2022 November Pick-It-For-Me Challenge

[Fran, Moderator]

2022 November PIFM Challenge

What is the Pick-It-For-Me Challenge?

The Pick-It-For-Me Challenge (PIFM) is a reading challenge where each participant gives and receives book recommendations based on a given a set of rules. The assignment method and book selection rules change each month so it’s always new and always different.

The idea of the PIFM challenge is that you will get new-to-you books and authors selected for you as well as a push to read some books that have been lingering on your shelves. You may not be interested in the new books recommended, which is why you also get a minimum of four books from your shelf.

You only have to read ONE book to complete this challenge!

After signups are closed, your names and any extra info will go into the super secret PIFM randomizer and it will select someone for you to recommend books to and someone to give you recommendations. This list will be posted along with any specific picking rules for the month.

In order to participate you need to either HAVE YOUR PROFILE SET TO PUBLIC (preferable), or friend the person giving you recommendations. PLEASE NOTE: if you choose to keep your profile private, it is your responsibility to send a friend request to the person picking for you as soon as possible after the matchups are posted. Whether your profile is private or not, it is also very important that your profile be set to receive Private Messages (PMs) in case anyone needs to reach out to you (mods, organizer etc.)

Everything gets done in this thread so be sure to come back often!!!

Repicks:
You can ask for repicks if:
✱ The books picked for you are not yet released.
✱ If you have already read the chosen book(s) and they are on your ‘read’ shelf.
✱ If you did not receive four picks from your ‘to-read’ shelf, with at least one from your preferred shelf.

You may NOT ask for repicks because:
✱ A book is not available at your library.
✱ A genre or author you don’t enjoy.

INFORMATION NEEDED TO SIGN UP
Please answer the below question:

✱✱What is your favorite type of dessert?✱✱

✱✱ If you have a preferred shelf, please list it along with your pick! ✱✱

IMPORTANT DATES
Sign ups will remain open until October 24 ( 10 am US EST)

You’ll have until October 30 ( 10 am US EST) to make your recommendations.


Please do not start reading your book(s) until the first of the month. You then have the entire month to read your pick(s) and give some feedback.

If you’re new please read the PIFM Guidelines and FAQ . If you have any questions that are not addressed there, please feel free to ask!


✱Please note that late sign ups will be included at the host's discretion and no one will be included after re-picks are assigned!✱

[Fran, Moderator]

TIPS TO MAKE THE CHALLENGE ENJOYABLE FOR EVERYONE!


Pickees
✱ To help your picker understand the type of books you like or are currently reading, please make sure your ‘read’ shelf is up to date. You can create shelves for books you DNFed (Did Not Finish) or authors that don’t work for you as well as favorite books and authors. In addition, you might consider updating your profile. You can include info about your favorite books, authors, genres, themes or tropes (or themes/tropes you dislike – i.e. secret baby).
✱ Please do not specify likes/dislikes in the sign-up thread. This information will not be included in the pairings and your pickee may not see your message and does not need to rely on that information when making picks.

Pickers
✱ Please remember this is primarily a romance readers group. Thus, most, if not all, of your picks should be romance. There are various sub genres within the romance category - Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Erotica, M/M, Urban Fantasy. If your pickee reads a wide variety, you could add a non-romance as a choice.

✱ You will be using 8 picking rules to select books for you pickee. Choose at least 4 new titles for your pickee. These can be brand new to them (not found on any of their shelves) or a book found on their shelves if they've never read any of the author's work previously. The remaining 4 titles should come from your pickee's tbr, with a minimum of one from their preferred shelves if provided. Be sure to pick at least one book for each picking rule, but please limit your picks to no more than two books per rule as sometimes having too many options is worse than too few.

✱ Please remember when you are giving new recommendations, you are not limited to titles that you have read. You can choose books that are new releases, on your tbr, or titles you looked up on Goodreads or Amazon that you think your pickee would enjoy.

A few hints to help with book selection:
✱ Check the book’s publishing date. Select "date pub" from the checkbox selections and save.
✱ Check pickee's personalized shelves, especially their exclusive shelves. A personalized shelf is one the member has created. (e.g., 'to read next', 'favorites' ‘didn’t like’)
✱ Make sure the books you choose are not on their 'read' shelf. Just because it isn't rated doesn't mean it wasn't read.
✱ Look at your pickee's 'read' shelf and see what genres they have recently read or read the most. Reviewing their ‘read’ shelf might help you in choosing something they are interested in reading right now.
✱ If your pickee reads lots of books in a genre you are not familiar with (erotic romance, GLBT, YA, etc.) Contact the Mods or the month's organizer for guidance.
✱ Include a variety of books (e.g., shorter page count, new addition to their 'to-read' shelf, an older book on their 'to-read' shelf) This variety gives your pickee options when choosing the book or books they will be reading this month. Use the sort feature within their shelves to determine date a book was added, published or read; page numbers, ratings, etc.

If you want to volunteer to make repicks:
✱ We love that you want to help out, but please remember those who need picks have been waiting for a long time already. Please only volunteer if you are able to make the repicks within a few hours of the deadline. Thank you!

[Fran, Moderator]

**You do not need to include a preferred shelf if you would like to use your tbr shelf.

If you have a preferred shelf, PLEASE include the link with it when you post it in this thread. It really helps the hosts when listing the participants and pairings. Thank you!!

[Fran, Moderator]

2022 November PIFM Challenge - Participants

(view spoiler)[KathyD- tbr audios
Fran- PIFM shelf
LaurLa- 01 pick me please
NancyH
Sonja- PIFM
MountainKat- to read asap
romanticbookworm- asap
Chris
Carina bookshelved
Melissa oct nov mng picked
SunnyCAGirl
Jessica pick it for me
Rebecca tbr soon (hide spoiler)]

[Fran, Moderator]

2022 November PIFM Challenge - Pairings

Please pick for the person beneath you. The last person picks for the first person, so Carina picks for MountainKat.

*= picks given

*MountainKat- to read asap
*SunnyCAGirl
*LaurLa- 01 pick me please
*Melissa oct nov mng picked
*Fran- PIFM shelf
*Rebecca tbr soon
*Sonja- PIFM
*romanticbookworm- asap
*Jessica pick it for me
*NancyH
*Chris
*KathyD- tbr audios
*Carina bookshelved

Remember to pick a minimum of four NEW books and four from your pickee's TBR or preferred shelf. Please limit your picks to no more than two for each rule, since sometimes too many choices can be as bad as too few!

[Fran, Moderator]

2022 November PIFM Challenge - Picking Rules


National Doughnut Day, which is celebrated on November 5, is one of the days when doughnut (or donut) lovers come together and celebrate this snack. The November 5 celebration for doughnuts is believed to be an extension of a similar donut day that is celebrated on the first Friday of June. The National Doughnut Day is set aside for people to enjoy their favorite snack. Doughnuts are a delicacy for most people in the United States. Doughnuts also come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors and you can choose to celebrate this day by eating your favorite type of doughnut.

Here are some favorite donuts from around the world-

1. USA- Boston Cream
Recommend a book set in the USA or
Recommend a sports romance (you will need to run the Boston Marathon after eating Boston cream donuts)

2. Brazil- Sonhos (dream in Portuguese)
Recommend a fantasy or fairy-tale retelling or
Recommend a book with a 'dreamy' character

3.France- Beignet- square pastry, means 'to raise'
Recommend a story with a child/children in it or
Recommend a book that is part of a series

4. Ukraine- Pampushky- sweet or savory
Recommend a mystery or mistaken identity story or
Recommend a book with several colors on the cover

5. Taiwan- shuangboatai- 'horse hooves' - twisted donut
Recommend a book with an animal on cover or in the story or
Recommend a book set on a ranch or farm

6. Israel- sufganiyot- jelly filled- holiday- Chanukah
Recommend a holiday romance or
Recommend a book with a cheery cover

7. S. Africa- Vetkoek- 'fat cake'
Recommend a longer book or
Recommend a book with a large number of ratings

8. Australia- hot jam doughnuts- always eaten hot
Recommend a book with a 'hot' cover or story or
Recommend a book set in a hot month or climate

[Fran, Moderator]

**If you sign up for this challenge you are committing to posting at least 8 recommendations to your pickee and you in return will receive 8 recommendations from your picker. Please remember to post your picks by the deadline. Everyone works hard to give great recommendations and of course everyone wants to receive some awesome picks. Please make sure you can get yours done if you sign up. Thank you and enjoy the challenge! This one is my favorite!**

[Fran, Moderator]

*

[Fran, Moderator]

*

[☘KathyD☘]

i'm in...I love most desserts with chocolate...cake, cookies, etc...
tbr-audios

[Fran, Moderator]

I'm in! I have a big sweet tooth so this is hard...but I will say that I really enjoy Cheesecake Factory's Tuxedo cheesecake and Crème brûlée and chocolate mousse.

PIFM shelf- https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[LaurLa]

Favorite dessert is probably creme brulee or chocolate volcano cake.
my shelf: 01-pick-me-please

[Nancy H]

I like anything except desserts with peanut butter. I love chocolate in everything, but I also love cheesecake, cookies, creme brulee, pudding, and any other kind of dessert!

[Sonja]

I'm in please!
Trying to think of my absolute favorite dessert and there's just so many to choose from... LOL! I guess my ultimate is cheesecake, but I definitely love ice cream and chocolate cake too!
Please use my PIFM shelf!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I'm in! I'm pretty easy when it comes to dessert, but favorite would probably be my grandma's cheesecake. But really, anything with chocolate would work!

Please use my to-read-asap shelf - thanks!

[Romanticbookworm]

I have to say chocolate but also brownie or ice cream

Please use my asap shelf

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Chris]

I'm in, chocolate icecream.

Please use my want to read self.

[Fran, Moderator]

Welcome everyone! Updated to here :)

[Jessica]

I'm in. Favourite dessert is brownies. please use my pick-it-for-me shelf

[Rebecca]

I’m in! My favourite dessert atm is lemon drizzle cake, please use my tbr soon list!

[Carina]

I’m in. Favorite is Brookie or Strawberry Rhubarb pie.

Use https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[~Melissa~]

I'm in ~ just like my reading I'm a moody dessert chooser, lol.
So for right now it would be apple pie

Please use
oct nov 22 mng picked OR if you need more options

meet n greet

[SunnyCAGirl]

I would love to join again. I love sweets, but dark chocolate is my favorite, Preferably with red wine!

[Fran, Moderator]

Jessica wrote: "I'm in. Favourite dessert is brownies. please use my pick-it-for-me shelf"

Please post the link to your preferred shelf in this thread if you would like it to be linked in the pairings list- thank you!

[Fran, Moderator]

Rebecca wrote: "I’m in! My favourite dessert atm is lemon drizzle cake, please use my tbr soon list!"

Please post the link to your preferred shelf in this thread if you would like it to be linked in the pairings list- thank you!

[Fran, Moderator]

Updated to here with the exception of Rebecca and Jessica- awaiting preferred shelf links :)

You are all making me hungry with your delicious desserts!

[Fran, Moderator]

**Suggestion**

Please try and have a preferred shelf/to-read shelf with at least 20 titles on it. Anything less makes it harder and less fun for your picker- it's nice to have a bunch of titles to look at and choose from.

[Jessica]

Sorry I posted from the app and couldn't figure out how to link the self that way (perhaps you can't I'm not sure) Will use my computer tomorrow morning and add the link.

[Fran, Moderator]

Jessica wrote: "Sorry I posted from the app and couldn't figure out how to link the self that way (perhaps you can't I'm not sure) Will use my computer tomorrow morning and add the link."

Thanks Jessica! You can use the full site on your phone using your browser- it’s so much better than the app!

[Fran, Moderator]

Sign ups are now closed- I will be back in a few minutes to post the pairs and picking rules :)

[Fran, Moderator]

Fran wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Sorry I posted from the app and couldn't figure out how to link the self that way (perhaps you can't I'm not sure) Will use my computer tomorrow morning and add the link."

Thanks J..."

I added the links for Rebecca and Jessica :)

[Fran, Moderator]

Pairings are posted in message #5 and Picking Rules in message #6

Have fun and happy picking!!

[☘KathyD☘]

hi Fran...I'm missing from the list...😢

[Fran, Moderator]

I’m sorry Kathy!! Will fix in a few minutes when I can get back to my computer :)

[☘KathyD☘]

thanks Fran! 😊

[Fran, Moderator]

All fixed KathyD!! 🧡

[Jessica]

Fran wrote: "Fran wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Sorry I posted from the app and couldn't figure out how to link the self that way (perhaps you can't I'm not sure) Will use my computer tomorrow morning and add the lin..."

Thank you for that and also for the tip on using the full site on mobile!

[Jessica]

Hi, Nancy here are your picks, hope you enjoy!

1. USA- Boston Cream
A book set in the USA
NEW: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
A sports romance (you will need to run the Boston Marathon after eating Boston cream donuts)
NEW: Season's Change

2. Brazil- Sonhos (dream in Portuguese)
A fantasy
TBR: Daughter of the Pirate King
A Fairy Tale Retelling
NEW: A Court of Thorns and Roses

3.France- Beignet- square pastry, means 'to raise'
A book that is part of a series
TBR: Bringing Down the Duke
A book with a child/children in it
NEW: Delilah Green Doesn't Care

4. Ukraine- Pampushky- sweet or savory
Mystery or mistaken identity story
TBR: The Obituary Society
Several colors on the cover
NEW: Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble

5. Taiwan- shuangboatai- 'horse hooves' - twisted donut
Animal on cover or in the story
TBR: The Little Bakery on Rosemary Lane
Set on a ranch or farm
TBR: Texas Rich

6. Israel- sufganiyot- jelly filled- holiday- Chanukah
A holiday romance
NEW: A Holly Jolly Diwali
A book with a cheery cover
TBR: A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder

7. S. Africa- Vetkoek- 'fat cake'
A book with a large number of ratings
TBR: It's in His Kiss
A long book
TBR: The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous

8. Australia- hot jam doughnuts- always eaten hot
A book with a 'hot' cover
TBR: Hot in Here
A book with a 'hot' story
New: Baker's Dozen

[Fran, Moderator]

Hi Rebecca!

Here are your picks for November. I had fun going through your shelves ...you have quite a few on there that I really enjoyed!
I hope you find a gem or two here!

1. USA- Boston Cream
TBR- Confess- Texas setting
NEW- The One Who Loves You- Wisconsin setting

2. Brazil- Sonhos (dream in Portuguese)
TBR- House of Earth and Blood- fantasy
NEW- Stroke of Midnight- retelling

3.France- Beignet- square pastry, means 'to raise'
TBR- Beautiful Bastard- part of a series- so much fun!
NEW- Big Bossy Mistake - child(ren) in story

4. Ukraine- Pampushky- sweet or savory
TBR- God of Malice- mystery
NEW- My Beautiful Neighbor- colorful cover

5. Taiwan- shuangboatai- 'horse hooves' - twisted donut
TBR- Stone Heart- snakes on cover
NEW- Red Snow Bride- set on a ranch

6. Israel- sufganiyot- jelly filled- holiday- Chanukah
TBR- Attachments- cheery colors on cover- I loved this one!
NEW- A Very Bossy Christmas

7. S. Africa- Vetkoek- 'fat cake'
TBR- Twisted Games- large number of ratings
NEW- The Opposite of You - large number of ratings

8. Australia- hot jam doughnuts- always eaten hot
TBR- The Deal- hot cover and really good!
NEW- Ties That Bind - hot story


Happy Reading!!

[☘KathyD☘]

Fran wrote: "All fixed KathyD!! 🧡"

😁😊

[☘KathyD☘]

hi Carina...here are your picks for November...hope you find some great reads!

1. USA — Boston Cream
Thurston House, Danielle Steel — set in California (tbr)
Challenge, Amy Daws — sports romance (new)

2. Brazil — Sonhos (dream in Portuguese)
Red Queen, Victoria Aveyard — tagged fantasy (tbr)
The Duchess Deal, Tessa Dare — fairytale retelling (new)

3. France — Beignet (square pastry, means ‘to raise’)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling — children in the story (tbr)
Angels’ Blood, Nalini Singh — part of a series (new)

4. Ukraine — Pampushky (sweet or savory)
Hidden, Rebecca Zanetti — tagged mystery (tbr)
Fashion Jungle, Kathy Ireland & Rachel Van Dyken — several colors on cover (new)

5. Taiwan — shuangboatai (‘horse hooves’; twisted donut)
Marrying My Cowboy, Diana Palmer — set on a ranch (tbr)
Dark Lover, J.R. Ward — includes Boo, Beth’s cat (new)

6. Israel — sufganiyot (jelly-filled; holiday; Chanukah)
The Christmas Key, Lori Wilde — holiday romance (tbr)
Rock Chick, Kristen Ashley — cheery cover (new)

7. South Africa — Vetkoek (‘fat cake’)
The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan — 2+ million ratings (tbr)
A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness — longer book (new)

8. Australia — hot jam doughnuts (always eaten hot)
Cadillac Beach, Tim Dorsey — set in Miami (tbr)
Not a Hero, Cherise Sinclair — ‘hot’ cover/story (new)

[Nancy H]

HI Chris,
Here are your picks for November. I picked a mix of ones from your TBR Pick-it-for-me list, and ones that I have enjoyed from my own Read list.

USA: Set in USA - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - TBR; Sports - Puck Drop - New


Brazil: Two with dreamy characters - Meet Me in Paradise- New; Summer in Andalucía - New


France: Child in it - Christmas atthe Cupcake Cafe - New; Part of a series (#1) - I See London, I See France - TBR


Ukraine: Two with somewhat mistaken identities - Which Witch is Which? - TBR; By Any Other Name - New


Taiwan: Animal on cover - Fools Rush in - TBR; Farm in plot - Nuts - New


Israel: Holiday - Christmas Island - New; cheery (somewhat) cover - Good Girl Complex - TBR


S. Africa: Longer book - Wicked Intentions - TBR; Large number of ratings (60,857) -
Brutal Prince - TBR


Australia: 'Hot' cover (fire on it literally) - Tinderbox - TBR; Set in hot climate - The Spanish Love Deception - New



Happy reading!

[Chris]

Nancy H wrote: "HI Chris,
Here are your picks for November. I picked a mix of ones from your TBR Pick-it-for-me list, and ones that I have enjoyed from my own Read list.

USA: Set in USA - [book:The Seven Husban..."

Thank you Nancy!
Some nice holiday picks!

The pick-it-for-me self is picks from previous months that I haven't read yet and I have it, so I can find them easier from my phone. :)

[Chris]

Hello Kathy,
Here are some picks for you!

1. USA- Boston Cream
TBR: Last on the List (Set in the US) - This one was nice.
NEW: Falling for My Coach (Sports Romance) - It was somewhat cute.

2. Brazil- Sonhos
TBR: Sweet Talk
NEW: Beautifully Cruel

3.France- Beignet
TBR: One Baby Daddy
NEW: The Risk

4. Ukraine- Pampushky
TBR: Thank You for Listening
NEW: Batter Up

5. Taiwan- shuangboatai
TBR: Flock
NEW: Alpha’s Unwilling Mate

6. Israel- sufganiyot
TBR: Awk-Weird
NEW: Christmas in Quincy

7. S. Africa- Vetkoek
TBR: Code Name: Hacker
NEW: Property of Drex #1 - I think that you may like this one, since you have read the Reapers' MC

8. Australia- hot jam doughnuts
TBR: Reaper's Stand
NEW: Zack

Happy Reading!

[~Melissa~]

@Fran - my picks for you ~ hopefully I've hit on a few that you'll enjoy!



1. USA- Boston Cream

Recommend a sports romance (you will need to run the Boston Marathon after eating Boston cream donuts)
TBR/ME


2. Brazil- Sonhos (dream in Portuguese)
Recommend a fantasy or fairy-tale retelling

TBR
ME

3.France- Beignet- square pastry, means 'to raise'
Recommend a story with a child/children in it

TBR/ME

4. Ukraine- Pampushky- sweet or savory

Recommend a mystery
ME

Recommend a book with several colors on the cover
TBR

5. Taiwan- shuangboatai- 'horse hooves' - twisted donut
Recommend a book set on a ranch

ME

6. Israel- sufganiyot- jelly filled- holiday- Chanukah
Recommend a holiday romance or

TBR
TBR

7. S. Africa- Vetkoek- 'fat cake'
Recommend a book with a large number of ratings

TBR
ME

8. Australia- hot jam doughnuts- always eaten hot
Recommend a book with a 'hot' cover or story


ME - so not a sexy cover ..........but the beginning of a wonderfully sexy read through Navesink Bank. Start the journey!!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

SunnyCAGirl, I am away from my computer today, but I will get yours done tomorrow!

[Fran, Moderator]

Thank you so much Melissa! So many great choices…. I can’t wait to start reading!

[☘KathyD☘]

Chris wrote: "Hello Kathy,
Here are some picks for you!

1. USA- Boston Cream
TBR: Last on the List (Set in the US) - This one was nice.
NEW: Falling for My Coach (Sports Romance)..."

thanks Chris! I'm excited to jump in! 😊

[Sonja]

RomanticBookWorm! I finally get to return the favor after your awesome August picks for me! Here are your picks for November. Hope you find something fun!

1. USA- Boston Cream
TBR Icebreaker (sports) Sounds fun!
NEW Worth the Fall (set in USA) This was a sweet and emotionally strong read. Definitely more than the hot cover suggests! Enjoyed both these MCs!


2. Brazil- Sonhos
TBR The Beast (Retelling)
NEW Which Witch is Which? (dreamy character) Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, how dreamy! Surprised how much I’m enjoying this series so far!


3.France- Beignet
TBR The Christmas Pact (child in story) And it sounds good!
NEW Fly with Me (part of a series) Just finished this series and really loved it!


4. Ukraine- Pampushky
TBR That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon (lots of colors!)
NEW The Paris Apartment (mystery) Just read this one and really enjoyed it! Kinda creepy and definitely includes a plot twist!


5. Taiwan- shuangboatai
TBR The Beginning (set on a ranch)
NEW/TBR The Tourist Attraction (animal in story) Okaaaay so this is technically on your TBR already, but I’m bumping it up. This was my favorite of the series with a stubborn moose in the story, though I actually did enjoy the whole series!


6. Israel- sufganiyot
TBR The Hope of Christmas Past (holiday romance)
NEW I See London, I See France (cheery cover) Bit of a coming of age and awakening while hilariously travelling all over Europe. Really enjoyed this one!


7. S. Africa- Vetkoek
TBR The Turnout (almost 17K ratings!)
NEW The Soldier's Wife (over 14K ratings) I read this a long time ago, really enjoyed it and still come back to it!


8. Australia
TBR Out of Bounds (soccer guys are yummy, and it’s World Cup time!)
NEW Tinderbox (set in hot climate) Really enjoying this series!


Happy reading!

[Carina]

MountainKat,

Here are your picks. Happy reading!

USA Boston Crème
TBR - The Accidental Newlywed Game
New - The Secret

Brazil Sonhos
TBR - Happily Never After
New - Angels' Dance

France Beignet
TBR - Earls Just Want to Have Fun
New- Love Is a Rogue

Ukraine Pampushky
TBR - The Secret of Bow Lane
New - The Stars Between Us

Taiwan Shuanbaotai
TBR - The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
New - Magic's Fate

Israel Sufganifot
TBR - The Castle
New - Wreck Me Forever

South Africa vetoek
TBR - In a Badger Way
New - Silver Silence

Australia hot jam donuts
TBR - Made Mine
New - Felix and the Prince