***Kristine’s 2nd Annual Reading Challenge ***

[Kristine]

Jennifer wrote: "The deadline for signup and the lists being locked for this challenge was midnight on Dec 31. But if you can get your books listed and locked, you can stay in this challenge -- looking toward to se..."

Finally, chose my books 📚

1. The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn
2. The Alice Network, Kate Quinn
3. Code Name Sapphire, Pam Jenoff
4. The Perfumist of Paris, Alka Joshi
5. Maame, Jessica George
6. The House of Eve, Sadeqa Johnson
7. The Paris Daughter, Kristin Harmel
8. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, Kim Michelle Richardson
9. The Address, Fiona Davis
10. Our Missing Hearts, Celeste Ng
11. The Tobacco Wives, Adele Myers
12. The Winners, Fredrik Backman

Alternates:
1. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
2. The Wedding Veil, Kristy Woodson Harvey
3. The Only Woman in the Room, Marie Benedict
4. Horse, Geraldine Brooks

[Jennifer, Moderator]

The deadline for signup and the lists being locked for this challenge was midnight on Dec 31. But if you can get your books listed and locked, you can stay in this challenge -- looking toward to seeing your list!

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Yes, you can list your books any time; just once you list them, you can no longer change them.

[Bill, Moderator]

Good luck choosing your books.

[Kristine]

Jennifer wrote: "The deadline for signup and the lists being locked for this challenge was midnight on Dec 31. But if you can get your books listed and locked, you can stay in this challenge -- looking toward to se..."

Jennifer, Thank You. I have not started any yet.

[Kristine]

Alondra wrote: "Yes, you can list your books any time; just once you list them, you can no longer change them."

Alondra, Great 😌 Thanks, this is a great Challenge for me, so I stick to books I start at the beginning of the year, otherwise I always change my mind.

[Kristine]

Bill wrote: "Good luck choosing your books."

Bill, Thank You. Love Doing This Challenge.

[Ann at the Beach]

Great list ! Horse was my last read of 2022 — Geraldine Brooks is one of my favorite authors. Her historical fiction is so well researched that I always learn a lot. Happy reading

[Lea]

Kristine, hope that you enjoy this list. Looks like I've only read one book on it, The Secret History, but it was one of my favorite books I read last year. I'm also hoping to read The Alice Network, The Perfumist of Paris and The Winners. Looking forward to seeing what you think. :-)

[Denise]

I have several of your choices on my TBR list. Wish you the best of luck with your challenge.

[Kristine]

Ann at the Beach wrote: "Great list ! Horse was my last read of 2022 — Geraldine Brooks is one of my favorite authors. Her historical fiction is so well researched that I always learn a lot. Happy reading"

Ann~Thanks ☺️ Great to hear you loved Horse. I have that one out right now. I have never read a book by Geraldine Brooks, but hear she is terrific. Happy Reading to you, too 📚

[Kristine]

Denise wrote: "I have several of your choices on my TBR list. Wish you the best of luck with your challenge."

Denise~ Thanks 😊 I need to check out your list. Hope you enjoy 📚

[Kristine]

Lea wrote: "Kristine, hope that you enjoy this list. Looks like I've only read one book on it, The Secret History, but it was one of my favorite books I read last year. I'm also hoping to read The Alice Networ..."
Lea~Thanks, for letting me know that you really liked The Secret History. I have to look over your list. Yes, The Winners, The Alice Network and The Perfumist of Paris all I hope live up to our expectations. Enjoy ☺️

[Kristine]

I finished 2 books from my list. It was great that my library called with several of these books. I just hope I can fit them in.

The first book, was , by Jessica George. This actually publishes on 1/31/23, but I occasionally get Advance Release Copies. I wasn’t sure about this one, as this is the author’s debut novel. I thought she did a phenomenal job. The MC, Maddie, I came to root for and loved her. She is only 25 and has given a large part of her life caring for her father, who is very ill with Parkinson’s Disease. Yet, she yearns to explore life and starts to do so. She finds it is not always easy, but she sort of just keeps at it, even if she doesn’t think she is succeeding very well. I found Maddie to be intelligent, creative, funny and has a big heart.

This one I gave 5 🌟 to. My Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The 2nd Book was , Celeste NG. I know she has written some other big books, but I have not read anything by her. She is a talented writer and takes on the difficult and disturbing practice of taking children away from their parents because of their ethnicity or political beliefs. It was dark and at times hard to read, but glad I did. I did have some problems overall with the book, mostly the End Section.

Here is my review, 3.5 🌟 if anyone is interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ioana]

If this is how you're trying to get back to reading, you're doing a wonderful job!
Maame sounds interesting, it was not on my radar, so thank you for the recommendation.

[Kristine]

Ioana wrote: "If this is how you're trying to get back to reading, you're doing a wonderful job!
Maame sounds interesting, it was not on my radar, so thank you for the recommendation."
Ioana~Thanks for your nice comments. My Mom has been really sick, so haven’t been able to read too much.

Maame, was new to me, too but I was really moved by it.

[Kristine]

I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting, and emotions set in Beartown, a small town in the Swedish countryside and it is cold. Hockey runs the town. The next town over is Hed, their rivals. They are always adversaries in all ways. So, really well written book, but did find some of the violence a bit hard to take.

[Patricia]

Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting, and emotions set in Beartown, a small town in th..."
Glad to hear you liked this one. I did enjoy the first two & am looking forward to getting to this one.

[Alissa]

You're making great progress!

[Ioana]

Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting, and emotions set in Beartown, a small town in th..."

Glad to hear, I just started it yesterday. I loved the first 2 in the series, I hope this one measures up.

[Lea]

Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting, and emotions set in Beartown, a small town in the Swedish countryside and it is cold. Hockey runs the town. The next town over is Hed, their rivals. They are always adversaries in all ways. So, really well written book, but did find some of the violence a bit hard to take."

I'm reading it right now. I'm finding it hard to put down. I hope I can handle the violence. I'm reading it with Ioana and like her, I loved the first 2 in the series. I'm so glad to hear that you loved the characters, setting and emotions.

[Kristine]

Alissa wrote: "You're making great progress!"
Alissa~Thanks 😊

[Kristine]

Ioana wrote: "Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting,..."
Ioana~I really liked it, but it was definitely Fredrik Backman’s darkest book. All the old characters were in there, which I loved and some great new ones, too. I loved that there were strong women of all ages helping girls out. I found the book a bit too violent though. I mean I understand you love Hockey, but enough for both towns to literally be physically assaulting each other seemed a little much. Interested to see what you think.

[Kristine]

Lea wrote: "Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting,..."
Lea~Yes, I really got into the book and loved the characters, but agree about the violence. There was a lot and some just seemed completely pointless. Still, overall I still loved it. 💕 Will watch out to see what you guys think.

[Kristine]

Patricia wrote: "Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "I just finished , by Fredrik Backman. It’s the last in his Beartown Trilogy. I really loved the characters, setting,..."
Patricia~It is a dark book for sure, but also there are moments of great connection and humanity. I loved that all the old characters were back and really got into the book. I do think it could have been a bit less violent. I did love it overall though 💕

[Kristine]

Forgot 🙃 , Sadeqa Johnson was even on my list, but happy to see it, since I read the book! I really enjoyed it, rated it 4* comparing it to her last book, Yellow Wife which is hard to top. Learned a lot of new history.

Need to finish a few books I got early. Unsure, 🫤 why I keep putting in for these, since the excitement is getting your favorite books months early, but you then have to read them early. So, now they are overdue and feel like I need to rush reading to get them done. To offset that problem I also bought new books. 🙄 Fortunately, one is on this list and my Dad loves it, too~ , by Pam Jenoff. Then might read the rest of my early books or get in all the WWII Spy Novels, especially Kate Quinn’s , which my Dad gave me 6 years ago and had to pre-order . Yes, it came out last March (2022). So, hoping to find some book shelves at the Goodwill Store, since I need several more. Fingers Crossed 🤞. Will I ever learn? Probably not. Books 📚 📚📚📚, just can never have enough.

Fortunately, I own all these books, except , which I have out from my library. I have taken it out for 6 weeks at least 3X. You would think my library would have a limit. Happy when the librarian told me it better to have more check outs as it increases their yearly budget.

Hope everyone else is doing this better then me. Happy Reading 📖

[Alissa]

Just added The House of Eve, I didn't realize she wrote another book!!

[Bill, Moderator]

Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "Forgot 🙃 , Sadeqa Johnson was even on my list, but happy to see it, since I read the book! I really enjoyed it, rated it 4* comparing it to her last book, [book..."

Interested in your thoughts on Horse as I just purchased it. I hope to read this year.

[Kristine]

Bill wrote: "Kristine (Trying to Get Back to Reading) wrote: "Forgot 🙃 , Sadeqa Johnson was even on my list, but happy to see it, since I read the book! I really enjoyed it,..."
Bill, I will let you know. I have been meaning to read this author as well and have never gotten to read one of her books. I have heard many great comments about Horse being an incredible book. Hope we both enjoy it. 😌

[Kristine]

Alissa wrote: "Just added The House of Eve, I didn't realize she wrote another book!!"
Alissa~the book just came out last month. It tackles several issues I did not know about, such as well off African American couples facing infertility would decide to adopt, but keep the adoption secret. Also, if you were giving a child up for adoption and were black, the Catholic Boarding Homes only allowed a certain amount of black women and the family would have to pay to have a woman stay there. It was quite interesting.

[Kristine]

I am getting so bad and behind I am forgetting which books I chose. I recently finished , Pam Jenoff and really loved it 🥰. I usually love her books, so was waiting for this one. My Dad loves her, too, so now he is reading the book. Now, of course I want all books earlier than publication or order it the day it’s published. I always must have my favorite books 📚. Then months go by and I miss publishing deadlines and I have books on this list I bought last year to read right away. Well, at least I’m making progress. 😌

[Alissa]

You ARE making progress, way to go!!

[Kristine]

Alissa wrote: "You ARE making progress, way to go!!"
Alissa~Thanks 💗 I am getting there. I am also doing Motley Challenge, so think I have 14 out of the 25 done. So, on track with that one. The books on here, want to read them all, so think most likely will. Challenges keep me Reading and Focused. Thanks for all the Encouragement!

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Kristine (So Behind, but finally catching up) wrote: "I am getting so bad and behind I am forgetting which books I chose. I recently finished , Pam Jenoff and really loved it 🥰. I usually love her books, so was w..."

You are doing fine. Almost halfway there.

Don't be so hard on yourself. :)

[Kristine]

Alondra wrote: "Kristine (So Behind, but finally catching up) wrote: "I am getting so bad and behind I am forgetting which books I chose. I recently finished , Pam Jenoff and..."
Alondra~Thanks, really nice of you to remind me to chill. This is for Fun. 😎

[Amanda]

Love your list.

[Kristine]

Amanda wrote: "Love your list."
Amanda~Thanks ☺️ So far, I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve picked this year. Love this Challenge, as it forces me to Finish all the Books, otherwise I end up finding new ones I want to Read. So, many Great Books. Hope you are enjoying a Great One 📚💕

[Kristine]

Got Another One Read. I really love Kristin Harmel, so not surprised I loved It examines another area of WWII that was so devastating, parents having to leave their children with others to protect them. This was devastating for the Moms in this story and their children. No one knows if they will survive and often can not find each other even if you did. Emotional Story 💕

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Kristine wrote: "Alondra~Thanks, really nice of you to remind me to chill. This is for Fun. 😎.."

No problem. I've been crawling through my list; but thankfully, I am enjoying what I read.

Kudos on another book read!

[Kristine]

Alondra wrote: "Kristine wrote: "Alondra~Thanks, really nice of you to remind me to chill. This is for Fun. 😎.."

No problem. I've been crawling through my list; but thankfully, I am enjoying what I read.

Kudos ..."
Thanks, Alondra. So glad you are enjoying your list.

[Kristine]

I just finished , by Alka Joshi. I liked the book, gave it 3 1/2* Stars, but did not love it like the 1st in this trilogy, The Henna Artist. Great look at Indian Culture.

[Kristine]

🫤 I need to get reading. At least reading The Secret History right now. I am reading it fast and am intrigued so far. Interesting since my brother lived in this area for many years, so know the places and relate to the Freezing Weather!

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Kristine wrote: "🫤 I need to get reading. At least reading The Secret History right now. I am reading it fast and am intrigued so far. Interesting since my brother lived in this area for many years, so know the pla..."

I have that one on my tbr and sitting on my physical shelf. I hear good things about it, so, hopefully you like it.

[Lea]

Kristine wrote: "I just finished , by Alka Joshi. I liked the book, gave it 3 1/2* Stars, but did not love it like the 1st in this trilogy, The Henna Artist. Great look at..."

I read The Perfumist of Paris this year too, and I liked it better than The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, but it wasn't as good as The Henna Artist for me, either. I hope you are enjoying The Secret History. I read it last year, and thought it was good. Hope it is the same for you.

[Kristine]

I just finished , by Fiona Davis. I really enjoyed it. It centers on the famous Dakota Building on the Upper West Side. There are two timelines~from 1880’s and 1985. Loved reading about the Gilded Age and Architecture in NYC at the time. Also, since I went The Limelight and other places in the 1980’s, that was fun to read, too.

[Bill, Moderator]

You've done well with your challenge. Do you think you'll finish any more?

[Kristine]

Bill wrote: "You've done well with your challenge. Do you think you'll finish any more?"
Bill, I am reading. I have to finish 4 for this and 3 for the Motley Challenge. Time is running short…..Wish Me Luck 🍀

[Bill, Moderator]

Kristine wrote: "Bill wrote: "You've done well with your challenge. Do you think you'll finish any more?"
Bill, I am reading. I have to finish 4 for this and 3 for the Motley Challenge. Time is running short…..Wish..."

🤞🤞🤞

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Kristine wrote: "Bill wrote: "You've done well with your challenge. Do you think you'll finish any more?"
Bill, I am reading. I have to finish 4 for this and 3 for the Motley Challenge. Time is running short…..Wish..."

Good luck knocking out more books.

Even if you don't; you finished 8 off the list. As long as you're reading!!!

[Kristine]

Alondra wrote: "Kristine wrote: "Bill wrote: "You've done well with your challenge. Do you think you'll finish any more?"
Bill, I am reading. I have to finish 4 for this and 3 for the Motley Challenge. Time is run..."

Alondra~Thanks! It’s been a busy year, especially with my Mom. I am finishing up 3 books, so think I will get the Motley Challenge done at least. This one will be close, but 😢 won’t quite make it.