Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP R23 - Night of the Living Bread (7)
Avigail wrote: "I have a question if you remember from previous rounds. Can we read non-fiction, like memoirs for the challenges. I am asking because I have a memoir that fits the first option. If it is only ficti..."I had to go looking, I thought I knew the answer but didn't want to give you wrong information. From the Q&A:
Does the book need to be tagged 'main page genre' (MPG) romance?
A: No - it just needs to be fiction or a biography. Romance is preferred but not required. Text books are not accepted.
That's what I get for not realizing there were more posts on another page... Well, you got the answer, just twice. 😊
It is better to have it twice than none. I also got an answer at the Q&A from Jane. Thank you. Well, I decided to pick a fiction book that I started yesterday. The truth is I started the memoir during Yom Kippur on Friday and I don't with the difference of time if I started before or after Jane's announcement of the second week's prompts. So to be sure I will put the book I started yesterday and I am already 40% into the book.
Week 2: - Selection: - Option 1: - Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe. * Read a book set in Africa or Europe.Book: Miss Morgan's Book Brigade
Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
Page Count: 1st edition, Kindle Edition, 331 pages
Qualification: From the summary of the book Jessie Carson's POV takes place in France.
Week 1 - Completion - Option 2Only Fish by Amy Lane
248 Pages
Read: 10/14
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: I'm not normally a big fan of analogies with short stories. There usually isn't enough depth; although if I already know the characters I like them better. Still not usually my favorite though. This one was however brilliant! I can't believe how hard I cried during a short story (The storm one). I really enjoyed the addition of Christopher the assassin and hope he gets his own story someday. I enjoyed all the stories as there wasn't a bad one among them. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed these characters and this world!
Hi team, I'm leaving on vacation tonight and will be back on Oct 26. I'm almost done with my Week 1 book and should be able to post a completion by the end of this week. I'm 99% sure I'll have to use pass for Week 3. I'll be sure to checkin and see what the call is, and pass as needed.
Enjoy Aiswrya! Be sure you check in and let us know if you are using the pass for the next call. 😊
Week 2: 1. Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe.Completion Post
Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh, 448 p. per GROption 2: #13 in series, #23 in series on teammate Danielle Gypsy Soul's read shelf, read 8.16.2024, rated 4 stars.
Completed 10.16.2024 *Just 5 Stars this time!*
The heart in this book - it just makes me swoon! I loved Vasic and Ivy's story even more this time, if that is possible. There is not much more I can add to what I wrote before. I still have many books to go in this series before I get current again, but I'm already starting to think about when I can do another reread. This is such and intriguing and fabulous world!
October 24, 2015
*4 1/2 to 5 Stars*
I loved Vasic! I loved his loyalty and protectiveness and his strong will! And I loved how he fell for Ivy. ~sigh~ And Ivy? She was just wonderful! I was in awe of her desire to help her race and the lengths she would go to try. But more than that, her desire to protect and love a wounded man, despite the risks and lack of promise was heartwarming. So yeah, I loved this book and this series. I am always surprised by were things are headed and I'm just beginning to see how interwoven everything has been from the beginning. I can't believe I am almost current and, after Shards of Hope, will have to wait for the next one to be published!
Oh, as usual - wonderful in audio! I think this series is much better in audio. The author writes such complex stories, it is easier for me to follow listening.
Aiswrya wrote: "Hi team, I'm leaving on vacation tonight and will be back on Oct 26. I'm almost done with my Week 1 book and should be able to post a completion by the end of this week. I'm 99% sure I'll have to u..."Safe enjoyable travels Aiswrya.
Completion post: Week #2 Option 1; PTP 1: Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe
* Read a book set in Africa or Europe.
A Wedding One Christmas by Therese Beharrie
A Wedding One Christmas
Star Rating: 2.5
Review:
Oh, my goodness, where do I start. I was excited when selecting this book because the precis gave me fun romcom vibes and I enjoy a good romcom.
Angie and Ezra, the main characters, spend an entire day unpacking their past choices, feelings of inadequacy, and complicated family dynamics. The two repeatedly play couch-psychiatrist to each other yet seem to never fully get to the root problem. This is further complicated when an attraction towards each other develops. After the third chapter, the story lost its comedic tones, deteriorating into a self-condemnation fest by the main characters, making me regret selecting this book. I had a difficult time believing the ridiculous and sometimes childish lengths these two highly accomplished, adults took to delay reuniting with their families. Angie and Ezra finally realize they and should give their relationship a try happens abruptly in the final chapter. Even though the epilogue gives further explanation of how Angie and Ezra’s relationship progressed, it seemed like an afterthought. I am glad that borrowed the audio copy of this book because it made getting through this torturous book easier. I wish I had gone ahead and changed my book selection to Panther by Iris Bolling. I only refrained from doing so because I posted my original selection late.
Completion Post- Weel #2 - Option 1: - Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe. * Read a book set in Africa or Europe.Book: Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
Pages: 352 pages, Kindle Edition
Qualifies: The WWI part of the book takes part in the north of France and a little bit in Paris.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read: 10/17/24
Review: It is interesting that women played significant roles in hard times, like wars and especially the World Wars. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is a book that celebrates the power of women, historical fiction, and the impact of books on communities. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, with themes of women's empowerment, historical fiction, and establishing libraries, is a book I devoured. I enjoyed the true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian who changed the literary landscape of France during WWI, and the connections that span decades between Jessie and a modern-day librarian, Wendy Peterson. This book is for you if you are fond of historical fiction and stories of strong women like the American and French CARD ladies.
Week 1 Completionhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Read: 10/17
Rating: 3 stars
I thought it was a very predictable story. The characters were fun, the dialogues were great but the plot was flat. And Griffin’s word of the day habit was annoyingly childish.
Aiswrya,Hope you are going somewhere fun! Enjoy your holiday
Tracking updated again. 😊Week 1 - Complete!
Week 2 - All selections made and only one completion outstanding.
Looking good team! 🥳
Starting My Week Two Book Today :)
NEW THEME!Week 3
Option 1
9. After mixing, let it rise.
* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later.
Please note their first published book , along with its date of publication, in your qualification. You do not need to note how/why they are popular.
Option 2
Key date: 19 April 2024
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
A selection post must be made for whichever option you choose - INCLUDING A PASS
Refer msg 3 in your team thread for formatting of all 3 options.
Week 3: 9. After mixing, let it rise.Selection Post
Got Me Going by Casey Cox, 329 p. per GRFirst book by Casey Cox, Start, published January 1, 2020.
I am not 100% sure of that date, I think the first book was actually First published October 28, 2020. It seemed like several of the author's prequels have the January 1st publication date. But that was the earliest date listed, so I had to go by that. 🤷🏻♀️
MountainKat wrote: "NEW THEME!Week 3
Option 1
9. After mixing, let it rise.
* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later.
Please note their first publishe..."
Selection Post Week #3 Option 1:
PTP 9. After mixing, let it rise
* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later. Please note their first published book in your qualification. You do not need to note how/why they are popular.
Book: More than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
More Than You'll Ever Know
Number of pages: 435 per GR
How the book qualifies: This is the first book by the author and it was published on June 7, 2022 per GR
Selection Post - Week 3 - After Mixing let it RiseOption 1
Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later
Book: A Beginner's Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers by Shannon Mae
Pages: 254
How it Fits: 1st book published by Shannon Mae was April 2023 and was the 1st book in the series A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters and now she has 11 books.
[*book:A Beginner's Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers|204835297]
Actually I found a book I’d like to read for this round. Updating my selection
Week 3 Selection Option 1Dead Serious Case #1: Miz Dusty Le Frey
321 pages
Went through the author’s page. First published work seems to be 2021. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... - July 23, 2021
Week 2 -Completion - Option 2BTW: By the Way by Lucy Lennox
252 Pages
Read: 10/19
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: I'm hit and miss on Lucy Lenox and this one was good but there are few others I definitely liked more. I am glad that it didn't go exactly the way I thought it would when I read the synopsis. I liked that Sawyer didn't blame James for doing his job (except when he was blindside about something). I liked both MC's but I thought the ending was a bit farfetched.
Completion Post - Week 3 - After Mixing let it RiseOption 1
Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later
Book: A Beginner's Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers by Shannon Mae
Pages: 254
Read: 10/20
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: I have been looking forward to Kushiel's book since he was introduced in earlier books and I was not disappointed.I was also intrigued by Cassius so I really loved these two together. I knew Kushiel's story was going to have some sad moments and it really did - my heart broke for him but I was so happy to see him with Cassius. The plot was interesting and we got to see some of the former characters in this one as well. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Week 3: - Selection: - Option 1: 9. After mixing, let it rise.* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later.
Please note their first published book , along with its date of publication, in your qualification. You do not need to note how/why they are popular.
Book: Saint X
Author: Alexis Schaitkin
Page Count: 1st edition, Kindle Edition, 389 pages
Qualification: From Listopia Debuts of 2020 #10 on the list. The book was first published in February 4, 2020
Tracking updated again!Weeks 1 & 2 - Complete!
Week 3 - All selections made and one completion posted.
I am a little concerned with a couple of the selection posts. Jane is asking for the first book published with the date of publication. Avigail has that information, but it is behind the Listopia link and it took me a minute to figure out there were two links in the qualification. Aiswrya just has the link to list of books. I know she is on vacation so editing might be difficult, Jane may request that though.
Otherwise, everyone is doing great! I love that we are current now too. 🥰
Week 3: 9. After mixing, let it rise.Completion Post
Got Me Going by Casey Cox, 329 p. per GRFirst book by Casey Cox, Start, published January 1, 2020.
Completed 10.21.2024 *4- Stars*
I enjoyed this one, but didn't really connect to the characters. I was glad to see their happy ending and I usually would have more sympathy for characters with their histories, I just didn't. Probably me and real life more than the book itself.
MountainKat wrote: "Tracking updated again!Weeks 1 & 2 - Complete!
Week 3 - All selections made and one completion posted.
I am a little concerned with a couple of the selection posts. Jane is asking for the first..."
Edited my post :)
MountainKat wrote: "NEW THEME!Week 3
Option 1
9. After mixing, let it rise.
* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later.
Please note their first publishe..."
Completion post: Week #3
PTP 9. After mixing, let it rise
Option 1: PTP 9. After mixing, let it rise
* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later.
Book: More than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
More Than You'll Ever Know
Star Rating: 4
Review:
I am glad we were asked to read a book by a new author. Though not my usual reading choice, I enjoyed the story. This book was a drama/ thriller with a dash of romance, and nothing was as it seemed in this story. It had me captivated and second guessing myself the entire time I listened. Cassie is a writer, obsessed with murders and engaged to be married to a nice guy. She happened upon an article about a murder of one man by another man. What made this story interesting to Cassie was the fact that both men were married to Dolores at the same time. Delores, a mother of two, had been living a double life in Mexico and America, for years without getting caught. That was amazing enough, but Cassie suspected there was more to the story, and she was correct. Delores was hiding something, and Cassie was running away from her past while living in the peripheral of her own life. Cassie and Delores play a game of cat and mouse truth or dare until things come to a head. The end of this book truly surprised me.
Aiswrya wrote: "Week 3 Selection Option 1Dead Serious Case #1: Miz Dusty Le Frey
321 pages
Went through the author’s page. First published work seems to be 2021. https://www.goodreads.com/book/sho..."
This is such a great series! Hope you love it.
Week 4Option 1
17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Read a book from one of the following lists:
Best Seasonal Romance_Christmas & Winter
Comtemporary Christmas Winter Romance
Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
Best Gay Winter Themed Romance
Links to List: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
If you use this option, your book MUST be on one of these lists. Please note which list you have used.
Option 2
Key date: 26 April 2024
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
Week 4 - Selection PostOption One
Task: Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
Book: Sweater Weather by Lorelei M. Hart
Pages: 174
Qualification: #451 on List Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
MountainKat wrote: "Week 4: Selection Posts
MountainKat:
Avigail:
PurpleLadi:
Danielle Gypsy Soul:
Aiswrya:
Selection Post Week # 4
Option 1: PTP 17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
* Read a book from one of the following lists:
Best Seasonal Romance Christmas & Winter (Bring Me Home For Christmas)
Contemporary Christmas Winter Romance
Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
Best Gay Winter Themed Romance
Book title: Bring Me Home For Christmas by Robyn Carr
Bring Me Home for Christmas
Number of pages: 331 per GR
How the book qualifies: The book was taken from: Best Seasonal Romance Christmas & Winter list.
Completion Posts
MountainKat:
Avigail:
PurpleLadi:
Danielle Gypsy Soul:
Aiswrya:"
Thanks for posting the new theme Danielle!PurpleLadi, you do not need to reply to a post when you post your selections or completions. Doing that just adds extra info that isn't necessary.
It just so happens that I started a book this morning that fits this theme! I was trying to get some things done so I could rush out the door and didn't realize that Jane had posted the theme early. I'm just glad she did, otherwise I couldn't have used the book and would have had to find something else. Nice to have some luck on my side this week! I will make my posts tomorrow or Sunday as I'm almost done. 📖And just FYI, my travel plans have changed dramatically! I was planning to go back east in early December to visit after the new grand baby arrives, but they realized they wanted me there to help with their 5 year old when the new baby is born. So I changed my plans to be there for several weeks and come home right before Thanksgiving. Except now, it looks like the baby might be coming a little early so I changed my flight to the 30th. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed I get there before he does! I don't think I can change my flight again without if costing (more of) a fortune. And I'm not sure I can get ready to leave before then anyway. So many things to do... 😳
All that to say, things are going to be a little crazy for me for a bit. I will get the tracking done when I can. Hopefully I won't get too far behind.
Week 4: - Selection: - Option 1: Option 117. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day
Read a book from one of the following lists:
Best Seasonal Romance_Christmas & Winter, Contemporary Christmas Winter Romance, Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance, Best Gay Winter Themed Romancen. You do not need to note how/why they are popular.
Book: Savor the Moment
Author: Nora Roberts
Page Count: 1st edition, Kindle Edition, 353 pages
Qualification: : Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} #21 on the first page
I had a crazy week last week. I will finish today or tomorrow Saint X for week 3 and start today Savor the Moment as the book fits another reading challenge. I also continue with the Brides Quatret Series.Sorry it took me so long to finish my book.
Week 4: 17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day.Selection Post
My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr, 320 p. per GR#37 on the Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} Listopia.
Week 4: 17. Eat it straight away or freeze for another day.Completion Post
My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr, 320 p. per GR#37 on the Best Seasonal Romance {Christmas, Winter} Listopia.
Completed 10.25.2024 *4+ Stars*
Reread October 25, 2024
This was delightful!! This series is the book equivalent of comfort food. I am so glad I am doing a reread. (I used to think rereads were impossible because who has the time for that - I'm so much happier now that I decided to make the time to revisit old friends!) I think my favorite part was (view spoiler)
December 17, 2012
Oh what a joy this story was! And now the Sheridans and the Riordans are united and we got to see just about everyone again in this book too! And it was wonderful!
I loved Angela and Patrick and I am just a sucker for the fling that becomes so much more than they were counting on. And I loved how Patrick came back to her - with his whole family in tow! And he was so sweet with his plea for her to take another chance on him. The whole thing was wonderful and a great holiday read!!
I got the tracking updated this morning - this is where we stand:Weeks 1 & 2 - Complete!
Week 3 - Missing Avigail's and Aiswrya's completions. Avigail posted that they should be done this weekend and I think Aiswrya is still out of town. So I'm sure both will be posted before long.
Week 4 - Missing Aiswrya's Selection Post, but still lots of time.
Hope you have safe travels - enjoy spending time with your grandkids (I'm sure you are excited to have another on the way). Let me know if there's anything I can do to help out while you are away. I'm sure you will be VERY busy helping out.
Week 4 Selection Option 2Declaration of Courtship
134 pages
Kat read #13 in series on Oct 16 and rated it 5 stars - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Almost done with my week z3 book and picked a fun reread for week 4. Should be caught up before the next call :)
Week 3 - CompletionDead Serious Case #1: Miz Dusty Le Frey
Read: 10/27
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The humor, emotions, characters, and really everything else met all my expectations. And the narrator was fabulous! Will definitely read the next book in the series.
Week 4 - CompletionDeclaration of Courtship
Read: 10/28
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I feel like I've read every book and short story in this series 5 times over. This particular short story is my absolute favorite of the lot! When Cooper says "I'm going to court you", I feel like my heart melted along with Grace's lol. Very good book overall!
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Avigail, Jane answers this question in the FAQ :)
Does the book need to be tagged 'main page genre' (MPG) romance?
A: No - it just needs to be fiction or a biography. Romance is preferred but not required. Text books are not accepted.