Annie's 2021 Reading Challenge

[Annie]

Looking forward to joining you for another year of reading!

I'm not going to pick a number of books this year. I think I'll just see what happens!

[Elyse, Moderator]

Welcome back, Annie! Good idea, just read!

[Annie]

1. The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. This was a reread for me - read it for a book group. The historical events still amaze me!

2. The Fifteen Wonders of Daniel Green by Erica Boyce. Interesting story, wish the novel went a bit deeper into the crop circles.

3. The Survivors by Jane Harper. I'm a huge Jane Harper fan and this one did not disappoint! Loved the setting, characters, and the whole atmosphere of the book.

[Elyse, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "1. The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. This was a reread for me - read it for a book group. The historical events still amaze me!..."

I really enjoyed Gaynor's Titanic novel, The Girl Who Came Home, and I definitely want to read more of her books in the future. If Cottingley is worth a re-read, it might be my next Gaynor!

[Annie]

4. Shipped by Angie Hockman. Fun romcom with the Galapagos Islands as the setting.

5. Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler. The history behind the Berachah Industrial Home was very interesting, the content of this book is dark and at times difficult to read.

6. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict. I'm a longtime fan of Agatha Christie novels so was intrigued by this novel which focused on Christie's mysterious eleven day disappearance. Well done!

[Annie]

Elyse wrote: "Annie wrote: "1. The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. This was a reread for me - read it for a book group. The historical events still amaze me!..."

I really enj..."

Elyse, If you enjoy historical fiction, Gaynor has a new book out that you might enjoy - When We Were Young & Brave. I haven't read it yet but it's in my TBR pile!

[Elyse, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Annie wrote: "1. The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. This was a reread for me - read it for a book group. The historical events still amaze me!..."..."

I do enjoy historical fic and it is on my radar! Thanks!

[Annie]

7. Shiver by Allie Reynolds

8. Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank by Elin Hilderbrand

9. The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees by Meredith May

10. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

[Elyse, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "10. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner..."

How was it? The cover is so pretty and I *almost* picked it as BOTM but I stopped myself. lol

[Annie]

Elyse wrote: "Annie wrote: "10. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner..."

How was it? The cover is so pretty and I *almost* picked it as BOTM but I stopped myself. lol"

Lol! You have more "shelf-control" than I do when it comes to BOTM, or any bookshop! I enjoyed The Lost Apothecary - it has an atmospheric setting in 18th century London that drew me in! Congrats to Sarah Penner on her debut! Just learned that the Fox network is set to turn it into a drama series.

[Elyse, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Annie wrote: "10. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner..."

How was it? The cover is so pretty and I *almost* picked it as BOTM but I stopped myself. lol"

Lol! You have more "shelf-co..."

Well, I picked 3 other ones that month. And the next month, and the next month, lol. Good to hear that you liked it! I'll probably see if Overdrive or Hoopla have it.

[Annie]

11. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. Wow! I loved this book, couldn't put it down!

[Carol]

Annie wrote: "11. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. Wow! I loved this book, couldn't put it down!"

Oh great! It is on my to read list! Good to hear a good review from a fellow "75 bookser"!

[Annie]

Carol, I hope it's just what you're looking for!

[Annie]

12. Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer by Heather Lende. This was a book club selection - so glad it was brought to my attention! In the past I've also enjoyed If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska by this author.

[Juli, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "12. Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer by Heather Lende. This was a book club selection - so glad it was brought to my attention..."

Ohhhh! I am intrigued.

[Andrea, Moderator]

8. Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank by Elin Hilderbrand

I just discovered this book! I places a hold but it looks like it is in high demand. I can't want to get this one!

[Annie]

13. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

14. A Betting Woman: A Novel of Madame Moustache by Jenni L. Walsh.

15. I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. No BS. Just a 6-Week Program That Works by Ramit Sethi. One of my few non fictions of the year.

16. You Can Run by Karen Cleveland. NetGalley ARC. I really enjoy Karen Cleveland's books - pure escapism!

17. The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny. Loved it! Always sad when a Three Pines novel comes to an end.

18. Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer. ARC from NetGalley - fun read!

19. The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews. Another NetGalley ARC - nice one to add to this year's Christmas novel list!

20. The Sky Beneath My Feet by Lisa Samson. A book group selection.

21. The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell. A twisty read for October!

22. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan. I loved this book and will be purchasing copies for Christmas gifts this year. What a delight to read!

Wow! Can't believe I was so behind on posting! Will try to keep up going forward.

[Elyse, Moderator]

I thought The Santa Suit was cute!

[Annie]

Elyse wrote: "I thought The Santa Suit was cute!"

I did too. Actually helped get me out of a little reading rut!

[Juli, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "13. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

14. A Betting Woman: A Novel of Madame Moustache by Jenni L. Walsh.

15. [book:I Will Teach ..."

I am super behind on posting as well!

[Annie]

Juli, It's nice to know I'm in good company!

[Annie]

23. In Another Light by A.J. Banner. This was just the escape I needed, read it in one day.

[Annie]

24. The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell'Antonia. This was a book group selection. Wasn't too sure about it when I started but I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would!

[Andrea, Moderator]

Annie wrote: "24. The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell'Antonia. This was a book group selection. Wasn't too sure about it when I started but I ended up enjoying this more than I thou..."

I felt the same way about this book, very cute!

[Annie]

And my last book of 2021:

25. New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan. Loved it! A great way to end the year!