amy J. Fetzer (Zebra - Mar 2001) (child) - May 13

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day. Again, now more than ever, we understand the important role that nurses play as first responders. Along with other hospital staff, we need to honor our nurses!
🌸Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
First Comes Scandal - Julia Quinn (Avon - Apr 2020) (doctor) - May 24

7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. All over the world, restaurants are fighting to stay open. We need to recognize the importance of good waiters/waitresses.
🌸Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
Cooking Up Romance - Lynne Marshall (HSE #2740 - Jan 2020) - May 2

8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Many people right now are drinking wine, more than ever! So let's celebrate this alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes (or other fruits)!
🌸Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
Girls of Summer - Nancy Thayer (Ballantine - June 2020) (wine drinking) - May 17

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day. Macaroon OR Macaron? Potayto, potahto. No, just kidding. Macaroons and macarons are two different cookies. Macaroons are coconut based, while macarons are meringue based; BOTH ARE DELICIOUS!
🌸Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
The Seaside Cafe - Rochelle Alers (Dafina - June 2020) (baked goods) - May 21

10. Reader's Choice:
🌸Read any book of your choice.
Captivated by Love - Brenda Jackson (Madaris Publishing - Dec 2016) - May 2

[Rissa]

Awesome! Congrats Susan! :)

[Frankie]

2020 May Monthly Challenge

10/10 Completed. Finish!

1. Happy May Birthday! - Read a book published in May.
Blow My Fuse-Autumn Jones Lake 5/20

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley symbolizes Sweetness, Motherhood, and Humility. It is also sometimes called May bells or Mary's tears; and very poisonous.
Read a book that has some white on the cover.
Weightless-Kandi Steiner 5/01

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Read one book written by Sarina Bowen.
Sarina Bowen-Bittersweet 5/15

4.May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is because May was the month when the first of the Japanese immigrated to the United States (May 7, 1843) and May was also the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad where Chinese immigrants were mostly the workers (May 10,1869).
Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat).
Savage Burn-Lisa Renee Jones 5/21

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day. Now more than ever, especially if you have been homeschooling your kids, we need to show appreciation to our teachers!
Read a book with a teacher MC.
The Clover Chapel-Devney Perry 5/07

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day. Again, now more than ever, we understand the important role that nurses play as first responders. Along with other hospital staff, we need to honor our nurses!
Read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
(Page Count=316)
Rock Bottom-Emily Goodwin 5/23

7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. All over the world, restaurants are fighting to stay open. We need to recognize the importance of good waiters/waitresses.
Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.
Before We Fall-Jordan Marie 5/05

8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Many people right now are drinking wine, more than ever! So let's celebrate this alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes (or other fruits)!
Read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
May Contain Wine-Lani Lynn Vale 5/14

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day. Macaroon OR Macaron? Potayto, potahto. No, just kidding. Macaroons and macarons are two different cookies. Macaroons are coconut based, while macarons are meringue based; BOTH ARE DELICIOUS!
Read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
The Wrong Sister-Leanne Davis 5/08

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
Lilly-Ambere Sabo 5/02

[Georgina]

Finished on post #20

[Rissa]

Yay! Awesome job, Frankie and Georgina! :)

Last week of May, everyone, hope you all are enjoying your last books for the month!

[Lacy]

Almost finished...

Completed: 8/10

✔️1. Happy May Birthday: My Surrender - Connie Brockway - 5/10 - ****
✔️2. FotM - Lily of the Valley: From the Ashes of War - Diane Moody - 5/7 - *****
✔️3. FAC - Sarina Bowen: Filthy English - Ilsa Madden-Mills - 5/14 - ****
✔️4. Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Spider - Ilsa Madden-Mills - 5/15 - *****
5. National Teacher's Day:
✔️6. National Nurses Day: Dirty English - Ilsa Madden-Mills - 5/13 - ****
7. National Waiters/Waitresses Day: Then. Now. Always. - Mona Shroff
✔️8. National Wine Day: Can't Get Enough - Gena Showalter - 5/20 - ****
✔️9. National Macaroon Day: Emory's Gift - W. Bruce Cameron - 5/2 - *****
✔️10. Reader's Choice: My Favorite Souvenir

[Elaine]

Finished challenge ~ see post 34.
Enjoyed it, thank you.

[Bookchaser]

2020 May Monthly Challenge



9/10 Completed


01. Happy May Birthday!: 🎂Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
The Ghost by Monica McCarty 05/17/20
02. Flower of the Month ~ Lily of the Valley: 💐Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains 05/06/20
03. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) ~ Sarina Bowen: 📚Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.
You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
Coming in from the Cold by Sarina Bowen 05/25/20
04. Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: 🥡Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Reynold de Burgh: The Dark Knight by Deborah Simmons 05/29/20
05. Cinco de Mayo and National Teacher's Day (May 5): 🌮Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
Sawdust and Mistletoe by Michelle Pennington 05/27/20
06. National Nurses Day (May 6): 👩🏻‍⚕️Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
The Highlander Next Door by Janet Chapman 05/23/20
07. National Waiters and Waitresses Day (May 21): 🥞Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
High Heels and Haystacks by Erin Nicholas 05/11/20
08. National Wine Day (May 25): 🍷Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine by Heather Heyford 05/17/20
09. National Macaroon Day (May 31): 🍪Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst 05/08/20
10. Reader's Choice: 📚Read any book of your choice.
Call It Magic by Janet Chapman
OR
No Time to Explain by Kate Angell
OR
The Key Ingredient by Susan Wiggs


XXX XXX XXX XXX

[Loz]

Completed 8/8 -

✓1. May/Green Cover - Stranger Ranger (26.05.20) 2★
✓ 2. Mother/White Cover - Awk-Weird (12.05.20) 4★
✓ 3. Author Initials S.B - Reed (13.05.20) 2.5★
✓ 4. MCs Travel - (Plane) Break the Rules (05.05.20) 4★
✓ 5. Teacher MC - Now You See Me (04.05.20) 2.5★
✓ 6. Nurse/First Responders - Someday, Someday MM (13.05.20) 5★
✓ 8. W.I.N.E Country - (USA) LOL: Laugh Out Loud (01.05.20) 3★
✓ 10. Reader's Choice - What Lies Beneath MM (08.05.20) 4★

[♥Lynn ♥]

I'm in!
10/10

1. Happy Birthday- Shameless King by Maya Hughes
2. White Cover -Significance byShelly Crane
3. author Initial S and/or B - House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
4. Travel -Wild Irish byC.M. Seabrook
5. Teacher- Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood
6. First Responders- Heat Exchange by Shannon Stacey
7. Restaurant Industry-Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep
8. Alcoholic Beverage-King by T.M. Frazier
9. Set in Italy Or Baked Good-Miss Invisible byLaura Jensen Walker
10. Reader's Choice-Walking in the Dark by Donna Augustine

[Rissa]

Great job - congrats Elaine and Loz! :)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

2020 May Monthly Challenge

Me! 🙋🏻‍♀️

10 of 10. Updated 5.28.2020 DONE!

1, Happy May Birthday!: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 5.23.2020
2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: Legend by Sawyer Bennett 5.16.2020
3. Featured Author Challenge - Sarina Bowen: Man Card by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby 5.6.2020
4. May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: The Theory of Second Best by J. Bengtsson 5.19.2020
5. National Teacher's Day - May 5: Retribution by Sloane Kennedy 5.8.2020
6. National Nurse's Day - May 6: Fatal Destiny by Marie Force 5.4.2020
7. National Waiters and Waitresses Day - May 21: Her Guardian Angel by Larissa Ione and Lexi Blake 5.14.2020
8. National Wine Day - May 25: Clarity of Lines by N.R. Walker 5.8.2020
9. National Macaroon Day - May 31: The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely 5.13.2020
Reader's Choice: Among the Living by Jordan Castillo Price 5.15.2020

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Look - the month isn't even over yet and I'm posting! 😮

[Tiki]

2020 May Monthly Challenge
⛈⛈⛈10/10 COMPLETED!!!⛈⛈⛈
Original Post #16

☔1. Happy May Birthday! - Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
One Dom to Love Shayla Black {published May 2015} (05/08/20)

☔2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley symbolizes Sweetness, Motherhood, and Humility. It is also sometimes called May bells or Mary's tears; and very poisonous.
Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Wildest Dreams Kristen Ashley (05/05/20)

☔️3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.

Link to Sarina Bowen's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...

Fun Facts about Sarina Bowen:
* Sarina Bowen has roots in Vermont
* Used to be a derivatives trader in Wall Street
* Award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary novels
* Has been in the USA Today bestseller's list 13 times and counting...

You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.

Coming in from the Cold by: Sarina Bowen (05/28/20)

☔️4.May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is because May was the month when the first of the Japanese immigrated to the United States (May 7, 1843) and May was also the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad where Chinese immigrants were mostly the workers (May 10,1869).
Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Firewalker by: Allyson James (05/26/20)


☔️5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day. Now more than ever, especially if you have been homeschooling your kids, we need to show appreciation to our teachers!
Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
Belonging Robin Lee Hatcher (05/19/20)

☔6. May 6th is National Nurses Day. Again, now more than ever, we understand the important role that nurses play as first responders. Along with other hospital staff, we need to honor our nurses!
Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2<\b> to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
Violent Delights by: Linnea May (05/08/20)

☔️7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. All over the world, restaurants are fighting to stay open. We need to recognize the importance of good waiters/waitresses.
Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
Stormwalker by: Allyson James (05/26/20)

☔8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Many people right now are drinking wine, more than ever! So let's celebrate this alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes (or other fruits)!
Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
Call Me Daddy Jade West (05/06/20)

☔️9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day. Macaroon OR Macaron? Potayto, potahto. No, just kidding. Macaroons and macarons are two different cookies. Macaroons are coconut based, while macarons are meringue based; BOTH ARE DELICIOUS!
Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
Black Swan Affair by: K.L. Kreig (05/28/20)

☔10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
The Empress' New Clothes Jaid Black (05/06/20)

[Rissa]

MountainKat wrote: "Look - the month isn't even over yet and I'm posting! 😮"

LOL! Yay!

[Rissa]

Awesome job! Congrats MountainKat and Tiki! :)

2 more days till the end of the May! Keep on reading! :)

[☘KathyD☘]

Monthly Challenge — May
Completed — 10/10!

1. Happy May Birthday! ➔ 🌸 published in May
Everywhere and Every Way, Jennifer Probst – 5/9/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

2. Flower of the Month – Lily of the Valley ➔ 🌸 features a sweet character, main character is a mom, some white on the cover
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, Darynda Jones – 5/3/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) – Sarina Bowen ➔ 🌸 page count includes a “1”
Delayed Satisfaction, Lauren Blakely – 5/15/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

4. Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month ➔ 🌸 main characters travel
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, Darynda Jones – 5/12/20 – ✮✮✮✮✮

5. Cinco de Mayo & National Teacher Day (May 5) ➔ 🌸 book with children
Tempt the Boss, Natasha Madison – 5/14/20 – ✮✮✮✮✮

6. National Nurses Day (May 6) ➔ 🌸 book with a 5 in the page count
Primal Bonds, Jennifer Ashley – 5/21/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

7. National Waiters and Waitresses Day (May 21) ➔ 🌸 book that was recommended to me
Cowboy Casanova, Lorelei James – 5/18/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

8. National Wine Day (May 25) ➔ 🌸 main character drinks wine or another type of alcoholic beverage
Say My Name (reread), Julie Kenner – 5/24/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

9. National Macaroon Day (May 31) 🌸 ➔ main character eats a baked good
Midnight’s Seduction Donna Grant – 5/6/20 – ✮✮✮✮✰

10. Reader’s Choice ➔ 🌸 any book
Caught, Piper Stone – 5/28/20 – ✮✮✮✰✰

[Rissa]

Yay, ☘KathyD☘! Great job!

I can't believe we only have one more day of May left - the month flew by!

[Christine]

...10/10 Completed May 31

1. Happy May Birthday! - A Mother in the Making by Lilian Darcy May 23, 3 stars

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley - Nothing Short of Perfect by Day Leclaire May 30, 2 stars

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Coming in from the Cold by Sarina Bowen May 17, 3 stars

4.May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden May 21, 5 stars

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day - Simply Love by Mary Balogh May 10, 4 stars

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day - Virgin River by Robyn Carr May 28, 4 stars

7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day - Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke May 18, 3 stars

8. May 25th is National Wine Day - I Only Have Eyes for You by Bella Andre May 12, 4 stars

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day - The Valtieri Marriage Deal by Caroline Anderson May 31, 2 stars

10. Reader's Choice: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price by Kalayna Price May 6, 4 stars

[Mave]

Done!
2020 May Monthly Challenge
Timeframe: 5/1/20 to 5/31/20
5/5

1. Happy May Birthday! - Read a book published in May
Now You See Me by Sharon J. Bolton,05/27/20 **** published May 26th 2011

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley symbolizes Sweetness, Motherhood, and Humility. It is also sometimes called May bells or Mary's tears; and very poisonous.
Read a book that has some white on the cover.
Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista by Amy Silver,05/09/20 ***

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.

Link to Sarina Bowen's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...

Fun Facts about Sarina Bowen:
* Sarina Bowen has roots in Vermont
* Used to be a derivatives trader in Wall Street
* Award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary novels
* Has been in the USA Today bestseller's list 13 times and counting...

You may also read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
The Ring by Danielle Steel,05/24/20 *** pages 352
4.May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is because May was the month when the first of the Japanese immigrated to the United States (May 7, 1843) and May was also the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad where Chinese immigrants were mostly the workers (May 10,1869).
Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day. Now more than ever, especially if you have been homeschooling your kids, we need to show appreciation to our teachers!
Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day. Again, now more than ever, we understand the important role that nurses play as first responders. Along with other hospital staff, we need to honor our nurses!
Read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
Tied by Emma Chase,05/24/20 *** pages 256
7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. All over the world, restaurants are fighting to stay open. We need to recognize the importance of good waiters/waitresses.
Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".

8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Many people right now are drinking wine, more than ever! So let's celebrate this alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes (or other fruits)!
Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day. Macaroon OR Macaron? Potayto, potahto. No, just kidding. Macaroons and macarons are two different cookies. Macaroons are coconut based, while macarons are meringue based; BOTH ARE DELICIOUS!
Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray,05/05/20 ***

[Bookchaser]

2020 May Monthly Challenge



I finished!


10/10 Completed


01. Happy May Birthday!: 🎂Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
The Ghost by Monica McCarty 05/17/20
02. Flower of the Month ~ Lily of the Valley: 💐Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Snowfall on Cedar Trail by Annie Rains 05/06/20
03. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) ~ Sarina Bowen: 📚Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.
You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.
Coming in from the Cold by Sarina Bowen 05/25/20
04. Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: 🥡Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Reynold de Burgh: The Dark Knight by Deborah Simmons 05/29/20
05. Cinco de Mayo and National Teacher's Day (May 5): 🌮Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
Sawdust and Mistletoe by Michelle Pennington 05/27/20
06. National Nurses Day (May 6): 👩🏻‍⚕️Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
The Highlander Next Door by Janet Chapman 05/23/20
07. National Waiters and Waitresses Day (May 21): 🥞Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".
High Heels and Haystacks by Erin Nicholas 05/11/20
08. National Wine Day (May 25): 🍷Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title.
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine by Heather Heyford 05/17/20
09. National Macaroon Day (May 31): 🍪Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.
The Marriage Trap by Jennifer Probst 05/08/20
10. Reader's Choice: 📚Read any book of your choice.
Rekindle the Flame by Kate Meader 05/31/20

[Rissa]

Yay, great job, Christine, Mave, and Bookchaser!!!!

It was fun hosting! Onto June! :)

[Michaele]

10/10

Complete!
2020 May Monthly Challenge

1. Happy May Birthday! - Read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald. Action, Quinn Anderson, 5/5

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: Read a book that has a sweet character or read a book that has some white on the cover. Geeks, Nerds, and Cuddles, Brigham Vaughn, 5/1

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Good Boy, Sarina Bowen, 5/15

4.May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC - Caught, A.B. Gayle, 5/3

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day.
Read a book with a teacher MC Organic Chemistry, Andrew Grey, 5/6

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day.
Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. Sweet Treats, Stormy Glenn, 5/2

7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry, Cops, Cakes, and Coffee, Sara York, 5/2

8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Borrowing Blue, Lucy Lennox, 5/28

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day.
Read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! Macarons at Midnight, M.J. O'Shea, 5/6

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice. The Blueprint, S.E. Harmon, 5/22

[Suzanne]

Finished with 7!

Romance Readers Reading Challenges
2020 May Monthly Challenge
Duration: 5/1/2020 - 5/31/2020

Progress: 7 out of 7

1. Happy May Birthday! - Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald:
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig - **** - 5/28/2020 - 400 Pages

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: The Lily of the Valley symbolizes Sweetness, Motherhood, and Humility. It is also sometimes called May bells or Mary's tears; and very poisonous.
Read a book that has a sweet character; or read a book where the MC is a mother or mother figure; or read a book that has some white on the cover.
Again, but Better by Christine Riccio - ***** - 5/11/2020 - 373 Pages

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Read one book written by Sarina Bowen or any author with her first or last name.

Fun Facts about Sarina Bowen:
* Sarina Bowen has roots in Vermont
* Used to be a derivatives trader in Wall Street
* Award-winning author of more than 30 contemporary novels
* Has been in the USA Today bestseller's list 13 times and counting...

You may also read a book that has an author with the initial S and/or B; or read a book with a page count that has the number 0, 1, or 3.

4. May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is because May was the month when the first of the Japanese immigrated to the United States (May 7, 1843) and May was also the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad where Chinese immigrants were mostly the workers (May 10,1869).
Read a book with an Asian American/Pacific Islander MC, or where the MCs travel (bonus points if they travel by train, plane, or boat); or read a book where the MCs eat Chinese/Japanese/Filipino/Korean/Thai/etc. food.
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Hector Garcia Puigcerver - *** - 5/29/2020 - 194 Pages

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day. Now more than ever, especially if you have been homeschooling your kids, we need to show appreciation to our teachers!
Read a book with a teacher MC or a book with a child/children. You can also read a book with the Mexican flag colors: red, white, or green, to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French empire!
Yesterday, I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant - ***** - 5/24/2020 - 304 Pages

6. May 6th is National Nurses Day. Again, now more than ever, we understand the important role that nurses play as first responders. Along with other hospital staff, we need to honor our nurses!
Read a book with a nurse MC or other first responders: doctors, police officers, firefighters, etc. You can also read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 5, 1, or 2 to commemorate Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12th.
Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning - *** - 5/14/2020 - 416 Pages

7. May 21st is National Waiters and Waitresses Day. All over the world, restaurants are fighting to stay open. We need to recognize the importance of good waiters/waitresses.
Read a book with a MC that is in the restaurant industry: owner, chef, waiter/waitress, etc.; or read a book with a type of food found in a restaurant on the cover. You can also read a book that was recommended to you as a good "tip".

8. May 25th is National Wine Day. Many people right now are drinking wine, more than ever! So let's celebrate this alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes (or other fruits)!
Read a book that is set in a country where they produce wine (Italy, France, Spain, or United States), or read a book where the MCs drink wine or another type of alcoholic beverage. You can also read a book that includes the letters W I N E in the author's name, book title, or series title:
Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath - ***** - 5/3/2020 - 292 Pages - Drinks Whiskey Sours

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day. Macaroon OR Macaron? Potayto, potahto. No, just kidding. Macaroons and macarons are two different cookies. Macaroons are coconut based, while macarons are meringue based; BOTH ARE DELICIOUS!
Read a book set in Italy since that was where macaroons originated from, or read a book where one of the MCs eat a baked good, bonus points if it's a cookie - more bonus points if it's a MACAROON! You can also read a book where there is a circular object or something brown on the cover since the most popular flavor of macaroons in America is coconut.

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice:
Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - **** - 5/1/2020 - 385 Pages

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Thanks Rissa! It was a fun month!

[Julianna]

Final Update 6/2

1. Happy May Birthday! Summer at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn (5/10)★★★★

2. Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley: Lord of Fire by Gaelen Foley (5/31)★★★★★

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarina Bowen: Slave by Sherri Hayes (5/17)★★★★1/2

4. May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: The Corsage (from Prom Nights from Hell) by Lauren Myracle (5/18)★★★1/2

5. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo but it is also National Teacher's Day: I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali, Delphine Minoui (5/4)★★★★1/2

9.May 31st is National Macaroon Day: Forever & Ever by Patricia Gaffney (5/24)★★★★1/2

10. Reader's Choice: Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper (from Prom Nights from Hell) by Kim Harrison (5/11)★★★

Completed 7/7

[LaurLa]

Finished - thank-you!!
Updated post: My Monthly Challenge (msg 67)

10 of 10 Completed

[Rissa]

Congrats to Michaele, Suzanne, Julianna, and LaurLa! Great job! :)

[Rissa]

MountainKat wrote: "Thanks Rissa! It was a fun month!"

It was fun hosting! :)

[Lacy]

Almost made it!

Completed: 9/10

✔️1. Happy May Birthday: My Surrender - Connie Brockway - 5/10 - ****
✔️2. FotM - Lily of the Valley: From the Ashes of War - Diane Moody - 5/7 - *****
✔️3. FAC - Sarina Bowen: Filthy English - Ilsa Madden-Mills - 5/14 - ****
✔️4. Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Spider - Ilsa Madden-Mills - 5/15 - *****
5. National Teacher's Day:
✔️6. National Nurses Day: Dirty English - Ilsa Madden-Mills - 5/13 - ****
✔️7. National Waiters/Waitresses Day: Then. Now. Always. - Mona Shroff - 5/26 - *****
✔️8. National Wine Day: Can't Get Enough - Gena Showalter - 5/20 - ****
✔️9. National Macaroon Day: Emory's Gift - W. Bruce Cameron - 5/2 - *****
✔️10. Reader's Choice: My Favorite Souvenir

[Rissa]

Still good, Lacy! Hope you enjoyed your May books! :)