R15: SS Team 3 - Chapter Chasers

[Joyce]

I actually read two shorter books for this week. After I was almost finished with the first one I realized it was book #1 and I had already read book #2 out of order. but At least I found a short book on audio. It just made the page count cut at 146

[Carrie]

Joyce wrote: "Carrie wrote: "Week 8 Completion Post
Spot: 62


Book: Shady Hollow
Author: Juneau Black
Pages: 222
Date Read: 4/8/2024
Rating: 4 ..."

It really is. I picked it up because the cover caught my attention and BN had it as one of their Buy 1 get another for 50% off deals.

[Celia]

I'll be done with my author B by tonight

[Celia]

Completion Post

Week 7 - Spot 62
Book: by Katherine Boo
Date read: 4/11/24
Pages: 278
Task: author "B"
How it fits: author last initial

Review:
There's so much you don't realize about poverty, and especially about the corruption that goes on through well-minded relief efforts. I don't read a lot of anthropological studies, so I don't have much to compare this too. That said, I thought it did a good job of showing the whole picture. It's not a genre I'd say I enjoy or want to read more of, but definitely something to explore.

[Carrie]

Celia wrote: "Completion Post

Week 7 - Spot 62
Book: by Katherine Boo
Date read: 4/11/24
Pages: 2..."

I read this book awhile back. I remember thinking that I wasn’t sure what the author wanted me to focus on. But some of the scenes that Boo describes horrified me when I read them (women setting themselves on fire, youth eating rat poison to end their lives, the girls and women who are viewed as inferior and beaten as a result daily). It's a tough book to get through but definitely eye-opening.

[Joyce]

Week 9
Team #3 Chapter Chasers
Review Post Week 8
Dice Roll = 6+2
Previous Space: 62
New Space: 70

7 in Series
Standalone
70 in series
Alternate Choice- Published 2022

[Joyce]

I will be reading Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

[Carrie]

I’ll be doing the stand alone option.
Black Sheep

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

I will go Standalone this week with

[Leslie Ann]

I will read for Alternate Choice- Published 2022
The Last House on the Street
Published 1/2022

[Celia]

I will go with standalone -

[Carrie]

Completion Post Week 9

Book: Black Sheep
Author: Rachel Harrison
Pages: 289
Rating: 3 stars
Date Finished: 4/14/2024
Stand alone

Review:

This story follows Vesper, a young woman who is the daughter of a horror film actress and was raised in a Satanic cult community. Deciding that the life was not for her, Vesper leaves home and tries to go it on her own. Struggling with making ends meet and feelings of missing her family, Vesper decides to return home when she gets an invitation to her best friend and ex-boyfriend's wedding.

Once home, Vesper learns several startling revelations about her past, her family and the community she was raised in.

This book was okay. It's a quick read but not all that exciting. I couldn't connect on any level with Vesper and I think that made it a problematic read for me.

[Leslie Ann]

Completion Week 9

The Last House on the Street / Diane Chamberlain
344 pages
4/17/24
Standalone
3 stars
Review:

The story of this book is set in two timelines: the 1960’s North Carolina and present day North Carolina. The story revolves around getting the blacks in a North Carolina county registered to vote in the 1960’s and all the racial conflicts between the blacks and whites in North Carolina. I enjoyed the historical part of this book.

I had a hard time switching between the timelines and I think it is because the two main female characters had very similar personalities. I couldn’t get emotionally connected to either character.

This book has very high ratings, but I could only rate it 3 stars. This was the first book I have read by this author she seems to be very popular so I may read another one of her books.

[Joyce]

Completion Post
Week #9
Spot #70
Standalone

Book: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
Finished 4/17/24
Rating 4 stars
Review: The book is a true story about the murders of Osage Indians in the 1920's. It was told very well with a few narrators of the book for different parts of it. The Osages were given land to live on that was inhospitable until it spewed oil. Then the Osages were rich. But still the white man had to have control of them and try to get the money from them. It is a sad story but a well told one. Apparently, this is when Hubert Hoover decided to put together a group of National Lawmen which came to be the FBI.

The book got a little dray about two thirds in and that is the only thing that did not give a 5-star rating. I am looking forward to seeing the movie now.

[christene_littlelibrary]

Completion Post
Week #9
Spot #70
Standalone


Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
[*book:Kill for Me, Kill for You|176451879]
Date Read: 4/5
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review:
A murder swap with a twist! Loved the ending the thrill along the way is another level.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Completion Post
Week #9
Spot #70
Standalone


Whisky Business by Elliot Fletcher
Date Read: 18/4
Rating: ★★★★☆

Review:
When I saw the cover of this book I knew it would be right up my street. To be honest anything with a Scottish MC I am in.

In Whisky Business, Opposites attract when a fish-out-of-water actress and a grumpy Scottish whisky distiller are forced to work together to save the business they both love. Her families distillery.

The book is cute and funny and the love story is so beautiful to read. The chemistry from these two is off the charts especially when Mal is so grumpy 99% of the time. And written in such a way that you are routing for them in the end. Warts and all. I will definitely be looking out for this author in the future.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Just to let you know guys, I will be AWOL for a couple of days as I am going to Scotland for my father in laws funeral. And probably won't have much signal. I will check in over the weekend when I am back.

[Carrie]

Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Just to let you know guys, I will be AWOL for a couple of days as I am going to Scotland for my father in laws funeral. And probably won't have much signal. I will check in over the weekend when I ..."

So sorry for your family’s loss.

[Joyce]

Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Just to let you know guys, I will be AWOL for a couple of days as I am going to Scotland for my father in laws funeral. And probably won't have much signal. I will check in over the weekend when I ..."

My condolences on the loss of your father in law.

[Joyce]

Celia how are you doing with your book?

[Leslie Ann]

Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Just to let you know guys, I will be AWOL for a couple of days as I am going to Scotland for my father in laws funeral. And probably won't have much signal. I will check in over the weekend when I ..."

So sorry for your loss..take care

[Celia]

Joyce wrote: "Celia how are you doing with your book?"

Will be done by tonight.

[Celia]

I'm sorry, finished now.

Completion Post

Week 9 - Spot 70
Book: by Scott O'Neill
Date read: 4/19/24
Pages: 261
Task: standalone
How it fits: standalone

Review:
This was a wild ride from start to finish. It encompasses every genre imaginable, from soft sci-fi to murder mystery to YA family feel good story. I'm glad I finally read it but now I'm going to have trouble parting with it. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I did.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

According to the time stamp I'm seeing, Celia's review came in after the deadline. Someone please double check that for me, just in case my math is off!

As Celia had missed a review before, if this one was late it would mean she's off the team and you continue with five members for now.

[Leslie Ann]

So do we roll or do we have to stay on our spot..?

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

You can roll!

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Patti will be joining you as back-up.

[Maddielucy(Patti)]

Hi everyone! I'm your backup player and happy to help. My name is Patti and I'm from Florida, USA

[Joyce]

Hi Patti, I didn't roll because I thought we were out of the time limit. I will roll now. I am from Florida as well.

[Joyce]

I will post our week 9 review and new roll

[Joyce]

Week #9 Reviews
Team #3 Chapter Chasers
Spot #70

Joyce- standalone book -Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI - Review
Jade aka MrsTosh - Standalone book- Whisky Business - Review
Carrie- Standalone book-Black Sheep Review
Leslie Ann-Standalone book -The Last House on the Street - Review
Christene Paula- Stand alone book- Kill for Me, Kill for You - Review

[Joyce]

Week 10
Team #3 Chapter Chasers
Review Post Week 9
Dice Roll =6+2 =8
Previous Space: 78
using 3 points putting us at 81
New Space: 81
8 in Series
Standalone
#1 in series
81 in series
Alternate Choice- mystery/thriller

[Joyce]

So far I am in the running for earning 1 point for never picking an alternate choice.
there is also a point for always picking the alternate is anyone aware of the possibility for this point.

[Leslie Ann]

I will use the alternate this week.

Welcome Patti!!

FYI: a week from Monday I am off on a vacation for 8 days. I will be reading and post… : )

[Carrie]

I’m going with Alternate Choice - Mystery Thriller

[Leslie Ann]

Completion Post
Alternate Choice- mystery/thriller
The Last Devil to Die / Richard Osman
4/20/24
pages 353
5 stars
Review:
I absolutely loved this book. I think this is the best one in the series so far. The characters are wonderful! It made me laugh and cry. If you haven't read this series do your self a favor start now!

[Joyce]

I am currently re-reading The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon which is a standalone and reading The Time of the Dark which is a #1 book.


@leslie ann. my book club is starting the first book in that series for May. I am looking forward to it.

[Carrie]

Leslie Ann wrote: "Completion Post
Alternate Choice- mystery/thriller
The Last Devil to Die / Richard Osman
4/20/24
pages 353
5 stars
Review:
I absolutely loved this book. I think thi..."

I loved the first one - now I can’t wait to read the following ones! Thanks for the great review!

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Hi guys, thanks for all your lovely messages. Will have a look at my kindle and decide what I am going to read this week.

Welcome to the team Patti :)

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

I am going to go with #1 in series
The Spanish Love Deception

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Completion Post
Task: #1 in series
Book: The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Read: 23rd April 2024
Rating: ****

Review:
I really enjoyed this book, it is the first I have read by the author but it wont be the last. It is really great rom-com. A book you can pick up and throughly enjoy without thinking about it too much. It is a friends to enemies romance and full of fun along the way.

Catalina is heading back to Spain to attend her Sisters wedding. She is in desperate need of a date as her ex boyfriend is the best man. Her colleague Aaron offer to travel with her. He has ulterier motives, he has been fascinated by Lina since their first meeting and want to make her his, but can he stand the pace with her crazy Spanish family.

I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to find out how Lina's best friend Rosie finds love.

[Maddielucy(Patti)]

I’m reading
The Naturals
1st in series

I should be finished today

[christene_littlelibrary]

Completion Post
Week #10
Spot #81 - #1 in series


Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
Pages: 304
How it Fits: #1 in Fallen Gods series
Date Read: 4/22
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review:
Godkiller begins with an exhilarating rush of action that had me in its grasp from the first few chapters. This continues as the gradual introduction to the world and main characters is interspersed with vivid action scenes that keep the story engaging. The writing style is immersive, with lush descriptions and an atmospheric setting. The world is simplistic yet captivating, brimming with history and a fascinating god system. An a cliffhanger ending ughhh

[Maddielucy(Patti)]

Completion Post
Week #10
Spot #81 - #1 in series

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Read 4/24
Qualification: 1st in series
Pages: 321
4 stars

Review
This was really good! It was a definite page-turner and a really enjoyable YA mystery/thriller. It was like Criminal Minds for Young Adults and I liked the characters and the creepy killer. Very fun beach read!

[Carrie]

Hi all. Working on my book but a crazy day today. My book will be done but not before tomorrow.

[Joyce]

Carrie wrote: "Hi all. Working on my book but a crazy day today. My book will be done but not before tomorrow."


No problem Carrie.

[Joyce]

Completion Post
Week #10
Spot #81
Standalone book
Finished: 4/25/24
Book: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This is actually the second time reading this. I read it over 15 years ago. I found I really enjoyed it even more this time.

Tricia is a 9-year-old who gets lost in the woods after leaving the trail she was on with her mom and brother. She has her walkman and loves the baseball player Tom Gordon and the Boston Red Sox. Listening to the game and talking to Tom Gordon is keeping her from panicking. This story is so well told I feel as if I am there with her.

[Joyce]

Week #10 Reviews
Team #3 Chapter Chasers
Spot #81

Joyce- standalone book - The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon - Review
Jade aka MrsTosh -#1 in series- The Spanish Love Deception - Review
Carrie- Alternate Mystery/thriller-Good Bad Girl Review
Leslie Ann- Alternate - Mystery/thriller- The Last Devil to Die - Review
Christene Paula-#1 in series- Godkiller - Review
MaddieLucy(Patti) - #1 in series -The Naturals - Review

[Carrie]

Week #10
Spot # 81
Alternate - Mystery/Thriller
Book: Good Bad Girl
Author: Alice Feeney
Pages: 306
Date Read: 4/26/2024
Rating: 4 stars
How it Fits: MPG Mystery

Review:
This book is a bit of a roller coaster ride. I found it a bit difficult to follow in the beginning. There are multiple female characters and they are all hiding secrets. Sections are very vague and use the term "she" and you really can't be sure what "she" is being referenced. I understand that is part of the mystery that needs to be unraveled; it was just a tad confusing.

Feeney does a great job with characterization. It's really difficult to know who can be trusted and who can't be. Therefore, it also takes some time to decide whether or not a character is likable in my opinion. Ironically, even after finishing the book, I'm not sure how I feel about the characters.

I do think that you need and open mind to read this book. There are some MAJOR coincidences that would seem very unlikely to happen in real life! (It's fiction though so take that with a grain of salt.)

In the end, this book really does make you question if good people do bad things for the right reason, does that make their actions acceptable? Should they be forgiven?

[Joyce]

Week 11
Team #3 Chapter Chasers
Review Post Week 10
Dice Roll =3+6=9
Previous Space: 81
New Space: 90
Alternate Choice- author B
#9 in series
stand alone
#90 in series

Possibly earned 1 point for never picking alternate